12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Montana This Year
By Michelle|Updated on December 10, 2023(Originally published January 24, 2023)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Every year, we endeavor to see more of the state. We make plans to go to the big-name parks, eat at the best restaurants, and take our visitors to places they’ll want to tell their friends about. But, what about everything else? The truth is that, in doing this, we miss out on some of the best hidden gems in Montana. From restaurants to parks and museums to hikes, there are spots here that are so worthy of a visit. However, these places frequently get overshadowed. This year we’re making a promise to ourselves to get out and see more! Here are a few of the areas we’re starting with:
1. The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee (on the Flathead Indian Reservation)
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, USA
Spread over 10 magnificent acres, this garden was established as an international center for peace in 2000. While it was built based on Buddhist philosophy, it's meant to be a place for all. A stroll across the grounds offers beautiful scenery and some of the most peaceful vibes in the state. You can visit any time, but guided tours are available from April through October.
2. Cajun Phatty's, Billings
Cajun Phatty's, 2564 King Ave W Suite F, Billings, MT 59102, USA
EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately, Cajun Phatty's is permanently closed.
We love the idea that restaurants can be hidden gems, and this one located in Billings is certainly a great example. While there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal, family-owned Cajun Phatty's should be high on your list. Between the crawfish boil and the hot bowl of Seafood Jambalaya, you'll feel as though you've gone on a trip to Louisiana.
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3. Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell
Lone Pine State Park, 300 Lone Pine Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA
This 270-acre park is beautiful, offering expansive views over Flathead Valley. For nature lovers who appreciate birding, hiking, and learning about the land around them, this quiet area is a no-brainer. While there are certainly plenty of parks, this is one of the best hidden gems in Montana. With fewer people, it's great for clearing your head, too.
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4. Turquoise Lake, Mission Mountain Wilderness in Condon
While this beautiful spot is likely well-known to those in Flathead or Swan Valley, it might be brand new to people in other areas of the state. The hike to get to the lake is 11 miles, so you'll need to start early. It's a bit rugged and not rated for beginners, so if you're new to hiking you'll want to find a different hidden gem on this list. But for those who can visit, the pristine water will offer a great payoff!
The small town of Livingston is one of the best hidden gems in Montana. With a fun, vibrant downtown and lots to enjoy, it makes for a fantastic day trip. It sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River and is located between the Crazy and Absaroka Mountain Ranges. This makes it excellent for exploring the great outdoors, knowing you can head to town for a great meal afterward.
6. Wade Lake, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
The crystal clear waters of Wade Lake offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. If you love to camp, you'll want to plan a few nights at the Wade Lake Campground so you can be near it. While the road to get there is a bit rough, the journey is definitely worth the bumps. Check it out the next time you want to lay on a lakeshore beach or enjoy kayaking or canoeing.
The hike to this lovely waterfall is about 2.5 miles and starts near the Pine Creek Campground. The route is relatively simple to follow and is well-marked. The trail is rated as moderate due to a slight uphill portion, but the rest is reasonably flat. This is a good option for hikers who are ready to go from beginner trails to something more challenging without overdoing it.
Beautiful Storm Lake is located within the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. The lake is a beautiful blue color and can be reached on a 3.5-mile roundtrip hike. While the route is fairly flat, getting to the wilderness area can be bumpy, so come with an all-terrain vehicle if you can. Once you reach the lake, you'll find plenty of trails to continue exploring.
This lovely waterfall is easy to find, as long as you know where to look. Found just off the Skalkaho Pass, the waterfall cascades right alongside the road! The pass is located on Montana Highway 38 and was built to connect the Bitterroot Valley to the Philipsburg Valley. High in the air at 6,000 feet of elevation, the sight of the falls reaching the road is truly incredible!
10. 3 North Bar & Grill, Acton
3 North Bar & Grill, 8369 MT-3, Acton, MT 59002, USA
Located just outside of Billings, this fun restaurant has a truly interesting past. It was once the town post office. After that, it became a local bar, which existed for 50 years before taking a hiatus and opening in its current form. Hungry locals have been flocking here for years, but those in other places will agree that this is certainly a hidden gem!
11. Clark's Lookout State Park, Dillon
Clark’s Lookout State Park, 25 Clarks Lookout Rd, Dillon, MT 59725, USA
Located near the Beaverhead River, this eight-acre park is less visited than others in the area. The size compared to other parks can easily be considered tiny, but it packs a punch if you choose to explore it. The Lewis and Clark Expedition visited in 1805, which is how the park got its name. There's even a monument commemorating the visit.
12. Lost Creek State Park, Anaconda
Lost Creek State Park, 5750 Lost Creek Rd, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
This small and underrated park is best known for the Lost Creek Falls. The park is slightly over 500 acres and offers everything from hiking trails to fishing to biking to picnicking. The hike to the waterfall is fun, but there are other routes to explore as well. Visit and you're sure to return.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Montana? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience or any tips you may have! If there are any secrets to making these spots even better, let us know in the comments. Or maybe you know of some other Montana hidden gems that you think people would like to visit. Share those, too! We would love to hear from you.
If you love the idea of turning the search for hidden gems into an adventure, consider checking out the road trip that takes you to multiple incredible little-known spots in Montana. When you’re ready to hit the road, just don’t forget the snacks! We all love a good car snack, so OnlyInYourState has created the ultimate road trip snacks list. You’ll be properly fueled for your next adventure.
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More to Explore
The Best Hidden Gems In Montana
Katie Feldkamp|December 10, 2023
Where are some of the best hidden gems in Montana?
The Treasure State is vast in its beauty and you could spend countless hours and never be able to take it all in. When it’s ideal to seek out just a few lesser-known areas in one trip, follow along our Montana hidden gem road trip. Along the way, you’ll stop at places such as:
Kootenai Falls isn’t exactly hidden, but it is in a place many people often don’t tend to visit.
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park in Libby. You may want to return for a longer stay at this expansive and beautiful park.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in Deer Lodge. You will gain a whole new appreciation for the American Wild West and the cowboys who made their lives out west.
Still, continuing to seek out unique or lesser-known attractions? Then you will enjoy this article on Montana hidden gems. Places that are highlighted in the article include:
Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center
Judith Gap, located between the Snowy Mountains and the Little Belts
Havre Beneath the Streets underground tour
Reeder’s Alley in Helena will give you an appreciation for the history of the town
