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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Take a vacation Montana ranch in Big Sky

If you love the idea of staying on a classic Montana ranch, but are interested in doing a variety of activities, Big Sky may be the place for you. With Big Sky ski resort serving as the focus of the region, skiing and snowboarding are obviously a big attraction here. You’ll also find excellent fly fishing in the area, snowmobiling, hiking, rafting and much more. When you’re done for the day, why not wind down and relax at a Montana ranch?

Below you’ll find a couple Big Sky ranches we think will be perfect for your Montana Vacation.

320 Guest Ranch:

The 320 ranch in Big Sky.

This ranch offers lots of great activities, in addition to horseback riding. Get special ski packages for Big Sky, go rafting, fishing, hiking and much more. This Montana ranch offers free shuttle that takes skiers to the ski mountain, cabin lodgin, a nightly bonfire, and a breakfast buffet. Children 10 and under stay free and ski for free. Call 800-243-0320.

Covered Wagon Ranch: This Montana guest ranch has been providing great vacations since 1925. The Covered Wagon is centered around horseback riding, catering to all ability levels. On their rides, you’ll get some of the most amazing views to be had in Montana and Big Sky. Sitting alongside the Taylor fork and Gallatin rivers, Covered Wagon Ranch is also a great place to stay if you’ve come Montana for some fly fishing. This ranch has vintage Montana cabins, and serves hearty meals family style. Their summer horseback riding season goes from June 1 through September 15. Call 800-995-4237.

Lone Mountain Ranch: This is a great Montana family guest ranch, perfect for summer horseback riding or winter skiing and snowboarding. In the winter, it’s just a 10 minute ride over to Big Sky ski resort, where you can get in some of Montana’s best turns. In the summer, go horseback riding, take naturalist-guided walks, visit Yellowstone National or go mountain biking, canoeing, and more. This ranch also hosts a ORVIS endorsed fly fishing lodge, providing fly fishing adventures on the Gallatin and Madison Rivers and in Yellowstone National Park. Call 800-514-4644.

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Come to Montana and take an awesome ranch vacation

Have dreams of being a cowboy when you were young? It’s ok to admit it, almost all of us wanted to be John Wayne or Clint Eastwood at some point in our lives. Thing is, you still have a chance to live the dream with Montana ranch vacations.

Montana has some of the finest ranch land in the state, perfect for a great vacation. Whether you’re an experienced horseback rider or a green horn at his first rodeo, Montana is a great place to visit for a classic ranch vacation.

And while horseback riding is what most people would imagine a ranch vacation to be, don’t forget that Montana has some of the best fly fishing, skiing, hunting, golfing and hiking in the Rockies, so, even if you’re not much of a cowboy, you can probably find your cozy spot on a Montana ranch.

Below you’ll find links to places in Montana that offer ranch vacations, click for info on some of the best vacation ranches in those areas.

• Montana Ranch Vacations
• Montana Ranch Vacations: Big Sky
• Montana Ranch Vacations: Gardiner
• Montana Ranch Vacations: Whitefish

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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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Make Missoula your Montana Fly Fishing base

Missoula makes an excellent base for your Montana fly fishing vacation. Here you’ll have quick access to some of the best fly fishing rivers in Montana, from a town that truly offers everything: great Montana hotels and lodging, breweries, restaurants and access to other activities such as mountain biking, hiking and rafting.

Montana brown trout ready and waiting for fly fishing vacations.

Here are four of the great Montana fly fishing rivers you can access from Missoula, as well as info on some of the best fly fishing guides in the area.

Rock Creek: Just south of Missoula you have this pristine fly fishing creek. Here you’ll have the chance to catch prize for brown, rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, and may occasionally hook an enormous bull trout (bull trout are illegal to fish intentionally, and must be carefully re-released). Besides excellent trout fishing, you’ll have a chance to see Moose and Bighorn Sheep to the Salmonflies and the trout that eat them.

The Blackfoot River: Yes, this is the classic fly fishing river made famous by A River Runs Through It. Here, just northeast of Missoula, you’ll find a river teeming with rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and the endangered bull trout. You’ll also find it a beautiful stretch of water as much fun to float as it is to fish.

Clark Fork River: This river is known for it’s hard-fighting rainbow trout, but contains populations of brown, cutthroat, and endangered bull trout. The average fish here measures about 15 inches, with a decent number reaching 20. It’s a great river to fish, and great way to experience the beautiful land northwest of Missoula.

