Often called Big Sky Country, Montana is one of the most photogenic states I’ve ever explored! I spent two unforgettable months road-tripping through its jaw-dropping landscapes and couldn’t wait to share my favorite spots…
1. Glacier National Park
I thought this much-loved beauty spot was breathtaking! Established in 1910, I found it was filled with snow-capped mountains, spectacular lakes, magnificent glaciers, Instagram-worthy icefields, pristine forests, gorgeous alpine meadows, and very diverse flora and fauna!
I drove here from Lewistown, heading northwest for 4.5 hours, passing small prairie towns and mountain foothills to reach the entrance to Glacier. I stayed at the rustic Lake McDonald Lodge for 4 days (I saw that secluded 3-star Many Glacier Hotel was another good option). It felt wild, majestic, and awe-inspiring — a remote alpine paradise filled with untamed wilderness!
- Location: Northern part of the state (along the border of USA and Canada)
- Location Map
- Size: spans over one million acres
- Wildlife: ranges from grizzly bears and wolves to moose and mountain goats and shy Canadian lynx.
My favorite highlights…
Taking a narrated boat tour on Lake McDonald with Glacier Park Boat Company – I loved that our guide pointed out hidden lodges, ancient fire scars, and shared stories of early explorers!
2. Bozeman
I was completely won over by this small but vibrant city! I found it to be a very easy-on-the-eye place with a historic downtown, trendy craft breweries, interesting independent shops, well-maintained green spaces, stunning mountain views and an awesome foodie scene which offers excellent farm-to-table dining and organic restaurants.
I started my Montana road trip here flying into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, picking up a rental car, and based myself in the city for three fun days before heading off. I loved its hip, outdoorsy, and laid-back vibe – it was a vibrant mountain city mixed in with rustic charm and a cool, modern edge.
I spent my days hiking the panoramic “M” Trail, soaking in the mineral-rich Bozeman Hot Springs, rafting the Gallatin River, exploring downtown’s Main Street awesome independent shops and breweries, and visiting the Museum of the Rockies which had world-class dinosaur exhibits.
During the winter, I heard from the locals that there was excellent skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, sledding, tubing, and snowmobiling on offer!
- Location: Gallatin Valley in the southwest part of the state
- Location Map
- Population: approx. 58,000 residents
- Wildlife: black bears, elk, mountain lions, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
My highlights…
- Tasting craft beers at Bridge Brewing – my favorite was the citrusy Bone Dust Wheat Ale and Bridge Pale Ale, which had a crisp, hoppy finish with hints of grapefruit and pine!
3. Yellowstone National Park
This is one of the most jaw-dropping places on the planet! Established in 1872, it sits atop a volcanic hotspot, creating some of the most unique and extraordinary scenery on the planet! It was filled with breathtaking geothermal features, dramatic canyons, rivers, hot springs, gushing geysers, travertine terraces, vast mountain ranges, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes and fast flowing waterfalls.
I traveled from West Yellowstone, entering directly through the western gate for easy access to the geysers and trails and spent four days at the cozy, rustic-chic Old Faithful Inn which was located in the park.
I spent it watching Old Faithful erupt in the Upper Geyser Basin, admiring the surreal colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, hiking to Fairy Falls, spotting wildlife in Lamar Valley, exploring the dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, discovering the Mammoth Hot Springs and the sprawling Yellowstone Lake.
My personal highlights…
- Discovering Lamar Valley which is often known “America’s Serengeti,” although I didn’t see of all them, bison, wolves, elk and bears live here!
4. Whitefish Mountain Resort
I thought was a seriously dreamy Instagram-worthy mountain resort! It was filled with stunning alpine views, snow-covered slopes, thick pine forests, and charming mountain architecture all framed by panoramic vistas of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley below.
I drove 2 hours southwest from Waterton via Glacier’s western edge to reach the alpine resort town and spent a fun 3 days here.
I spent it riding the scenic lift up Big Mountain for panoramic views, hiking the wildflower-lined Danny On Trail, mountain biking the downhill trails, ziplining through the forest canopy, and exploring nature on guided Walk in the Treetops tours.
