Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Montana
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Just when winter seems like it will never end, signs of spring begin to appear. The snow melts, the sun starts shining, and signs of life start to appear. If you’re like me and ready for warmer weather and heading outside to enjoy it all, here are some of the best things to do in Montana in spring.
Flower Blooms In Montana
While most flowers seem to bloom in June, we have a little bit more waiting time compared to other states. However, when they arrive, we can appreciate them even more!
1. Sypes Canyon
Sypes Canyon Trailhead, 130 Churn Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
Located north of Bozeman within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Sypes Canyon is a popular hiking spot, especially when spring arrives and the wildflowers begin to bloom. While the Sypes Canyon Trail is considered a challenging one, you'll be rewarded with views and wildflowers along the way if you're able to make the trek. The wildflowers are abundant here between April and June so plan accordingly!
2. Hyalite Canyon
Hyalite Canyon Road, Hyalite Canyon Rd, Montana, USA
Also located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Hyalite Canyon is a sight to behold during the spring. Take the short and sweet Grotto Falls Trail through the canyon and you'll be led through wildflowers and, eventually, you'll make it to the waterfall. Just imagine how much water will be flowing from the waterfall after the snow melts in spring!
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Botanical Gardens In Montana
While Montana is best known for its big blue sky, vast landscapes, and Glacier National Park, there are a few botanical gardens worth seeing as well. The following are among the must-see gardens in Montana, and you should check them out this spring!
3. Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
Tizer Botanic Garden & Arboretum, 38 Tizer Lake Rd, Jefferson City, MT 59638, USA
One of the most magical family things to do in Montana in spring is to visit this hidden gem botanical garden in Jefferson City. Throughout the botanical garden, you'll see roses, herbs, vegetables, and wildflowers. Additionally, there's its Secret Garden by the creek where you can sit and listen to the peaceful sounds of nature. Bring the kids along and allow them to explore the Children's Garden with gnomes, fairies, ladybugs, and other delightfully whimsical features. This is a fantastic place for a weekend or spring break road trip.
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4. Gatiss Gardens
4790 Montana Hwy 35, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA
Gatiss Gardens is in Western Montana and features four perennial gardens with plants and flowers brought over from England in the late 1800s in addition to American species. Also on the 5-acre property is an English-style cottage that truly fits the setting. A visit here is like taking a trip across the pond without leaving the state.
5. Memorial Rose Garden
Memorial Rose Garden, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
Established in 1946 as a memorial garden to commemorate those who lost their lives during World War II, the Memorial Rose Garden is worth visiting. Throughout the garden, there are over 600 rose bushes set in 44 flower beds. There are interpretive signs around as well so you can learn about the roses as well as WWII as you walk around.
Parks To Visit In Montana This Spring
Ready to head outdoors after a long winter that seemed like it was never going to end? Well, head to one of the state’s many parks to enjoy all that it has to offer!
6. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
It's no secret that Glacier National Park is among the most beautiful national parks in our country. Spanning nearly 1 million acres near the U.S.-Canada border, Glacier National Park is an incredible getaway destination for Americans and foreign tourists alike. While the park is open year-round, it sometimes experiences closures during inclement winter weather. However, closures are not as common during the spring. When spring arrives, I urge you to take a road trip and visit this amazing park if you've never been! Go for a trek along its over 700 miles of hiking trails, check out the visitor centers, reserve a campsite, take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and check out all of its jaw-dropping beauty, especially the mountain views. You won't be disappointed!
7. Fort Missoula Regional Park
Fort Missoula Regional Park, 3401-3499 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59804, USA
If you're looking for free things to do in Montana in spring, a visit to a town or city park is always a good idea. One such park is the 156-acre Fort Missoula Regional Park. Once a U.S. Army fort established in 1877, this is now a public park featuring a wide range of outdoor activities. There are historical structures and a historical museum as well as a variety of sports fields and courts (pickleball, anyone?), a dog park, a collection of historic trains and a train depot, three playgrounds, hiking trails, and so much more!
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8. Lone Pine State Park
300 Lone Pine Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA
Known for its stunning overlooks with panoramic views of Flathead Valley, Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, and other natural attractions in the area, Lone Pine State Park is a worthwhile road trip destination any time of year. While this park is popular in winter for people who like to snowshoe or go cross-country skiing, it really comes to life when the weather starts to warm. Throughout the park, you'll find 7.5 miles of hiking trails, a visitor center, and plenty of outdoor activities, including archery, that will keep you busy during your visit. This is one of the best parks for Montana spring activities!
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9. Spring Meadow Lake State Park
2715 Country Club Ave, Helena, MT 59602, USA
Spring Meadow Lake State Park is a picturesque urban park sitting along a lake in the city of Helena. Among the popular outdoor activities here are hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating. Amenities include ADA-accessible areas, picnic shelters, and hiking trails, including an easy 0.8-mile nature trail perfect for novice hikers.
Spring Hikes In Montana
How about a hike around Big Sky Country? Between the state and national parks, you could spend the entire year exploring the state’s great outdoors on foot. Here are some of our favorite hikes if you’re searching for cheap things to do in Montana in spring:
10. Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail
Lolo National Forest, Montana 59874, USA
Located in Western Montana in Superior, one of the state's most picture-perfect small towns is a hike you must take this spring! The Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail is a moderate 7.2-mile trek through the Lolo National Forest and features spring wildflowers and lake views. This out-and-back trail has over 1,600 feet of elevation gain so keep that in mind and come prepared if you decide to tackle it!
11. College M Steep Trail
Custer Gallatin National Forest, Nye, MT 59061, USA
This year-round trail in the Custer Gallatin National Forest is one of the most popular in the Bozeman area. During the spring, you'll see plenty of colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape as you hike to the "M" up at the top. Keep in mind that this trail is steep, so make sure you're wearing proper footwear for a hike like this.
Spring Picnic Spots In Montana
There’s something so peaceful and quite romantic about a picnic with your special person. And with such gorgeous scenery throughout the state, it’s not too hard to find the perfect spot to lay out a picnic blanket and have a meal. Here are a few picturesque places for those of you in the mood for romantic things to do in Montana in spring:
12. Fort Fizzle Historic Site Picnic Area
Forest Road 695, Forest Rd 695, Montana 59847, USA
Open May through September, Fort Fizzle Historic Site Picnic Area offers picnic tables, fire rings, and grills for your picnicking needs by the creek! You'll also see interpretive signs sharing information on the history of the area as well as its ecology.
13. Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge
Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge, Kootenai River Rd, Libby, MT 59923, USA
If you're looking for romantic things to do in Montana in spring, how about a picnic by a river or a waterfall? The Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge area is so beautiful you'll want to spend as much time as possible here just taking it all in. After your picnic, take a stroll over the river on the swinging bridge. It's absolutely spectacular!
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14. Ferry Landing Picnic Area
Ferry Landing Picnic Area, St Regis, MT 59866, USA
If you've been searching for a peaceful and beautiful place to have a picnic, there's no better place than the Ferry Landing Picnic Area in the Lolo National Forest. If you're passing through this area on a road trip, it's worth spending some time here. You'll have river views as you picnic and you may choose to go for a stroll along one of the hiking trails.
Which of these best things to do in Montana in spring will you try first? What are some of your favorite places to visit when the weather starts to warm up? Let us know!
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