PLANNING THE ULTIMATE MONTANA ROAD TRIP FOR VETERANS


By bblouin
Taking a Montana road trip in a car.

Montana is home to one of the largest population percentages of Veterans, along with Wyoming, which has the highest rate in the nation. It should be no surprise that because of this, Big Sky Country is a popular destination for road trips. You’ll find a lot of great opportunities to go on adventures, take in the sights, and relax throughout the Treasure State. If you’re looking for views you simply can’t beat, here are five great ideas for your Montana road trip.

1. Go to the Sun at Glacier National Park

You’ll find plenty of great sights, sounds, and trails throughout Glacier National Park; however, a trip through the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must for any Montana road trip. Anyone driving through this 50-mile stretch of the park is rewarded with views words simply can’t do justice, including the amazing Continental Divide crossing at Logan Pass. Planning for Montana road trips means knowing where resources are and fortunately, there are multiple visitor centers with restrooms, exhibits, information, supplies, and more available.

2. Make It a Montana-Wyoming Road Trip With the Beartooth Highway

An easy way to enhance your drive is to make it a Wyoming and Montana road trip. You have many options when doing so, but traveling the Beartooth Highway on U.S. Route 212 is arguably the best. Taking this route will bring you to the breathtaking views of the tundra, lakes, valleys, and wildlife that call Yellowstone National Park home. If you’re going to view the Beartooth Scenic Byway for picturesque views of Beartooth Falls and all of the other sights available, you’ll need to make sure the roads are open. You can check the status online, as the roads typically open at the end of May and stay open until mid-October depending on weather conditions.

3. Camp, Fish, and Reconnect at Flathead Lake

Long ago, Lake Missoula was sprawling throughout the state; however, it’s no longer there. You can find a remnant of this previous landmark through the beauty of Flathead Lake. For every road trip Montana offers, none provides fishing and camping like Flathead Lake. It’s a great place near Native land that helps visitors reconnect with nature and each other. You can even view wild horses on the appropriately named landmark, Wild Horse Island. The public has thirteen sites managed by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks in the area, providing plenty of places to fish, camp, swim, launch boats, and engage in additional recreational activities.

4. Urban Meets the Outdoors in Bozeman

If you’re taking a road trip in Montana, there’s a good chance you may end up in Bozeman, but if you aren’t already planning it, make the time. The great thing about a trip to Bozeman is that you get modern, urban amenities but have great proximity to the outdoors. Of course, you’ll rarely forget this considering the breathtaking views. Visitors have plenty of shopping to do on Main Street but can also easily enjoy flyfishing adventures and are likely to spot a grizzly or two. Hike to the “M” on a 1.6-mile loop that showcases the beauty of the Gallatin Valley while working off one of the city’s many craft breweries.

5. Try Your Luck Throughout the Treasure State

Any road trip through Montana can provide seeing the outdoors but if you are looking for entertainment. Don’t forget the many casinos available throughout the state. They come in all shapes, sizes, and locations. Here are a few of the many options where you can try your luck:

  • Gray Wolf Peak Casino (Missoula)
  • Magic Diamond Casino (Butte)
  • Montana Nugget Casino (Billings)
  • Silver Wolf Casino (Wolf Point)
  • Victorian Casino (Whitefish)

Big Sky Country offers many fun options all among some of the most beautiful landscapes our nation has to offer. Wherever your Montana road trip takes you, you’re sure to find the beauty of it all at every turn. Suggested reads:


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