Known as the “Big Sky” State, Montana is a awesome place to plan a family vacation. Montana hold three of the 5 entrances into Yellowstone park as well as having some of the best hunting, fishing and camping areas in the US. While in Montana don’t forget to check out these “must see” sights.

Beartooth Highway: Also known as the “All-American” road is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. Due to the enormous snow fall in the area, the Beartooth highway is only open seasonally from May to October. While driving down the road its not uncommon to pass through areas where there are snow wall 3-4 times higher than your vehicle. It’s kind of like driving through a maze and is quite a site to see.

This road was built to provide Yellowstone access from the Billings Montana area and is a 60 mile breathtaking experience. The name “Beartooth” comes from the Crow Indian description of one of the geologic formation in the range. Beartooth has recently joined the ranks of the top ten scenic drives in the Northern Rockies.

Stillwater Valley: the Stillwater Valley is located in the south central part of Montana. Some of the main geographical feature includes the Beartooth Absaroka Wilderness area, the Stillwater and Yellowstone River valleys and the lake basin, coulees and rolling plains at the Northern end of Stillwater County. On a historical note, you can follow much of Lewis and Clarks exploration of Montana through this area. On their return trip in 1806 Clarks return through Reed Point, Columbus, and Park City and view the Pompeys Pillar National Historic Monument, the only surviving physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Absarokee: Absarokee is a small town at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains that is known for its hiking, fishing, camping and outdoor activities.

Columbus: Columbus is in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, along with great fishing, and camping you can check out the “Museum of the Beartooths” which contains memorabilia of the Rosebud River Crow Indians, Northern Pacific railroad and World War ll history. Other activities include boating and water sports at Cooney Dam.

Billings Montana: Billings containa a large number of items of interest. Like the Northern Pacific Depot, MetraPark, Boothill Cemetery and Monument, Black otter trail, Yellowstone – Kelleys Grave, Yellowstone county museum, Yellowstone art museum, Alberta Bair Theater, Moss Mansion, and the Western Heritage Center.

An item of historical interest, the Boothill Cemetary and monument is the final resting place for Muggins Taylor, the scout who first carried the news of Custer’s last stand to the world.

The Yellowstone county museum in Billings is also a must see destination. The interpretive exhibit depicts the life of the Native Americans from the Montana area as well as providing much information on the Lewis and Clark Expedition and settlement of the west. There is also the Landmarks Gallery which exhibits artwork of local national and international artists.

The National art museum is a nationally accredited art museum with both contemporary and historic changing exhibitions. You will find exhibits of paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and photography. Another item of note is that the museum contains the most comprehensive works of the cowboy illustrator Will James.

The western heritage Center has the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Place and is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. It is a regional museum focusing on the people of the Yellowstone River Valley.

Author Bio: for more information on traveling in Montana visit Montana Vacations

Category: Travel
Keywords: travel, vacation, montana, museums, tourist attractions