I heard from the locals that during the winter it was filled with world-class skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
- Location: Rocky Mountains, northern part of the state
- Wildlife: black bears, whitetail deer, red foxes, bald eagles, and occasional mountain lions.
- Size: covers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain
My personal highlights…
- Staying over at the funky 4-star Firebrand Hotel. I loved the trendy styling, the rooftop hot tub and the modern onsite spa!
- Discovering the modern spa at the stunning rustic-chic Lodge at Whitefish Lake and indulging in a Green Tea & Seaberry Rejuvenating Facial.
5. Beartooth Highway
I personally couldn’t get enough of the breathtaking scenery here – I loved how it wound through high alpine tundra, jagged snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and dramatic switchbacks which had incredible views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains.
Leaving Yellowstone via the northeast entrance, I joined the iconic Beartooth Highway and drove 68 miles of winding high-altitude scenic road to Red Lodge. I loved how it felt wild, rugged, and exhilarating — it was dramatic high-altitude adventure.
I spent a full day driving the jaw-dropping switchbacks to Rock Creek Vista Point, hiking the Lake Fork or Mystic Lake Trails, spotting wildlife in the alpine meadows, and shopping for quirky souvenirs at the iconic Top of the World Store.
- Location: runs from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the town of Red Lodge
- Location Map
- Length: stretches for 68 miles through mountainous terrain
- Wildlife: grizzly bears and mountain goats to moose, elk, pikas, and marmots.
My favorite highlights…
- Hiking the popular Mystic Lake Trail which took me five hours to complete and lead me to the scenic Mystic Lake.
- Shopping for unique souvenirs at the iconic Top of The World Store – I though it was a fabulously quirky spot!
6. Livingston
Dating back to 1882, I thought this picturesque historic town set was a gem with its dramatic backdrop of the Absaroka and Crazy Mountains, charming 19th-century buildings, old brick storefronts, and a well-preserved downtown lined with vintage neon signs, all nestled along the winding Yellowstone River.
From Paradise Valley, I drove just 25 minutes north along the scenic Yellowstone River to reach the artsy, historic town of Livingston. It had an artsy, historic, and Western-chic vibe — a laid-back mountain town with frontier charm, and creative energy.
I spent two days browsing local art at the Danforth Gallery, listening to a live bluegrass band at The Attic, strolling the historic Main Street, shopping at Wolf’s Mercantile and Cactus Blossom Collective, and relaxing by the Yellowstone River with views of the Absaroka Mountains.
- Location Map
- Population: approx. 8,400 residents
- Wildlife: pronghorn antelope, elk, black bears, mountain bluebirds, and bighorn sheep.
My favorite highlights…
- I loved hearing from the locals that the town had featured in A River Runs Through It, The Horse Whisperer, and even Marlboro adverts – I thought it looked familiar!
7. Paradise Valley
I thought the scenery at the scenic river valley was stunning for its wide, open landscapes where the Yellowstone River woudl through golden meadows framed by the towering, snow-dusted Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges, with peaceful ranchlands, pretty wildflowers, and dramatic sunsets.
I drove 40 minutes south from Bozeman through winding river valleys and ranchland to reach the peaceful landscapes of Paradise Valley and I loved the tranquil, rustic, and restorative vibe it had here.
I stayed at Insta-worthy 4-star Sage Lodge for two days and soaked at Chico Hot Springs, hiked the Pine Creek Trail to Pine Creek Falls, explored the charming shops and galleries in Livingston, and captured breathtaking sunset views from the Paradise Valley Scenic Loop.
- Location: southwestern part of the state
- Location Map
- Size: stretches around 53 miles from Livingston to Gardiner
- Wildlife: bald eagles and sandhill cranes to elk, grizzly bears, and river otters.
My personal highlights…
- Visiting the laid-back small back of Gardiner, I loved the well-preserved historic buildings and cute independent shops located there.
8. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
I thought this UNESCO World Heritage Site was extraordinary with its seamless blend of two stunning national parks filled with glacial-carved valleys, crystal-clear lakes, rugged peaks, wildflower-strewn meadows, and abundant wildlife, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and preserved as a symbol of cross-border harmony.
