Montana Destination Guide

Overview of Montana

St. Mary Lake, Montana
Photo credit: Ken Thomas

Known as 'Big Sky Country', the wide-open state of Montana stretches across the prairie of the Great Plains, borders three Canadian provinces and is the fourth largest state in the country. 'Montana' is Spanish for mountains, and indeed the state is mountainous, being traversed by the Rocky Mountain chain. However, sixty percent of the state is prairie, and its agricultural lands provide some of America's most attractive and renowned national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

Nature attractions in Montana include the Yellowstone National Park, the Glacier National Park, and the Bighorn Canyon, to name but a few. With more than two million acres of geysers, Yellowstone is the largest and most famous national park in the world, spilling over into Idaho and Wyoming. Smaller but no less magnificent is the Glacier Park, which covers one million acres of rugged mountain terrain, forests, waterfalls, and glaciers. Montana is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with a multitude of opportunities for hiking, riding, hunting, and fishing in summer and skiing in winter.

Native American culture also features high on its list of attractions, the prairies having been home to legendary tribes such as the Cheyenne, Crow, and Blackfeet. The various Reservations are strongholds of their heritage, where traditional dress is worn, rituals are performed, and arts and crafts produced. Visitors must be sure to explore the ghost towns left from the 1862 gold rush, the many museums and art galleries, and the historic buildings and battlefields of this multifaceted state.

Though most of the state is undeveloped, there are a few towns in Montana worth visiting. Billings, conveniently located near Yellowstone, is a hub of arts and culture; Butte is a former mining town with several museums dedicated to the industry; while Bozeman is a college town with some good museums and art galleries, and hosts the Sweet Pea Festival each spring.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the most common language spoken but Spanish is often heard in the south-western states.

Passport/Visa:

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. Plugs are mainly the type with two flat pins, though three-pin plugs (two flat parallel pins and a rounded pin) are also widely used. European appliances without dual-voltage capabilities will require an adapter.

Travel Advisories

Travel to Montana

Climate

Montana's east and west regions experience very different climates, separated by the Continental Divide, although generally the state tends to be hot and dry in summer and cold with snow in winter. The western regions generally have a milder climate than the east, with warmer winters, cooler summers, and lighter winds. Their rainfall is also more evenly distributed throughout the year. The east tends to have less humidity than the west, as well as more sunny days on average. Montana's cold winters are frequently broken by warm, windy spells in the east, known as Chinook winds, which can last for several days at a time. The heaviest snowfall throughout the state is from November to March, and most cities receive an annual average of 30 to 50 inches (76 to 127cm). Rainfall is generally light, with most falling between May and July.

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:: The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.93 EUR Euro	0.80 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	152.99 JPY Japanese Yen	1.37 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.91 CHF Swiss Franc
1.52 AUD Australian Dollar	39.40 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	443.91 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	93,075.00 LBP Lebanese Pound	4.86 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.00 OMR Omani Rial	0.00 QAR Qatari Rial	1.35 SGD Singapore Dollar	10.82 SEK Swedish Krona	0.00 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	58.11 DOP Dominican Peso	0.00 HRK Croatian Kuna	16.95 MXN Mexican Peso	610.53 XOF West African CFA Franc	0.00 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	0.00 FJD Fiji Dollar	0.00 HNL Honduran Lempira	133.87 DZD Algerian Dinar	0.00 MMK Myanma Kyat	0.00 BWP Botswana Pula
3.72 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	938.44 CLP Chilean Peso	386.84 AMD Armenia Dram	23.29 CZK Czech Koruna	17.63 MDL Moldova Lei	139.89 ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.72 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.00 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	38.15 UYU Uruguayan Peso	0.00 MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	10.88 NOK Norwegian Krone	4.03 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	0.00 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	36.79 THB Thai Baht
3.66 AED U.A.E Dirham	5.09 BRL Brazilian Real	4.63 RON Romanian New Leu	7.81 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	610.53 XAF Central African CFA Franc	25,405.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36 ARS Argentine Peso	0.00 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	0.00 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	10.06 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.00 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,920.00 COP Colombian Peso	88.42 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	362.00 HUF Hungarian Forint	10.89 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	16,073.70 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,358.84 KRW South Korean Won	7,456.52 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.74 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	508.31 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.67 NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87 PKR Pakistani Rupee	91.39 RUB Russian Rouble	18.51 ZAR South African Rand	3.13 TND Tunisian Dinar	0.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.82 BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33 TRY Turkish Lira	57.28 PHP Philippine Peso	32.31 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	1,164.84 NGN Nigerian Naira	0.00 XPF CFP Franc	0.00 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00 JMD Jamaican Dollar	0.00 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	0.00 BND Brunei Dollar	108.90 RSD Serbian Dinar	7.24 CNY Chinese Yuan	6.94 DKK Danish Krone
3.49 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	83.42 INR Indian Rupee

