Montana, besides its many outdoors activities, also provides great opportunities for learning about the history of the old west on your vacation, through it’s many intriguing museums.

The Anaconda Railroad and Mining Museum looks at Anaconda’s railroad history and relation to the local mining industry and Butte, Montana. The Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway was built by famous Montana copper king Marcus Daly. The idea was to avoid the gouging fees by the railroad monopolies, but it also had the effect of employing many of the citizens of Anaconda and Butte. The museum operates out of the two northeast bays of the the old railroad.

The Anaconda Railroad and Mining Museum features a model railroad, depiciting the entire course of the this railroad system from the Butte hill to the Anaconda roundhouse. On a Montana family vacation? Then this is certainly a must-see.

Besides this awesome model train, there is interesting historic railroad equipment, a real telegraph demonstration, scale models of the roasters and furnaces of the smelter and historical photos from the smelter and the railroad.

You’ll find that the gift shop has great educational literature regarding local railroad and smelter history. In addition, they will have a large supply of HO gauge engines and cars for sale, models for assembly to add more model railroad interest to the gift shop.

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Montana is bear country. © Larry Stanley photo

Montana hosts a large amount of wild animals and on your Montana vacation you will have the chance to see wolves, elk, buffalo, moose, mountain lion (although rare) and bears. There are two types of bears that call Montana home the black bear, and the more exotic the Grizzly Bear. It is important to remember that all the wildlife in Montana is WILD and should never be approached or fed.

Important information about bears:

First you must be able to distinguish the difference between a black bear and a Grizzley bear. Grizzlies have a large hump on the nape of their neck that gives them a bull like look as well as a dish shaped profile. Grizzlies tend to be about 200 to 300 pounds bigger than a black bear. Color is not a reliable trait for distinguishing between bear species.

Safety considerations:

Don’t surprise a bear if you are hiking in Glacier Park or Yellowstone Park you should stay alert and make noise. Most bears are afraid of humans and if they hear you coming they will move out. Don’t wear fragrance while you are hiking and don’t bring strong foods with you while camping. If you are camping you must hang your food or put it in a bear box at least 60 feet from your tent.

If you see a bear back away slowly without making eye contact. If the bear starts to become aggressive make yourself look big by putting your hands above your head connecting hands with others in your party while you slowly back away. We recommend carrying pepper spray which can be bought locally at any outdoors or hiking shops. We also recommend strongly never to hike alone always have at least one but preferably more hiking partners.

It is special to see bears and a unique experience. Bears however rare, can attack and kill people. But, if you exercise caution while outdoors in Montana you will be fine.

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Taking in the view at Discovery Ski Area.

Discovery Ski Area is a great place to spend your family’s winter ski vacation. The resort is 20 miles West of Anaconda, Montana and close to the town of Philipsburg, Montana. The resort itself has several runs a 2700 foot elevation drop, restaurants, ski rentals, and pubs. There is no lodging at the resort but you will find great options in Fairmont, Montana or in Philipsburg, Montana.

The resort is known for its ski school and family friendly atmosphere. Check out the ‘Back in Black’ the entire backside of the mountain is black runs making it great for advanced skiers to get away from the crowds. The front side of the mountain offers many green and blue runs for all levels.

Young or old, rookie or pro, skis or boards, everyone is welcome at Discovery. Just like family.

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The beautiful Bob Marshall Wilderness.

When people think of the great public lands in Montana, often Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park are the first to come to mind, but it’d be a shame for anyone to miss the chance to see the Bob Marshall Wilderness on their Montana vacation.

You’ll also find great towns nearby, such as Whitefish, Kalispell and Columbia Falls, where there’s great Montana hotels and lodging.

The Bob Marshall Wilderness, known to Montanans as “The Bob” covers 1.5 million acres of some of the country’s most pristine wilderness, starting literally across the street from the south end of Glacier National Park.

This is one of the best preserved mountain ecosystems in the world, offering the outdoor experience of your Montana vacation dreams: waterfalls, rugged peaks, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows crossed by gurgling brooks, a tall ponderosa pines, and wide river valleys.

The Bob has some of Montana's best wildlife.

