Happy 124th birthday, Montana! On November 8, 1889, Big Sky Country officially became part of the United States, and today we celebrate America’s great wilderness with 10 reasons you should visit Montana.
1. Wide Open Spaces. They don’t call Montana “Big Sky Country” for nothing. The state is one of America’s last frontiers, bursting with breathtaking scenery, an abundance of wildlife and unobstructed views of pure blue sky as far as the eye can see.
2. Good Ol’ Western Hospitality. Sure, the South has a reputation for being the most hospitable of regions, but you’ll find true Western hospitality throughout Big Sky Country. Everything is a bit slower in Montana, and the locals won’t hesitate to go out of their way to make your stay a memorable one.
3. Dude Ranches and Rodeos. You can unleash your inner cowboy in Montana, which offers all of the dude ranches, rodeos and horseback riding you could wish for. Learn to herd cattle at a guest ranch or watch some high-quality roping at a rodeo before taking a horseback ride into the Rocky Mountains – it’s all a day in the life of a Montana cowboy.
4. Natural beauty at National Parks. Montana is home to both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, both of which highlight some of the country’s most spectacular natural beauty.
5. Incredible Camping. Pitch a tent or roll up the RV to immerse yourself in the Big Sky Country experience. Camp under the canopy of trees or right on the lake – the choice is yours.
6. Thrilling Whitewater Rafting. For those who like to get their adrenaline pumping, Montana offers thrilling water water rafting experiences in both of its national parks, as well as other rivers throughout the state.
7. Top-notch Skiing. As winter descends upon Montana, you can enjoy endless downhill and cross-country skiing throughout the state.
8. Wildlife Spotting. You don’t have to look far to spot the native wildlife that call Montana home. In the national parks and beyond, you can spot locals like elk, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, bison and deer.
9. Fly Fishing Fun. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Big Sky Country, but one of the top experiences is fly fishing for rainbow trout as you’re surrounded by glacial mountains and rolling fields.
10. Cultural Festivals. Montana’s cultural festivals include everything from traditional Native American gatherings to Scandinavian horse shows and Chinese dragon boat racing.
(Main image: mypubliclands)
