Montana became a state on November 8, 1889, but of course, our history goes back centuries before that, and we like to honor that history, too. These 10 historical landmarks in Montana tell some of our state’s story and are must-sees for anyone who calls Montana home.

1. Pictograph Cave State Park, Billings
Pictograph State Park
montanaberry / TripAdvisor
Pictograph Cave State Park consists of three caves that were the site of some of Montana’s first professional archaeological studies. The pictographs in the cave here are over 2,100 years old.
2. Bannack State Park, Dillon
Bannack, MT 59725, USA
Tjflex2 / Flickr
Bannack State Park is a historic ghost town that dates back to 1862, when John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek. Over 60 structures remain standing, most of which can be explored, making it one of the most historical sites in Montana.
3. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Ulm
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, 342 Ulm Vaughn Rd, Ulm, MT 59485, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
What was once one of the largest bison jumps in North America is now First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park with scenic views of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Missouri River Valley.
4. Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, Deer Lodge
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, 266 Warren Ln, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, USA
Flickred! / Flickr
Definitely one of the best historical landmarks in Montana, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site was created in 1972 and commemorates the Western cattle industry from the 1850s through recent times. The working ranch was one of the first cattle operations in Montana.
5. Pompey’s Pillar National Monument, Billings
Pompeys Pillar, Montana 59088, USA
Wikipedia
This pillar is a little piece of our earliest history. It's full of Native American petroglyphs as well as the signature of William Clark who traversed through what is now known as the state of Montana during the now historic Lewis and Clark Expedition.

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6. Virginia City Historic District, Virginia City
Virginia City montana
Ernie Hathaway/Flickr
Virginia City is a charming place, and it also proudly boasts its renown as the home of the Virginia City National Historic Landmark District. As the former state capital for 10 years, it should be a requirement for every Montanan to visit.
7. Chief Plenty Coups State Park, Pryor
Chief Plenty Coups State Park, 1 Pryor Rd, Pryor, MT 59066, USA
Jackbear / TripAdvisor
Chief Plenty Coups State Park was once the home of Chief Plenty Coups, the last chief of the Crow Native American tribe. The park is now a quiet place on the Crow Indian Reservation to enjoy a walk or a picnic and is open year-round.
8. Fort Benton Historic District, Fort Benton
Fort Benton, MT 59442, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The Fort Benton is so full of history that it's called the Birthplace of Montana. It was established in 1846, a full generation before the bloody Civil War began.
9. Great Northern Railway Buildings, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Loco Steve / Flickr
The Great Northern Railway building in Glacier National Park that were built by the so named Great Northern Railway have been national historic landmarks since 1987. You can still stay in the Belton Chalet, a historic hotel that was built in 1910. They are definitely among the best historic Montana landmarks.
10. Butte-Anaconda Historic District, Anaconda
Anaconda, MT, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
Pay homage to our mining history by exploring the Butte-Anaconda Historic District in Anaconda, which by the way is considered to have one of the best downtown areas in the state. And be sure to take your time because the district has the most resources of any U.S. National Historic Landmark District.

Do you consider yourself a local history buff? Here are a few fascinating facts about Montana’s past.

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Historic Landmarks in Montana

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 10, 2022

Can you suggest a Montana road trip?

There are so many fun and interesting Montana road trip itineraries that you’d be hard pressed to decide which one to do first! If you like chocolate (and really, who doesn’t?) how about a sweet road trip featuring several delicious places: the Old West Candy Store on Main Street in Darby, Big Sky Candy in Hamilton, the Montana Chocolate Company in Stevensville, and the Sweet Palace in Philipsburg, just to name a few.

Are there any ghost towns in Montana?

Yes there are, and one of the most unique and definitely one of the best historical sites in Montana, is the town of Pony. Located in Madison County adjacent to the Tobacco Root Mountains, the abandoned buildings have their own stories to tell. At one time an estimated 5,000 gold miners lived here. Today about 200 hardy souls still call the town home.

Where can I find the best swimming holes in Montana?

Cool, refreshing swimming holes are dotted all over the state. One of them is called Yaak River Falls near the aptly named Yaak River Falls Campground. Visitors say among the things they like best is that this swimming hole is largely deserted, so if you like solitude (or fancy skinny dipping when no one’s watching), this just might be the place for you!

What is the biggest city in Montana?

The biggest city in Montana by population is Billings. With just over 109,000 denizens, that might not seem like a very big city, but you have to remember that in Montana, which encompasses an area of over 147,000 miles, most of the territory is comprised of unpopulated areas. Overall, Montana is home to about one million people.

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