The Bob Marshall contains some of Montana’s most beautiful rivers, including the Middle and South Forks of the Flathead River, and the North and South Forks of the Sun River.

One of the most impressive and well-known attractions to the Bob Marshall is the Chinese Wall. This 22 mile cliff band with an average height of more than 1,000 feet. It’s something that has to be seen to understand the great beauty of it.

The Bob Marshall Wilderness is one of the top places in Montana to see wildlife. It the furthest south holdout  for the grizzly bear, and is also home to packs of gray wolves. There area also a plethora of other animals to see, including Canadian lynx, bobcats, wolverines, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, cougars and more.

Unlike the national parks, big game hunting is allowed in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and it is a popular spot for guided elk hunting trips.

Bird watching here is also great.  Giving you chances to see bald eagles, grouse, falcons, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, Steller’s jays, Clark’s nutcrackers, nuthatches and more.

Rafting the wild Middle Fork of the Flathead is best from mid-July to mid-August, when good weather coincides with adequate flows. Only the skilled expert should attempt to float the Middle Fork during peak runoff in June. The wildest whitewater boils in the canyon below Spruce Park, where it drops an average of 41 feet per mile. Most of the float parties put in at Schafer, after either flying or packing in. Schafer is the only historic aircraft landing field within the compel open to the public.

The Bob is classic horse country because of its vastness, relatively gently terrain, and wide mid-elevation river valleys with abundant forage for grazing. It is probably one of the few Wildernesses where horse users still outnumber hikers and backpackers.

You’ll find more than 1,000 miles of a well-developed trail system, with maintained paths giving way to less well managed trails as you travel deeper into Montana’s largest Wilderness.

More information on the Bob Marshall the Lincoln Ranger District, Seeley Lake Ranger District and the Flathead National Forest.

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Northwest Montana's Lake Koocanusa.

Montana has a nice selection of large natural and man-made lakes that are great for vacations. At lake Koocanusa you’ll find great fishing, wildlife sightseeing, and watersports. Lake Koocanusa is big, stretching over 90 miles long, and sits in northwestern Montana, along Hwy. 37.

For fishing, Lake Koocanusa is most popular for spawning Kokanee salmon near the Libby dam, and in streams that feed the lake, in the Fall. During this same time period, you’ll find lots of bald eagles that have come to join in the fishing.

There is a great visitors center here near the Libby Dam, about 15 miles north of Libby, Montana. It’s open from June – September, from 9:30 am to 6 pm. Call (406) 293-5577.

Campgrounds:

Mariner’s Haven: This private campground on Lake Koocanusa and near the town of Rexford offers tipi rentals, and has a grocery store and marina. Call (406) 293-7773.

Rocky Gorge and Peak Gulch: These Forest Service campgrounds sits on the lake, just off of Hwy. 37 Sites are first come, first served.

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The Missoula area offers several big rivers, great for rafting and fishing vacations in Montana. You’ll find plenty of top Montana guides in this area to help you get the best out of your trip, as well as excellent hotels and lodging to make your stay comfortable.

Bitterroot River

Montana's rivers offer great fly fishing.

Flowing north from the Hamilton area, the Bitterroot River runs 84 miles, then joins into the Clark Fork River just west of Missoula. This river can be ridden starting at the confluence of its east and west forks up to the Clark Fork. This road offers great access along Hwy. 93 for fly fishers and rafters.

Blackfoot River

This pristine river starts off in Lewis and Clark County at the Continental Divide, about 10 miles northeast of Lincoln, Montana. This river offers excellent rafting, canoeing and inner-tubing, and is a local favorite. It is a fast-moving river that runs cold and can be quite deep. Access this river along Highway 200 east out of Bonner/Milltown area east of Missoula.

Clark Fork River

This river is well-known for the Alberton Gorge just west of Missoula, a favorite among serious rafters. The Clark Fork river runs west all the way to Lake Pend O’reille in Idaho. The river travels about 360 miles. Access this river along I-90 traveling east or west.

Clearwater River

This mellow 46 mile stretch of river near along Highway 83 is great for easier, relaxing runs. It starts off at Salmon Lake and ends near Harpers Lake.

