29 Best Hidden Gems In Montana To Visit During The Summer
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There’s nothing quite like exploring hidden gems in Montana. These places are full of mountainous views, natural beauty, and local favorites.
As frequent travelers, we love exploring hidden destinations across the United States because these spots usually mean fewer crowds and better views.
Here’s a list of the best off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Montana to bring your mountain getaway to the next level.
1. Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas
For those searching for a truly memorable experience that involves getting away from life’s negative energies, consider visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.
This site is located in Arlee, Montana, and was created to inspire peace and compassion in others. It is a great place to visit to take in some unique and peaceful views, and they also offer meditation classes here.
2. Kootenai Falls
Kootenai Falls is an excellent place to visit for nature lovers and those looking to take in the views of a distinct water feature. This beautiful rushing waterfall will have you in awe of Montana’s natural beauty.
Be sure to check out the swinging bridge that provides access to the Kootenai River for a truly memorable experience with fabulous views.
3. Boiling River
The Boiling River is another fantastic hidden gem in Montana, located in Yellowstone National Park. It is a beautiful place to take in the state’s natural beauty and a great place to visit within the national park.
4. Jim’s Horn House
Look no further for those searching for a true off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Montana!
Jim’s Horn House is located in Three Forks, Montana, and is home to over 16,000 antlers. From the top to the bottom of the walls, each antler is displayed in a small shed.
Those intrigued by various wildlife antlers must check out this spot for a truly intriguing experience.
5. Morrell Falls
Morrell Falls is one of Montana’s most beautiful hidden gems. This trail is a phenomenal place to get outside and exercise as you hike to the waterfall.
The views of the waterfall are tremendous as you gaze at the double waterfall that flows into Morrell Lake.
6. Havre Beneath the Streets
For history lovers or those looking to step back in time, you must check out Havre Beneath the Streets. This fantastic historical tour will transport you back to the early days in Montana when Havre was destroyed during a fire, and the townspeople decided to move their businesses underground.
This tour does an excellent job of displaying what life was like back then and teaching you the history behind the town of Havre.
7. St. Ignatius Mission
The breathtaking St. Ignatius Mission Church is located in St. Ignatius, Montana, and is known for its jaw-dropping original paintings and fabulous views of the surrounding Mission Mountain Range.
This church, built in the late 1800s, is truly a remarkable place to visit. In addition to the prestigious church, there is a museum and gift shop on site.
8. Bleu Horses
One of Montana’s best-hidden gems is the Bleu Horses, overlooking Highway 287. The sculptor Jim Dolan created 39 horses that stand tall on a hilltop.
This is a truly phenomenal site; at first glance, you may not realize these horses are sculptures!
9. Garnet Ghost Town
For those looking to step back in time and learn more about Montana’s gold mines, Garnet Ghost Town must be on your Montana bucket list.
Garnet was once a thriving town filled with countless miners, but as gold began to grow scarce, it became a Ghost Town.
This is a great place to learn more about the mining roots in the Northwest and is an excellent place to learn more aboutMontana’s history.
10. Beartooth Mountains
The Beartooth Mountains may not be the most “hidden” off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Montana, but it must be on your list of places to visit when exploring the beautiful state.
The Beartooth Mountains consist of 41 of Montana’s tallest peaks, and any outdoor and nature lover must visit them.
One of the most gorgeous and scenic ways to experience this area is by road down Beartooth Scenic Highway.
11. Makoshika State Park
Another not-so-hidden gem in Montana that must be on your list of places to visit is Makoshika State Park. This state park is Montana’s largest and is known for its incredible landscapes and fossil remains.
This is a fantastic place to take in the surrounding views and fossil formations. It is also a great place to indulge in countless outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and even camping!
If you plan on visiting the park in the winter months and would like to hike the trails, be sure to pack your crampons or microspikes for the best possible experience.
We recommend visiting during the summer months for those looking to spend several days exploring Makoshika State Park. Make sure to pack your favorite tent for warm weather camping and your favorite camping fan so that you have the best possible camping experience while taking in all the natural beauty that Montana and its largest state park have to offer!
12. Koocanusa Sand Dunes
The Koocanusa Sand Dunes are an incredible place to visit for those looking to experience unique views in the state of Montana. It is also a great area to visit for those looking to take their vehicle off-road or go on an ATV or dirt bike adventure!
These sand dunes range significantly in size from 3 feet to 40 feet. This is a great area to get outside, explore some of Montana’s unique landscapes, and participate in outdoor activities.
We recommend visiting the area for a few nights so that you can see the sites and take advantage of the endless outdoor opportunities.
Due to the sandy nature, we recommend bringing your favorite tent for desert camping and camping out at one of their popular campsites!
13. Yaak Valley
The Yaak Valley area in Northwestern Montana is known for its incredible hiking, wilderness scenery, fishing, camping, and biking.
This is a fantastic area to get off the beaten path and explore the mountainous beauty that Montana is known for.
We recommend packing your favorite hiking socks to prevent blisters and the best energy bars for hiking so you can hit several trails while exploring this beautiful area!
14. The Berkeley Pit
The Berkeley Pit is one of Montana’s best-hidden gems. It is known for its copper mining roots. Almost 300 million tons of copper ore have been removed from this pit, which is now filling up with water.