From the Many Glacier area, I continued 1.5 hours north to the Canadian border to reach the lakes and trails of Waterton Lakes National Park. I loved how it felt serene, majestic, and unspoiled — a peaceful cross-border wilderness where nature, history, and harmony come together!
I stayed for an incredible 3 days at the stunningly located Prince of Wales Hotel (which was built in 1927) driving the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking the Bertha Falls Trail, taking a boat cruise on Waterton Lake, visiting the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, and stargazing under pristine, dark skies free from light pollution.
- Location: straddles the border between the USA and Canada, combining Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada.
- Location Map
- Size: covers over 1,720 square miles combined between the two parks
- Wildlife: bighorn sheep, cougars, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and over 260 bird species.
My highlights…
- Going on a two hour scenic cruise on Waterton Lake with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. – the lake views were stunning!
9. Helena National Forest
I thought this protected forest was breathtaking – it was a stunning expanse of wild landscapes filled with thick pine forests, dramatic mountain ridges, winding rivers, hidden alpine lakes, and tranquil wilderness trails.
I continued west for just 30 minutes from the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to explore the tranquil wilderness trails and peaks of Helena National Forest near the state capital. It felt quiet, rugged, and remote — a peaceful forest escape perfect for solitude, adventure, and reconnecting with nature!
I spent two days hiking the scenic Meriwether Canyon and Mann Gulch Trails, exploring the dramatic cliffs of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, camping in the Big Belt Mountains, and spotting mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
- Location: west-central state (near the city of Helena)
- Location Map
- Size: spans around 976,000 acres
- Wildlife: bears and wolves to moose, mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and lynx.
My highlights…
- Camping overnight in the tranquil Moose Creek Flat Campground in the Big Belt Mountains – the panoramic views of the forest and surrounding mountains were stunning!
10. American Prairie Reserve
I thought this American Prairie Reserve was breathtaking for its endless, wide-open landscapes of rolling grasslands, winding rivers, and big skies, where herds of bison roamed freely l set against a peaceful backdrop of golden plains.
I drove northeast from Blodgett Canyon for 5.5 hours through wide-open plains and remote byways to reach the vast grasslands of the American Prairie Reserve. I loved that it wild, remote, and pioneering — a serene, off-the-grid escape focused on nature, conservation, and quiet solitude!
I spent two days hiking the scenic PN Ranch and Buffalo Camp Loop Trails, spotting bison and prairie dogs on the open plains, visiting the American Prairie National Discovery Center, stargazing under the Milky Way from a solar-powered yurt and visiting the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum (I loved the collection of dinosaur fossils!).
- Location: northern Great Plains of Montana, stretching north and south of the Missouri River
- Location Map
- Size: covers over 450,000 acres (with a goal to expand to 3.2 million)
- Wildlife: includes bison, pronghorn, elk, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and burrowing owls.
My personal highlights…
- Biking the flat and easy 10 mile Pioneer Trail which took me past wide-open spaces and along the picturesque Missouri River.
11. Whitefish City Beach
I have to include this spot as it’s one of the most popular beaches in the whole state! Located on the shores of Whitefish Lake in the much-loved resort town of Whitefish, I personally love it too and think it’s a great reason to explore the famous skiing town during the summer months!
While staying in Whitefish, I took a 5-minute drive to the southern tip of Whitefish Lake to spend the day at the city beach.
Attracting both locals and visitors it stretches around 270 meters along the southern tip of the crystal-clear lake with a mix of fine and coarse sand and its wide and some places and narrower in others. It’s also family-friendly with a designated swimming area and lifeguards typically being on duty during the summer period.
When here I always try to get involved with as many activities as I can including kayaking, paddle-boarding, serene boating, picnicking under gazebos or on the tables, fun beach volleyball, capturing scenic photos of the mountains, hiking or biking nearby trails and spotting wildlife. There’s also a children’s playground.
- Location: southern tip of Whitefish Lake, in the resort town of Whitefish, northwest Montana
- Location Map
- Size: beach stretches approx. 270 meters on the southern tip of Whitefish Lake
- Wildlife: includes osprey, bald eagles, whitetail deer, loons, and occasional black bears near forested trails.
My favorite highlights…
- Renting a kayak from Whitefish Outfitters and exploring the lake’s stunning scenery.