Rock Creek

You’ll find Rock Creek is in the Lolo National Forest near Clinton, Montana. The river runs through a narrow canyon with many obstacles, including logs and huge boulders.. It is best known for great fly-fishing, and there are several access points along the 30 mile dirt road that runs along the creek.

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Take a Montana brewery tour

Montana is known for a lot of things. Grizzly bears, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and great hunting, skiing and many other outdoor adventures.

Find great brews in Montana.

In our opinion, it should also be known for its great breweries. Montana has an unbelievable collection of terrific breweries, some have which have kicked butt in international competitions. You’ll find everything from dark, smokey stouts, to light huckleberry flavored beers.

There are 22 breweries total in the state, starting as far east as Wibaux and scattered west to Missoula. You’ll find a range of interesting experimentation with these beers, as well as breweries that stick to tried and true methods of brewing and everything in between.

Here’s a listing of Montana’s breweries, with some basic info to get you started on your Montana brewery tour.

Billings Area Breweries:

Angry Hanks Brewing: Find them at 2405 First Avenue North, Billings, Montana 59101 Call: 406-252-3370. Hours: 4 to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Carter’s Brewing: Find them at 2526 Montana Ave, Billings, Montana, 59101. Call: 406-252-0663. Hours: 4 to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Montana Brewing Company: Find them at 113 N 28th Street, Billings, MT 59101. Call: (406) 252-9200. Hours: 11 am to Midnight, Monday through Thursday, 1 am to 2 pm, Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Yellowstone Valley Brewing: Find them at  2123-B First Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101. Call: 406-245-0918. Hours: 4 to 8:30 pm, seven days a week.

Red Lodge Ales: Find them at 417 North Broadway, Red Lodge, Montana 59068. Call: (406) 446-4607. Hours: Everyday 2-8 pm during summer, 4-8 pm during winter.

With four killer breweries in Billings alone, you may want to consider grabbing a Billings hotel before moving on to the next brewing town.

Missoula Area Breweries:

Bayern Brewing: Find them at 1507 Montana Street, Missoula, Montana 59801. Call : 406-721-1482. Hours: 10 am to 8 pm, Monday-Friday, Noon to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Big Sky Brewing: Find them at 5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, Montana 59808 Call: 406-549-2777  Hours: 11 am to 7 pm, Montana through Friday, 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday.

Bitter Root Brewing: Find them at 101 Marcus Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840. Call: 406-363-7468. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Blacksmith Brewing: Find them at 114 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. Call: 406-777-0680. Hours: 3-8 pm, Sunday through Thursday; Noon to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Kettle House Brewing: Find them at 602 Myrtle Street, Missoula Montana 59801. Call: 406-728-1660. Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

Don’t drink and drive, find a Missoula hotel.

Flathead/Glacier National Park area:

Glacier Brewing: Find them at 6 Tenth Avenue East, Polson, Montana 59860. Call: 406-883-2595. Hours: 10 am to 8 pm, every day during the summer and 2 to 8 pm in winter.

Great Northern Brewing: Find them at 2 Central Avenue East, Whitefish, MT 59937. Call: 406-863-1000. Hours: Noon to 8 pm, seven days a week.

Tamarack Brewing: Find them at 105 Blacktail Road, Lakeside, Montana 59922. Call: 406-844-0244. Hours: 11 am to 10 pm, 10 am on Sunday’s for brunch.

Helena breweries:

Lewis & Clark Brewing: Find them at 939 Getchell, Helena, Montana 59601. Call: 406-442-5960. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 4-8 pm.

Blackfoot River Brewing: Find them at 54 South Park Avenue, Helena, Montana 59601. Call: 406-449-3005. Hours: 2 to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday.

Bozeman Area Breweries:

Bozeman Brewing Company: Find them at 504 N. Broadway, Bozeman, Montana 59715 . Call: 406-585-9142. Hours:4-8 pm, Monday thru Friday. 12:30-8 pm, Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Lone Peak Brewing: Find them at 48 Market Place, Big Sky, Montana 59716. Call: (406) 446-4607. Hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm, seven days a week.

