Get out there and do something! Montana is filled with adventurous possibilities: rafting, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, you get the idea.

 

Yellowstone National Park

Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the first and oldest national park in the world.Preserved within Yellowstone are Old Faithful Geyser and some 10,000 hot springs and geysers, the majority of the planet's total. These geothermal wonders are evidence of one of the world's largest active volcanoes; its last eruption created a crater or caldera that spans almost half of the park.

An outstanding mountain wildland with clean water and air, Yellowstone is home of the grizzly bear and wolf, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. It is the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact temperate zone ecosystems remaining on the planet.

Biking in Montana

Montana offers some of the most exciting cycling adventures in the world.

Feel the soft summer breeze, smell the scent of fresh pine, and hear the screech of eagles as you pedal through Montana. On a bike you can experience Big Sky Country up close and personal, free from the confinement of a car. What can compare to the thrill of cruising up a mountain trail and watching elk graze or viewing a mountain goat perched high on a cliff? What could match the adventure of visiting historic battlefields, dinosaur digs, or riding along ancient Indian trails? Visit Montana for a cycling adventure of a lifetime.

Bird Watching

If you like "birding," you'll love Montana. Here are just a few of Montana's superlative attractions:

We have the largest population of Trumpeter Swans in the lower 48 states. (Red Rocks Lake National Wildlife Refuge)

Montana claims the spot where more Golden Eagles have been seen in a single day than anywhere else in the country.(Rocky Mountain Front)

At the Kootenai River it is possible to see up to 175 bald eagles on a single fall day.

Gaming and Gambling

If you like gambling you'll hit the jackpot in Montana!

Montana casinos offer a variety of gaming opportunities. Video poker, keno and bingo machines are legal with a maximum $2 bet and $800 payout. The following live games are also authorized: raffles, bingo, keno, bridge, cribbage, hearts, panguingue, pinochle, pitch, poker, rummy, solo, whist, and shake-a-day. Sports pools, fantasy sports leagues and sports tab games are also legal.

Dinosaurs, Archaeology, and Paleontology

Every day Montanans walk across the very same ground once inhabited by dinosaurs. Big Sky Country offers spectacular "hands on" archaeological, paleontological, and geological experiences. Summer provides the opportunity to dig dinosaurs along the Rocky Mountain Front, or visit ancient archaeological sites like Ulm Pishkun. When snow blankets the mountains and prairies distinguished scientists, like Jack Horner, offer fascinating seminars and lectures.

Golfing

In Montana, the eagles on the golf courses are real. And so are the deer and the elk, but keep your mind on your game.

From the Jack Nicklaus designed Old Works course, in Anaconda to the spectacular Eagle Bend in Big Fork, there is always the hazard of being distracted by the stunning scenery and fly-fishing daydreams. Montana boasts more than 70 golf courses. From first-class resorts, to elegant country clubs and delightful "country" courses Montana is a great place to spend your golfing vacation.

Big Sky Golf Club & Summer Resort - Resort

2100 Black Otter Rd
Big Sky, Montana 59716
Gallatin County
(406) 995-4706

Hiking and Backpacking

Montana is a word borrowed from the Latin expression meaning "mountainous." The rugged Continental Divide zigzags across western Montana from the jagged peaks of Glacier Park to the ancient Beartooth plateau. The potential for hiking and backpacking in Big Sky Country is endless and inviting. And don't forget; when your in the backcounty, it pays to know what to do if you get into an unexpected situation.

 

 

 

Horseback Riding

Your trail to adventure starts in Montana.

Horseback rides, summer pack trips, hunting, fishing, and photo trips can be found in Big Sky Country. Many sites are located near some of the finest outdoor recreation areas in the state.

Hunting

Montana is a hunter's paradise.

You can hunt elk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, antelope on the short-grass prairies, upland birds in the foothills, and moose in the low bogs of our rugged mountains. When it comes to wildlife diversity and hunting opportunities, Montana has something to satisfy nearly everyone. Hunting outfitters and guides are available to help you plan your adventure.

Night Life

What do you do when we've put the "Big Sky" to bed for the night? Montana has a great variety of community theatres, festivals, fairs, rodeos, nightclubs, and casinos for your evening entertainment.

Montana River Trips

Big Sky Country offers some of the most exciting white water rafting and scenic river trips in the nation.

From Montana's snowy peaks and the Yellowstone Plateau, pristine waters converge and flow through spectacular canyons and valleys. Experience the thrill of whitewater on a raft trip down the Alberton Gorge, near Missoula, or the tranquil beauty of the wild and scenic Upper Missouri, near Fort Benton. You can explore Montana's rivers in many ways, guides offer a variety of trips on driftboats, rafts, kayaks and canoes. Or rent a boat yourself and explore Montana's waterways.

Visit Each Site:

Geyser Whitewater Expeditions -- We invite you to join us for a river adventure that is sure to provide memories for generations.

Bozeman Sites:

Montana Whitewater -- Montana Whitewater Raft Company (phone / email) -- We offer whitewater & scenic guided raft trips on the Gallatin & Yellowstone Rivers. Half-day full-day, dinner, horseback/raft combinations and canoe & kayak instruction.

Scenic Drives

In Montana you'll find 147,000 square miles of terrain and about 69,000 miles of public highways and roads!

We invite you to explore some or all on your visit to Big Sky country. Follow the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Trail of the Great Bear or try one of the regional scenic loop drives. Find out why Lewis and Clark described Montana as, "scenes of visionary enchantment," and among the prairies, mountain ranges, and ghost towns expect to see a variety of two and four legged creatures.

 

Sightseeing Tours

Montana has many professional guides, outfitters, motor coach operators, and travel consultants to help plan your sightseeing tour.

There are about 69,000 miles of public highways and roads in Montana and 147,000 square miles of terrain to explore! Follow the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Trail of the Great Bear or try one of the regional scenic loop tours. Find out why Lewis and Clark described Montana as, "scenes of visionary enchantment."

Wildlife Watching in Montana

During winter, Montana's wild residents go through major changes. They grow winter coats for extra warmth, and they build up their fat reserves to help them get through the cold months. For these reasons, please be extra careful when you're watching or photographing wildlife, as they need to conserve their energy.

Two of Montana's greatest opportunities for winter wildlife viewing are its national parks: Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. In Glacier, you may see elk, moose and deer foraging or mountain goats and bighorn sheep pawing for lichens and grasses. In Yellowstone, elk, bison, deer, wolves and other animals often roam the park's plowed roadways. Don't expect to see bears in either park (or anywhere else, for that matter), as they hibernate throughout the winter. At viewing areas across Montana, you may see ducks, Canada geese, swans or bald eagles on unfrozen lakes and rivers.

Western Adventure

In Montana you can experience the adventure and true romance of the American West.

A Montana cattle drive, wagon train, or Pow Wow will provide the adventure of a lifetime. If you prefer your adventure at a safe distance, Rodeo excitement can be found year round. Prominent Montana rodeo events include the NILE Bull Riders Invitational in Billings, Wolf Point's Wild Horse Stampede, the Home of Champions Rodeo in Red Lodge, the American Legion Rodeo in Augusta, the Fourth of July in Ennis, the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, the Last Chance Stampede in Helena, and the State Fair in Great Falls.