8 Unique Experiences That Should Be On Everyone’s Montana Bucket List
By Michelle|Published September 05, 2023
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Montana offers a variety of fun things to do, any time of year. While there are plenty of museums, restaurants, and cultural spots, the state is especially wonderful for those who appreciate the great outdoors. There are certainly plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. In fact, that’s one of my favorite go-to activities for clearing my head. But, there are times when we’re all in need of something a bit more unique. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of those! Here are some of our favorite fun things to do in Montana. Pick your favorite, or do them all!
This fun three-hour rental offers access to a Polaris Premium Four-Seat UTV, as well as all the safety equipment you'll need for a beautiful adventure. The self-guided tour allows you to enjoy the town of Lakeside as well as the rest of the Flathead Valley. If you've never been to northwest Montana, this is a great way to take in the views in places like Kalispell and Somers. The only thing not included is fuel, which should run about $12 for your three-hour rental.
Wild Horse Island State Park is located off Flathead Lake and offers access to beautiful views, lots of wildlife and the fresh air we all love here in Montana. This private boat tour fits six people and can be completely customized to your preferences. Love the water? The pontoon boat will cruise around the lake, allowing passengers to see the island from the water. Want to spot as much wildlife as possible? Your guide will make sure it happens. Or, you can choose to spend the majority of your time on the island, hiking and enjoying a picnic with views of the Mission Mountains, Salish Mountains and the peaks of Glacier National Park. This is a unique way to enjoy the lake while also experiencing the best that Montana has to offer.
Enjoy this experience which is truly the best of both worlds when it comes to exploring Montana. First, visitors will embark on a three-mile hike along a glacial canyon. Along the way you'll hear about the land and take in the forest views. At the end of the route, you'll find an incredible alpine lake. Here you'll inflate packrafts and head out onto the water. The tour includes a backpacking-style lunch and coffee or tea. Then, you'll head back the same way you came arriving back at the trailhead tired and happy. This trail is great for those staying in Missoula, as the company can either meet at the trail head or pick you up at your hotel.
Those who love animals will definitely want to put this experience on their must-do list! Textile company, Alpacas of Montana, offers one-hour tours on their working farm, which includes the chance to see and interact with alpacas and llamas. Visitors will feed the animals treats, learn how to halter them for walks and even bathe them on warm days. And all the other animals on the farm are also excited to meet visitors.
There's nothing better than time on the water, which is why this tour is one of our favorites. After meeting at the Dry Hills Distillery in Bozeman, you'll make your way with your guide to the Madison River. From there, you'll enjoy 1.5-hour guide trip down the water learning about local wildlife, plants and history. A kayaking trip is great for people of all skill levels who want to know more about the region without a typical walking tour.
Enjoy an adventure that's certainly best for those who don't have a fear of heights! You'll begin about an hour from West Yellowstone and will jave the chance to soar across the sky above pine forests, limestone cliffs and a rushing river. There are two tour options, depending on how adventurous you are, but both begin by zipping from a sky bridge to a tree platform 55 feet in the air. There are also two zips across the Gallatin River. This is truly an experience you can't find anywhere else.
If you've seen Montana by kayak, by boat, by car and by UTV you'll certainly want to add bike to your list! This unique rental offers visitors the chance to explore the Flathead Valley area using e-bikes, which reduce the impact to the land. Included in the rental is a bike, helmet, lock and any information you need for your journey. A charge will last about 45 miles, but renters can request an additional battery for longer rental periods. Best of all, the e-bikes are delivered right to you!
There are times you want to be out in the fresh air, adventuring through the woods. Then, there are times that seeing the sights is truly best when you can relax. That's why we love this self-guided tour. It's perfect for those with limited mobility who prefer to use their own modes of transportation. After purchasing the tour, you'll download it to your device and hear history, stories, and facts about the area. All from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Have you enjoyed any of these fun things to do in Montana? If so, which should go to the top of our list? If you have any tips or tricks to making them great, let us know in the comments.
To find more fun things to do in Montana, look through Viator and make your bucket list even more exciting. And, of course, you can always add a few local natural wonders to your bucket list.
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