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Traveling Montana
Authors have written about its scenic splendor. Photographers have captured its natural beauty in famous photographs. And musicians have composed works while surrounded by its solitude. Few states have inspired the range of artists, poets, travelers and other dreamers Montana has. But then, few states have the range of possibilities Montana has.
Two of the most special are Montana’s best-known national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone. Glacier National Park, in the state’s northwest corner, is filled with 700+ miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and mountain landscapes evocative of the Alps. Its most famous feature is the aptly-named Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 70-mile journey that takes visitors to Logan Pass at the crest of the Continental Divide. At Montana’s south end, Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first--and most famous--national park. Earth’s most active geothermal region (over half of the world’s geysers are here), it also features postcard-perfect sights such as Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, and the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
That natural abundance, of course, spills over into other areas such as wildlife. Montana has the largest grizzly population in the lower 48 states, as well as the only free-roaming wolf packs. The National Bison Range is a refuge for the American Buffalo. Large wetlands provide habitat for thousands of birds (including unexpected species such as trumpeter swans and pelicans).
And while Montana has so many things to see, it just might have an even greater variety of things to do. The natural surroundings invite adventurous outdoor activities: horseback riding, whitewater rafting and kayaking, downhill and cross-country skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing...with seven national parks and recreation areas, 43 state parks, nine national forests, 17 wilderness areas and other publicly-owned lands, Montana has literally millions of acres of outdoor adventure available year-round.
For those who want to give their minds a workout, Montana also offers an array of cultural and artistic endeavors. The Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman and the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, plus dozens of other museums around the state, offer glimpses of art and antiquity.
Perhaps the biggest part of Montana’s culture is its history. That begins with the history of the state’s native people. Montana is home to seven Indian Reservations and 11 tribes. Famous leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse (who combined to defeat Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana), Plenty Coups, and Chief Joseph are part of Montana’s historic tapestry. Even today, museums, cultural centers, pow wows and other attractions keep the ancient traditions of Montana’s tribes alive.
Nearly two hundred years ago, two explorers named Lewis & Clark ushered in the modern era of Montana history when they led their expedition across the state. As the nation notes the Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition between 2003 and 2006, Montana is at the center of the commemoration. More than 25% of the entire distance covered by the expedition, and almost half of the party’s recognized campsites, are in present-day Montana.
Montana’s western history is linked to its early growth. Butte, Helena and Virginia City all began as mining towns; today, Butte still reigns as perhaps America’s best-known mining city, while Helena’s downtown is wrapped around “Last Chance Gulch,” where silver was first discovered. Virginia City, meanwhile, has the United States’ largest collection of 19th-century “boomtown” buildings still at their original location. The western traditions live on today, with dude ranches, guest ranches, resort ranches, and even wagon trains that relive the Old West experience.
Even with all this rich history, Montana is still able to offer friendly places and smiling faces to visitors, as well as all the modern amenities. The state has numerable cities famous not only for their outdoor activities and scenic beauty, but also for their unique charm: places such Bozeman, Red Lodge, Missoula, Whitefish and Kalispell are beloved mountain towns, while Billings and Great Falls are classic “frontier towns” of the American West that have grown to be modern, thriving cities. Accommodations across the state range from cozy bed and breakfasts to elegant, four-star hotels, while dining choices have impressed critics far and wide. Numerous restaurants across the state have been singled out in publications such as Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Wine Spectator and others for their cuisine and wine selections.
So go ahead and dive into all Montana has to offer. Sample its beauty and recreation, its culture and history, its modern dining and entertainment. Like so many artists before, you’ll come away with your own inspired words, music and images.
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