Visit Some Of The Most Magical Places In Montana

We might be a bit biased, but we truly believe that every mile of Montana is beautiful. Whether you prefer sweeping mountains, open plains, rushing rivers or rugged cliffs, you’ll find it in the Treasure State. That being said, there’s something truly special about Glacier National Park and its surrounding area… after all, the park is called the Crown Jewel of the Continent for a reason.

To celebrate all the beauty and wonder of Glacier National Park as one of the most magical places in Montana, we’ve created a dreamy road trip. This trip is for everyone; those who want to take in as much scenery as possible in a single weekend, or for those who would prefer not to spend much time out of the car to avoid potential crowds and practice social distancing. This little drive will make you fall in love with Montana all over again.

Google Maps You can use this interactive map to follow along on our trip to these magical places in Montana.

Start your adventure by spending part of your morning at Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

Always Shooting / Flickr There are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy the scenery from the shoreline, including several state parks. You’ll begin to think Flathead Lake is too beautiful to be real. Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Next, hop on Highway 35 West, then take Highway 206 and US-2 West to Glacier National Park.

Troy Smith / Flickr Stop and take in the beauty of Lake McDonald, which is quite possibly the most iconic lake in the park. Take a good look at the beautiful colorful rocks on the bank, the result of subjecting the iron-rich rocks to heat and pressure. Lake McDonald, Montana 59936, USA

Then cruise up to Logan Pass, which is the highest elevation reachable by car in the park.

James Engleman / Flickr While this area is absolutely gorgeous, you’ll probably want to admire it from the road. It’s a popular place in the summertime, and parking can get tricky. If you do want to get out and stretch your legs, there is a great boardwalk trail that begins at Logan Pass that is a true gem. Logan Pass, Montana 59936, USA

And speaking of the road… up next is the iconic, magical Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Jeff Hitchcock / Flickr This is one of the most scenic drives in America, and we’re so lucky to have it in Montana. Be aware that this road doesn’t usually open until late June due to snow, and it’s wise to take those curves slowly. Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be for the faint of heart, but you’ll be glad you experienced this magical place in Montana. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA

All that driving will definitely leave you ready for a respite, so find the Running Eagle Falls Trail and enjoy a quick hike to this enchanting waterfall.

Jeff Krause / Flickr The trail is only one-mile round-trip, and the payoff is totally worth it. Running Eagle Falls, Montana 59434, USA

Next, head south past East Glacier Park Village and take US-2 through the southern part of the park all the way to Lake Five.

management / TripAdvisor Lake Five is an underrated spring-fed lake that’s both visually stunning and perfect for swimming. It also happens to have a laid back campground called Lake Five Resort, so you can spend the night in a cozy cabin. Lake Five, Montana 59912, USA

When you’re ready to hit the road again, end your adventure by taking MT-40 W out to Whitefish Lake.

-ted / Flickr Montana lakes are second to none, and this one is especially stunning. And since Whitefish is somehow just as charming in the summertime as it is when it’s dusted with snow, it’s the perfect place to end a fairytale road trip. Whitefish Lake, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

Are you planning a visit to Glacier National Park soon? Or if you have already been here, did we capture your favorite sites to see? We know Glacier Park is just one piece of the beauty that is Montana. What are some other magical places in Montana? Let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!

Google Maps

You can use this interactive map to follow along on our trip to these magical places in Montana.

Always Shooting / Flickr

There are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy the scenery from the shoreline, including several state parks. You’ll begin to think Flathead Lake is too beautiful to be real.

Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Troy Smith / Flickr

Stop and take in the beauty of Lake McDonald, which is quite possibly the most iconic lake in the park. Take a good look at the beautiful colorful rocks on the bank, the result of subjecting the iron-rich rocks to heat and pressure.

Lake McDonald, Montana 59936, USA

James Engleman / Flickr

While this area is absolutely gorgeous, you’ll probably want to admire it from the road. It’s a popular place in the summertime, and parking can get tricky. If you do want to get out and stretch your legs, there is a great boardwalk trail that begins at Logan Pass that is a true gem.

Logan Pass, Montana 59936, USA

Jeff Hitchcock / Flickr

This is one of the most scenic drives in America, and we’re so lucky to have it in Montana. Be aware that this road doesn’t usually open until late June due to snow, and it’s wise to take those curves slowly. Going-to-the-Sun Road may not be for the faint of heart, but you’ll be glad you experienced this magical place in Montana.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA

Jeff Krause / Flickr

The trail is only one-mile round-trip, and the payoff is totally worth it.

Running Eagle Falls, Montana 59434, USA

management / TripAdvisor

Lake Five is an underrated spring-fed lake that’s both visually stunning and perfect for swimming. It also happens to have a laid back campground called Lake Five Resort, so you can spend the night in a cozy cabin.

Lake Five, Montana 59912, USA

-ted / Flickr

Montana lakes are second to none, and this one is especially stunning. And since Whitefish is somehow just as charming in the summertime as it is when it’s dusted with snow, it’s the perfect place to end a fairytale road trip.

Whitefish Lake, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Places To See In Montana November 18, 2022 Katie Feldkamp What are some hidden gems in Montana? There are hidden gems all throughout Montana. No matter your interest, there is something for you to seek out and enjoy. A few hidden gems you may want to find include:

The tiny town of Polebridge in West Glacier Makoshika State Park in Glendive The underground city in Havre The garden of one thousand buddhas in Arlee

If you’re feeling adventurous, take this road trip to hidden gems in Montana. What is the best road trip in Montana? With so many places to see, it’s hard to choose what is the best road trip in Montana. So instead, here are several of the best road trips in Montana you can opt to take based on your interests:

If you have a sweet tooth, check out this chocolate lover’s road trip in Montana. Feeling brave? Check out a road trip to the spookiest places in Montana. Kids of all ages will enjoy this dinosaur-themed road trip in Montana. Enjoy the dazzling lights on this Christmas lights road trip in Montana.

Want to keep driving? Here are the ultimate road trips in Montana. Enjoy the ride!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Places To See In Montana

November 18, 2022

Katie Feldkamp

What are some hidden gems in Montana? There are hidden gems all throughout Montana. No matter your interest, there is something for you to seek out and enjoy. A few hidden gems you may want to find include:

The tiny town of Polebridge in West Glacier Makoshika State Park in Glendive The underground city in Havre The garden of one thousand buddhas in Arlee

Want to keep driving? Here are the ultimate road trips in Montana. Enjoy the ride!

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are hidden gems all throughout Montana. No matter your interest, there is something for you to seek out and enjoy. A few hidden gems you may want to find include:

The tiny town of Polebridge in West Glacier
Makoshika State Park in Glendive
The underground city in Havre
The garden of one thousand buddhas in Arlee

If you’re feeling adventurous, take this road trip to hidden gems in Montana.

What is the best road trip in Montana?

With so many places to see, it’s hard to choose what is the best road trip in Montana. So instead, here are several of the best road trips in Montana you can opt to take based on your interests:

If you have a sweet tooth, check out this chocolate lover’s road trip in Montana.
Feeling brave? Check out a road trip to the spookiest places in Montana.
Kids of all ages will enjoy this dinosaur-themed road trip in Montana.
Enjoy the dazzling lights on this Christmas lights road trip in Montana.

Want to keep driving? Here are the ultimate road trips in Montana. Enjoy the ride!