10 Incredible Hidden Gems In Montana You’ll Want To Discover This Year
By Michelle|Published January 08, 2024
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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.
Within the rugged landscape of Montana, you’ll find hidden treasures just about anywhere you look. If you love adventure and being outside, it’s easy to find an escape just by driving through the state. But, beyond the postcard-perfect scenes of snow-capped mountains and beautiful wilderness, Montana harbors lesser-known spots just waiting to be discovered by those in search of adventure. In this exploration of these hidden gems in Montana, we’ll unveil a collection of wonders ranging from beautiful lakes to quaint small towns brimming with charm. Get ready to journey off-the-beaten path to uncover the under-the-radar parts of the state, revealing places that sometimes go unnoticed but are worth the visit.
Judith Gap is one of those places people from other states dream about. One of the best kept secrets in Montana, this little town is nestled between the Big Snowy Mountains and the Little Belt Mountains. You might need to do some planning before heading out, but when you arrive you'll have the chance to check out the state's first wind farm, Invenergy.
Of all the cool places to visit in Montana, this is among the best. I enjoy visiting this spot when I want to remember what life was like for those who lived here before us. The 35 buildings located in this tiny town of just 1,050 people have been restored to depict the early 1900s in Montana. While not a true ghost town, it really does feel like a page out of history during a visit.
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3. The Boiling River, Gardiner
North Entrance Road, N Entrance Rd, Gardiner, MT, USA
Yellowstone National Park is a huge draw in this region, but few people know to make their way about two miles down the road from the park's north gate to visit a unique version of a local hot spring. Fed by a combination of water from Mammoth Hot Springs and the cold water of the Gardner River, the water at the Boiling River
is the perfect temperature to enjoy.
Head off the beaten path in Montana to visit this gorgeous hidden gem. Located along the Yaak River, the Yaak Valley is one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the state. It's known as Montana's only rainforest and, best of all, about 97 percent of it is public land so it's safe from overdevelopment. There's lots to do here throughout the year, so plan a visit for just about any time you'd like.
5. Wade Lake, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
If you love the idea of the Caribbean but aren't looking to jump on a plane for a huge vacation, you'll want to check out Wade Lake. The focal point of Wade Lake Campground, this is a great place for a hike, walk, or to simply soak up the views.
We know that most people in the state have heard of this sprawling beauty. It's the largest state park
in Montana, after all. But, it's so large that there are parts of it that are completely overlooked. You'll find the 11,000 acres of badlands in Eastern Montana near Glendive.
If you've ever dreamed of giving up your current life in exchange for the unknown, this is a museum that will inspire you. Inside you'll find an entire gallery dedicated to Evelyn J. Cameron who left a comfortable life in England for the promise of adventure in Montana.
8. The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee, Flathead Indian Reservation
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, USA
While there are plenty of hidden gems in Montana, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
is certainly one of the most impressive. The garden is a place of Buddhist spiritualism and invites people of all beliefs to visit its 10 beautiful acres. The significance of the 1,000 Buddhas comes from Buddhist texts, which say we are living in a cycle of time called the Fortunate Aeon. The belief is that 1,000 Buddhas will be born during this fortunate time, all attaining enlightenment. A symbol of peace and inclusivity, this special garden invites all cultures and belief systems to enjoy.
The little town of Polebridge has less than 200 residents and sits just 35 miles from the Canadian border. Despite being tiny, it's one of the most lovable hidden gems in Montana. With its close proximity to Glacier National Park, there's plenty to do outdoors and the Polebridge Mercantile is a must-see.
If you love a natural adventure that takes less than five minutes to complete, this is the stop for you! The Roe River is just 200 feet and can be explored in a mere minute. It holds the world record for the world's shortest river and we can't imagine another one being shorter.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in Montana? If so, let us know your favorite! And if you have any tips or tricks for making a visit extra special, let us know. Most importantly, before you head out to explore the spots on this list, make sure you have everything you need for the perfect trip. To me, that means all the best road trip snacks!
And, since you’re in the exploring mood, we’ve got another great hidden gems road trip you’ll want to take. There’s simply nothing better than falling in love with the hidden gems in Montana over and over again!
