Magnificent Montana
I am in love. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition even some affection, but with Montana it is love. - Steinbeck
Montana has many descriptions — majestic and rugged, peaceful plains and rushing rapids, small towns and big cities, Indian country, culture and General Custer-these are but a few images associated with Montana. 
Montanas wide open spaces, high mountains and prairies filled with golden grain or myriads of colorful wildflowers make it a nature lover’s paradise. It is home to more wild bison, elk, deer and antelope than people. You can camp by one of its 1,500 lakes and 16,000 miles of fishing streams, go skiing or snowmobiling at one of its 5,500+ acres of resort areas or explore its many trails by foot or horseback. You can leisurely tour art museums, listen to symphony orchestra and internationally renowned musicians, or linger over dinner at excellent restaurants.
Are you hoping to “strike it rich”? Then head to Nevada City or Virginia City where you can go silver mining or pan for gold. Have you ever wanted to go on an archeological dig? Then talk to the experts and guides at the Montana Dinosaur Trail (406-654-1866) where you will see dinosaur fossils, fossil preservation stations and can even go on a dig. Do you want to “walk” with the animals? Then be sure to spend some time at Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park. You can find out more about what to do and see in Yellowstone at our Wyoming tourism guide.
Do you love visiting festivals and getting to experience life like the locals? Then Montana has plenty of choices. For the thrill of the rodeo go to the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals which are held each January in Great Falls. Are you a “chocoholic”? Then don’t miss the Chocolate Festival in Anaconda each February. For a taste of a cowboy’s life, visit the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede in July; the Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Lewistown or the Western Montana Fair and Rodeo (Missoula) which occurs in August.
In his book Travels with Charley John Steinbeck said of Montana, “I am in love. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition even some affection, but with Montana it is love.” No matter your passion, Montana is just the place for your western adventure. So make your travel plans, pack your bags, and hurry on out—you don’t want to miss a thing!
Montana Government
Photo Credits: Summer Montana landscape by Jurek; Montana Snow Picture by Tofslie |
