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Home , Beartooth Highway, Big Belt Mountains, Bison Range, Bitterroot Valley, Chief Joseph Pass, Discovery Ski Area

10 ULTIMATE ROAD TRIPS

THE BEST OF BIG SKY COUNTRY

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

TRAVEL GUIDE FROM THE OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 1 1/22/16 2:44 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 2 Cover: Peer into majestic Hike tothetopof Lower . Bighorn Canyon. 1/22/16 2:44 PM

photo credit Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 3

ALAMY WATERFALLS, MARTIN WALZ MAP, KEITH LADZINSKI COVER M interactive mapsandadditional photos—at nationalgeographic.com/montana/roadtrips. graphic Traveler magazineandare available online—with expandedcontent including Trips showcasing top sights andactivities. The routes were publishedinNational Geo- the Montana O”ce of Tourism have teamed up to chart10Ultimate Montana Road The sky’s the limitinMontana. To helpyou explore the state,National Geographic and WELCOME TO BIG SKY COUNTRY wild, secluded spaces where it isstill possible tobeutterly alone. the routesforged by explorersLewisandClark. Andbackcountry trailslead to Indian heritage andtraditions. Scenictrain,float, anddriving trips retrace for fossilsandgems. Seven Indian Nations celebrate thestate’s rich American preserve adazzlingarray ofhistorical treasures—and o‘eropportunities tohunt crowds at rodeos. Ghost towns, state parks, andaone-of-a-kind Trail American West. Rugged cowboys still saddle up toride at ranches andwow mighty Missouri, Yellowstone, andFlathead Rivers. glacial lakes, snowcapped mountain peaks, blue-ribbon troutstreams, andthe Vast, andwild,“BigSky unspoiled, Country” represents thevery best ofthe jewels ofthenational park system—and ishometoglistening Montana isagateway toGlacier andYellowstone—two crown roamed here, andmajestic ,, andgrizzly bearsstill do. ONTANA ISLIKENOPLACE ELSEONEARTH. once

10 ULTIMATE ROAD TRIPS Planning Your Trip Page 23 Can’t Miss Events Page 22 Food &Drink Page 20 Winter Wonderland Page 19 State &National Parks Page 16 History &Heritage Page 15

10. Parkway Page 12 TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS 4. 3. 2. 1. 7. 7. 6. 5. 9. 8.

Yellowstone Country Page 4

Small Towns &Ghost Towns Page 6 Great Plains Adventures Page 5 Main Street Adventures Page 9 Flathead toPhilipsburg Page 7 Backbone of theRockies Bighorn andBeyond Page 11 On theLoose inBig Sky Page 10 Footsteps of Lewis &ClarkPage 11

Page 6 1/22/16 2:44 PM 3 Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 4 O n baoe las ie it Montana’smountains. highest into rides leads Absarokee in hte o gohra formations. geothermal of hotbed a Silver Gate. n ht h trail. the hit and Cabins Y like places to trips o‘ers Paradise o h nrhat nrne of entrance northeast the to an Lodge Red connecting RoadAll-American 212), (U.S. Highway Beartooth the on Stay: springs-fed pool. way,the Along hot a makein soak stopto a Valley. Paradise in ride Horseback River. plateau.Stillwaterwilderness the a Raft on Montana Hike Park. Yellowstone National southern into and through loop scenic ae etme) and September), late derness tional Park. mid-December to March), Yellowstone Na ihs include lights Stay: & to grimage erot Café Beartooth and trip down the Stillwater River with foot 10,900-plus- the over and feet 12,000 than more of peaks 20 past leads mid-October) no hr te ru ae iig ht day. on that biting tips are get trout the or where guide, fishing local a hire fly-fishing.Montana of Buyflies, hand-tied father the by 1938 in founded shop angler stone Valley Lodge through south Road Loop Grand the followyou as Yellowstone ainl Park National ka River Adventures ON THE FLY THE ON WIDEEYED WONDERS WIDEEYED PERFORMANCE PEAK RAFT OR RIDE The Route: Livingston U.S. 212 to Red Lodge > ellowstone through Paradise Valley ra ad the and area; ExitWyoming toMontana Park entrance ThePollard lr cnr aon o ti five-day this on abound scenery ular TOR ADVENTURE UTDOOR Total Distance: approximately 360miles Gateway Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone LivingstonGrille and Bar 1. Yellowstone erot Plateau Beartooth lt Arl o al Otbr and October early to April (late

. Or, take a pulse-pounding rafting pulse-pounding a Or,take . amt Ht pig Htl and Hotel Springs Hot Mammoth > International Airport,Bozeman Yellowstone National Park Grand Loop Road Begin in Livingston with a pil- a with Livingston in Begin Country Country te bubbling the ; a Bailey’s Dan > and rd yu cr o a horse a for car your Trade U.S. 212toYellowstone National Te iha (ae a to May (late highway The . > rn Cno o the of Canyon Grand the Coe iy lt My to May (late City Cooke , ExitMontana toWyoming , Red Lodge. Absaroka-BeartoothWil- amt Ht Springs Hot Mammoth , Livingston. anbuh Adventures Paintbrush > Prepare to be amazed be to Prepare I-90 toColumbus Bear Paw OutfittersPaw Bear . Soak in the scenery scenery the in Soak Eat & Stay: ivr ae Lodging Gate Silver > U.S. 89toLivingston > > U.S. 89toGardiner te all-things- the , U.S. 89 . a & Stay: & Eat n spectac- and u Volca Mud and Yellowstone

Café Regis > MT-540 Absaro- Yellow- > . High- . MT-78 a & Eat >

Eat Eat in 1/22/16 2:44 PM - - , ,

DAVID LICHTNEKER/ALAMY BEAR, TYLER METCALFE HIKING Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 5

DONNIE SEXTON FISHING, TYLER METCALFE TRAIN F . and badlands Sky Big across six-daydrive mighty bison helped create the state on this the bison, see them roam, Celebrate and discover unity.how the and strength of bols hlis ony Museum County Phillips ing Bu‹alo Hot Springs Resort Springs Hot Bu‹alo ing ie vistas. river and mountain Montana pure delivers and valley, lower the of pasturelands through drivepasses the ranges, mountain Gallatin cnc rv. aalln the Paralleling Drive. Scenic Valley Paradise the take to Livingston in at at .. 2) U.S. bison scratching post. quired), and see the “bu‘alo rock” used as a igle Mercantile Virgelle ie Bek Ntoa Monument National Breaks River ter, two-dayInterpretivethe admissionto Cen- Grille Day Spa rgnl iz Kitchen Pizza Original Plus Havre Inn andSuites oten ra Plains Great Northern at the at the of tour guided a on bison wild See skulls. and bones bu‘alo pacted com- including deposits, archaeological of wall excavated an with jump bu‘alo a see Missouri Upper side trip to either to trip side Archaeological Site Archaeological ’sIndian house lowstone Riverlowstone largest inland port. At the At port. inland largest state began in Fort Benton, once the world’s ie, and diner, tions.) reserva- for 0014 945 406 or 4350 353 406 life Refuge SADDLEUP MONTANA OF BIRTHPLACE TRAVELEDLESS ROAD IOAR & DETOURS & DINOSAURS ALL ABOUT THE BISON Malta The Route: Fort Benton Gateway Airport: Great Falls International Airport Benton. Total Distance: approximately 400miles Sky View Guest Ranch GuestView Sky OR MONTANA’SOR ple, bison, or bu‘alo, are revered sym- revered are bu‘alo, or bison, ple, l Fr Benton Fort Old 2. Great Plains > Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Museum Dinosaur Plains Great , Malta. and U.S. 191 Eat & Stay: & Eat ra Nrhr Htl n Steak- and Hotel Northern Great , Pray. Adventures Adventures The next day,next The the antiquinggoat Grand Union Hotel (follow Old U.S. 2 east) or hc Ht pig Rsr and Resort Springs Hot Chico a & Stay: & Eat > Lewistown between the Absaroka and Absaroka the between ad the and , Great Falls (Detour east to Malta on Malta to east (Detour Bowdoin National Wild-National Bowdoin Turn onto scenic U.S. 89 scenic onto Turn Stop at Ty osbc riding horseback Try . (June to Labor Day)to Labor to (June > American Indian peo- Indian American bu‘alo reserve. (Call reserve. bu‘alo the , U.S. 87 Eat & Stay: ly paleontologist Play . and

> -a Pizza K-Bar a & Stay: & Eat tr wee the where Start MT-3 in Malta. Take a Take Malta. in (reservations re- (reservations , Havre. pe Missouri Upper uem f the of Museum uem f the of Museum Wahkpa Chu’gn > Havre et Western Best , Fort Benton. FortBelknap > MT-80 pe Yel- Upper (via U.S. 2 U.S.(via Navlivka’s Navlivka’s > by a buy , U.S. 2 Sleep- Union Gar- , > Fort > Top left:Seewildlife upcloseattheGrizzly and Discovery Center inWest Chew Chootoseethewide-openspaces thatinspired hisfamous Western art. Yellowstone. Bottom left:Enjoy top-of-the-world views from Beartooth Pass. Above: Go fly-fishing ontheMadison River. Below: Ride theCharlieRussell

1/22/16 2:44 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 6 6 W Co‹ee House and Bakery y nin peoples. ancient by drawings 3,000 than more with formation sea inland limestone 313-million-year-old 66. Next is the self-guidedthe is Next 66. U.S.MT-taking to 74aboutsouth 191 miles el ainl idie Refuge Wildlife National sell Steakhous Laurel andBreakfast Bed ton rush-era ghosts. gold- harbor towns smaller the of some has it Legend drive. the on city” “big 33,854) the is (population blue-ribbon Butte streams. along trout and Divide, tinental Con- the across mountains,over route day in summer and early fall). fall). early and summer in Montana dinner train (select weekend days east). negon tu a the at an tour Takeunderground industry. mining multi-billion-dollar a to thanks Earth” on hill “richest Inn of Mining of istown, ride the Lew- of Northwest badlands. the through I IN DIG BACKIN TIME REFUGE & RAILROAD Shortcut: Take I-90 from Cardwell toButte for a and Ghost Townsand Ghost ul ‘ at o‘ pull and faster drive. Total Distance:approximately through Virginia City toEnnis 3. SmallTowns hs tws n hs abig four- rambling this on towns ghost NE through ANDER Eat & Stay: & Eat ei i Bte oc kon s the as known once Butte, in Begin Left toright: Explore Bannack State Park ghosttown. Munch aburger atSquare Butte Bar &Country Club.Bike inGallatin National Forest. The Route: Butte 300 milesGateway Airport: Bert MT-2 through Cardwell toButte Historic Calvert Hotel , located on the former site of the of site former the on located , e, Malta. On the driveto the back On Mooney Airport,Butte Charlie Russell Chew Choo er uc Pictographs Gulch Bear Great Northern Hoteland NorthernGreat eun o h rue by route the to Return a & Stay: & Eat > MT-41 >MT-287 uhni 1800s authentic and , Fort Benton. Charles M. Rus- M. Charles Eat & Stay: & Eat ol Museum World > The Lark and U.S. 287 , Lewistown. uo tour auto

Wake Cup Cup Wake FortBen

Dash Dash >

, a a , - ghost town of Coolidge.of townghost ery along the 49-mile-long the along ery scen- WiseRiver,the enjoy and downslow best-preservedghost towns: Park at Shop Pasty phan Girl Chocolate Drift Hot Springs Lodge antelope. and deer for watch soaking, While gods.” yearknown“waterround), the locallyas of September), Norris. Inn bawdy City’sVirginia for tickets reserve summer, in visiting If machines. music and arcade Americana, including more than a hundred and buildings 19th-century of collection a residents).time The latter two towns house full- 190 about with town living a remains In the distillery’s tasting room, try an try room, tasting distillery’s the In nis En- of town tiny the fly-fish)in to learning rhn Girl Orphan pany Park Historical National Perce Nez to Wisdom) pastMT-43 on (west an Sei Byway Scenic tains ors o Srns Campground Springs Hot Norris Shop Tackle Saloon Hay of Bale e Pre epe s at f h multistate the of part is people Perce Nez ue this theme at Cabins a n cooae syrup). chocolate and ka National BattlefieldNational ly ly of otne n to on Continue tips. angling get or trip 1), November fly-fishing to (April guided a book gear, door igna iy and City, Virginia O GHOSTBUSTERS GO FIELD TRIP AC RELEASE & CATCH Virginia City Players City Virginia rhn il oro Cem Liqueur Cream Bourbon Girl Orphan

, Butte. ih uh yfihn ottes s the as outfitters fly-fishing such with , , and , Nevada City , Nevada City. rwr Follies Brewery a & Stay: & Eat Consider detouring at Trout StalkersTrout and silver and zinc mine. Contin- mine. zinc and silver , Fishing Com- FishingRiver Madison Headframe Spirits Spend the day fishing (or fishing day the Spend ors o Springs Hot Norris tp n h rues three route’s the in Stop iln oe ad Motor and Hotel Finlen , and , Jackson. eaa iy oe and Hotel City Nevada . This sacred site of the of site sacred This . I sme, ii the visit summer, In . My o September), to (May

