It’s always fun to get away and go exploring. But sometimes you don’t have an entire weekend or a ton of cash to spend on a vacation. That’s where a day trip comes in handy—you can leave in the morning and be home by bedtime. If ever you’ve wondered, “What are some day trips near me in Montana?” then this list may just have the perfect solution. Depending on which part of the state you call home, you could easily make one of these day trips in Montana happen. Let’s get exploring!

1. Drive down Beartooth Highway.
Beartooth Drive, Beartooth Dr, Billings, MT 59102, USA
stpaulgirl/Flickr
Start in Red Lodge, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Regis. Then cruise south down the highway, dipping into Wyoming before ending up in Cooke City. The Beartooth Highway is just 68.7 miles long, so you can go to and from Red Lodge in one day easily. It's no mystery by Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Montana.
2. Ghosts and grub: Drive I-90 West to Garnet Ghost Town and 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar.
Garnet Ghost Town, Drummond, MT 59832, USA
Kara Paul/Google Maps
This is a great day trip for anyone living in the Lolo, Stevensville, or Missoula area. Head to Garnet Ghost Town, Montana’s best preserved ghost town and spend a few hours exploring and learning some state history. Then, head west about 120 miles to the 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar in Haugan for a good meal and some excellent shopping at the quirky gift shop.
3. Have a wild day at ZooMontana.
ZooMontana, 2100 Shiloh Rd, Billings, MT 59106, USA
ZooMontana Facebook Page
Live within driving distance of Billings and wondering, "what are some day trips near me in Montana?" Take a trip to ZooMontana and check out some exotic wildlife. No matter your age, ZooMontana is sure to impress.
4. Explore the Eastern part of the Dinosaur Trail.
Frontier Gateway Museum, Belle Prairie Frontage Rd MT 59330, 201 State St, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Curtis Medina/Google Maps
Montana’s Dinosaur Trail spans the entire state, but the Eastern part can easily be done in one day. Start at the Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive, stretch your legs and have a picnic at Makoshika State Park, then head south to the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka.
5. Make your way through Madison Valley.
Madison Valley, Montana 59758, USA
H Dragon/Flickr
Start with a classic Bozeman breakfast at the Western Cafe early in the morning. Head west down Highway 84 to Norris, a gold mining town with some relaxing hot springs. Turn south on Highway 287 and stop at Quake Lake for lunch, which was formed by an earthquake in 1959. You can spend your day there or drive on to West Yellowstone, travel north to Big Sky and then take a scenic drive through the Gallatin Canyon to end up back in Bozeman. The full route is about 240 miles.

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6. Dig for crystals at Crystal Park.
Crystal Park, Montana 59746, USA
melissa olsen/Google Maps
You’ll find Crystal Park in the Pioneer Mountains in Southwest Montana. Here you’re allowed to dig for quartz crystals (using hand tools only), but even if you’re not interested, it’s still a beautiful place to spend your day. Learn more about how you can dig for all kinds of treasures at Crystal Park in Montana.
7. Go to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, 201 S Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, USA
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center Facebook Page
Take a drive through one of the most beautiful parts of Montana, learn about these amazing animals and enjoy plenty of photo ops. Without a doubt, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is one of the most unique day trips in Montana.
8. Go to the sun.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA
Trevor Bexon/Flickr
Going-to-the-Sun-Road spans about 50 miles, and it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
9. Head to Fort Benton and the Virgelle Mercantile.
Loma, MT 59460, USA
Daimon Eklund/Flickr
Explore Fort Benton, the Birthplace of Montana, before making the 33-mile drive to the Virgelle Mercantile in Loma. You never know what you’ll find at the antiques store.
10. Have a retro day in Polson.
Polson, MT 59860, USA
sporst/Flickr
Drive to Polson and enjoy a meal at Betty’s Diner on Polson Bay, a 1950s-style restaurant with delicious food made from scratch. Once you’re full, head to the Miracle of America Museum and check out their amazing collection of American memorabilia. The town of Polson really is a memorable Montana day trip.

We hope we’ve helped provide some answers to the question, “What are some day trips near me in Montana?”

Have you ever embarked upon a journey to any of these places? If so, which ones were your favorites? If there are any that missed the list, be sure to share them with us in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!

Are you a die-hard equestrian or would like to be one? Then, take a look at this horseback-guided day trip that will delight and inspire!

If you’re still in the mood for more Big Sky adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Montana

Beth C. | August 04, 2021

Where can we find scenic drives in Montana?

  • The Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway (also known as the Skalkaho Pass) is a 45-mile drive that runs between the Philipsburg Valley and the Bitterroot Valley.
  • The Mt. Haggin Scenic Drive is a largely unknown drive that runs between Montana Highway 43 along the Big Hole River and Montana Highway 1 near Anaconda.
  • The National Bison Range Scenic Byway has two roads, the five-mile-long Prairie Drive and the 19-mile-long Red Sleep Mountain Road, both offering spectacular beauty along the way.

Read on to learn about some of the many other stunning and scenic drives in Montana.

Where can we find the best French fries in Montana?

  • The Greek Pastry Shop - #1 Gyros in Missoula might seem like an unlikely spot but they are famous for their Special Fries, which come topped with feta, tzatziki, and seasonings.
  • The Black Iron Grill Rotisserie in Miles City serves up some of the best truffle fries around.
  • King's Hat Drive-In in Billings features a large order of fries weighing a full pound.

Read on to learn about some of the many other places to get the best French fries in Montana.

Where can we find easy hiking trails in Montana?

  • The Redrock Falls Trail in Glacier National Park is a short 3.5-mile hike meandering past a waterfall, lots of wildlife, and beautiful green forest areas.
  • The Sacagawea Peak trail near Bozeman is one of the most scenic hikes in Montana and extends about four miles.
  • The Triple Tree Trail in Gallatin National Forest clocks in at a little more than four miles and is popular during the wildflower season.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful and easy hiking trails in Montana.

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