8 Places In Montana That Are Off The Beaten Path But Worth The Trip
By Jessica Wick|Updated on December 15, 2022(Originally published December 10, 2022)
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
You might think that Montana itself is “off the beaten path.” But many of our top attractions are located near our cities and highways, requiring little effort to reach. However, there are some places that are definitely off the beaten path in Montana, but the sights you will get to see will be well worth the extra effort. Here are 8 spots that may require a little extra driving or a lot of hiking time, but you’ll be so glad you made the trip.
The Ringing Rocks are located just outside of Whitehall near Butte. When you tap these rocks, they will chime melodically, hence their name. But the roads to reach the rocks are often treacherous, so many people just don't bother trying. You can read more about The Ringing Rocks in this article.
2. Medicine Rocks State Park
Medicine Rocks State Park, 1141 MT-7, Ekalaka, MT 59324, USA
This park isn't out of the way if you live in Ekalaka, but only 350 Montanans do. But this beautiful place is definitely worth the drive - it even impressed former President Teddy Roosevelt. Check out this article to learn more about Medicine Rocks State Park.
No one can argue that the Polebridge Mercantile is anything but "out of the way"... they don't even have electricity or cell phone service. But once you sink your teeth into a huckleberry bear claw, you'll be addicted. Make sure you plan a stop at the delightful Polebridge Mercantile.
This 200-foot tunnel is located well within the confines of Glacier National Park. In fact, you'll have to hike about 4 miles in to even reach it. That being said, it's pretty awesome to go through it. Most people don't even know Ptarmigan Tunnel exists, but once you go, you'll be glad you sought it out.
Grasshopper Glacier is located deep in the in the Beartooth Mountains in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The glacier gets its bizarre appearance from tens of millions of grasshoppers—locusts, to be exact—entombed in its icy domain. Lower snowfall rates and higher temperatures in the last few decades have contributed to faster melting, but there's still some locust-entombed glacier left to see.
This is, by far, the most "out of the way" attraction on our list -- the Chinese Wall Trail (located near Augusta) is a whopping 53 miles roundtrip. But the Montanans who have made the trek swear that seeing the wall in person is worth it. Read more about The Chinese Wall and what makes it a bucket list-worthy hike.
The Fort Peck Dam is the highest dam on the Missouri River. It's located near Glasgow, and at 21,026 feet in length and over 250 feet in height, it's pretty impressive in person. You can also check out this article to learn more about the resulting Fort Peck Reservoir.
8. The Yaak Valley
Yaak Valley Ranch Road, Yaak Valley Ranch Rd, Montana 59935, USA
If you're lucky enough to live in Libby or Troy (or the surrounding areas), the Yaak is practically in your backyard. For the rest of Montana, it's quite a drive - but well worth it. You'll enjoy also reading this article about the biologically diverse Yaak Valley.
Venturing off the beaten path in Montana is a great way to get to know our beautiful state even better. Have you been to any of these locations before? Share your experience with us in the comment section. We would love to hear from you! And if you prefer to explore on foot, check out one of these amazing hiking trails in Montana.
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Places To See In Montana
Katie Feldkamp|December 15, 2022
What are some unique attractions in Montana?
There is a great deal to see and do here in Montana. From exploring the great outdoors to charming small towns, there’s something for everyone. While you may be familiar with some places, have you ever visited the weirder side of Montana? Some unique attractions in Montana include:
Miracle of America Museum in Polson
Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in Arlee
Our Lady of the Rockies in Butte
The World’s Largest Dinosaur Skeleton at Two Medicine Dinosaur Center in Bynum