Banditos Virginia City shows. Eat & Stay: & Eat r family-friend- or . Buy or rent out- rent or Buy . (mixed with vod- a & Stay: & Eat Pioneer Moun- Pioneer BannackState , Ennis, and Ennis, , Eat & Stay: & Eat Big Hole Big My to (May , makers Jackson (which (open Joe’s At . Or- . R ah wrso at workshop raphy railroad car. restored a in sleep or supper steak hearty chowwaters.untameda downAnd fish on or Raft glaciers. namesake park’s the to see tour ranger-led a Take Road. the-Sun Going-to- legendary Park’s National cier Gla- Travel experiences. only-in-Montana ble wildlife sightings) or the or sightings) wildlife ble in and other native Montana animals. Or, hike lions, mountainwolves, bears, of grizzly es at least two days there. Begin by hiking the hiking twodaysbyleast at Begin there. ing small icebergs most of the summer.the of most icebergs small ing becue Dinner Ride Dinner becue ae Farm Game a-e ves of views can-see Highline Trail Highline Stay: & Trail os Get Ranch Guest Horse Mountain cier National Park and River Hotel, GO WILD GO TAKE A HIKE A TAKE Lone Pine State ParkState Pine Lone Whitefish U.S. 89toward Babb Gateway Airport: Glacier Park International i, hs v-a ti i fild with filled is trip five-day this nic, GE, WILD, UGGED, to U.S. 89andbacktoSt. Mary Road to Two Medicine Lake Belton Chalet Total Distance: approximately 265miles 4. Backbone of 4. Backboneof , which leads to a teal-blue lake hold- lake teal-blue a to leads which , and > U.S. 2W Kalispell. Going-to-the-Sun Road backtrack toMT-49 ae ap Café Camp Base Pre-register for a wildlife photog- wildlife a for Pre-register the Rockies The Route: Kalispell range. > There’s so much to see in see to much so There’s lted Lake Flathead MT-40 a ae lc t cpue imag- capture to place safe a , > > MT-206 backtrack onMany Glacier Road (for alpine views and possi- and views alpine (for Airport, Kalispell a & Stay: & Eat , West Glacier. > that you’ll need to spend Kalispell at at U.S. 2E > aipl’ Til “D” Triple Kalispell’s Many Glacier Road to > and n iceil sce- incredibly and Artemis Acres PaintAcres Artemis MT-35 for far-as-the-eye- for > EastGlacier Clmi Falls, Columbia , > > > aipl Grand Kalispell ad the and , U.S. 93 Glacier Route 1 St. Mary te F the ,

> etr Bar- Western cbr Lake Iceberg Kalispell > MT-49 >

lathead > >

Swan > Gla

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DONNIE SEXTON BANNACK, LYNN DONALDSON BURGER, DONNIE SEXTON BIKING Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 7

DONNIE SEXTON GLACIER rp rm aipl ws o M- to MT-2 on west Kalispell from trip Pass. Logan 6,646-foot over and park of the heart the through June) early through the park, take a detour to Browning and the the Browningand to detour park,takea the epic the drive day, Glacier The Lodge at Whitefish Lake MuseumthePlainsIndianof Stay: & Eat May through September), St. Mary,and St. September), through May quills. porcupine with weaving including crafts, authentic demonstrate artists Indian ican zak Walton Inn ea Falls tenai Grille Park Rockies Sun Road Sun er on fr iw of views for round year summitskiandwinterthe to in to lifts the adventure.Ridefor destination all-season SEE & SKI & SEE PATHBEATEN THE OFF CONTINENT THE OF CROWN EPIC ENDINGS EPIC the , , St. Mary. Eat & Stay: , and more. Whitefish Mountain Resort Mountain Whitefish (partially closed mid-September closed (partially

lted Valley Flathead oe f h lret free-flow- largest the of one , St. Mary Lodge Mary St. Extend your stay with a side a with stay your Extend (railroad carroom), Essex. Johnson’s of Eat & Stay: On the eastern side of of side eastern the On Unwind onalakeside deckatthehistoricMany Glacier Hotel, thelargest lodgeinGlacier National Park. n or second your On lce National Glacier and the , . Watch. Amer-

St. Mary , Whitefish. Going-to-the-

Loula’s Snowgoose Canadian (mid- is an is Koo and Iz - - T Mountains nic Bywaynic Libby Dam Libby vain o a ara tu o the of tour aerial an for Aviation swinging Kootenai with Libby,o‘ From a takebridge. from falls main 30-foot-high the View northwest. the in waterfalls ing s. e wl bsn om n mn for mine and roam bison wild See fish. Double andBreakfast JBed et—0 ecn o te us r black are runs diamond. the of percent perts—60 onan k Area Ski Mountain The Route: Missoula > MT-38 over Road East

MT-83 5. From Flathead MT-1 through Philipsburg toPorters Corner I FOUR-DAY DRIVE HIS detr. er t rvr uf n fly- and surf river to Learn adventure. Total Distance: approximately 380miles Gateway Airport: Missoula International to Philipsburg > MT-200 Eat & Stay: . In winter,In deep-powder. > . Or, watch for wildlife and visit and wildlife for Or,watch . along the along Front Street through Drummond Airport, Missoula > MT-141 > U.S. 93

Libby Café s ms-k fr ex- for must-ski a is Lake KoocanusaSce- Lake > U.S. 93toMissoula > MT-271 > s akd with packed is MT-35 toBigfork , Troy. , Libby, and > Frontage Cabinet Turner > >

and Canada geese—congregate. While in While geese—congregate. Canada and pelicans, white swans, tundra including to see the kettle ponds where waterfowl— Missoula. and mnmd wiewtr eu o the on venue white- man-made a al Wildlife RefugeWildlife al the Friendly Community. Rent a bike and ride Bicyclegold-level a Missoula, in scenery n Mnaasye at Montana-style ing surf- go and trail, hiking signature city’s h bk ln eog t hk the hike to enough long bike the ainl io Range Bison National River Fork Clark Montana of University Missoula for Carousel of MT-38 over 7,257-foot Skalkaho Pass. portion winding and steep the take dare, you if And, sapphires. Montana genuine the miles to Charlo and the and Charlo to miles ten about it’s center, visitor’s range the From bighorn bears. black bison, and deer, elk, for sheep, look to binoculars WILDLIFE WATCHWILDLIFE POWER PEDAL Missoula Microbrew TourMicrobrew Missoula iefot Trail Riverfront Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast and Bed Mansion Gibson lw on o no the enjoy to down Slow Spend the morning at the at morning the Spend . . Drive the back roads back the Drive . a & Stay: & Eat o h hand-carved the to . Pedal around the around Pedal . n oee Bring Moiese. in rna’ Wave Brennan’s Ninepipe Nation-Ninepipe aps r along or campus trail. Park trail. ia Pizza Biga M the , 1/22/16 2:44 PM , , 7 Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 8 1/22/16 2:45 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 9