- Staying until evening and watching an Instagram-worthy sunset where the sky and lake glowed in a palette of pinks, oranges and purples!
- Hiking the Lion Mountain Trail (located just 10 minutes away from the beach). It took me on a three mile round trip through the surrounding forest, the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains were stunning!
12. Rocky Mountains
This is of the most famous and jaw-dropping mountain ranges in the whole world! The area includes many other places I’ve mentioned on the list such as the Glacier National Park but it also deserves a special mention of its own!
Attracting adventure and outdoor lovers, the scenery here always takes my breath away and consists of majestic peaks, long valleys, thick forests and clear lakes.
I drove just over an hour south from Bozeman to reach the Big Sky area in the heart of the Montana Rockies, surrounded by towering peaks, alpine meadows, and endless outdoor adventures.
It’s a premier destination in both winter and summer, and during the winter there’s a huge range of activities on offer including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, winter hiking, fat biking, heli-skiing, and soaking in natural hot springs.
I also love exploring here in the summer and the activities then include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, incredible wildlife watching, fun zip-lining, and stunning scenic drives! There’s also a fantastic range of accommodation options from upscale resorts and chic boutique hotels to cozy cabins and yurt style camping!
On my trip I highly recommend visiting the breathtakingly scenic Big Sky Ski Resort, Whitefish Mountain Resort – home to lofty peaks, stunning trails, and a quirky downtown area – and exploring the beautiful Bitterroot Valley for wildlife spotting, where I kept an eye out for grizzly bears, elk, moose, and eagles!
- Location: they cover a significant portion of the western part of the state.
- Location Map
- Size: the Montana portion covers tens of thousands of square miles across the western part of the state.
- Wildlife: ranges from grizzly bears, elk, and wolves to marmots, eagles, and mountain goats.
My highlights…
- Hiking the popular Pine Creek Lake Trail which started in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, near Livingston and took me on a scenic round trip passing dense forests, waterfalls, mountain views and up to the picturesque Pine Creek Lake.
- Staying at the incredible upscale glamping resort The Green O where we stayed in Instagram-worthy tree-house style lodges complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and private hot tubs!
- Relaxing in the natural hot springs public bathing pools at Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa in Chico Hot Springs town.
13. Wild Horse Island State Park
I have to mention this underrated gem and I absolutely loved seeing the horses here! The island – which spans 2,1600 acres – as a whole makes up the unspoilt state park located in Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the western United States.
I drove 1.5 hours south from Whitefish to the town of Lakeside, then took a short boat shuttle across Flathead Lake to reach the peaceful shores of Wild Horse Island.
Wild Horse Island State Park was only accessible by boat and I love how generally uncrowded and tranquil this place is! The scenery is also gorgeous and is filled with pine forests, wildflower-filled meadows, rocky outcrops and a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches.
There’s plenty of wildlife too including bighorn sheep, mule deer, eagles and osprey, although easily the biggest draw are the gorgeous free-roaming wild horses that call this place home (they are thought to have been left here by the Kootenai people many centuries ago).
Appealing to nature lovers and animal lovers (that’s me!), I really enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic trails, boating and kayaking around the island, swimming in the clear waters of the surrounding lake and going for picnics on the shores while gazing at the wonderful views!
I would just say, be aware this is a day destination only so there is no camping overnight. I found that the nearby towns of Bigfork, Polson and Lakeside all offer a good range of accommodation options though.
- Location: the largest island on Flathead Lake, northwestern part of the state
- Location Map
- Size: spans 2,160 acres
- Wildlife: wild horses, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and osprey
My highlights…
- Hiking the Summit Trail which took me on a two hour round trip taking me to the highest point – the stunning panoramic views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains made it worth it!
- Going for a refreshing swim after walking the scenic Shoreline Trail.
- Photographing the adorable wild horses! Some are frisky though, so just keep a safe distance!
14. West Yellowstone
I personally think West Yellowstone is one of the best small towns in southern Montana! Located right at the western entrance, its serves as a gateway town to world-famous Yellowstone National Park, but it’s also a unique tourist attraction in its own right!
I headed south from Livingston for 2 hours through Gallatin Canyon and mountain passes to reach West Yellowstone and the park entrance.
