You can live your whole life in the great state of Montana and never see it all, though the outdoor-loving types who reside here certainly enjoy trying. So it comes as no surprise that The Treasure State is full of hidden gems that not many people know about. On your next trek through familiar terrain, venture off the beaten path and explore some of these lesser-known hidden gems in Montana:

1. Yaak Valley
Yaak Valley Ranch Road, Yaak Valley Ranch Rd, Montana 59935, USA
irmiller/Flickr
Did you know Montana has a rainforest? Tucked up in the most northwestern corner of Montana (bordering Canada and Idaho) is the Yaak Valley, with an incredible wildlife population and beautiful spots to camp.
2. The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, USA
kraftd.etsy/Flickr
Montana might seem like an unlikely site for a Buddhist garden, but this spiritual site has been in the works since the year 2000. It is the founder’s goal to have the garden inspire Buddhist ideals of joy, wisdom and compassion in a place where Eastern philosophy is not widely known or practiced.
3. The World's Shortest River
Roe River, Montana 59405, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Located just outside of Great Falls, the Roe River spans just over 200 feet. It holds the world record as the shortest river, and you can walk the length of it in a minute.
4. The City Underneath Havre
Havre, MT 59501, USA
Pattys-photos/Flickr
Havre, Montana was nearly wiped out by a fire in 1904. Many of its business owners decided to move underground, creating a series of tunnels within a six block radius. You can see it all by taking the Havre Beneath the Streets tour.
5. Outlook Inn Bed and Breakfast, Somers
Outlook Inn Bed & Breakfast, 175 Boon Rd, Somers, MT 59932, USA
Outlook Inn
Want to take in the beauty of Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park without having to camp? This little bed and breakfast will offer you all the comforts of home, and it sits right on the north end of the lake.
6. Polebridge
Polebridge, West Glacier, MT 59928, USA
Jonathan Coffey/Flickr
This tiny town of under 200 residents is only 35 miles south of the Canadian border. It’s also an amazing little spot to visit to get away from it all; between the affordable cabin rentals, the close proximity to Glacier National Park and the Polebridge Mercantile, you’ll have everything you need to relax and enjoy life.
7. Judith Gap
Judith Gap, MT 59453, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Drive through this small gap between the Big Snowy Mountains and the Little Belt Mountains to check out the state’s first wind farm, Invenergy. It's a delight of a town!

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8. The Boiling River
Boiling River, N Entrance Rd, Gardiner, MT 59030, USA
ilya_ktsn/Flickr
Most people visit Yellowstone without ever knowing this place is a mere two miles away from the park’s North gate. The Boiling River is a combination of the hot water from Mammoth Hot Springs and cold water from the Gardner River, allowing the water temperature to cool enough for people to soak in.
9. Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Makoshika State Park doesn’t get as much hype as Glacier or Yellowstone, but it’s every bit as breathtaking.
10. Moss Mansion Museum
Moss Mansion Museum, 914 Division St, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Wikipedia
At a time when the average home cost $3,000, Mr. and Mrs. Moss spent $105,000 building their abode. With three stories, 28 rooms and an attached solarium, it’s now a preserved historic site.
11. The Ptarmigan Tunnel
Ptarmigan Tunnel, Montana 59928, USA
GlacierGuyMT/Flickr
Glacier National Park’s only tunnel is 250 feet long and was originally built for horses. The Ptarmigan Trail is recommended for experienced hikers only.
12. The Cathedral of St. Helena
Cathedral of Saint Helena, 530 N Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601, USA
Lisa Norwood/Flickr
If this neo-Gothic church seems out of place for Helena, it’s because it was modeled after a famous church in Vienna Austria. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
13. The Prairie County Museum, Terry
Prairie County, MT, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Visitors to this hidden gem museum will find a gallery dedicated to Evelyn J. Cameron, who gave up a life of wealth and privilege in England to start a new adventurous life in Montana with her husband. Her story and her photos are inspiring.
14. The Ringing Rocks, East of Butte
Ringing Rocks, Montana 59759, USA
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
The Ringing Rocks (sometimes called "Singing Rocks"), are one of the most unique rock formations in the country, and they chime when you tap them lightly with a hammer.
15. Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town
Pioneer Town, 720 2nd Ave, Scobey, MT 59263, USA
Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town Facebook Page
Located about 20 acres west of Scobey, 35 historic buildings have been restored to depict a town from the early 1900s and preserve the history of the area.

How many of these hidden gems in Montana have you visited before? Do you know of another hidden gem we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

For more hidden gems around the Treasure State, be sure to check out these 10 scenic spots.

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More to Explore

hidden gems in Montana

Sarah | September 05, 2021

What are some places in Montana only locals know about?

Montana is the fourth largest state in the country. And while we have plenty of nationally known spots like Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park, the Treasure State is also chock-full of hidden gems. These are a few totally under-the-radar places where you’ll probably only see other Montanans -- that is, if you see anyone else at all.

What's one hidden gem in Montana that didn't make it on this list?

Hidden gems abound in the Treasure State, and there are most definitely some hidden gems in Montana that didn't make it on this list. For instance, we absolutely love Wade Lake, a cerulean-blue body of water in Montana that rivals anything you'd find in the Caribbean. Wade Lake is the centerpiece of the Wade Lake Campground, which is in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Surrounded by towering cliffs and boasting vibrant blue waters, the spring-fed lake is a true oasis in Montana, and absolutely worth exploring.

What are some fun day trips in Montana?

Adventures are aplenty here in Montana, and we're always up for a good day trip. In keeping with our theme of hidden gems in Montana, we put together this two-day road trip that ventures to some of the Treasure State’s lesser-known attractions. Some require quite a trek to reach, while others are hiding in plain sight. While you can certainly tackle the entire two-day trip in one fell swoop, if you just have an afternoon to spare, we recommend checking out the destinations and picking one to check out. Day-trip-worthy destinations on this list include the Bleu Horses statues in Three Forks, Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Lodge, Anaconda Smelter Stack in Anaconda, and the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee.

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