DONNIE SEXTON RESERVATION, SHEEP, KEITH LADZINSKI PADDLEBOARDING T

is backtracking to I-90 near el route is closed in winter. An easier option and all-season nearly 18 feet of compacted bison remains remains below. bison compacted of feet 18 nearly n sme sadu paddleboarding winter and stand-up rentals, kayak (SUP), summer ing leaving town, see mermaids swimming at at the swimming mermaids see town, leaving endary Western artist Charlie Russell. Before ate Mountains Castle JumpBu‹alo Peoples Red Bird House Steak Prime Lindey’s atquired) re- (reservationsCharlo, riding horsebackgo aa apie i Philipsburg. in sapphires tana Mon- for mine to winter.time Savein skis cross-country or snowshoes, snowmobile, Restaurant the Inn andBreakfast, Bed Runner Raven Adventures rvn 5 mls f h narrow the of miles 54 driving o Pass ho the through runs and year all open that’s tana Mon in pass highest the crosses drive mile Road rud lake. a around hop on the on hop iaaig ie badn ride. boarding river hilarating ex- or excursion; white-waterrafting wild, trip; float scenic serene, a take Missoula, Missoula. The best views are from are views best The Missoula. to the to boat ride down theMissouri River. magical a take and springs, hot in soak tal, capi- state the and parks state explore art, WesternCelebrate Rockies. the of edge the MOUNTAINMAJESTY COWBOYECLECTIC PLAY OR PASS LIFE LAKE The Route: Great Falls backtrack toMT-284 toHelena Total Distance: approximately 380milesGateway Sulphur Springs Airport: Great Falls International, Great Falls HIS FIVE-DAY otws Mnaa rvl i ad on and in travels Montana southwest Sip ‘n Dip LoungeDip ‘n Sip Belt Big ei ad lr Ntoa Forest National Clark and Lewis Ranch at Rock Creek U.S. 89toBynum portion of MT-38.dirt-and-grav-Theof portion 6. Main Street 6. Main Street C.M. Russell MuseumRussell C.M. and a & Stay: & Eat ba, r ie n umr n a and summer in bike or boat, , hwvr gtig hr requires there getting however, ; Adventures , Missoula and the Che‹ GuestChe‹ Ranch ln ha t pa i, n or on, in, play to ahead Plan Mountain Lake Lodge and lted Lake Flathead Kings Hill Scenic BywayKingsScenic Hill In . hoe or ot bc to back route your Choose > Hotel Arvon, U.S. 89 ae ap Bigfork Camp Base ely Lake Seeley Begin in Great Falls, home home Falls,Great in Begin to the east, and stop to to stop and east, the to loop through central and

Southeast of Great Falls,Great of Southeast Celtic Cowboy Pub and and Pub Cowboy Celtic > > U.S. 89toGreat Falls U.S. 87 . In Ulm,In visit. the , a sandstone cli‘ with with cli‘ sandstone a , > to the west and the the and west the to Huson. U.S. 12to Townsend > , Philipsburg. activities includ- activities , a tribute to leg to tribute a , > > Running Horse . Drummond Great Falls. U.S. 89toWhite I-15 rn a rent , Eat & Stay:& Eat , Seeley Lake, Seeley , , Bigfork. a & Stay: & Eat a & Stay: & Eat > U.S. 287 Skalkaho Dogsled . The 71-The . Skalka- o‘ers Wave First . See See .

The The . In > - -

ain 2, bu 7 mls on-rp from round-trip miles 72 about 92), lation o Ferry, and yon items. Buy an original glass piece at piece glass original an Buy items. Reservoir vures, and original and vures, Stay: & SpringsSulphur White eea n h bns f the of banks the on Helena . seph Henry Sharp Henry seph Springs Motel a Hnbon Glass Handblown Bay seum Stay: ie h easy the hike ru Ue hle Area Shelter Use Group IY TOWN TINY Blackfeet culture attheBlackfeet Indian Reservation. Bottom left:Paddleboard onFlathead Lake, Above: Look for bighornsheepnear inGlacier National Park. Top left:Learn about rnig rn aé n Spa and Café Iron Branding here to see to here

ihadr a ad Grill and Bar Highlander bten the between , eor o atndl (popu- Martinsdale to Detour , White Sulphur Springs. eoil al Trail Falls Memorial elae aprud and Campground Hellgate Edward Curtis Edward paintings, among other among paintings, Charlie RussellCharlie the largest freshwater lake west of theMississippi River. n Townsend. in . Tourthe . i Bl ad Elk- and Belt Big lctd at of east located , ayn Ferry Canyon photogra- Bair Mu- Bair and and . Can- , Goose Eat & & Eat Hot Hot Eat Jo - Helena. open upopen revealto patha down river.the magically “gates” the see can journey the making those Only cli‘s. 1,200-foot-tall by down the Missouri through the River Ranch, Craig. Stay: & Eat Stay: & state capital, state Mountains n n o Hln’ 3 goahn tours. geocaching 38 Helena’s of one on sightsthe see to gps a rent or yourphone trails itsself-guidedand Or,walkingtours. use biking mountain single-track sic clas networkitsof for known is city The OPTICAL ILLUSION BIKE & HIKE

o Cabin Log . The route appears to be blocked

pn te a epoig the exploring day the Spend Lucca’s Helena Book a two-hour boat tour , Choteau, and Choteau, , and , on foot or by bike. by or foot on , Sanders B and B and B Sanders Gates of the Missouri Eat 1/22/16 2:45 PM 9 - , Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 10 10 I d udo rc-lmig rp with trip rock-climbing outdoor ed winter,climbice in to learn InRockies. Northern the of venturecapital r i te lps t h laid-back the at slopes the hit or biking trailstherest oftheyear. and hiking the on and winter in snow the play—in and scenery incredible the savor to days six aside slow.Set itTake to? want day.a only in backwhy and youwouldBut Bowl N H ROCKS THE ON T’S POSSIBLE POSSIBLE T’S oea t Ylosoe ainl Park National Yellowstone to Bozeman Above: Conquer expert andextreme terrain onLone Peak atBig Sky Resort. Right: Watch thewildrodeo actionatMiles City’sBucking Horse Sale 7. OntheLoose Gateway Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone Total Distance: approximately 180miles . No snow? No problem. Take a guid- a Take problem. No snow? No . The Route: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman in BigSky ei i Bzmn te ad- the Bozeman, in Begin o ae hs rv from drive this make to > U.S. 191 > U.S. 191 > Bozeman HyaliteCanyon > West Bridger Spire

Climbing Center ing wall. climb- the scale or trampoline, bungee the p o te detrs ha at ahead adventures the for up ilnn, hike ziplining, snowshoe,skate.or weather,warmerIn go moun- there’sIf tains. snow, four snowboard,ski, sled, with playground all-season ot dsge t hnl ay Montana any weather. handle to pac designed sole boots rubber handcrafted, of makers base for any adventure in and around and adventurein any for base and Rockies the of Museum Bozeman’s The Lark Lodge the in exhibits paleontology of array amazing I IN DIG YELLOWSTONE FUN BIG ebl ioar Complex Dinosaur Seibel Lodge , BigSky. pn te onn veig the viewing morning the Spend Drive south to south Drive Eat & Stay: , Bozeman. a & Stay: & Eat Make oe Mountain Lone . Eat & Stay:

Buck’s T-4 WestYellowstone

otn Ae Works Ale Montana Sky Big , Bozeman.

Nova Café and lctd at located , jm on jump , Schnee’s Huntley Gear . your Yel and , an , - , osoe ainl Park National lowstone elwtn, and Yellowstone, the the Arts and Culture Big Sky. the to coach snow a take mid-March through Mid-December stream. trout bon blue-rib- a fly-fishingbike.in Go Hikeand lowstone. earlier. in couldn’tfit yousummer—that in course ropes high the and winter in sledding dog Lounge Big Sky Resort Sky Big Faithful and glide across the ice at one of the city’s the of one at ice the across glide and skates rent February, of end the through original pieces at the at pieces original for shop and downtownshopshistoric the stone PLAY DAY DAY PLAY HP SKATE & SHOP rzl ad of icvr Center Discovery Wolf and Grizzly or the national park. Or, head back to and Eat & Stay: & Eat area. Spend another day in he Ba Lodge Bear Three ak in Back Eat & Stay: to try activities—including try to

WoodsideBakery oe onan Ranch Mountain Lone . From Christmas Day mro Cne for Center Emerson

oea, browse Bozeman, Madison Crossing Se idie at wildlife See . West Yellow- Ws Yel- West , , West, Old . 1/22/16 2:45 PM , .

