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Between work, family obligations, and other commitments, taking a summer vacation isn’t always easy. But if you have a 24-hour day to spare, you can actually pack in a lot of fun here in the Treasure State. For little more than the cost of a tank of gas, you can enjoy one of these wonderful Montana day trips. So pack up the car and the snacks, get your playlists ready, and hit the road on one of these best day trips in Montana!

1. Philipsburg
Philipsburg, MT 59858, USA
USDARD LAPAS / Flickr
MiddleKid54 / TripAdvisor
If you live within 250 miles of Philipsburg, it makes the perfect day trip. There are so many great things to do in this lively little Treasure State Town; try your luck at Gem Sapphire Mine, Montana's oldest (and largest) sapphire mine. Enjoy a hearty lunch at UpNSmokN BBQ House on Broadway, check out the shops downtown, and savor a treat at Doe Brothers soda fountain before heading home.
2. Garnet Ghost Town
Garnet Ghost Town, Drummond, MT 59832, USA
David J Laporte / Flickr
Barbara S. / TripAdvisor
Located near Drummond, Garnet Ghost Town is a historic mining spot that dates back to 1895, and visiting it really is a trip into the past. Not only is the town well-kept and fascinating, but you can enjoy a nice, easy hiking trail that takes you around it. Make sure to work a stop at Parker's in Drummond into your day trip itinerary -- the burgers there are thick, hearty, and delicious.
3. Stevensville
Stevensville, MT 59870, USA
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
management / TripAdvisor
If you live in Western Montana, Stevensville makes an ideal day trip (and if you're into antiques, it's a must-visit!). Spend some time at the historic St. Mary's Mission, shop for antiques at Creamery Antiques Mall, and order a beer flight at Blacksmith Brewing Company. For a seriously scrumptious lunch, split a pizza with your travel companion at Kodiak Jax.
4. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Tierra Starr / alltrails.com

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The Grotto Falls Trail is a pleasant 2.4-mile hike in Gallatin County that leads to a breathtaking waterfall. Easy, fun, and family-friendly, it's the perfect adventure for Montanans short of time. Truly -- this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Big Sky Country! Tip: Stop by the Community Food Co-op in Bozeman and grab a healthy lunch to enjoy on a picnic by the falls. What a dream of a day!
5. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759, USA
Cicoe / TripAdvisor
Lynn M / TripAdvisor
Montana's first state park is, in a word, fantastic. Not only is it fascinating to tour the dark, mysterious caverns, but the park itself has some fantastic scenery. Walk the trails and take in the sweeping views of Jefferson County. Above- and below-ground adventures await at this true Montana treasure!
6. Dillon
Bannack State Park, 721 Bannack Rd, Dillon, MT 59725, USA
Arthur T. LaBar / Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Wake up early and drive to Bannack State Park, one of Montana's most famous ghost towns. Founded in 1862, Bannack is a National Historic Landmark, and the buildings have been very well-preserved. After your history lesson, cruise over to the historic mining town of Dillon, enjoy a nice downtown walk, and grab a late lunch or early dinner at Sparky's Garage. Dillon was founded as a railroad town in 1880, and if you're a history buff, you'll fall in love with this charming little locale!
7. Fort Benton
Fort Benton, MT 59442, USA
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Don Barrett / Flickr
Summer is the best time to visit the Birthplace of Montana, which is steeped in local history. Take some photos of the Bridge to Nowhere, check out the statue of Old Shep (the most loyal dog in Montana), and dine at the beautiful Grand Union Hotel's restaurant, Union Grille. Fort Benton is one of the oldest settlements in the American West, and well over a century later, it still has its original charm.

Summer is the best time to explore more of our beautiful state. If you can, check out one of our top five hikes to embrace the beauty of Montana in this delightful season!

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Best day trips in Montana

Sarah M. | March 31, 2022

What are the best historic day trips in Montana?

While the natural beauty of the Treasure State is undeniable, there is also a rich and legendary history here that needs to be explored, too. The state is home to an abundance of ghost towns, and it's in these quiet little locales where you can really learn some interesting pieces of Montana history. Nevada City is one of them. It's a bit of an oxymoron; it's Montana's liveliest ghost town and a delight of a place to visit. Nevada City, Montana, was destined to become yet another casualty of the Gold Rush until an ambitious family restored it between 1945 and 1978. Today, the entire town of Nevada City is a living history museum, and it's a place that really comes alive during the summer months. Nevada City is the most vivacious and wholly alive ghost town in the country, and it's a must-visit for all curious history buffs.

Another ghost town day trip in Montana is Bannack State Park, where you will get a real, live history lesson about the Gold Rush! This Montana ghost town is a National Historic Landmark and the site of the state's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This event set off an epic gold rush that caused Bannack's population to boom to over 3,000 by 1863. But as the value of gold declined, so too did Bannack's burgeoning population. Today, over 50 buildings line Main Street; their historic log and frame structures reference Montana's formative years, giving visitors an authentic Old West experience.

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