Western Montana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Western Montana
Western Montana
Photo provided by Devin Schmit
Missoula showing a small town or village, street scenes and flowers
Missoula featuring heritage architecture, an administrative building and a garden

Soak up dramatic mountain vistas, explore Native American territories and wander through charming towns in this rural region of Montana.

Western Montana is a vast region in the wild state of Montana that offers year-round outdoor adventures, captivating American history attractions and events celebrating local culture. Go rafting down a fast-moving river, visit a Native American reservation and browse art exhibitions.

The heritage of Western Montana is one of pioneers, explorers and Native American tribes with strong cultural identities. Discover the thrill of the wide open vistas and the sense of adventure as you follow in the footsteps of explorers Lewis and Clark in a place often referred to as “Big Sky Country.”

Obtain a tribal permit from a local shop to explore the Flathead Indian Reservation and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Take a guided boat tour, go horseback riding across the plains and learn about local customs in attractions such as the Museum of the Plains Indian. Those with a penchant for outdoor adventure will enjoy hiking through the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, a mountain ecosystem with more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) of trails.

Don’t miss Glacier National Park where you can cycle through backcountry and, in spring, have a picnic lunch among the wildflowers at Logan Pass. Be alert for local wildlife, including mountain goats, sheep and the occasional grizzly bear. During the winter, uncrowded skiing and snowshoeing trails spotlight incredible snowy scenery.

Retreat from the wilderness and head to the bustling downtown quarter of the city of Missoula. Attend an event in Caras Park and drink beer and listen to live music in a local brewery. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula gives a glimpse into Missoula’s role in America’s westward expansion.

Fly into international airports at Missoula or Glacier Park. Upon arrival, the easiest way to get around is by renting a car or motorcycle. Even in winter, highways and major roads are generally well-maintained and safe to use. Motorcyclists can zoom along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, which leads past stunning wilderness.

Enjoy the great outdoors in Western Montana, where all that is needed to have fun is a smile and sense of adventure.

Where to stay in Western Montana

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Downtown Bozeman

Downtown Bozeman is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Andesite Mountain and Rialto.

Downtown Bozeman
Big Sky Resort featuring a hotel and interior views

Big Sky Mountain Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sky Mountain Village, Big Sky Resort and Explorer Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
Missoula showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and a park

Heart of Missoula

While visiting Heart of Missoula, you might make a stop by sights like Missoula County Courthouse and Wilma Theatre.

Heart of Missoula
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Spanish Peaks

While visiting Spanish Peaks, you might make a stop by sights like Big Sky Resort and Cabin Ski Lift.

Spanish Peaks
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Lazy Acres

While Lazy Acres may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Two Top Mountain and Tweedy Lake.

Lazy Acres
Big Sky showing mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and snow

Big Sky Meadow Village

While visiting Big Sky Meadow Village, you might make a stop by sights like Big Sky Golf Course and Historic Crail Ranch.

Big Sky Meadow Village
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
3 out of 5
2107 Cornell Ave, Butte, MT
The price is NZ$234 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$234
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Butte. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (944 reviews)
"Overall a good experience."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
Grouse Mountain Lodge
Grouse Mountain Lodge
3.5 out of 5
2 Fairway Dr, Whitefish, MT
The price is NZ$451 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
NZ$451
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Whitefish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"I liked the location The breakfast was served buffet style in a lovely dining room, but cost $20.00 per person. The waffles were cold and the eggs were like the kind you would get at a Hampton Inn or Best Western. Plain buffett not enough assortment to cost this much."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Grouse Mountain Lodge
Glacier International Lodge
Glacier International Lodge
3 out of 5
4150 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, MT
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kalispell. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,069 reviews)
"Close to airport"

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Glacier International Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Two Medicine INN
Two Medicine INN
4 out of 5
1119 3rd St, East Glacier Park, MT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in East Glacier Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Glacier Park Lodge ...
6.2/10 (38 reviews)
"No breakfast as advertised. rooms were clean. Thin walls. Not many restaurants in town. About 45-60 minutes to Glacier NP. Older facility but not a bad stay."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Two Medicine INN
West Glacier Cabin Village
West Glacier Cabin Village
4.5 out of 5
350 River Bend Rd., West Glacier, MT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury cabin in West Glacier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (302 reviews)
"I loved the little Cabin with the porch. It was so clean, and the area was quiet, yet close to the village. I wish we could have stayed longer."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

West Glacier Cabin Village
North Forty Resort
North Forty Resort
3 out of 5
3765 Montana 40 West, Columbia Falls, MT
Stay at this 3-star spa cabin in Columbia Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Meadow Lake Golf Course and Riverside ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Nice place to stay after a day in Glacier National Park."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

North Forty Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Western Montana