MTOT free outdoor rinks. Eat & Stay: The Western carved his name and date into the pillar. Eat GRANDEST CANYON On the way back to Bill- Café and Element, Bozeman. & Stay: The Burger Dive and the Northern ings, detour south to the Bighorn Can- Hotel, Billings. yon National Recreation Area, aptly billed as “the grandest canyon in the Northern 8. Bighorn BRONCS & BADLANDS The next destination Rockies.” Spend the morning hiking, fish- is Miles City, best known for its annu- ing, boating, or watching for wildlife— and Beyond al Bucking Horse Sale weekend each May. including and — Learn about the town’s Old West roots at before heading back to the road trip route. > > The Route: Billings I-94 to Miles City the Range Riders Museum before sampling Outside of Pryor, visit Chief Plenty Coups > backtrack west on I-94 to exit 72 State Park, one of only three U.S. state MT-384 to Hardin > I-90 to Crow Agency > Crow the latest vintages at Winery. St. Xavier Road > MT-313 > Pryor St. Xavier cut- Detour east to the town of Terry to shop for parks located on an American Indian res- across to Pryor > MT-418 > MT-416 to Billings Made in Montana goods at Unique. ervation. Eat & Stay: Lilac and Dude Ranch- Total Distance: approximately 400 miles If you’re driving a high-clearance vehicle, er Lodge, Billings. Gateway Airport: Billings Logan International Airport, Billings explore the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area. Eat & Stay: Montana Bar and EARN MORE ABOUT Montana’s rich Steakhouse and The Horton House B and 9. Footsteps of LNative American heritage and cowboy B, Miles City. culture on this four-day drive through Lit- Lewis & Clark tle Bighorn Country. The history-packed SACRED GROUND In Crow Agency, Little Big- route crosses Indian nations, the state’s horn Battlefield National Monument pre- The Route: Glasgow > U.S. 2 > Culbertson > biggest city, and the path taken by the Lew- MT-16 > Glendive > U.S. 94 > Wibaux > U.S. 94 > serves the memory of the American Indian Terry > MT-253 > MT-200 > MT-24 > Glasgow is and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition. and U.S. soldiers (led by Total Distance: approximately 450 miles George Custer) lost in the epic conflict here Gateway Airport: Glasgow International, Glasgow PICTOGRAPHS & PILLARS From Billings, head in 1876. See the site with Apsaalooke Tours, south to Pictograph Cave State Park, home which employs mostly Crow Indians as ETRACE THE PATH of Lewis and to over a hundred rock paintings and arti- guides. The one-hour tour includes stops RClark, and parallel two mighty rivers— facts left by prehistoric hunters. Forge on at Reno-Benteen Battlefield (where the Bat- the Missouri and the Yellowstone—on a to Pompeys Pillar National Monument, tle of Little Bighorn began) and Last Stand five-day loop around the state’s northeast- a rock formation rising 150 feet above the Hill. Eat & Stay: Lariat Country Kitchen, ern badlands and spacious plains. This . Look for the spot where Hardin, and 7th Ranch RV Camp and His- route-less-traveled crosses the Fort Peck William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame) torical Tours, Garryowen. Indian Reservation and passes through ALLEN RUSSELL RUSSELL ALLEN

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Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 11 1/22/16 2:45 PM lands where dinosaurs once roamed. HYDRO POWER Before driving back to Eat & Stay: Lolo Hot Springs, Lolo. Glasgow, explore any of the six recreation WIDEOPEN SPACES Head east from Glasgow areas surrounding Fort Peck Lake. See PLAY DAY Continue south to the Histor- to Wolf Point, home of July’s annual Wild Fort Peck Dam and take a free tour of the ic Darby Ranger Station Visitor’s Center Horse Stampede. Detour up MT-13 for Fort Peck Power Museum (Memorial and Museum. Inside, find out about Bit- a back-in-time visit to Scobey, home of Day to Labor Day). Downstream from the terroot Valley activities and see Forest Ser- the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer dam, hike the Beaver Creek Nature Trail vice historical exhibits. In Darby, buy Mon- Town. Or, head north on MT-16 to look and look for elk and bison on the Leo B. tana-made huckleberry treats—including for white pelicans at the Medicine Lake Coleman Wildlife Exhibit driving route. fudge, gummy bears, co‘ee, and ta‘y—at . Eat & Stay: Ber- Eat & Stay: Sam’s Supper Club and Cotton- the Old West Gallery & Old West Candy gie’s Café & Gifts, Nashua, and Microtel Inn, Glasgow. Store. Weather permitting, spend the after- Inn, Sidney. noon biking, hiking, or swimming at Lake Como. Eat & Stay: Nap’s Grill, Hamilton, BORDER CROSSING View Western art and and Alta Ranch, Darby. pioneer artifacts at The MonDak Her- 10. Bitterroot itage Center in Sidney (closed Sundays SKI & SEE In winter, make this a ski day. and Mondays). From here, take a side trip Parkway There’s downhill at Lost Trail Powder to the Fort Union Trading Post National The Route: Missoula > U.S. 93 > Mountain (just before ) Historic Site, once the fur-trading hub of Lost Trail Pass > MT-43 > Big Hole and cross-country loop trails accessible the Upper Missouri. The site straddles the National Battlefield > MT-43 > U.S. 93 > from 7,251-foot Pass, where MT-269 > U.S. 93 > Missoula Montana-North Dakota border. Eat & Stay: you cross the Continental Divide. Or, drive Total Distance: approximately 230 miles Monte Carlo Pizza and Astoria Hotel & Gateway Airport: Missoula International on to hike the trails and tour the exhibits Suites, Glendive. Airport, Missoula at Big Hole National Battlefield, sacred ground to the people and part of PLAY PALEONTOLOGIST In Glendive, pre-book IG DEEP into Montana’s roots on a the four-state Nez Perce National Histori- a hunt with Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs four-day drive through the history-rich cal Park. Eat & Stay: Sula Country Store & (April to October). See a Triceratops hor- DBitterroot Valley. The down-and-back Resort, Sula. ridus skull and hike through the badlands route crosses the Nez Perce and Lewis at , one of two Glen- and Clark National Historic Trails, as well WHERE MONTANA BEGAN On the return dive stops (Frontier Gateway Museum is as the Continental Divide. Along the way, trip to Missoula, stop in Stevensville to the other) on the . bunk in a hand-hewn log cabin and camp tour (April 15 to October 15) the historic Eat & Stay: Mexico Lindo and La Quinta Inn under the stars. Watch for , elk, and St. Mary’s Mission & Museum. The com- & Suites. deer. Soak in natural hot springs. And, de- plex, established in 1841, includes a Salish pending on the season, go skiing, skating, encampment and American Indian arti- BACK COUNTRY Head west to hook up with hiking, or horseback riding. facts. Visit nearby , the Big Sky Byway, a 105-mile scenic route site of the first permanent white settle- following a section of the historic Regi- ICE AGE At Missoula’s Montana Natural ment in Montana. Eat & Stay: Bitter Root na-Yellowstone (R-Y) Trail. Stop at the History Center, get a free driving map Brewery, Hamilton, and The Stevensville Byway kiosk in Terry to learn more about of the proposed Ice Age Floods National Hotel, Stevensville. the drive. At the northern end of the route, Geologic Trail, and visit some local Gla- visit the Fort Peck Interpretive Center and cial landmarks. Walk in the Museum to see “Peck’s Rex,™” one of the footsteps of explorers near Lolo at Trav- EXPLORE MORE ONLINE Get additional road trip information—including interactive maps, world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex elers’ Rest State Park, the only site on the special events, and more must-see stops—at skeletons. Eat & Stay: Gateway Club and Fort Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail nationalgeographic.com/montana/roadtrips. Peck Hotel, Fort Peck (May to November). with a confirmed expedition campsite.

