Look no further than right here for some of the best day trips in Montana! Even if all you can spare is a single day, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy a wide array of wonderful experiences. From charming small towns to picturesque trails, exciting events, and everything in between, you’ll find something to suit your travel desires. So without further adieu, check ’em out – one for each month of the year!
- January: Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort Facebook There’s never a bad time to visit Big Sky and the Big Sky Resort, but January is an especially magical (albeit cold) month here. Obviously, the skiing is fantastic … but even if you don’t do snow sports, you can enjoy the shopping, dining, and spa services at Big Sky Mountain Village. We definitely recommend coming for at least a few days, but if you can’t, it is definitely one of the best day trips in Montana. Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT, USA
- February: Whitefish Winter Carnival
Whitefish Winter Carnival Facebook This annual event held in its namesake Whitefish Winter is always a blast, and each year there is a different theme. Whether you come for the day or for the entire 3-day festival, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best quirkiness you’ve ever seen! It is definitely one of the most unique things to do around Montana. Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
- March: Butte
The annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Butte, MT Facebook We’re not saying that Butte has the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the country or anything … but we’re not claiming that it doesn’t, either. If you’ve never experienced the fun for yourself, make this the year you go. Butte, MT, USA
- April: Bozeman
Tim Evanson / Flickr Bozeman is without a doubt one of the best day trips in Montana! We suggest that you visit before the summer hits and the tourists flock to the city for the Sweet Pea Festival and other fun. While it might be colder and grayer than this photo would indicate, you can still visit your favorite restaurants, shops, and the Museum of the Rockies in peace. And don’t forget to go for a spring soak at Bozeman Hot Springs! Bozeman, MT, USA
- May: The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas
Ewam Garden of One Thousand Buddhas Facebook Located in Arlee, The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas is a public garden and a place for people of all faiths to come enjoy some quiet contemplation. Sounds like a perfect way to spend a spring day. If you’re searching for “getaway spots near me,” this one will certainly rise to the top of the list. Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, USA
- June: Virginia City
Brenda / Flickr When was the last time you visited Virginia City, Montana’s most charming ghost town? Celebrate summer’s arrival with a day trip if it’s feasible. June is when this little town becomes more “spirited.” Virginia City, MT 59729, USA
- July: Livingston
Tracy Hunter / Flickr A parade, fireworks, family-friendly fun - oh, and Montana’s most famous rodeo. All of this happens in the beautiful town of Livingston. One of the best day trips in Montana, we can’t think of a better place to spend the 4th of July. Livingston, MT 59047, USA
- August: Missoula
Missoula Downtown Facebook There’s nothing like a beautiful summer day in Missoula. Treat yourself to some huckleberry ice cream from Big Dipper and walk the Riverfront Trail. And if you happen to be there on a Thursday, you can check out the free performances and food trucks at Downtown ToNight at Caras Park. Missoula, MT, USA
- September: Montana Bale Trail (What The Hay)
Montana Bale Trail: What the Hay Facebook If you live in central or eastern Montana, head to Hobson anytime after the first Sunday after Labor Day and check out this fascinating hay sculpture contest. This longtime tradition is sure to make you laugh. Hobson, MT 59452, USA
- October: Flathead Valley
Troy Smith/Flickr Montana’s fall foliage is highly underrated. And while a day trip to Glacier National Park may not be possible, you can cruise through the Flathead Valley and see scenes like this. Search “day trips near me” and this beautiful town will appear, Flathead Valley, Montana 59911, USA
- November: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Facebook While it can snow in Montana anytime, November is when the winter weather starts getting real. Take a break and warm up in the piping hot pools of the fabulous Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. It is one of the most popular resorts in the state and visited by locals and tourists alike. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, 1500 Fairmont Rd, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
- December: Bigfork
kyle v/Google Maps Bigfork has become well-known as Montana’s Christmas Village. The local chamber of commerce and some of the businesses are always hosting events that will help you get into the holiday spirit. Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Montana is an amazing place to explore in any season. Have you been to any of these places? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences.
Big Sky Resort Facebook
There’s never a bad time to visit Big Sky and the Big Sky Resort, but January is an especially magical (albeit cold) month here. Obviously, the skiing is fantastic … but even if you don’t do snow sports, you can enjoy the shopping, dining, and spa services at Big Sky Mountain Village. We definitely recommend coming for at least a few days, but if you can’t, it is definitely one of the best day trips in Montana.
Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT, USA
Whitefish Winter Carnival Facebook
This annual event held in its namesake Whitefish Winter is always a blast, and each year there is a different theme. Whether you come for the day or for the entire 3-day festival, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best quirkiness you’ve ever seen! It is definitely one of the most unique things to do around Montana.
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
The annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Butte, MT Facebook
We’re not saying that Butte has the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the country or anything … but we’re not claiming that it doesn’t, either. If you’ve never experienced the fun for yourself, make this the year you go.