I loved the quaint, rustic and outdoorsy feel it has to the place and it’s home to an interesting collection of independent shops – some very quirky – and restaurants serving up hearty, comfort foods, a theatre, and plenty of places to stay from historic inns and mid-range hotels to campsites and cozy log cabins.
I also loved the range of activities you can get involved in here and they include excellent hiking, amazing wildlife-watching, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, exploring Yellowstone National Park (of course!) and during the winter you can go on fun snowmobiling tours, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing!
On my trip I paid a visit to the magnificent Yellowstone River (the country’s last “free-flowing” river), the family-friendly Playmill Theatre, the serene Earthquake Lake, and the interesting Museum of Yellowstone.
- Location: western entrance of Yellowstone National Park, southern part of the state
- Location Map
- Population: approx. 1,300 residents
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying hearty homestyle food at the Western-style Outpost Restaurant. If you’re going at breakfast, I highly recommend trying their delicious blueberry pancakes!
15. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
This is a gorgeous tranquil hidden gem and I come here when I want some peace! Located along Missouri River in the western part of the state near the city of Helena it spans around 28,560 acres. I’m a big fan of how uncrowded it is and also the breathtaking scenery which includes dramatic limestone cliffs, high meadows, steep canyons, scenic valleys and the mighty river.
It attracts nature lovers, adventurous types, photographers and families with a range of accommodation options in the nearby towns of Helena, Wolf Creek and Cascade.
I also love that there’s an excellent range of activities on offer including hiking, scenic boat tours, wildlife watching (bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bald eagles live here) and historical tours – the area is interestingly linked to important past events such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805 and the tragic Mann Gulch Fire in 1949.
From Red Lodge, I drove northwest for 4.5 hours through rolling hills and small towns to reach the Missouri River and the dramatic limestone cliffs of Gates of the Mountains.
I found out that camping overnight here isn’t allowed due to its wilderness status but I but really enjoyed hiking the Mann Gulch Trail which lead to the poignant historical site and the Meriwether Canyon Trail, here I saw spectacular views of the magnificent Missouri River and surrounding cliffs.
- Location: western part of the state (near the city of Helena)
- Location Map
- Size: spans around 28,560 acres
- Wildlife: bighorn sheep, bald eagles, mountain goats, mule deer, and black bears.
My favorite highlights…
- Hiking the scenic two-hour Refrigerator Canyon Trail, which took me through the unique and narrow Refrigerator Canyon – it also acts like a natural wind funnel!
- Going on a guided scenic boat tour on the “Canyon Voyager.” The scenery of the towering limestone cliffs located along the Missouri River was just incredible – I also loved learning all about the area and its interesting historical events as well!
16. Blodgett Canyon
I love how this beauty spot is relatively uncrowded compared to some of the more popular spots in the state! I personally think it offers some of the best hiking – the scenery is dramatic, the trails are accessible but peaceful and there’s great opportunities for extended backcountry hiking.
Located in the western part of the state, Blodgett Canyon, carved out by Ice Age glaciers, is beautifully situated in the Bitterroot National Forest within the Bitterroot Range of the Northern Rocky Mountains, near the town of Hamilton.
I’m also captivated by the jaw-dropping scenery here – the canyon is surrounded by thick forests, lush valleys, wonderful waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows and the peaks of the surrounding mountains.
Attracting nature lovers and adventurous types, there’s also a great range of activities including hiking, rock climbing on the granite cliffs on the canyon, wildlife-watching (I always try to spot the bighorn sheep, bald eagles and mountain goats that live here) and scenic backcountry camping.
From Helena, I took a 2.5-hour drive west through ranchland and forests to reach the rugged scenery and granite cliffs near Hamilton.
On my trip I really enjoyed hiking the Blodgett Canyon Trail for Instagram-worthy views of the towering granite cliffs, Blodgett Creek, and cascading waterfalls and Canyon Creek Trail which follows the Canyon Creek, with views of the picturesque waterfalls and mountain peaks along the way.
- Location: western part of the state
- Location Map
- Size: canyon trail area spans several miles within the 1.6 million acre Bitterroot National Forest
- Wildlife: includes mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, black bears, and mule deer.