Bottom left to right: Try a homemade donut at Windmill Village Bakery, Ravalli. Take a soak at Norris Hot Springs. Hunt for morels, a fungus native to Montana, at many of the local farmers' markets. DONNIE SEXTON DONUTS, LYNN DONALDSON SPRINGS AND MUSHROOMS, TYLER METCALE CANOES METCALE TYLER MUSHROOMS, AND SPRINGS DONALDSON LYNN DONUTS, SEXTON DONNIE

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Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 12 1/22/16 2:45 PM Paddle along the path of Lewis and Clark on an Upper canoe trip.

Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 13 1/22/16 2:45 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 14 Fort Peck Reservation. the state,includingon Powwow events across be felt atmany of the Montana's richhistory can photo credit 14 natgeotravel.com SPONSORED CONTENT 1/22/16 2:45 PM

photo credit memorabilia. And, in Great Falls, test your strength pulling a boat against the HISTORY & HERITAGE mighty Missouri’s current at the state-of- the-art Lewis & Clark National Historic N MONTANA, the past is always present. Wherever your travels take you, you’ll Trail Interpretive Center. find museums, monuments, and cultural centers with hands-on opportunities to learn about the state’s amazingly rich history. Dig in to our dinosaur roots by INDIAN NATIONS Ihunting for . Tour a ghost town or travel underground to learn about mining. Celebrate the tribal culture and traditions of our seven Indian Nations at annual ong before Montana became known events like the Crow Fair, held annually since 1918. Retrace the paths of pioneers and as the “last best place,” this land was L“the first best place” for several tribal na- explorers, including Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery expedition. Experience tions. Today, the state remains a sacred what it means to be Montanan by discovering the remarkable forces that shaped this place to the American Indians who live land and the rugged individuals who call it home. within reserved homelands—seven feder- ally recognized Indian reservations—and in cities and towns throughout Montana. MONTANA DINOSAUR TRAIL LEWIS AND CLARK At the Museum of the Plains Indians in SIGNATURE SITES Browning, learn the stories of the Black- feet, Crow, Northern , Sioux, ontana is the home of dinosaurs. The Assiniboine, , , Nez first Tyrannosaurus rex found in the ollow the route of discovery forged by Perce, Flathead, Chippewa, and Cree Mworld came from the state in 1902, and the the Lewis and Clark expedition more tribes. Visit some of the many sacred first dinosaur fossils identified in North Fthan 200 years ago. Monuments, interpre- American Indian sites, including First America were discovered here in the tive centers, caverns, and state parks Peoples Bu‹alo Jump State Park in Ulm 1840s. Follow the 14-stop Montana Dino- honor the explorers and tell their story of and the Big Hole National Battlefield saur Trail to uncover the state’s prehistoric adventure and survival. Near Billings in Wisdom, part of Nez Perce National past, and visit the mostly rural communi- you’ll find the only remaining physical Historical Park. And, at Little Bighorn ties located on the 1,300-mile route. Three evidence of the Corps of Discovery on the Battlefield National Monument in Crow stops—Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, trail at Pompeys Pillar National Monu- Agency, walk the site where chiefs Crazy Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, and Ma- ment. State Park Horse and orchestrated the koshika Dinosaur Museum—have field dig in Whitehall o‘ers guided tours (May 2 to Plains Indian War’s most decisive Amer- programs. Two communities—Glendive September 30) of one of the most impres- ican Indian victory. An 1881 obelisk me- and Malta—each have two Dinosaur Trail sive caves in the (though the morializes the U.S. Army dead, including locations. And one of the world’s largest expedition never passed through there). At George Custer. “The Peace Through Uni- collections of dinosaur fossils is housed in the Headwaters Heritage Museum in Three ty” Indian Memorial, added in 2003, hon- Bozeman’s . Forks, see a collection of Lewis and Clark ors the American Indians who died here. DONNIE SEXTON FORT PECK, LYNN DONALDSON MUSEUM DONALDSON LYNN PECK, FORT SEXTON DONNIE

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NOAH COUSER 16 B M S STATE & NATIONAL PARKS trance through Gardiner, where theiconic “front doors” to Yellowstone: thenorthen- . From Montana, therearethree including grizzly bears,bison,elk, and also isbeloved forits abundant wildlife, changing geothermal formations. The park Faithful from by the . These range ic “Crown oftheContinent.” Drive theicon- miles, majestic Glacier isknown asthe way Red Lodge andfollow the a scenic68-mile drive tothelatter, start in trance nearCooke City andSilver Gate. For West Yellowstone; andthenortheast en- Hot Springs Area yon ofthe Yellowstone and over theBeartoothPlateau. you past 20peaks ofmorethan12,000 feet of-the-best scenicdrives. The routetakes park andover 6,646-foot turning routethrough theheartof ply thebigger glacial lakes. buses orinoneofthewooden boats, which in oneofthepark’s ubiquitous redtour enjoy theunobstructed views while riding easy-to-challenging trails.Or, sit back and Go forahike onafew ofthe700 milesof also iswhere you’ll findthe the U.S.’s first national park, Yellowstone tration ofgeysers. Established in1872 as EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK YELLOWSTONE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Y in theremotebackcountry inoneofMontana’s wildandwide-open natural spaces. under thestars, backpack toglacial lakes, aranger-led join program,orseeksolitude Going-to-the-Sun Road covering anastounding 1,583square traddling theContinental Divide and tana features seven othersites managed esides Glacier andYellowstone, Mon- featuring iconicsites such as ellowstone istheclassic national park, , designated asoneofthenation’s best- Big Hole Battlefield and theplanet’s biggest concen- collection ofwildlifeandadizzyingarray ofrecreation options.Camp and state parks. These vast wilderness wonders arehometoadiverse ONTANA BOASTS acres MILLIONSofunspoiled setaside fornational stands; theentrance from , ahotbedofconstantly

andthe Logan Pass , which honors , atwisting and Beartooth High- Grand Can- Mammoth Old

