Montana is the perfect summer road trip destination. Despite the state's large size and sizable driving distances between some locations, the state just so happens to be absolutely beautiful.
In my opinion, the roadside scenery more than makes up for the longer drives necessary to see all of Montana's best spots.
If you've never been to Montana before, the road trip destinations suggested below should give you some ideas for putting together a fun road trip of your own.
Have fun out there, and don't forget your camera.
1. Billings
During my first visit to Montana a few years ago, I fell in love with Billings. The city is surrounded by natural beauty and has a fun downtown area with great restaurants and breweries.
Some of my favorite things to do in Billings are visit Pictograph Cave State Park, Lake Elmo State Park, the Yellowstone River, and Moss Mansion.
In the evenings plan to head up to the Rimrocks for sunset. You'll have a beautiful view overlooking Billings and the surrounding area.
After sunset, head into town for a self-guided brewery tour and dinner.
2. Red Lodge
Red Lodge, Montana is about an hour south of Billings on the way to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
Red Lodge is a small town situated along the state's famous Beartooth Highway, a mountainous stretch of highway that's considered one of the county's most beautiful drives in the country.
The main street in Red Lodge is home to a candy shop, cafes, pizza parlors, and ice cream shops. It's a good place to stop for breakfast or lunch to break up your drive.
You'll also find plenty of oudoor adventure opportunities like hiking and biking in the mountains and valleys surrounding Red Lodge.
3. Missoula
Missoula is located in western Montana along the Clark Fork River about five hours west of Billings.
The city is a popular stop for travelers on the way up to Glacier National Park, but is also worth visiting on its own merits.
The city is home to the University of Montana which has a beautiful campus with hills and hiking trails. There is a popular trail called the M Trail that is busy in the early mornings for those wanting to catch the sunrise.
Missoula is also home to several museums including the Missoula Art Museum, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, and the Montana Museum of Art and Culture.
As with many Montana cities, downtown is also filled with local craft breweries perfect for making a self-guided tour.
4. Bozeman
Bozeman is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures. The city is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains with rivers and canyons nearby.
One of the biggest attractions near Bozeman is Hyalite Canyon pictured above. Hyalite Canyon is about 15 minutes south of the city and is a popular place for hiking, fishing, nature walks, canoeing and kayaking.
If you're a strong skier and happen to be visiting during the wintertime, you can hit the slopes at Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
The Gallatin River is also nearby if you're interested in white water rafting.
5. Glacier National Park
If this is your first visit to Montana you must include a trip up to Glacier National Park. The park is located about 2 hours and 30 minutes north of Missoula and is absolutely beautiful no matter the time of year you visit.
Visitors to Glacier National Park will enjoy hiking the park's many miles of hiking trails, and exploring the park's many lakes. By many, I mean there are hundreds of them.
Besides hiking, the park is fun for biking, camping, and photography.
Since you're on a road trip you'll also want to drive Going to the Sun Road. This is a 50 mile stretch roadway that crosses the Continental Divide.
I hope you've enjoyed this guide to 5 places to see on a Montana road trip and that I've inspired you to plan a trip of your own. If you liked this article please consider giving me a follow for more local travel guides such as this one. As always, thanks for reading.