Cabins in Montana

Montana's culinary legacies are best savored at local ranches and farms. While in Helena, stop at the Great Northern Carousel and Ice Cream Parlor to try ice creams such as Missouri River Mud, Frog Mint and Buffalo Jump. The city of Missoula is ideal for micro breweries, vintage sports bars, burrito places, organic coffee shops and steak houses.

For distinctive Montana cuisine, try Staggering Ox which has its presence in Helena, Missoula and Billings. How about some typical cowboy cuisine such as buffalo chili, beans and Indian fry-bread and steak? Those visiting during summer should not miss the juicy huckleberries and Flathead cherries sold by the roadside and at farmers markets which can be enjoyed back at your vacation home anywhere in Montana.

Montana’s climate is as varied as its geography – to decide when to go, consider which activities you’d like to take part in. If you want to go hiking, then summer is the perfect time to visit this state. On the other hand, if skiing is what you are looking forward to, visit in winter.

The peak season to travel to Montana is summer. This is the best time to visit the remarkable Glacier National Park, and also to enjoy some camping, golf, and fishing. However, you can visit Montana all throughout the year as there will always be something for you to do here.

The word Montana derives from the Spanish word 'montaña' which means mountain, so the Rockys should be your first port of call. The UNESCO World Heritage Glacier National Park is a living testament to the geological changes that altered North America over the last billion years. Yellowstone National Park attracts a record number of visitors for its rugged beauty, geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and even glacial activity. Grizzly bears, lynxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep are often found meandering through the wilderness.

Helena, the capital city proposes interesting attractions such as the St. Helena Cathedral, the 1876-built Old Fire Tower, Reeder's Alley historic mining district and the stately Montana State capital building. The Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings is a pre historic archaeological site where 2,000-year-old cave paintings can be found. Discover art from Montana and the Rocky Mountain region at Billings' Yellowstone Art Museum; follow that up with a visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield before heading back to your Montana vacation rental to unwind.

One cultural attraction you should visit in Montana is the Museum of the Rockies. This museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is famous for its outstanding displays of dinosaur eggs and dinosaurs. It is also home to the Taylor Planetarium, where you can view entertaining and educational shows about the cosmos.

Montana has a longstanding mining history. To learn more about the life of miners in Montana, head to the World Museum of Mining in Butte. The "Orphan Girl' tower is one of the highlights of this museum. Join one of the underground tours of the mines for a unique experience.

1. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is an exceptional outdoor experience in itself. Trek the over 600 miles of hiking and biking trails and drive down the 40-mile Going-to-the-Sun road. Cross Logan Pass, where you'll marvel at the majestic 9,100ft Reynolds peak from the pass summit. Relax and rejuvenate by one of the park's 130 lakes, or take a wooden boat tour on the water.

2. Flathead Lake

Speaking of water, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Fed by the Swan and Flathead rivers, fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers make the lake a popular leisure spot. The annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival here offers plenty of fun and excitement, with kayaking and rafting races, among many other events.

3. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness

For some more active fun, head out with your family to the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, just north of Helena. You'll enjoy spectacular guided boat rides and beautiful views of the canyon. There's also plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and nature watching.

4. Giant Springs State Park

Further up the Missouri River is Giant Springs State Park, near Great Falls. It offers lots of fun and relaxation for the whole family. Visit the fish hatchery here, go for a picnic or hike the well-kept trails along the river, or just enjoy the peaceful beauty of the world's largest freshwater springs.

Summer is a great time to book a vacation rental in Montana. Missoula hosts the International Choral Festival, the River Roots Music Festival, farmer's markets, and the Western Montana Fair in August.

The Whitefish Winter Carnival and World Ski Joring Championships are a fantastic introduction to Montana's particular winter traditions. You'll need to book your Montana vacation home in advance during this busy period. Visitors are treated to whimsical torchlight ski parades, ski races, hockey tournaments, ice sculpting and best of all, mouth-watering mountain food. Not to be missed is the World Ski Joring Championships where horses pull skiers at break neck speeds across the snow. The Montana Winter Fair in Lewistown is a local fest that features kids’ stick horse rodeo and chili cook-offs.The Rodeo Run Sled Dog Races in West Yellowstone puts our furry friends in the spotlight as they charge through the snow. The year closes with traditional light parades, tree lighting, fireworks and plenty of good cheer.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Montana's best-known State Park, Lewis and Clark Caverns is famous for its underground limestone caverns. Above ground, enjoy the great hiking trails and picnic sites.

Montana State Capitol

Take a tour of this neoclassical government building in the state capital Helena, and learn about its history, architecture and art.

Museum of the Rockies

The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman is most famous for its dinosaur collections. It additionally tells the story of the natural and cultural history of the Rockies and the people who live there.

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Observe wolves and bears at this rescue and wildlife center in West Yellowstone. There is also a museum exploring the bear across history and folklore.