Montana is a state full of contradictions. You will find wide open plains as well as craggy snow covered mountain ranges. Home styles range from quaint farmhouses to magnificent log homes. You can hunt wild game or you can pamper yourself with a day at the spa. Whatever you choose to do in Montana, you will not be disappointed.
Outdoor Activities
Montana is a Mecca for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Year round activities include hunting wild game (seasonal), fishing in one of the many lakes, skiing at Big Sky or enjoying the uncrowded runs of a local mountain such as Whitefish near Glacier Park (seasonal), horseback riding or hiking and backpacking year round. Yellowstone National park is close enough to enjoy a day trip and is available to visitors year round. However, private vehicles are not allowed in the park during winter months so access is restricted to escorted tours.
Dining
Dining is truly an epicurean experience in Montana. Interesting dishes such as buffalo and bison burgers, locally caught trout and salmon, elk sausage and venison steak are available throughout the state. Downtown Bozeman is proud to be the home of Ted’s Montana Grill owned by Ted Turner. Located in the historic 1929 Baxter Hotel, everything in the restaurant from the recycled paper to the vegetables and meat used in the dishes comes from his local ranch.
Relaxation
While some vacations are meant for excitement and activity, sometimes all you want to do is escape from the hectic everyday noise of cell phones, computers, televisions and even other people. Montana offers many different spa experiences such as the Fairmont Hot Springs Spa with pools fed by natural hot springs or the historic turn of the century lodge at Chico Hot Springs Resort. Or you can simply relax in a lakeside or mountainside cabin and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Culture
Montana is often thought of as the cowboy state full of dude ranches and horses. While you will certainly find these, there is also a large Native American influence as well as many historic areas to visit. History buffs will enjoy visiting The Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument located outside of Billings. This is the spot where Custer’s last stand took place. Art connoisseurs can visit the Charles W. Russell museum in Great Falls. Along with Remington, Charles Russell is famous for his paintings depicting life in the west. Cities like Bozeman, Billings, Helena and Missoula, along with many other Montana towns, feature galleries full of paintings and sculptures from up and coming local artists.
Housing
By many standards, housing is still affordable in Montana. It is possible to purchase a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on a full acre for $200,000! Undeveloped land is also available if you are looking to build your dream home or vacation getaway. If money is no object the sky is the limit in Big Sky country. The Yellowstone Club, outside of Bozeman and located at the foot of Big Sky ski resort, offers just 865 private residences on over 13,000 acres. This development features a private ski lift with heated seats (the ultimate in luxury!), a golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf and all the privacy and security you could want.
Plan your visit to our nation’s 41st state today to enjoy your own personal MontanAscape.
Kelly has captured Montana. We look forward to more suggestions for travel destinations from her.
Winston,Hamilton MT