. M Historical Park year asapark in2016. Or, visit the acres ofwilderness andcelebrating its 50th clear . At known forits terrificfishing andcrystal . head Lake andtheMission Mountains and glaciers tosavor spectacular views ofFlat- stand ontherock outcropscarved by Montana. The of Discovery through 11states, including Old West. The the lives ofcowboys andcattlemen inthe cattle operation, istheplace tolearnabout at onetimethecenter ofa10-millionacre Trail Travel back intimeat rex,Triceratops,rus andotherdinosaurs. to seefossilizedremainsorTyrannosau- in Glendive, ramble through thebadlands Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in early August 1877, to soldiers andvolunteers killedinanattack 90 members oftheNez Perce tribe and31 land andculture. Perce people’s struggle topreserve their 38 sites—tells thestoryof thenative Nez Union Trading Post National Historic Site beaten-path parks tochoose fromincluding o‘-the- head Lake area,thereareseveral state dating fromthegold rushera.In theFlat- home toanon-commercialized ghost town Last Stand,” andthe National Monument as guns,blankets, clothing, andbeads. The robes andotherfursforgoodsbu‘alo such the place where American Indians traded which spansMontana andNorth Dakota, National Recreation Area Montana history. At paddle, pitch atent, ordiscover achapter of a park outhereforyou. Hike, bike, picnic, tivities. Whatever you want todo, there’s STATE PARKS traces the route of the famous Corps traces therouteoffamous o‘ering funandfamily-friendly ac- ontana hasmorethan50state parks Lake Mary Ronan State Park Lewis andClark Historic Little Bighorn Battlefield —spanning fourstates and West Shore State Park Makoshika State Park is thesite of“Custer’s Nez Perce National Bannack State Park Bighorn Canyon , covering 120,000 Fort

, , , , ,

Glacier National Park. trek alongtheLivingstonRange in Blaze your own trail onabackpacking 1/22/16 2:45 PM

photo credit SPONSORED CONTENT Caption: Ehent, optati tem quo es

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Above: Strap on a pair of snowshoes and head out on the Mystic Lake Trail near the tiny community of Nye to access Montana’s amazing backcountry. Below: A few miles from the town of West Yellowstone is the fabled Two Top Mountain with sweeping views of Yellowstone National Park. photo credit

Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 18 1/22/16 2:45 PM WINTER WONDERLAND SNOWCOVERED GLACIER AND YELLOWSTONE N MONTANA, frosty temps and falling snow usher in an action-packed season of wintry fun and adventure. Ski or snowboard at one of the state’s 15 ski areas. Not inter is one of the most magical times of the year in Montana’s most a downhill skier? No problem. With snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, Wpopular national parks—Glacier to the Icross-country skiing, ice climbing, and more, there’s something for everyone who north and Yellowstone to the south. Fewer wants to play in the snow. And, since snow can arrive as early as October and linger tourists venture into the parks this sea- son, making it easier to spot wildlife, fi nd through May, Montana o‘ ers one of the longest winter seasons in the lower 48 states solitude, and explore at your own pace. In to skate, schuss, glide, and soar. Glacier, snowshoe through the snow-cov- ered on a ranger-led walk. In Yel- lowstone, take a guided snowcoach or IT’S ALL DOWNHILL ships in Whitefi sh. The wild, wacky, and always thrilling skijoring races are the fan snowmobile tour with an authorized park concessionaire. Weather permitting, tours here’s no better skiing or snowboard- favorite of January’s Whitefi sh Winter Car- are available December 15 through March ing in the world than in Montana. With nival. This annual celebration of all things 15. Book the full-day Old Faithful Tour to Tmiles of groomed trails and deep-powder ice and snow includes a torchlight ski pa- see Firehole Falls, Fountain Paint Pots, backcountry runs to choose from, you’ll rade, Penguin Plunge in Whitefi sh Lake, Midway and Biscuit Geyser Basins, and never feel crowded or rushed. Big Sky Re- ski races, hockey tournament, ice sculpting, Old Faithful. sort, the state’s largest ski area, boasts four and more. mountains connected by and the most room to roam (about two acres per skier). For the ultimate Big Sky experience, try First Tracks and get on the moun- tain before the lifts open to the public. Ski MONTANA SKI AREAS Whitefi sh Mountain Resort for 360-de- gree views of Glacier National Park. Take GLACIER MISSOURI RIVER the lift to the top of Big Mountain for a vari- NATIONAL PARK CENTRAL CANADA CANADA COUNTRY ety of terrain and spectacular views. MONTANA West Cut Bank Glacier Browning Havre Shelby Libby Whitefish Malta DAKOTA NORTH MAKE TRACKS East Glacier Wolf Culbertson Kalispell Essex Park Point Glasgow ross-country or nordic, skiing and Sidney snowshoeing get you out of the hus- St. Regis Great Falls C tle and bustle and back into the woods Seeley Lake Glendive Missoula (where you’re more likely to spot wildlife). Lewistown Wibaux GLACIER Terry One of ’s top nordic ski re- COUNTRY Helena Miles City sorts is Big Sky’s Lone Mountain Ranch. Philipsburg Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes Georgetown Lake Butte

Anaconda DAKOTA SOUTH to explore the groomed trails. On Kings Bozeman Hardin Hill Scenic Byway (U.S. 89) near Great Billings Broadus Falls, hit the Silver Crest Trails. The top- SOUTHWEST Dillon MONTANA Red Lodge notch network features nearly ten miles West of groomed trails plus challenging back- Yellowstone YELLOWSTONE SOUTHEAST COUNTRY country ones. The Red Lodge Nordic Cen- MONTANA IDAHO YELLOWSTONE ter on MT-78 has classic tracks and skate NATIONAL PARK skiing lanes plus children’s programs and ski clinics. DAY AREAS WITH HIDDEN GEMS FOR A ONLYINMONTANA LIFT TICKETS UNDER $50 WEEKEND GETAWAY DESTINATION RESORTS ADVENTURES 1. Bear Paw Ski Bowl 8. 12. Big Sky Resort ontana is the place to go for o‘ -the- beaten-path winter experiences. Learn 2. Blacktail Mountain 9. Ski & 13. M Recreation Area how to ice climb on a frozen waterfall in 3. Great Divide 14. world-famous Hyalite Canyon near Boze- 4. Lost Trail Powder Mountain 10. 15. Whitefi sh Mountain man. At Base Camp Bigfork, harness and mush your own team of Inuit sled dogs. Or, 5. Maverick Mountain 11. Showdown Montana hold on tight and try Montana-style skijor- 6. Teton Pass ing (sort of like water skiing, only on snow and pulled by a horse or mule instead of 7. Turner Mountain

KEN TAKAKA MAP MTOT MAP TAKAKA KEN a boat) at the World Skijoring Champion-

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Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 19 1/22/16 2:45 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 20 20 F FOOD & DRINK C Butte’s legendary find classic Mom-and-Pop joints—including fine-dining establishments—such as at menus breads andpies.Andthedaily ice cream,hand-cut fries,andfresh-baked mayonnaise spread)—servinghomemade burger” toppedwith achopped peanut and and ranching traditions. Montanans arecreating new taste sensations rootedinthestate’s rich agricultural chocolatiers tocheesemakers, andfromcraftbrewers tofoodie-favorite young chefs, EATS Montana cuisine. Across thestate, you’ll arm-to-table fresh isthehallmark of Above clockwise:Enjoy flatbread andfresh air attheEmerson Grill, Bozeman. Seewhat’sontapatthe Great Northern Brewing Company, Whitefish.