Butte, MT, USA
Tim Evanson / Flickr
Bozeman is without a doubt one of the best day trips in Montana! We suggest that you visit before the summer hits and the tourists flock to the city for the Sweet Pea Festival and other fun. While it might be colder and grayer than this photo would indicate, you can still visit your favorite restaurants, shops, and the Museum of the Rockies in peace. And don’t forget to go for a spring soak at Bozeman Hot Springs!
Bozeman, MT, USA
Ewam Garden of One Thousand Buddhas Facebook
Located in Arlee, The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas is a public garden and a place for people of all faiths to come enjoy some quiet contemplation. Sounds like a perfect way to spend a spring day. If you’re searching for “getaway spots near me,” this one will certainly rise to the top of the list.
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, USA
Brenda / Flickr
When was the last time you visited Virginia City, Montana’s most charming ghost town? Celebrate summer’s arrival with a day trip if it’s feasible. June is when this little town becomes more “spirited.”
Virginia City, MT 59729, USA
Tracy Hunter / Flickr
A parade, fireworks, family-friendly fun - oh, and Montana’s most famous rodeo. All of this happens in the beautiful town of Livingston. One of the best day trips in Montana, we can’t think of a better place to spend the 4th of July.
Livingston, MT 59047, USA
Missoula Downtown Facebook
There’s nothing like a beautiful summer day in Missoula. Treat yourself to some huckleberry ice cream from Big Dipper and walk the Riverfront Trail. And if you happen to be there on a Thursday, you can check out the free performances and food trucks at Downtown ToNight at Caras Park.
Missoula, MT, USA
Montana Bale Trail: What the Hay Facebook
If you live in central or eastern Montana, head to Hobson anytime after the first Sunday after Labor Day and check out this fascinating hay sculpture contest. This longtime tradition is sure to make you laugh.
Hobson, MT 59452, USA
Troy Smith/Flickr
Montana’s fall foliage is highly underrated. And while a day trip to Glacier National Park may not be possible, you can cruise through the Flathead Valley and see scenes like this. Search “day trips near me” and this beautiful town will appear,
Flathead Valley, Montana 59911, USA
Fairmont Hot Springs Facebook
While it can snow in Montana anytime, November is when the winter weather starts getting real. Take a break and warm up in the piping hot pools of the fabulous Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. It is one of the most popular resorts in the state and visited by locals and tourists alike.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, 1500 Fairmont Rd, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
kyle v/Google Maps
Bigfork has become well-known as Montana’s Christmas Village. The local chamber of commerce and some of the businesses are always hosting events that will help you get into the holiday spirit.
Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
If you enjoy live music events, check out the annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best day trips in Montana July 28, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Where are some of the best ski resorts in Montana? As you might imagine, because of how far north Montana is in the country, there are many amazing ski resorts. If you enjoy cross-country skiing (or would like to try it), you might think about going to the Homestake Lodge. Located in the town of Whitehall, the lodge is unique in that it is a completely sustainable property located off-the-grid. I’m looking for some good places to go fishing in Montana. Due to the abundance of waterways all over the state, fishing is one of the most popular activities here for residents and visitors alike. Some of the more well-known spots include Two Medicine Lakes, the Smith River, and the Gallatin River, just to name a few. I’m interested in historic landmarks in Montana. Montana has a very deep and rich history and there are numerous historic landmarks all over the state that serve to educate travelers about the past and how it led to the present. Among them is Butte, where you will learn a lot about the mining history here and how it fits into the overall story of the state’s founding.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best day trips in Montana
July 28, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Where are some of the best ski resorts in Montana? As you might imagine, because of how far north Montana is in the country, there are many amazing ski resorts. If you enjoy cross-country skiing (or would like to try it), you might think about going to the Homestake Lodge. Located in the town of Whitehall, the lodge is unique in that it is a completely sustainable property located off-the-grid. I’m looking for some good places to go fishing in Montana. Due to the abundance of waterways all over the state, fishing is one of the most popular activities here for residents and visitors alike. Some of the more well-known spots include Two Medicine Lakes, the Smith River, and the Gallatin River, just to name a few. I’m interested in historic landmarks in Montana. Montana has a very deep and rich history and there are numerous historic landmarks all over the state that serve to educate travelers about the past and how it led to the present. Among them is Butte, where you will learn a lot about the mining history here and how it fits into the overall story of the state’s founding.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you might imagine, because of how far north Montana is in the country, there are many amazing ski resorts. If you enjoy cross-country skiing (or would like to try it), you might think about going to the Homestake Lodge. Located in the town of Whitehall, the lodge is unique in that it is a completely sustainable property located off-the-grid.
I’m looking for some good places to go fishing in Montana.
Due to the abundance of waterways all over the state, fishing is one of the most popular activities here for residents and visitors alike. Some of the more well-known spots include Two Medicine Lakes, the Smith River, and the Gallatin River, just to name a few.
I’m interested in historic landmarks in Montana.
Montana has a very deep and rich history and there are numerous historic landmarks all over the state that serve to educate travelers about the past and how it led to the present. Among them is Butte, where you will learn a lot about the mining history here and how it fits into the overall story of the state’s founding.