Exchange Rate for
Euro to U.S. Dollar

1 EUR = 1.07 USD

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 CAD = 0.73 USD

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

1 GBP = 1.26 USD

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 AUD = 0.66 USD

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to U.S. Dollar

1 NZD = 0.60 USD

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to U.S. Dollar

1 ZAR = 0.05 USD

Airports in Montana

Billings Airport (BIL)
Billings Logan International Airport
http://www.flybillings.com

Location: Billings The airport is two miles (3km) northwest of Billings.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 406 247 8609.

Getting to the city: Many hotels offer a shuttle sevice, and there is a taxi service available at the airport. A shuttle service also provides a service to and from the airport but should be pre-arranged. Ride-hailing services are also available.

Car rental: Enterprise, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, National, Alamo, Avis, and Budget have car rental facilities at the airport.

Airport Taxis: City Cab, MET Transit, Red Lodge Tour and Taxi, Magic City V.I.P. and Yellow Cab service the airport. However, it is a good idea to book airport taxis in advance. Ride-hailing services are also available.

Facilities: ATMs are situated in the main lobby. There is a fine dining restaurant, deli, gift shop, information booth, play areas for children, and the Peter Yegen Jr. Yellowstone County Museum opposite the terminal building.

Parking: Short-term parking is about $2 for the first 30 minutes, and $1.50 for each additional 30 minutes up to $15 for 24 hours. Long-term parking is about $2.50 for the first hour, and $1.50 for each additional 30 minutes, up to $9 per day.

Helena Regional Airport (HLN)
Helena Regional Airport
http://www.helenaairport.com

Location: Helena The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of Helena.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: +404 442 2821

Getting to the city: There is no public transport servicing Helena Airport but Helena Towncar, a luxury shuttle service, is available for pick-up and drop-off. A number of area hotels provide free shuttle service to and from the airport, and can be called through the courtesy phone board located in the baggage claim area near the east entrance of the terminal.

Car rental: Car rental companies operating from the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National.

Airport Taxis: Capitol Taxi and other taxi companies can be called directly from the courtesy phone located in the terminal baggage claim area.

Facilities: Airport facilities include an ATM, an information centre, a restaurant and a gift shop, a business centre, and televisions.

Parking: Short-term parking is located directly east of the terminal; the first hour is free. Long-term parking is $4 per day.

Kalispell Airport (FCA)
Glacier Park International Airport
http://www.iflyglacier.com

Location: Kalispell The airport is located six miles (10km) northeast of Kalispell.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: +406 257 5994

Getting to the city: Car rentals and taxis are available but there is no public transport servicing the airport.

Car rental: Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty, and National.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available from the airport, but they should be booked by phone.

Facilities: Terminal facilities include an ATM, vending machines, a visitors information centre, a conference room and a bistro.

Parking: Parking is free for the first 5 mintes and then charges $1 for every 20 minutes, up to a daily maximum of $9, and a weekly rate of $54.

Missoula Airport (MSO)
Missoula Montana Airport
http://www.flymissoula.com

Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) northwest of downtown Missoula.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: +406 728 4381

Getting to the city: Mountain Line operates public buses to the airport 11 times every weekday. Information is available from their kiosk in the baggage claim area.

Car rental: Car rental counters are located in the main passenger terminal, directly across from baggage claim. Companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National.

Airport Taxis: Taxis and shuttles are available from the airport. Information is available from the courtesy board in the baggage claim area.

Facilities: Terminal facilities include an information centre, ATMs, a business centre, restaurants and shops.

