29 Best Hidden Gems In Montana To Visit In 2024
Finding the best hidden gems in Montana is so rewarding and will have you in awe of the beauty surrounding this incredible state.
As frequent travelers, we love making our way to hidden gem destinations throughout the United States.
Finding these hidden treasures is so rewarding because you can usually expect fewer crowds and prettier views.
Below you will find a list of the best off the beaten path places to visit in the state of Montana. Enjoy!
The Best Hidden Gems In Montana
Montana has an immense amount of hidden gems to visit.
Whether you are looking to get off the beaten path and take in some incredible scenery on a hike or you are looking to visit lesser known restaurants and bars.
The state of Montana has something for everyone to enjoy.
Continue reading below as we dive into some of the coolest hidden treasures throughout the state.
1. Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
For those searching for a truly memorable experience that involves getting away from the negative energies in life, consider visiting the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.
This site is located in Arlee, Montana and was created to inspire peace and compassion within others.
Not only is this a great place to visit to take in some unique and peaceful views but they also offer meditation classes here as well.
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.
This is a beautiful site to take in the natural beauty of the state and a great place to visit within the National Park.
4. Jim’s Horn House
For those searching for a true off the beaten path place to visit in Montana, look no further!
Jim’s Horn House is located in Three Forks Montana and is home to over 16,000 antlers.
Each of these antlers are displayed in a small shed from the top to the bottom of the walls.
For those that are intrigued by various wildlife antlers, you 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 get some exercise in 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 for those looking to step back into time, you must check out Havre Beneath the Streets.
This fantastic historical tour will transport you back to the early days in Montana when the town of Havre was destroyed during a fire so the town people decided to move their businesses underground.
This tour does an excellent job at displaying what life was like back in those days and does a fantastic job at 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 was built in the late 1800’s and is truly a remarkable place to visit.
Not only can you visit this prestigious church but there is also a museum and gift shop on site for you to enjoy as well.
8. Bleu Horses
One of the best hidden gems in Montana 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 to take in and at first glance you may not realize that 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, the town turned into 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 about Montana’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 the tallest peaks in Montana and any outdoor and nature lover must check it out.
One of the most gorgeous and scenic ways to experience this area is by embarking on a road trip 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 that have been found in the area.
Not only is this a fantastic place to visit to take in the surrounding views and the fossil formations but 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 hit the trails for some fabulous hiking, be sure to pack your crampons or microspikes for the best possible experience.
For those looking to spend several days exploring Makoshika State Park, we recommend visiting during the summer months.
Make sure to pack your favorite tent for warm weather camping and 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 has 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 and it is a great area to visit for those looking to take their vehicle off-road or would like to go on an ATV or dirt bike adventure!
These sand dunes range greatly in size from 3 feet to 40 feet.
This is a great area to get outside and explore some of Montana’s unique landscapes and to participate in outdoor activities.
We recommend visiting the area for a few nights so that you can take in the sites and participate in the endless outdoor opportunities available in the area.
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 to 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 that you can hit several trails while exploring this beautiful area!
14. The Berkeley Pit
The Berkeley Pit is one of the best hidden gems in Montana and is known for its copper mining roots.
Almost 300 million tons of copper ore has been removed from this pit and it is now filling up with water.
For those interested in mining, the history of Montana, or just want a truly fantastic view to see, you must check out The Berkeley Pit.
15. Gibson Dam
The Gibson Dam is another great off the beaten path place to visit in Montana. This massive dam is located on the Sun River.
Not only is the Gibson Dam 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 right near the Beartooth Mountains and is a fantastic place to visit to 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 talk about one of the best hidden gems in Montana when it comes to fantastic beer!
Sacred Waters Brewing Company is located in Kalispell, Montana and they serve some delicious cold beers on tap as well as incredible bites to eat.
Not only do they serve up incredible IPA’s, 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 having live music, trivia nights, and other events as well.
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 and is one of the lesser known areas in Glacier National Park so you can expect less 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 of 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 in length round trip and is located in Big Sky, Montana!
Not only does this hike take you to a breathtaking view of a waterfall in the area but the location cannot be beat, right in the heart of Big Sky!
20. The Soldiers Chapel
For those looking to visit a Chapel in the Big Sky area of Montana with a rich history behind it, The Soldiers Chapel must be on your list.
This Chapel is a non-denominational church and is not only a beautiful building with a truly remarkable history behind it but it is 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 a great place to visit 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 so much more.
22. Lazy I Beerworks
Lazy I Beerworks is another fabulous brewing company in the state of Montana and is one of the best hidden gems in the state.
This brewing company is located in Wolf Creek, Montana and serves up countless delicious beers of all kinds as well as various bar foods such as chicken wings, burgers, fries, tacos, and much more.
23. Family Affair Restaurant
The Family Affair Restaurant in Great Falls is one of the best hidden gems in Montana known for their incredible brunch food.
We highly recommend that you try their pancakes or their pie!
24. Lone Pine State Park
Another great place to visit in Montana to get outside and enjoy some outdoor recreational activities is Lone Pine State Park.
This park is known for its incredible views and endless activities to participate in.
We recommend dedicating a whole day to discovering this state park so that you can take in all of the scenery and activities.
Be sure to pack a cooler ahead of time so that you can 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 the expedition of Lewis and Clark 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 to do in Montana and we cannot recommend enough participating in this activity 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 Bozeman to embark on and spend some time in nature!
27. Alpine Theatre Project
The Alpine Theatre Project is one of the best hidden gems in Montana and 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 something super unique to experience and something fun to do that is not offered in many other towns.
If you are visiting the Whitefish area, you must check the Alpine Theatre Project out.
28. Coyote Bluff Estate
The Coyote Bluff Estate is one of the most prestigious and luxurious properties in the Kalispell area of Montana.
Not only does this property provide you with some of the best views of the surrounding Montana landscape but the romantic atmosphere and decor within the Estate will have 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 the state of 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.
Not only is this brewery serving up delicious craft brews but it is located in the quaint town of Philipsburg, one of Montana’s best hidden gem small towns.
We highly recommend that you check out this brewery for its fabulous beer, adorable building, and tremendous small town.
Visiting Montana: FAQs
Montana truly has so much to offer and there are countless hidden gems throughout the state.
Due to its large array of things to see and do, we recommend planning a trip to this incredible state for at least a week, if not several weeks, so that you can truly take in all that Montana has to offer and check off as many of these hidden gems as possible!
What is Montana famous for?
Montana is famous for its incredible landscape, massive and distinct mountain views, delicious restaurants, endless outdoor activities, and Yellowstone National Park.
What are some hidden gems in Bozeman?
There are countless hidden gems in Bozeman! We recommend checking out The American Computer and Robotics Museum for those looking to gain some knowledge and insight on the history of computers and robots.
Conclusion: Hidden Gems & Off The Beaten Path Places In Montana
There are endless options when it comes to the best hidden gems in Montana.
We recommend planning a trip to the area for several weeks so that you can check off bucket list destinations such as Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park as well as hitting some of the off the beaten path places like local towns, breweries, and hikes.
For similar posts, be sure to check out Montana in October. Happy Exploring!
