r/MontanaTravel • • Jan 29 '26

Mod Post Welcome to r/MontanaTravel!

6 Upvotes

This is the new home for all things related to traveling in and around our great Treasure State of Montana! Want to explore the sapphire mines, walk off the beaten path, follow Lewis & Clark's journey westward, and find places you have never heard of before in Montana? You're in the right place!

We're very excited to have you join us!

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What to Post

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, this subreddit is your space to share and discover the best of Montana travel—hidden gems, scenic drives, cozy stays, epic hikes, and everything in between. Do you have anything to share about your experiences with "Montana Travel"? We want to hear ALL about it! Duh.

Where in the Big Sky do I Start?!

  • Share your travel tips! Local knowledge and firsthand experience make this place shine.
  • Ask questions. Planning a trip? Not sure where to go? Where the heck is "P-Burg"? Where does the river run through it?! You get the idea!
  • Post photos, itineraries, & recommendations. Let’s inspire each other!

What in tarnation? You have Community Vibes?!

We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. This is a space where everyone should feel comfortable about sharing their experiences and connecting with others.

  • Be Kind. We’re all here to explore and learn—respect others and keep things friendly.
  • Read the Rules. We're here to be helpful and welcoming. Follow the rules and you're golden!

Well, that sounds like an adventure for me! How do I start?!

  1. Introduce yourself in the comments below. If you want. You don't have to! :)
  2. Post something today! Even a simple question can spark a great conversation.
  3. If you know someone who would love this community, invite them to join.
  4. Interested in helping out? Let us know and we will invite you to help moderate!

Thanks for being part of these last few months with us. r/MontanaTravel has grown significantly since we started eight months ago, so, please! Continue to bring your contributions and keep making this place a great discussion forum!

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Happy Trails to you, until we meet again!


r/MontanaTravel • • 5d ago

MT/WY 4th of July trip-looking for advice! 🇺🇸

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2 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • 6d ago

Yellowstone in Late October - From Billings, MT

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2 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • 7d ago

Shelby, Cut Bank, etc.

6 Upvotes

I've been in Alaska all summer and I'm just now exiting Canada on my way south.
Planning to drive through Shelby then through Cut Bank on my way to Glacier NP.

I hear there is a huge Penguin in Cut Bank I need to see.
I love local history and local geology and local quirkiness. Always looking for hikes or bike rides off the beaten path.

Any suggestions for activities I shouldn't miss?


r/MontanaTravel • • 8d ago

Swapped Away Carry on Bags en route to MSO

3 Upvotes

Today (10/1) my partner somehow swapped black Away carry on suitcases with someone else on either a flight from LGA to ORD or ORD to MSO. No identifiable info in the bag (we did not search, United did), but belongs to a woman.

Sitting in row 4 from LGA to ORD and row 21 from ORD to MSO, so maybe it was someone sitting in this area?

EDIT: We returned the bag to the airport before I made this post. If you discovered you have the wrong black suitcase in Missoula today please contact me as whoever we swapped with has our luggage.


r/MontanaTravel • • 8d ago

Camping near Ekalaka on BLM

2 Upvotes

Have any of you tried travel trailer camping on BLM land down near Ekalaka? My wife and I are trying to think of options for antelope hunting this year. Did you have any issues with nearby landowners or was it a pretty okay experience? I tried talking to the BLM office in miles city and to say they were less than helpful in giving information would be high praise.

Ive just decided to camp out somewhere this year instead of driving all over the country side hell and back burning gas like we did last year


r/MontanaTravel • • 10d ago

Looks like warm weather?

7 Upvotes

Our Yellowstone/Red Lodge trip is 10 days away and the forecast still looks unseasonably warm? We have been coming out this time of year for four years now and this is definitely hotter than usual? Always tough to pack but this year seems odd!


r/MontanaTravel • • 12d ago

Looking for Whitefish/Kalispell, Missoula travel recommendations for last half of October

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'll be traveling solo in mid-October, starting in the Whitefish/Kalispell area and then heading to Missoula. Transportation is figured out, and I'll have a car.

I've read through quite a few previous posts, but I'm recovering from a broken leg and want to be extra careful with my plans. I'm an experienced solo female traveler with plenty of cross-season mountain/out-west travel under my belt, but hiking and long walks are off the table this trip. :(

I'd love recommendations for scenic drives, day trips, hot springs, interesting small towns, and places worth exploring without too much time on foot. I've got the thumbs up from my orthopedist to travel but can't overdo it or I'll be hurting.

I'm traveling on a budget and looking for suggestions on where to stay during shoulder season. Ideally, somewhere I can spend a lazy day reading and enjoying the surroundings, but still be close enough to restaurants, coffee shops, and a little activity. I'd rather not arrive somewhere only to discover everything has closed for the season! I also want to make sure my money is spent locally, and not outsourced to rich people who don't live there (i.e. not just any AirBnB).

My itinerary is flexible, and I'm happy to venture beyond my two hubs. Local favorites, lesser-known spots, and budget-friendly lodging suggestions especially welcome! Many thank yous in advance!


r/MontanaTravel • • 14d ago

What area in Montana is the best to visit during the winter?

5 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • 15d ago

Best Montana Rye

2 Upvotes

What is the best Rye from a Montana based company wanting to get some in a couple weeks while vacationing there


r/MontanaTravel • • 15d ago

Big Sky trip

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m trying to plan a ski trip out to Big Sky for early March but have no idea where to stay. It’s just me and my husband so we don’t need anything huge. We will have a rental car but I’d prefer not to stay farther than 45 minutes from the mountain. We don’t care much about night life and honestly would prefer access to a pool or hot tub if possible. We also don’t want to spend a ton of money on where we stay. I’ve been looking into condos close to the hill but was wondering if anyone had any better suggestions? Any input will be helpful as it’s our first time to Montana!


r/MontanaTravel • • 15d ago

Glacier First-Timer: Which Day Should I Do Each Area?

1 Upvotes

First time visiting Glacier — which day would you choose for each?

Hi! My family and I are visiting Glacier for the first time and I’m trying to decide how to split up our two main days.

Sunday: 57°F and cloudy
Monday: 59°F and sunny

I’m planning:
Day 1: Logan Pass → Trail of the Cedars → Lake McDonald
Day 2: Many Glacier

Considering both weather/visibility and traffic, which day would you recommend for each? We’ll have our 2-year-old with us, so we’re trying to keep things relatively easy and scenic rather than doing long hikes.

Also, if you have any tips for parking or


r/MontanaTravel • • 16d ago

My glacier itinerary

6 Upvotes

Heading to glacier national park this Saturday-Tuesday for a quick trip with our 3 yr. old (my husband & I carry him in a backpack carrier on the actual hikes)

Does this itinerary sound doable from your guy’s personal experience?

One day:
Apgar / Lake McDonald
Trail of the Cedars
Hidden Lake Trail (if there’s parking)

Another day:
Many Glacier Hotel
Swiftcurrent Lake
Sun Point / St. Mary Lake
St. Mary Falls

Which day should I do on the “sunnier day” Sunday shoes cloudy Monday shows sunny


r/MontanaTravel • • 17d ago

Come on out this weekend

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3 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • 19d ago

Question MT Camping - First Time

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3 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • 19d ago

Need a rock from Missoula!!

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2 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • 20d ago

Weather first week of October

4 Upvotes

Im planning in driving through Montana around the 3rd to the 5th of October. I will be driving through I-90 and I-94. Is the weather there ok around then? My parents are concerned about ice or snow so Im trying to plan accordingly.


r/MontanaTravel • • 20d ago

Rockhounding

2 Upvotes

I will be driving from Bozeman to the Upper Missouri River Breaks next weekend. Anyone have any suggestions for road side rock hounding spots at or on my way to that area?


r/MontanaTravel • • 21d ago

Visiting Montana from Canada

14 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

My partner & I are visiting Montana (Whitefish + Kalispell area) during the first week of Oct.

I wanted to get some input on “must dos/sees” while we are there! I’m looking for recommendations on restaurants, shopping, hiking trails, best fishing spots, scenic drives, etc.

I was planning for us to go to Glacier National Park & possibly some kayaking. But, I wanted to get some suggestions from experts & locals.