Parking: Short-term parking is adjacent to the terminal; parking is charged at $3 for the first hour and $2 per half hour thereafter up to a daily maximum of $15. Long-term parking is $3 for the first hour and $1 per hour thereafter up to $9 per day and $54 per week. The first 60 minutes is free in all lots.

Great Falls International Airport (GTF)
Great Falls International Airport
http://www.flygtf.com

Location: Great Falls The airport is located five miles (8km) southwest of Great Falls.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6, from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Getting to the city: Taxis, hotel shuttles and rental cars are available. Public buses stop nearby but don't service the airport directly.

Car rental: Car hire agencies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Airport Taxis: Diamond Cabs service the airport, and can be booked by phone.

Facilities: The airport is small, though comfortable, and facilities are basic. Terminal facilities include a gift shop, a bar and a restaurant.

Parking: The first 15 minutes in the Hourly and Daily lots are free. Parking in the Hourly Lot is charged at $1 for each 30 minutes up to $12 per day. Parking in the Daily Lot costs a daily rate of $7 and a weekly rate of $35.

Billings

The leisurely city of Billings, with its central location and international airport, is the gateway to Montana and the perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of this northwest state. Founded in 1882, the small city is situated on the Yellowstone River at the base of the Rimrocks, a set of distinctive rock formations. It was named for a former president of the Northern Pacific Railway, Frederick Billings, who piloted the railway line across Montana. Today, Billings remains an economic and transport hub for the state, and also serves as its welcome mat for tourism.

The city is filled with hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Its modern complexes such as MetraPark and the Expo Center offers facilities for rodeos, concerts, and variety of other events such as the Montana Fair. Its broad, tree-lined avenues also boast a variety of attractions. Museums and galleries such as the Yellowstone Art Museum, the Alberta Bair Theater, the interactive Western Heritage Center, and preserved historic buildings such as the Moss Mansion. Within a day's drive of the city are three stunning national parks, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton.

Getting around in Billings

Billings' downtown area can be a bit confusing for visitors, as it was designed on a grid system with numbered avenues increasing numerically both to the north and south of Montana Avenue, and numbered streets crossing it from east to west. The central area is compact and can be explored on foot. Most visitors, however, prefer to rent a car to explore the city and outskirts. The city bus service is the Billings MET Transit, which is easy to use. MET buses stop at most corners and at stops with a distinctive blue and green sign. Exact fares are required and are paid to the driver. Buses run from 5.50am to 6.40pm on weekdays and from 8.10am to 5.45pm on Saturdays. There are no buses on Sundays or major public holidays. Lyft and Uber are available; taxi companies include City Cab and Billings Yellow Cab.

Climate in Billings

Billings has a semi-arid climate, with low humidity all year round. Summers (June to August) are sunny, warm and pleasant, with average temperatures between 52F (11C) and 87F (31C); and autumn is a particularly lovely season with spells of 'Indian summer'. The first frost usually comes at the end of September. Winter (December to February) brings fairly heavy snowfalls, but snow does not accumulate; average winter temperatures stay between 18F (-8C) and 40F (4C). Warm 'Chinook' winds, during February and March, keep late winter and early spring mild and pleasant.

Sightseeing in Billings

Billings, an old railroad town in Montana with humble beginnings, is a unique destination offering a big city appeal as well as access to open spaces and beautiful landscapes.

History is a key drawcard to this city. Visitors to the Pictograph Cave State Park can venture to the prehistoric era with its cave paintings over 2,000 years old, still in their original state. The Western Heritage Center in downtown Billings, home to over 16,000 historical artefacts from the Yellowstone River Valley, is a popular choice with history buffs, as is the Moss Mansion Historic House. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1903-built Moss Mansion has been preserved to capture family life as it was way back when in the state of Montana, and draws in many visitors each year.

For those with a penchant for the arts, the Yellowstone Art Museum is a most memorable stop with exhibits of both contemporary and historic art from the Rocky Mountain West. Billings is also home to a Performing Arts Center as well as several theatres and a symphony orchestra.

Visitors in search of some open space and natural beauty need only take a short drive to the Chico Hot Springs set in the aptly named Paradise Valley. