In a place as massive as the Treasure State, there are bound to be some hidden gems. The spots on this list sometimes fly under the radar … and even the Montanans that know about them may not be aware of just how amazing they are. If there’s a place or two here that you haven’t visited, add them to your must-see list and check them out for yourself.
- Gibson Dam
Wikipedia This is one of Montana’s true hidden gems since it’s over 20 miles from the nearest town… plus, the location (on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains) is spectacular.
- Four Dances Recreation Area
Lisa Shannon / Flickr This recreation area surrounds Billings, and you’ll definitely see the best view of the city and the surrounding areas here.
- Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr Although this place is certainly no secret, it’s definitely underrated. Due to its vast size and remoteness, not much has changed here in the last century, so it’s an excellent place to truly get away from it all.
- Terry Badlands
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr Montana’s scenery is amazingly diverse, and the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area is full of unique beauty you won’t see anywhere else.
- Grey Cliffs Ranch, Three Forks
management / TripAdvisor Montana has some seriously impressive (and expensive) luxury ranches, but Three Forks’ Grey Cliffs Ranch manages to stay somewhat under the radar. It’s just as amazing as some of the more well known vacation spots, and while it isn’t cheap, it won’t set you back three months’ salary, either.
- The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee
joãokẽdal / Flickr An enormous Buddhist garden might be the last thing you’d expect to see in Montana, but those who discover it tend to love it. The purpose of the garden is to bring about a positive transformation to all who visit, which is an extremely nice thought.
- Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Church
Holy Trinity Butte Located in Butte, this incredible church is adorned with some amazing art work. You’d never know it from the outside, but this is one of the most ornately decorated sanctuaries you’ll ever see.
- The Virgelle Mercantile
Virgelle Mercantile Facebook Most longtime Montanans know this place exists, but far too few have visited – and even fewer know that it’s also a bed and breakfast.
- Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook This is a great place to go to learn more about what our amazing smoke jumpers do. Its open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and every Montanan should make it a point to visit.
- Bighorn Canyon
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr The views from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area are absolutely life-changing. With over 120,000 acres to explore, you can find whatever kind of outdoor recreation you’re seeking.
Wikipedia
This is one of Montana’s true hidden gems since it’s over 20 miles from the nearest town… plus, the location (on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains) is spectacular.
Lisa Shannon / Flickr
This recreation area surrounds Billings, and you’ll definitely see the best view of the city and the surrounding areas here.
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr
Although this place is certainly no secret, it’s definitely underrated. Due to its vast size and remoteness, not much has changed here in the last century, so it’s an excellent place to truly get away from it all.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
Montana’s scenery is amazingly diverse, and the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area is full of unique beauty you won’t see anywhere else.
management / TripAdvisor
Montana has some seriously impressive (and expensive) luxury ranches, but Three Forks’ Grey Cliffs Ranch manages to stay somewhat under the radar. It’s just as amazing as some of the more well known vacation spots, and while it isn’t cheap, it won’t set you back three months’ salary, either.
joãokẽdal / Flickr
An enormous Buddhist garden might be the last thing you’d expect to see in Montana, but those who discover it tend to love it. The purpose of the garden is to bring about a positive transformation to all who visit, which is an extremely nice thought.
Holy Trinity Butte
Located in Butte, this incredible church is adorned with some amazing art work. You’d never know it from the outside, but this is one of the most ornately decorated sanctuaries you’ll ever see.
Virgelle Mercantile Facebook
Most longtime Montanans know this place exists, but far too few have visited – and even fewer know that it’s also a bed and breakfast.
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Facebook
This is a great place to go to learn more about what our amazing smoke jumpers do. Its open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and every Montanan should make it a point to visit.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
The views from Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area are absolutely life-changing. With over 120,000 acres to explore, you can find whatever kind of outdoor recreation you’re seeking.
As amazing as Montana is, it manages to remain highly underrated.
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