Why MONTANA Is The “Last Best Place” On Earth

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Introduction

Welcome to Montana, known as the Last Best Place and Big Sky Country. With its stunning landscapes that kiss the sky, Montana offers a beauty that’s both breathtaking and down-to-earth. This article invites you to experience Montana through its sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feels, just as locals do every day.

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What Montana Looks Like

Montana’s landscapes are a tapestry of rugged mountains, open valleys, snow-capped peaks, and sprawling spaces. From pristine lakes to winding rivers, the state is a haven of natural beauty.

Glacier National Park

One word sums up Glacier National Park: epic. Its majestic mountains, roaring rivers, and melting glaciers define Montana’s grandeur. For unforgettable views, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road from Lake McDonald to St. Mary Lake or hop on a boat tour through pristine waters.

Nevada City

Step back in time in Nevada City, a rebuilt abandoned town brimming with history. Its incredible buildings and vast collection of artifacts make it a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

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Yellowstone National Park

As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is teeming with wildlife. Spot elk and other animals roaming its mountains and valleys, and don’t miss the iconic Roosevelt Arch, the park’s historic entrance. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular.

Meshika Custom Hats

In Montana, a hat is more than an accessory—it’s a necessity for braving the elements. At Meshika Custom Hats, a third-generation hat-making business, artisans craft hats with a distressed, authentic Montana look, often using fire to perfect the style.

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What Montana Sounds Like

Montana’s soundscape is as diverse as its terrain. It’s the stillness of the wind, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves. Sometimes, it’s so quiet you hear nothing at all—and that’s pretty damn cool.

Shake-A-Day

At many Montana bars, you’ll hear the rattle of dice in a cup for Shake-A-Day, a game where players roll for a natural Yahtzee. It’s a lively tradition that brings locals together.

Music in the Mountains

Big Sky’s Music in the Mountains Festival is a free summer concert series that draws bands from across the country. The music echoes through downtown, pulling people out of their homes to enjoy the vibrant performances.

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What Montana Tastes Like

Montana’s flavors are as rich as its landscapes, rooted in local traditions and ingredients.

Bison Burgers at the Old Saloon

In Paradise Valley, the Old Saloon (established in 1902) serves classic bison burgers, a Montana staple. Sourced locally, these burgers embody the state’s rugged, authentic taste.

Montana Honey Moonshine Whiskey

Montana’s mining camps have a storied history of moonshine, and today, local distilleries carry on that legacy. Montana Honey Moonshine Whiskey offers a smooth, proud taste of the state’s heritage.

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Pekin Noodle Parlor

The Pekin Noodle Parlor in Butte, the oldest Chinese family-run restaurant in America, is famous for its Americanized chop suey. Born from miners’ early-morning needs, this dish combines leftover vegetables in gravy over chow mein noodles.

Sip ‘n Dip’s Fishbowl Cocktail

At the Sip ‘n Dip in Great Falls, enjoy a fishbowl cocktail while watching mermaids swim in a tiki lounge—a quirky, unforgettable Montana experience.

What Montana Smells Like

Montana smells fresh, with the scent of pine trees dominating the air, thanks to thousands of acres of National Forest Service land. You’ll also catch whiffs of cattle ranches, leather, horse manure, and the crisp aroma of fish and river water.

What Montana Feels Like

Montana is a sensory adventure, alive with experiences that connect you to its wild spirit.

Fly Fishing on the Yellowstone River

Montana is a fly-fishing paradise, one of the few places where you can catch wild trout born in the river. The Yellowstone River offers not just fishing but a chance to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Ranch Work at Bar W Guest Ranch

At the Bar W Guest Ranch near Whitefish, saddle up to drive cattle with horses and feel the freedom of Montana’s open spaces. Riding horses here is at the heart of the state’s culture.

Unpredictable Weather

Montana’s weather is as wild as its landscapes, with sudden rainstorms, lightning, or even a hailstorm in July. Yet it also feels warm, like a big hug of love, and above all, like home.

Conclusion

Montana is a land of wild expanses and absolute freedom, a haven for the senses. With towering mountains, deep forests, and carefree cowboys, it’s the perfect escape from city life. Connect with nature, friendly locals, and yourself in the Last Best Place. Plan your visit to experience Montana’s magic firsthand.

Thanks for exploring Montana with us! For more travel inspiration, check out Lonely Planet’s guides to destinations around the world.

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