The Bitterroot River: An excellent fly fishing river to the southwest of Missoula that offers up some enormous trout, reaching the 20 to 25 inch range. Here you’ll find cutthroat, brown, rainbow, and brook trout, as well as Montana wildlife such as elk, moose and deer.

Montana fishing guides help you get the most out of your trip.

For best results on your Montana fly fishing vacation, you’ll want to grab a local guide who knows these waters, and can advise you on where to go and what flies to tie, to ensure you get the most from your time here. Here’s a few suggestions.

• Blackfoot River Outfitters: Owned and operated by Terri Raugland and John Herzer, this fly fishing outfitting company based in Missoula has a staff with tens of thousands of hours of combine experience on the local rivers. The owners have guided here since 1990. Call (406) 542-7411.
• Carl Mann’s Montana Experience Outfitters: Carl Mann has outfitted in the Missoula area for 30 years, and has been featured on the fly fishing shows such as Fishing the West and Good Fishing. Call 406-777-1687.

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Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of Glacier National Parks best drives

One of the most famous sites you’ll see while visiting Glacier National Park on your Montana vacation is Going-to-the-Sun Road. It takes you through the heart of this amazing park, with West Glacier at one end, St. Mary at the other, and Logan Pass in the middle.

Logan Pass is one of the best scenic drives in Montana.

Along the way, you’ll see some of Glacier National Park’s most distinct peaks, such as haystack, Mt.
Gould, Bear Hat Mountain, and Mt. Cannon. You’ll see deep valley’s, fields of the white, bell-shaped wildflower known as bear grass among bright red Indian Paintbrushes and magenta fire weed.

You’ll skirt long drops into deep canyons (don’t worry, the guard rails are often brick walls) you’ll see waterfalls that sometimes pour right over the road, and pass through amazing rock-hewn tunnels.

You’re almost assured to see mountain goats and sheep, and have a good chance of seeing bears. This is truly one of the top to-do’s on a Montana vacation, and a great way to get in a variety of hikes, snap some great photos, and have some fun.

The U.S. government completed Going-to-the-Sun Road in 1932. The road is 52 miles long, and crosses the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass. It passes by large glacial lakes and ancient cedar forests, and passes through windswept alpine tundra at Logan Pass.

There are scenic viewpoints and pullouts all along the road, so take it easy and stop for long views and get some great photos. The road spectacular coming from either St. Mary or West Glacier, and you may even want to cross it both ways, as the views are very different from one side to the other.

Things to know

Vehicles traveling Going-to-the-Sun Road must be 21 feet or shorter and 8 feet or thinner, and under about 10 feet to fit through the tunnels. The weather here can change quickly, so you’ll want to be prepared, make sure your vehicle is in good condition, and check with park rangers on the weather. You may also want to consider a guided tour of the road to get the most out of the experience.

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The Beartooth Highway is one of the best in Montana

There’s a lot to see on a Montana vacation. Lots of bears, wolves, buffalo and moose, gysers, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. A great way to see a lot of what this area has comfortably is from the seat of your own car. The Beartooth Highway from Yellowstone to Red Lodge among the world’s most beautiful, and with good reason.

Montana’s famous Beartooth Highway

This 70 mile drive is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. if not the world. Late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt actually called it the most beautiful in the states. You can complete the entire scenic drive in about two hours, or you can take it slow, enjoy some sights and activities along the way, eat at some good Montana restaurants and relax at a Montana hotel.

Begin this drive at Yellowstone National Park’s northeast entrance, and drive north on U.S. Highway 212 toward Red Lodge, Montana. On the way, you’ll cross Beartooth Pass, the highest point in the Montana Rockies, giving you some great views of this amazing part of Montana.

Along the way, you’ll pass Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail where you can get in a fantastic two-day hike, seeing a deep canyon and several lakes.

From the top of the pass, you’ll have a chance to get out and have a look out from the highest point in the road, where you’ll be able to look out and see Granite Peak, the highest peak in Montana at 12,799 feet.

Once you reach Red Lodge, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some great Montana lodging, restaurants and learn more about local activities.

Remember, this drive is in Montana, and at high elevation. Make sure your is in good working order, that you are prepared for emergencies, and updated on all weather conditions to ensure that your Montana scenic drive is enjoyable and safe.

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