Ever heard of Livingston or Fishtail, Montana, before? With populations of 8,790 and 478 people respectively, these small towns in South-Central Montana aren’t on many people's radar. But if you're a food enthusiast, you'll want to make a trip to taste the unique, local flavors being prepared by Montana chefs gaining national attention at Campione in Livingston and MontAsia in Fishtail. Campione chef Joshua Adams and MontAsia chef Lee Johnson were named semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard awards for Best Chef from the Mountain region earlier this year. And in 2023, the James Beard award committee included the Backporch– a barbecue spot located in the small, historic town of Roundup (population: 1,916)– on its list of nominees for best new restaurant. 

Montana State Parks is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, making it a perfect time tovisit. Here are some of our favorites:

Makoshika State Park. Makoshika is the largest state parkin Montana (11,538 acres)and home to balands and dinosaur fossils. Starting this summer, visitors can stay in yurts on the property for a glamping experience under some of the darkest skies in theworld.

Sluice Boxes State Park. Hike along limestone cliffs, follow trails that historically served as mining routes for gold prospectors and explore old cabin remains where mining families used to live and work.

Missouri Headwaters State Park. Camp where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805 during their cross-country trek and soak in the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers—where the Missouri River begins.

Tower Rock State Park. View the breathtaking 424-foot-high rock formation used as a landmark by many Native American tribes and noted in the journal of Capt. Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

When the leaves start to turn in Montana’s Missouri River Country, anglers, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts flock to the wilderness areas in and around Fort Peck Lake to marvel at elk and test their luck catching Chinook salmon, both of which become most prevalent this time of the year. Start your wildlife excursion in the small towns of Zortman, Fort Peck or Glasgow and book a guided wilderness tour with an outfitter like Redbone. Be sure to plan a stop to Slippery Ann Wildlife Viewing Area for the best chance to see bugling elk.

If connecting with nature and some of our country’s most iconic wildlife is a focal point of your travel, then exploring the 18,500 acres of wildlife conservation land found in the Bison Range is your ticket. Managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), the range is home to 350 bison in addition to elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bears and more than 200 species of birds. Visitors can navigate the range by foot on a series of nature trails or by two different wildlife drives:

1.Prairie Drive (open year-round)

2.Red Sleep Mountain Drive (open mid-May to Mid-October, weather permitting).

Each season brings different wildlife encounters. In late summer, plan to get out early to beat the heat and spot deer and elk calves, bighorn sheep and rams or bears hunting for berries. When the temperatures drop in the fall, you can encounter bugling and sparring elk with a backdrop of golden aspens. Stop by the visitor’s center for your day-use access pass. Just remember to bring bear spray and keep a safe distance when viewing wildlife.

Winter in Glacier National Park is unreal. From still mountain lakes to towering peaks, Glacier is Montana’s northern jewel and the Crown of the Continent. Over 1,600 square miles of unspoiled, pristine landscapes create the perfect setting for snow-inspired adventure. Make your way to the snow-covered Going-to-the-Sun Road, most of which is closed to vehicular travel, as snowfall creates a sanctuary for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. As you soak in the quiet, ethereal beauty of the mountains and pine forests, you’ll feel as though you’re walking among nature’s gentle giants—perfectly covered in powder.

Montana’s Rocky Mountains welcome hundreds of inches of snow per year. Known for its light, airy quality as it follows skiers and snowboarders during a fresh powder run, Montana’s signature cold smoke powder is a favorite among downhill lovers. Local favorites like Lookout Pass, Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Bridger Bowl and Turner Mountain are known for deep and dry stores of this type of snow.

Experience the rush of snowmobiling through Montana’s spectacular terrain. Guided day trips or multi-day adventures travel deep into the lesser-explored areas of Yellowstone National Park, encountering wildlife and snowy landscapes that will excite snowmobilers of all skill levels. Whip past snow-covered trees and frozen lakes and witness the many geologic and geothermal marvels in Yellowstone. Take a guided tour to Old Faithful, it’s the only way to see this thermal wonder in the winter. Note, snowmobiling is not permitted within Glacier National Park boundaries.

There are a few destinations that conjure up feelings of coziness and romance, and if it’s not already, Montana should be at the top of the list. From snow-covered landscapes to horse-drawn sleigh rides and quaint mountain cabins, to guest ranches and candlelit dinners, the opportunities for romance are endless. During the winter season, several of Montana’s guest ranches, resorts and lodges are transformed into intimate winter retreats that are ideal for couples looking to travel for a Valentine’s Day getaway, long weekend away and more.