One week visit. What would you do?

Question

Taking our young adult sons for a week to Montana in August. What are the things we must see and do? What area would you stay? We would stay in one place all week or split the week and stay in two areas. Thanks so much.

Answer

Visiting Montana for a week in August with young adult sons is a fantastic opportunity to experience the state’s dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventures, and unique Western culture. Montana is vast, so your itinerary depends on whether you want to focus on one region or split your stay between two areas to reduce driving.

Where to Stay:

West Glacier / Whitefish / Kalispell area: Ideal for exploring Glacier National Park. Staying here allows daily access to hikes, scenic drives, and water activities. Whitefish also has a charming small-town vibe with restaurants, breweries, and shops.
Bozeman / Big Sky: Great for Yellowstone National Park access, fly-fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Bozeman has a lively downtown, good dining options, and easy access to the mountains.
Missoula: A central location for a mix of outdoor adventures, rafting, and cultural experiences. Close to the Bitterroot Valley and less tourist-heavy than Glacier or Yellowstone areas.

If you want to maximize sightseeing and avoid long drives, splitting the week is reasonable: 3–4 nights near Glacier National Park (West Glacier/Whitefish) and 3–4 nights near Yellowstone/Bozeman area.

Must-See Activities and Attractions:

Glacier National Park: Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike scenic trails like Hidden Lake or Avalanche Lake, and take a boat tour on Lake McDonald. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant.
Yellowstone National Park: Visit geysers, hot springs, and wildlife-rich valleys. Key spots include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Lamar Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. Be prepared for crowds, especially in August.
Flathead Lake: Swimming, kayaking, or renting a small boat. The lake area is beautiful and relaxing after full-day hikes.
Whitewater Rafting or Fly-Fishing: Rivers like the Flathead, Madison, and Gallatin offer excellent rafting and fishing options. Guided trips are recommended for safety.
Mountain Biking / Hiking: Big Sky, Whitefish, and Bozeman all have excellent trails for young adults seeking adventure.
Historic and Cultural Experiences: Explore small Montana towns such as Virginia City (historic gold town) or Helena. Check out Native American cultural sites or museums in Missoula and Bozeman.
Scenic Drives: Even if you don’t hike every day, Montana’s highways are spectacular. Consider the Beartooth Highway (if near Yellowstone), Flathead Valley drives, and the Montana Hi-Line for iconic landscapes.

Sample Week Itinerary:

Day 1–3: Stay near Glacier National Park, hike and drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, boat on Lake McDonald.
Day 4: Travel south toward Bozeman or West Yellowstone (optional scenic stops en route).
Day 5–7: Explore Yellowstone National Park, consider a day rafting trip, hike some trails, enjoy local Montana cuisine in nearby towns.

Overall, plan for a mix of active outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and some downtime in charming Montana towns. Staying in two regions allows you to experience both the dramatic northern peaks and Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders without excessive daily driving.