Madison River Brewing: Find them at 20900 Frontage Road, Building B, Belgrade, Montana 59714. Call: 406-388-0322 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 2-8 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Neptune’s Brewery: Find them at 119 N. L Street, Livingston, Montana 59047. Call: 406-222-7837 Hours: 4-8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

More Montana Breweries:

Beaver Creek Brewery: Find them at 104 Orgain Avenue West, Wibaux, Montana 59353. Call: 406-795-BEER (2337). Hours: 3-8 pm, Sunday through Thursday; Noon to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Harvest Moon Brewing: Find them at 7 Fifth Street South, P.O. Box 510, Belt, Montana 59412. Call: 406-227-3188. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Quarry Brewing: Find them at 45 West Galena Street, Butte, Montana 59701. Call: 406-723-0245. Hours: 1-8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.

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Some things to do on your Whitefish, Montana Vacation

Whether you’re here in the spring, summer, fall or winter, here for a week or a weekend, Whitefish has plenty of interesting event going on year-round. Nearby you’ll find great Montana hotels, vacation rentals and lodges, as well as restaurants and many activities. Here’s a list of just some of Whitefish’s events.

Whitefish Theatre Company: This local theatre company performs incredible show at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. The building also is used for music, dance and film to the brought in from around the world. Year round. Call406-862-5371.

Alpine Theatre Project: Founded by Broadway veterans, David Ackroyd, Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath, the Alpine Theatre Project is now one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. Its team of world-renowned actors includes Olympia Dukakis, Dawn Didawick, John Lithgow. Year round. Call 406-862-7469.

Flathead Sled Dog Days: Meet the dog sledders, learn about the sport and then check out two days of racing. All events are free. January 8, 9, 10. Call 406-881-3200.

Moonlight Dine and Ski: One of coolest ways to see Whitefish Mountain Resort. Take a lift up, watch the moon rise from the lodge atop the mountain, as you eat a gourmet meal, put on your skis or board, and ride down the mountain by moonlight with a ski patroller. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Takes place on full moon weekends, weather permitting. Call 406-862-2900.

Whitefish Winter Carnival: In February, enjoy the weekend festivities of Whitefish’s Winter Carnival. There’ll be fireworks, parades, torchlight ski spectaculars, parties, costumes, and lots of silliness from a town that still knows how to have a good time. February 5, 6 and 7. Call 406-862-3501.

Special Olympics State Winter Games: One of Whitefish Mountain Resort’s big events of the year, the Special Olympics Montana State Winter Games bring out over 200 athletes for three days of winter sports. February 28 to March 2. Call 800-242-6876.

The Whitefish Winter Classic: An annual charity event to raise financial assistance for children in need of medical care. Features pro and college football players who put on autograph signing sessions, auctions, a V.I.P. dinner, an outdoor cookout on Whitefish Mountain Resort, and more. March 11 – 14. Call 406-862-8146.

Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic: One f the most popular snowboard competition in the Northwest, founded in memory of Nate Chute, a Whitefish snowboarder who took his own life. Part of the event includes Montana’s largest boardercross race, with over 100 riders competing for the title. With 4 racers at a time barreling down a fast course over jumps, banks and rollers. March 17 and 18. Call 406-862-2900.

Pond Skim: Open to anyone 21-years and older. This event celebrates the beginning spring and bids farewell to ski season. Participants must use normally mounted skis or snowboards try to skim across a 80 foot pond of icy water. Costumes are recommended, for both humor and warmth. Held April 3. Call 406-862-2900.

The Whitefish Farmers Market: Every Thursday, May through September come hang out with the locals, hear some live music, buy Montana-grown veggies, crafts, food, and mingle with a fun summer crowd with Big Mountain in the background. Call 406-862-3451.

Whitefish Gallery Nights: Gallery nights are held the first Thursday each month starting in May through October from 6 – 9 pm. Check out local art at 14 galleries and shops that stay open late, and typically serve beer, wine, snacks and other refreshments, making for a festive evening. Call 406-863-2781.

4th of July Celebration: One of the most fun days you’ll find in Whitefish is the 4th of July. Fireworks over Whitefish lake, live music, dancing, food and fun for the whole family. Not to be missed if you’re in the area. Call 406-863-2470.