beginning oftheflavor experiencesavailable today inBigSky Country. From steaming bowls ofchili—remains aMontana staple. But that’s only the LASSIC COWBOY FARE—including heartysteaks, tender primerib, and Save room for alemon-blueberry tartatKafe Utza, Miles City. Right: Experience thefarm-to-table movement inMontana. Matt’s Place (try the“nut Café P in Bozeman wild-caught fish. sonally fresh fruits andvegetables, and raised bison,elk, andpork, aswell assea Khandahar Montana’s seasonalbounty. From wild, HOMEGROWN roadside stands tosample thebest of marketsull o‘at localfarmers’ and —regularly feature locally inWhitefish and Open Range

- M spruce tips.spruce head Spirits Huckleberry Gin Brewing Company around most every bendintheroad. artisanal foodsandproducts available apiary honey, therearehomegrown and more) toFlathead cherries andlocal jam,jelly,leberry syrup, icecream,and handpicked huckleberries (and huck- as number ofsmall-batch distilleries—such keys andfinespirits, including grow. forMade Look inMontana whis- Darby tostatewide distributor small-batch dent craftbreweries, rangingfrom Montana ishometoover 50indepen- vibrant farm-to-tap brewing culture. LIBATIONS Glacier Distilling glacial fresh water fuelthestate’s ontana-grown maltedgrainand Bandit Brewing Company in Billings—continues to infusedwith local inMissoula. Andthe inCoramand Big Sky Glacier’s Trail- in 1/22/16 2:45 PM

LYNN DONALDSON DESSERT & CHEF, DONNIE SEXTON EXTERIOR DINING & BREWERY photo credit Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 21 1/22/16 2:45 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 22 22 M Fort Benton, Fort Benton Summer Celebration, (www.lewisandclarkfoundation.org) Lewis andClarkFestival, Great Falls, Strawberry Festival, Billings, Western Art Week, Great Falls, Little Bighorn Days, Hardin, billings.com/events/strawberry-festival) Bucking Horse Sale,Miles City, (www.westernartweek.com) Montana Folk Festival, Butte, (www.fortbenton.com/sumcel) livingston_roundup.html) (www.livingstonmontana.org/visiting/ Livingston Roundup Rodeo, Livingston, (montanafolkfestival.com) (www.buckinghorsesale.com) SUM SPRING CAN’T MISS EVENTS events. For acomplete listing andspecificdates, go tovisitmt.com MER

ONTANA ISANALL-SEASON Here’s aseasonal sampling ofBigSky country’s best andbrightest annual wherever you visit, there’s sure tobeafestival happening nearby. orfair

(March to May) JUNE

(June to August)

JUNE JUNE JULY MARCH MAY

(downtown

JUNE

JULY

celebration destination. Whenever and Bannack Days, Bannack State Park, western-montana-fair) (www.missoulafairgrounds.com/ Fair, Missoula, (www.montanacowboypoetrygathering.com) Rendezvous, Lewistown, Gathering andWestern Music Montana Cowboy Poetry (www.montanafair.com) MontanaFair, Billings, (http://www.crow-nsn.gov/) White Sulphur Springs, Red Ants Pants Music Festival, (www.montanastatefair.com) Evel Knievel Days, Butte, (redantspantsmusicfestival.com) Montana State Fair, Great Falls, (www.bannack.org/bannack_days.htm) Crow Agency, Crow Fair Powwow Celebration, (evelknieveldays.org) AUGUST

AUGUST JULY AUGUST .

JULY

,

JULY

AUGUST

JULY

Whitefish, Great Northwest Oktoberfest, chamber-event-galleries/reed-point-sheep-drive) (stillwatercountychamber.com/about/ Wild West Winterfest, Bozeman, (www.montanawinterfair.com) Lewistown, Montana Winter Fair, www.whitefishskijoring.com) (whitefishwintercarnival.com, Seeley Lake, Tamarack Festival &Brewfest, (www.ennischamber.com/calendar.asp) JANUARY Skijoring Championships,Whitefish, Whitefish Winter Carnival andWorld (www.brvhsmuseum.org) Reed Point, Great Montana Sheep Drive, Hamilton, Annual McIntosh Apple Day, wild_west_winterfest.php) (www.bozemannet.com/events/ Ennis Hunters Feed, Ennis, (www.whitefishoktoberfest.com) FALL WINTER

(September to November) OCTOBER SEPTEMBER JANUARY SEPTEMBER (December to February) OCTOBER

AND

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

FEBRUARY

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DONNIE SEXTON PLANNING YOUR TRIP If you aren’t already driving to Montana, rental vehicles are available once you arrive. For those adventures on back roads and gravel, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Direct flights are available from several U.S. cities, and Amtrak’s Empire Builder (www.amtrak.com) runs between Chicago and , through the northern half of the state. For a list of airports and carriers, go to visitmt.com/airports

TRAVEL RESOURCES

Visit www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/ to download MDT’s Travel Info mobile app.

WEATHER REPORTS Western Montana 406.721.3939 Central Montana 406.453.5469 Northeast Montana 406.228.9625 Southeast Montana 406.652.1916

24HOUR ROAD CONDITIONS Available Statewide 511 www.mdt511.com Emergency phone service available statewide 911

LEARN MORE

VISITMT.COM/TRAVELER‹RESOURCES

NATIONAL PARKS Top: Witness the wonder of Old Faithful during an evening visit to Yellowstone National Park. Glacier National Park Bottom: Go kayaking on Bowman Lake, Glacier National Park. Far left: See daredevil stunts at Evel 406.888.7800 Knievel Days in Butte. Left: Cheer on the cowboy skiers at the Whitefish Winter Yellowstone National Park Carnival’s signature skijoring event. 307.344.7381

SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK There’s no love button, so you’ll have to set- tle for “liking” Montana. www.facebook.com/visitmontana

TWITTER While we’re usually distracted by another kind of twitter (bird watching, anyone?) we keep our virtual tidbits updated, too. www.twitter.com/visitmontana

INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram for a constant stream of photos guaranteed to make you pine for your next Montana trip. www.instagram.com/visitmontana

TUMBLR Share your favorite #MontanaMoment to inspire others or browse the photo gallery to kick o® your next adventure. www.montanamoment.tumblr.com

ONLINE RESOURCES

An encyclopedic, user-friendly resource for trip ideas and general wanderlust. Here, you’ll find a wealth of varied information— motorcycle route ideas, a compilation of powwows, craft breweries, wineries, ghost town rundowns, and just about anything else you can think of. JACOB W. FRANK OLD FAITHFUL, CHUCK HANEY KAYAKING HANEY CHUCK FAITHFUL, OLD FRANK W. JACOB VISITMT.COM

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Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 23 1/22/16 2:45 PM Montana Drives_REPRINT_FINAL.indd 24 Absaroka Mountains outside of Livingston, MT Livingston, of outside Mountains Absaroka VISITMT.COM 1/22/16 2:45 PM

photo credit