Spending 2 months in Montana

Question

I have 2 months I am going to be spending in Montana where I am completely free this will be during the summer months. I have done Glacier NP extensively so I dont need any Glacier suggestions but I was wondering what are the must dos in terms of hikes, nature, and history. I also need some food recommendations and some nightlife ones too. I am going to be sleeping in my sprinter so I will be fully mobile. I want to extensively explore the state!

Answer

Spending two months in Montana is an amazing opportunity to really dive into the diverse beauty, history, and culture of the state. Since you’ve already explored Glacier National Park, here are some other suggestions for hikes, natural wonders, historical sites, food, and nightlife in Montana that will make your trip unforgettable!

Must-Do Hikes & Nature:

Beartooth Highway: Known as one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., the Beartooth Highway takes you through alpine meadows and rugged mountains. You can stop for various hikes, such as the Bear Tooth Pass Hike, which offers stunning panoramic views.
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness: Located near Yellowstone, this area offers some of the most remote and wild landscapes in Montana. Hikes like Garnet Mountain and Lake of the Woods are perfect for solitude and stunning mountain vistas.
Hyalite Canyon: Near Bozeman, this area offers spectacular hikes like Hyalite Peak and Palmer Creek. The Hyalite Reservoir is also great for fishing and has some amazing camping spots for your Sprinter.
The Medicine Bow Mountains: If you head south, these mountains offer some excellent hikes and vistas. Try the Brooklyn Lake Trail for amazing wildflower fields and lake views.
Flathead Lake: While you may be familiar with this area near Glacier, there are still plenty of hikes around the lake like the Wildhorse Island Trail and Lion Mountain Trail offering fantastic views and wildlife.
Big Sky: A beautiful spot for hiking, Big Sky offers trails like the Ousel Falls Trail, which is easy to access and offers stunning views of waterfalls and wildlife.

Historical Sites & Exploring Montana’s Past:

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: This is a must-visit for history buffs. The site commemorates the famous battle between the U.S. Army and the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. The visitor center offers in-depth information, and you can walk the battlefield.
Virginia City: A preserved historic mining town, Virginia City offers a unique glimpse into Montana's Gold Rush era. It has old-time shops, saloons, and historical buildings.
The Montana Dinosaur Trail: If you’re into paleontology, you’ll love this trail that connects 14 dinosaur-related sites across the state. You can visit the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman and explore places like the Old Trail Museum in Choteau.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch: This historic ranch near Deer Lodge is a National Historic Site and gives visitors a look at the life of a 19th-century cattle rancher. There’s a great museum here as well.
Helena’s Historic District: Explore the state capital, Helena, with its gold rush history, preserved architecture, and the Reeder's Alley—a beautiful historic neighborhood dating back to the 19th century.

Food Recommendations:

Missoula: Known for its vibrant food scene, try The Iron Horse Bar & Grill for a great pub meal and local beers. Butterfly Herbs is a cozy place to grab a coffee and a quick bite.
Bozeman: You can’t visit without trying the Montana Ale Works for craft beer and a hearty meal. For something more upscale, check out The Blackbird Kitchen for farm-to-table dishes.
Billings: If you're in Billings, don’t miss El Toro Viejo for the best Mexican food in town, or Montana Brewing Co. for local brews and pub food.
Butte: The historic mining town has excellent options like The Porch for comfort food with a twist, and Red Lodge Pizza Co. for a casual and tasty pizza experience.
Whitefish: Enjoy great local seafood at Fish restaurant and try Montana’s Rib & Chop House for mouthwatering steaks. Whitefish also has amazing ice cream at Sweet Peaks.

Nightlife Recommendations:

Missoula: Known for a youthful and vibrant nightlife scene, you’ll find The Top Hat Lounge for great live music and drinks, or head to The Rhino for a more laid-back vibe with cocktails and games.
Bozeman: The Haufbrau in Bozeman is a fun place for good beer, bar food, and pool tables. Another great spot is The Bay Bar & Grille with live music and a friendly atmosphere.
Billings: Billings is a great place to find live music at places like The Pub Station or Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill for a chill night out.
Helena: The Silver Star Lounge is a popular local bar that often has live bands and a cool, relaxed atmosphere.
Whitefish: For a more upscale night out, head to The Whitefish Lake Restaurant for cocktails and lake views, or check out The Great Northern Bar & Grill for great local music and dancing.

Final Thoughts:

Montana is incredibly diverse, and there’s a huge variety of outdoor adventures, history, and culture to experience. Since you’ll have a lot of freedom with your sprinter, you can hit both big cities and remote wilderness areas, giving you a comprehensive experience of the state’s many facets. Enjoy your summer, and make sure to take in some local breweries and outdoor festivals for a true taste of Montana!

Spending 2 months in Montana

More Montana (MT) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions