Whether you made a resolution to see more of Montana this year or you just love exploring the Treasure State, you probably know that our hidden gems are just as amazing as our top tourist spots. And while it’s impossible to see them all in a lifetime, there are some that no Montanan should ever miss out on. These are 10 of them.
- Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge
Holly Hayes / Flickr Located just outside of Libby, this bridge will take you to the beautiful Kootenai Falls… but the views from the bridge alone make the trip worth it.
- Makoshika State Park
Bonnie M / TripAdvisor Considering there are quite a few Montanans who have never even heard of Makoshika State Park, calling this place a hidden gem is an understatement. The scenery here is incredibly unique.
- Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can go behind the scenes and see what it means to be a Smokejumper (hint: It’s incredible and daring).
- Judith Gap
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Located in northern Wheatland County, Judith Gap sits nestled between the Snowy Mountains and the Little Belts. This area is truly an underrated treasure.
- Havre Beneath the Streets
Pattys-photos / Flickr Havre’s underground tour gives you a glimpse into central Montana’s history. You’ll see an old opium den, a bordello, and a number of small businesses from days gone by.
- Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, Lolo
dunadan / TripAdvisor The stunning road follows US Highway 12 from Lolo to Lewiston, Idaho. Naturally, the most stunning scenery can be found on the Montana side.
- Heart Lake
Kevin Hager / alltrails.com The Heart Lake Trail is a long but easy hike located near Superior. You’ll have to hike several miles before you see the lake, but it’s definitely worth it.
- Reeder’s Alley, Helena
Reeder’s Alley Facebook Built in the 1870s by Louis Reeder, a Pennsylvania brick mason, Reeder’s Alley gives you a glimpse into Helena’s rich history.
- Devil’s Overlook, Bighorn Canyon
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Located just north of the Horseshoe Bend turnoff at Bighorn Canyon, the overlook offers views that will truly take your breath away.
- Missouri Headwaters State Park, Three Forks
Mark Holloway / Flickr The Missouri Headwaters area was a geographical focal point important to early Native Americans. These days, it’s a scenic state park where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge.
Part of the fun of exploring the Treasure State is definitely finding its hidden gems.
Holly Hayes / Flickr
Located just outside of Libby, this bridge will take you to the beautiful Kootenai Falls… but the views from the bridge alone make the trip worth it.
Bonnie M / TripAdvisor
Considering there are quite a few Montanans who have never even heard of Makoshika State Park, calling this place a hidden gem is an understatement. The scenery here is incredibly unique.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can go behind the scenes and see what it means to be a Smokejumper (hint: It’s incredible and daring).
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Located in northern Wheatland County, Judith Gap sits nestled between the Snowy Mountains and the Little Belts. This area is truly an underrated treasure.
Pattys-photos / Flickr
Havre’s underground tour gives you a glimpse into central Montana’s history. You’ll see an old opium den, a bordello, and a number of small businesses from days gone by.
dunadan / TripAdvisor
The stunning road follows US Highway 12 from Lolo to Lewiston, Idaho. Naturally, the most stunning scenery can be found on the Montana side.
Kevin Hager / alltrails.com
The Heart Lake Trail is a long but easy hike located near Superior. You’ll have to hike several miles before you see the lake, but it’s definitely worth it.
Reeder’s Alley Facebook
Built in the 1870s by Louis Reeder, a Pennsylvania brick mason, Reeder’s Alley gives you a glimpse into Helena’s rich history.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Located just north of the Horseshoe Bend turnoff at Bighorn Canyon, the overlook offers views that will truly take your breath away.
Mark Holloway / Flickr
The Missouri Headwaters area was a geographical focal point important to early Native Americans. These days, it’s a scenic state park where the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers merge.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
