Montana’s national parks and national park service sites embody the state’s cowboy history and showcase its spectacular views. That’s why millions of visitors flock to Big Sky Country each year to visit Glacier, Yellowstone, Grant-Kohrs Ranch, and Bighorn Canyon.

Taking a road trip

to tour national parks is a great way to learn about states you might not visit otherwise—like

Montana

. Montana is home to two breathtaking national parks—including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park—plus other impressive national park service sites. Come for the endless views and ample opportunities to learn more about the roles of cattlemen in American history.

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Glacier National Park

Location: West Glacier

Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Admission price: $20 per individual, $35 per car, $30 per motorcycle (for seven-day permit); $2 per Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation (three-day permit); $70 annual pass

What makes Glacier National Park special?

Glacier National Park

is famous for its melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and pristine lakes. Glacier is a nature lover’s dream come true, with over 700 miles of trails to guide you into the wilderness.

The meltwater from the glacier sustains irrigation for agriculture, cold streams for wildlife, and lakes for recreation.

A free shuttle bus service is available on a first-come, first-served basis during spring and summer. The shuttle has 13 stops, allowing hikers and non-hikers alike to enjoy the great outdoors and revel in the beauty of nature.

Native America Speaks, a program offering insight into Native American history and culture, is offered at park campgrounds and historic lodges in the St. Mary Visitor Center and other locations throughout Blackfeet Nation.

What to do in Glacier National Park

From exploring the trails to water activities, there is an array of things to do in Glacier National Park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: One of the park’s most popular destinations and a quintessential reason to visit, this 50-mile road will treat you to amazing views of glacier-carved peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush forests.

Fishing: No fishing license is required to fish inside the park, but all bull trout must be handled carefully and released immediately. Check the

seasonal regulations

before fishing.

Trails: There are

734 miles of trails

to choose from—so no matter your skill level, there will be an appropriate hike for you to enjoy.

Camping: There are 13 front country campgrounds, each with varying uses. You can tent camp, RV camp, or vehicle camp accordingly. Some campgrounds may require

reservations

When to visit Glacier National Park

The weather in Glacier is highly variable—and sometimes extreme—since it straddles the Continental Divide. Warm and wet Pacific air comes from the West, and cold and dry Arctic air comes from the Northeast. Summer days are often warm and bright, and winter temperatures can fall below freezing.

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Yellowstone National Park

Location: West Yellowstone

Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (but facility hours vary)

Admission price: $20 per individual, $20 per motorcycle or snowmobile, $35 per non-commercial vehicle (seven-day permit); $70 annual pass

What makes Yellowstone National Park special?

Established March 1, 1872,

Yellowstone National Park

is the world’s first national park. It covers 2.2 million acres, allowing visitors to observe wildlife, explore geothermal areas, take in majestic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and much more.

The majority of Yellowstone is located in the state of Wyoming; however, several entrances to the park are in Southern Montana.

The idea behind Yellowstone was to preserve and protect scenery, cultural heritage, wildlife, geologic and ecological systems, and more so that present and future generations can enjoy its natural wonders.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the last and largest intact natural ecosystems on Earth.

Half of the world’s active geysers and over 10,000 hydrothermal sites are located here—the most active and diverse collection of geothermal features anywhere.

What to do in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone offers a plethora of activities, regardless of the season—from enjoying the snow-covered landscape to marveling at the natural hot springs and geysers.

Winter activities: Go skiing or snowshoeing, ride a snowmobile or SnowCoach, go ice fishing, or camp in the backcountry.

Summer activities: Hike a trail, admire the wildflowers, photograph the wildlife or landscape, or ride a bike or horse.

Relax: For a stress-free experience, enjoy the campgrounds or have a picnic at several sites throughout the park.

When to visit Yellowstone National Park

The weather can vary drastically—even within one day. Summer temperatures can exceed 70°F but can drop more than 20°F if there is a thunderstorm. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, and snow can fall anytime of the year.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone, bring enough clothing to handle the range of temperatures and weather conditions—no matter what season you visit.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Location: Deer Lodge

Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission price: There is no entrance fee. A small fee may be required to join certain activities hosted by the ranch.

What makes Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site special?

Grant-Kohrs Ranch

was once the headquarters of a 10-million-acre cattle empire. Now, it preserves the symbols of the American West and commemorates cattlemen’s role in American history.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch hosts many living history special events throughout the year.

Talks and demonstrations are given by rangers and volunteers so that visitors can discover the significance of the Open Range Cattle Era.

What to do at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

Whether you’re exploring historic buildings, joining guided tours, or experiencing a ranger program, you’ll be fully immersed in the American West.

Historic Buildings: Experience the cowboy life by observing ranching activities during your self-guided tour. Breathe in history (literally) as you walk through the Draft Horse Barn and encounter the scents of hay, horses, and leather.

Guided tours: Join tours offered by the ranch to learn more about the history and culture of cattlemen. Tour schedules vary by season so it is best to call ahead to ask about the availability.

Learn more here

Ranger programs: Rangers and volunteers give talks and demonstrations to teach the history of America West. Stop by the visitor center to see which programs are being hosted, including the repair shop, chuckwagon talk, museum collection tour, and more.

When to visit Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site

In spring, the temperatures fluctuate from sub-freezing in the morning to mild during the day. There is usually snow early in early spring and rain in the late spring and early summer.

The average temperature in summer is 70–80°F, but it can reach 100°F and is usually dry and hot. Snow is possible in winter, with temperatures ranging from -30°F to highs of 10–20°F.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Location: Fort Smith

Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Admission price: Free

What makes Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area special?

Bighorn Canyon

spans over 120,000 acres. The park comprises two districts that are three hours apart when driving. Each district offers unique opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and over 10,000 years of human history.

What to do in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Enjoy Bighorn Canyon through the many activities offered to its visitors.

Boating: An excellent way to take in the scenic views of Bighorn Canyon is to boat, kayak, and canoe. You can bring your own boat or rent one.

Camping: Experience the canyons day and night by camping in one of the 100+ spots in five camping areas.

Fishing: The waters of Bighorn Canyon contain diverse fish species and are surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Hiking: There are over 27 miles of trails to choose from, including short walks to amazing lookouts or long walks to a historic ghost town.

When to visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

In the summer, temperatures reach highs of 80–90°F and lows of 50–60°F. However, summer temperatures can peak at over 100°F! Winter temperatures range from 10°F to 30°F but can drop to sub zero when factoring in extreme wind chill.

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How to prepare to visit Montana’s national parks

Montana’s national parks and service sites are spread across the state, so traveling by car is most efficient. Here are a few essential tips for a stress-free trip:

You can minimize the mileage on your car by driving a rental instead. Book your rental ahead to secure a car—especially during peak season.

If you prefer taking your own car,

have a mechanic look it over

prior to leaving to ensure everything is in working order before your road trip.

Update your car insurance

before your road trip so that you are covered no matter what unexpected situations arise along the way.

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