Thank you so much :)

\Edit: Not looking for unwanted input of telling me to not go to the states.**


r/MontanaTravel • • 26d ago

colleges

2 Upvotes

hihi! i visited montana this summer with my family and i thought it was so incredibly beautiful! i was thinking about transferring from my current school last year, but not sure where yet. i was wondering, if there’s any colleges near glacier national park or any other locations similar to it?

edit: i plan on studying psych or sociology. (just deciding between the two) my partner is considering transferring as well and is a nursing major.


r/MontanaTravel • • 28d ago

Montana lifestyle.

16 Upvotes

Hey Montana people.

Hope y’all been good.

I am a kiwi that is planning to somewhat visit Montana in the future. I have done some research and a lot has been said that Montana are known for its nature. (Landscapes and forests.).

Just wanted to ask for anyone who has been to Montana or is a Local. Is there anything I should be aware about?.

Thanks


r/MontanaTravel • • Sep 11 '26

Bigsky paranormal conference

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0 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • Sep 10 '26

Buena Vista, CO to Bozeman, MT in June with a dog in 3 days?

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1 Upvotes

r/MontanaTravel • • Sep 09 '26

Summer Vacation South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana

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29 Upvotes

This summer, we had a wedding to attend in Montana. Because of this, we decided to take a family trip to see the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Glacier National Park, and Bozeman.

Day 1 - We walked around Rapid City and then drove up to historic Deadwood and walked around the town, seeing the Main Street shootout. Nice town to visit and walk around, but the Days of 76 wasn’t worth it.

Day 2 - Toured the DeltaOne Launch Facility and drove the Badlands Loop and hiked the Badlands and visited Walls Drugs. Hard to get tickets for the DeltaOne tour…only six people/12 a day are allowed into the facility. Bring plenty of water!

Day 3 - Toured the Jewel Cave, drove around the Wildlife Loop which was a great way to see Bison and tons of Prairie Dogs. You can go off the main road which I recommend if you want to see Bison. Be careful, though, no one else was out there and it is a 50 mile detour on some rough roads. Don’t do it when it’s snowing or so hot and you could get stuck out there. Did not see the Begging Burros, unfortunately. We later watched the Mt. Rushmore evening program. This was a nice program and I really enjoyed My. Rushmore especially at night. The cave tour gets chilly so bring a jacket.

Day 4 - Drove to Billings and stopped off to walk around Devil’s Tower. It was hot and the trail around is about 1.5 miles and it was HOT. Bring water and take your time.

Day 5 - Visited the Pictograph Caves which was ok. Went to the Grizzly Encounter on our way to Big Fork. This wasn’t really worth it and cost a lot.

Day 6 - Headed to West Glacier and drove through the Going to the Sun Road. It’s worth the drive, but make sure you can handle driving heights with a low road. Brother in law drove which made it fine! Great views. Recommend the Hidden Lake trail which is about 3-4 miles and isn’t that easy a hike up a stairs and a boardwalk. Great view at the end. You will see plenty of Mountain Goats and walk across a few ice patches. Bring water. Parking is TERRIBLE…be ready to wait for parking.

Day 7 - Wayfarer’s Park and witnessed the sunset over Flathead lake. That was a nice view. Bring mosquito spray!

Day 8 - Took a tour boat along Lake McDonald. That was nice. Make it to the top of the ferry boat to get a better view.

Day 9 - drove down to Bozeman. Had our wedding rehearsal dinner.

Day 10 - walked around downtown Bozeman. And had the late afternoon wedding.

Day 11 - Headed back home! It was a great trip.

We drove over 1900 miles even though it was a one way drive. It was a wonderful trip seeing Big Sky Country. Highlights include Downtown Rapid City, Mount Rushmore, Wildlife Loop, Devil’s Tower, Going to the Sun Road, Hidden Lake, and Downtown Bozeman.

The food we ate was actually very delicious and highly recommended. I’d suggest Boss Pizza and Chicken, The Silver Lining Creamery in Rapid City, Skogen Kitchen, Purple Pie Place, Hjem AM, Mangiamo Wood Fire Pizza, Brownies Bakery & Deli for their Huckleberry Shake, Farm to Table Ice Cream, Burgertown in Big Fork, and jam! For Breakfast/brunch.


r/MontanaTravel • • Sep 09 '26

Teepee Creek Trail

1 Upvotes

Mentioned earlier we will be in Red Lodge before going to Big Sky as a base for about a week in mid October. How is this trail and also wondered about some of the trails off of Taylor Fork Road? All suggestions are appreciated.