For those interested in mining, the history of Montana, or just a truly fantastic view, you must check out The Berkeley Pit.
15. Gibson Dam
Gibson Dam is another great, off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Montana. This massive dam is located on the Sun River.
Gibson Dam is a great place to visit to take in some great views of the Sun River, but there are endless outdoor recreational activities that you can do in the area, including camping, fishing, kayaking, and much more.
16. Grasshopper Glacier
For those looking to gain a spectacular view of a Glacier in Montana, you must check out Grasshopper Glacier. This glacier is located near the Beartooth Mountains and is a fantastic place to visit and experience some of Montana’s natural and awe-inspiring beauty.
17. Sacred Waters Brewing Company
Sam and I are huge craft beer fans, so we would be remiss if we did not discuss one of Montana’s best hidden gems regarding fantastic beer!
Sacred Waters Brewing Company is located in Kalispell, Montana. It serves delicious cold beers on tap and incredible bites to eat.
They serve incredible IPAs, ales, and many other craft beers, but they also serve delicious pub-inspired foods that pair perfectly with your pint of beer, including fries, charcuterie, sandwiches, and much more!
Furthermore, this incredible hidden gem is known for live music, trivia nights, and other events. Be sure to check out their monthly calendar so that you can plan your visit accordingly.
18. Kintla Lake
Another one of Montana’s best-hidden gems is Kintla Lake. This lake is located in Glacier National Park, about 40 miles from the West Entrance.
This lake is a fantastic place to visit. It is one of the lesser-known areas in Glacier National Park, so you can expect fewer crowds. Kintla Lake is a fantastic location for those looking to car camp, kayak, and fish.
We cannot recommend this location enough for those looking to get off the beaten path and explore Glacier National Park in all its glory!
19. Ousel Falls Trail
One of the best-hidden gems in Montana when it comes to hiking trails is Ousel Falls Trail. This hiking trail is roughly 2 miles long round trip in Big Sky, Montana!
This hike not only takes you to a breathtaking view of a waterfall in the area but also to a location that cannot be beaten: right in the heart of Big Sky.
20. The Soldiers Chapel
For those looking to visit a Chapel with a rich history in the Big Sky area of Montana, The Soldiers Chapel must be on your list.
This Chapel is a non-denominational church. It is not only a beautiful building with a truly remarkable history behind it, but it is also a great place to visit for those looking to learn more about the Nelson family and take in the gorgeous surrounding scenery.
21. The American Computer and Robotics Museum
The American Computer and Robotics Museum is an excellent place for those interested in museums and the history of computers and robotics.
This museum is located in Bozeman, Montana, and is a great place to visit for those looking to learn more about the origins of computers, artificial intelligence, and more.
22. Lazy I Beerworks
Lazy I Beerworks is another fabulous brewing company in Montana, and it is one of the state’s best-hidden gems.
This brewing company is located in Wolf Creek, Montana, and serves countless delicious beers and various bar foods, such as chicken wings, burgers, fries, tacos, and more.
23. Family Affair Restaurant
The Family Affair Restaurant in Great Falls is one of the best-hidden gems in Montana. It is known for its incredible brunch food. We highly recommend that you try its pancakes or pie!
24. Lone Pine State Park
Lone Pine State Park is another excellent place in Montana to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. This park is known for its incredible views and endless activities.
We recommend dedicating a whole day to discovering this state park so you can take in all the scenery and activities. Be sure to pack a cooler to enjoy lunch at one of the many picnic areas.
25. Sacajawea Park
The Sacajawea Park is located along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and is a great place to visit for history buffs and those looking to take in some remarkable views.
Not only will you learn a significant amount about Lewis and Clark’s expedition, but you will also be able to take in the views of a statue of Sacajawea and her son.
26. Fly Fishing in Livingston
Fly fishing is a common activity in Montana, and we highly recommend it in the Livingston area.
Not only is this a great place to get outside and take in the surrounding scenery of Montana, but it is an absolutely excellent location to catch some fish!
Plus, Livingston is only 30 minutes away from the city of Bozeman, making it one of the best day trips from Bozemanto embark on and spend some time in nature!
27. Alpine Theatre Project
The Alpine Theatre Project is one of Montana’s best-hidden gems. It is a great place to visit to support local artists and experience incredible shows performed by local students and actors.
Not only is this a great way to support local talent, but it is also super unique and fun to do, and it is not offered in many other towns. If you are visiting the Whitefish area, you must check out the Alpine Theatre Project.
28. Coyote Bluff Estate
The Coyote Bluff Estate is one of the most prestigious and luxurious properties in the Kalispell area of Montana. It provides some of the best views of the surrounding landscape. Still, the romantic atmosphere and decor within the estate will leave you in awe of the details and wood features that went into creating this beautiful property.
For those looking for a romantic getaway or a unique accommodation to check out while visiting Montana, be sure to put the Coyote Bluff Estate on your bucket list.
29. Philipsburg Brewing Company
Another fabulous place to visit in Montana is Philipsburg Brewing Company. This brewery serves delicious craft brews in the quaint town of Philipsburg, one of Montana’s best-hidden gem small towns.
We highly recommend you check out this brewery for its fabulous beer, adorable building, and tremendous small town.