My personal highlights…
- Seeing the spectacular Blodgett Canyon Falls which I reached after hiking several miles along the popular Blodgett Canyon Trail.
- Photographing the canyon from the best viewpoint, Blodgett Overlook. I reached it after hiking 1.5 miles on the same trail!
17. Montana State Capitol
If you’re a history, politics or architecture fan then I highly recommend exploring Montana’s fine state capital! It’s a grand historic building constructed between 1899 and 1902 that resides on a gentle slope surrounded by beautiful manicured lawns and was completely charmed by the place on my trip!
It’s located in Helena, which is the capital of the state and I personally also really enjoyed exploring the rest of the city while I was here. It has a friendly, laid back vibe and I loved exploring all the restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums located here.
The building itself is made mostly from granite and sandstone in a striking Greek neoclassical architectural style with a photogenic copper-based Capitol dome. Inside, it houses Montana state legislature and an attractive rotunda with four circular paintings depicting the people of Montana’s early history.
I based myself in Helena and visited the Capitol just a few minutes’ drive from my accommodation near downtown.
My favorite spots were the stunning Lady Liberty which sits atop the Capitol dome, the beautiful murals, the intricate stained glass windows, and the exquisite marble that all preserve the early history of the Treasure State.
- Location: in the city of Helena, west-central Montana
- Location Map
- Population: approx. 32,000 residents in Helena
- Best time to visit: Monday – Friday: Tours at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a self-guided tour around the building so I could explore at my own pace – my favorite parts were being able to see in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers and the interesting historic murals!
- Visiting the Original Governor’s Mansion a beautifully restored historic mansion (built in 1888) which was located a mile away from the State Capitol – I loved the ornate furnishings, the four poster beds and the educational guided tour.
18. Conrad Mansion
Also known as the Conrad Mansion Museum, I love this historic gem as it’s one of the best examples of preserved Victorian architecture in Northwestern United States. When I visited I felt like I was transported back to a more elegant time!
Nestled in the heart of Montana’s wilderness in a city called Kalispell, it overlooks the picturesque Flathead Valley with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
It was once the former home of the businessman Charles E. Conrad and his family and it was donated to the city in 1974. My stand out memories of my visit included the costumed guided tours which gave me a glimpse of life in the late 19th century, the grand oak staircase and the opulent four poster beds.
From Whitefish, I drove 25 minutes south to Kalispell and visited this beautifully preserved Victorian mansion in the heart of town.
I suggest exploring all of the 26 rooms and my favorite parts were the feature diamond-paned stained glass windows, original family furnishings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and the historic drystone fence.
- Address: 330 Woodland Ave, Kalispell, MT 59901
- Location: northwestern part of the state
- Location Map
My highlights…
- Taking a guided tour and discovering the history of the mansion – I loved learning how the Conrad family impacted the state.
- Strolling through the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the property, I loved photographing the vibrant flower beds filled with a stunning array of colorful blooms!
19. Moss Mansion
I thought this place was a gorgeous quaint gem! This is an impressive historic mansion open to the public for both guided and self-guided tours, where you can explore the striking 28-room historic home. Built in 1903 and located in the city of Bilings, it was once the home of the wealthy Moss Family but has now turned into the popular Moss Mansion Museum.
I was a big fan of the unique red brick building – which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – and architecture fans will love that is was designed by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the famous Plaza Hotel in NYC. The large gardens were also wonderful with well-manicured lawns, charming walkways and seasonal flowers.
To finish the loop, I drove 5.5 hours southeast from Kalispell to Billings, where I explored the red-brick grandeur of the Moss Mansion.
I personally was even more impressed inside though and the interiors were immaculately preserved with intricate woodwork, large marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, luxurious textiles, a marble fireplace, and beautiful paintings.
- Address: 914 Division Street, Billings, MT 59101
- Location:in the city of Billings, south-central Montana
- Location Map
My personal highlights…
- Seeing my favorite rooms which were the stunning conservatory (pictured above), the charming library which had wood paneling and built-in bookshelves and the opulent drawing room where the family’s guests were entertained.
- Going on a guided tour with a very knowledgeable guide – it was great to learn about about the history of the building and the interesting family who lived there!