Adventure Cycling: Cycle the Divide Mountain Bike Tour: Check out the famous Great Divide Mountain Bike Route with support from indoor lodging and prepared meals. Biciclists ride from the northern edge of huge Flathead Lake, through Whitefish, and down to the Swan Range. July 7 – 17. Call 800-755-2453.

The Huckleberry Days Art Festival: Come check out this celebration of this delicious Montana berry at the annual wild huckleberry harvest. There’ll be music, art and lots of other great festivities including a pie-eating contest and a treasure hunt. August 13 to 15. Call 406-862-3501.

Taste of Whitefish: Say goodbye to summer in Whitefish with an incredible feast in downtown Whitefish. The Taste of Whitefish features cuisine from over 20 Montana restaurants, as well as beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. September 9. Call 406-862-3501.

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See some of Montana’s historic landmarks on your vacation

Besides having excellent outdoor activities, beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers, ski resorts, and wildlife, you’ll find that Montana has a rich and interesting old west history, that you can learn about at some of the fascinating landmarks you’ll find while traveling here. Here’s some of our favorite Montana landmarks.

Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum:

Whitefish's Stumptown Historical Society.

You’ll find this fascinating and beautiful restored Great Northern train depot in the heart of Whitefish, a short walk from local hotels and restaurants. Learn about the area’s railroad and logging past and how each industry has changed the Flathead Valley and the Northwest. No admission is charged.

Missoula’s Wilma Theatre:  This Historical Landmark in downtown Missoula, Montana. Has interesting historic architecture. William Simons built the theatre built in 1921 and named it after his wife, Edna Wilma Simons. The Wilma remains an Missoula icon, with its 1920′s-era box office, 1,067-seat theatre, which still hosts live events and films on a big curved silver screen, Montana’s largest indoor screen.

Mount Jumbo: A historical and beautiful peak outside of Missoula, Montana. Historians say the Salish Indians named Mount Jumbo “Sin Min Koos,” or “obstacle.” Not exactly the most flattering name for a mountain. Early European residents thought it looked like a sleeping elephant and eventually it got the name Mount Jumbo after the famous circus elephant. The mountain is under special protection, and is home to diverse Montana wildlife. Great trails will let you experience the beautiful views from ths Mountain. Trails here are closed from December 1 through March 15. And the northern portion is closed from Dec 1 through May 1.

Lake McDonald Lodge:

The Lake McDonald Lodge is an example of historic Montana architecture.

This historic lodge was built in 1914 on the shores of the largest lake in Glacier National Park. The lodge is made of huge timbers in an amazing lodge style. Whether you stay here or not, it’s worth having a walk around this historic building on park’s west side.

Blackfeet Warriors Sculpture: These amazing sculptures on Blackfeet Reservation on the east side of Glacier National Park are a great historic stop while driving in Montana. The sculptures are made from pieces of old vehicles, barbed wire and stones from a mission school. The artist, Jay Laber, used these materials to build statues of two Native American warriors upon their horses at the four entrances to the reservation. They’re easily spotted as you drive along the east side of Glacier National Park.

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Flathead Lake, a must see on your Montana vacation

Flathead Lake is the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi, and an excellent place to visit on your Montana vacation for fishing, boating, kayaking and enjoying some of the best in Montana lodging including cabins, hotels and vacation rentals.

The lake is in pristine condition, one of the cleanest in the U.S., and is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Nearby Blacktail Ski resort is just above the lake, and on a clear day you can see Whitefish Mountain Resort to the north.

Just 7 miles south of Kalispell, Flathead Lake is about 30 miles long and 16 miles  wide, covering 191.5 square miles (495.9 km²). Flathead Lake is also just 30 miles away from Glacier National Park, is flanked by two scenic highways, and the Montana towns of Polson, Bigfork, Lakeside and others.

This lake is home to an enormous number of fish species, including real whopping lake trout growing up to 42 pounds. If you’re looking for your trophy fish, the one you want photos of and to be telling stories about, this is the place to catch it.

Nearby, you’ll find great places to hike, mountain bike, and relax. Great restaurants ring the lake, as do cherry orchards, small beaches, parks and other great attractions. Local businesses offer boat rentals and tours, kayak rentals, trips to Wildhorse Island, and other fun times.

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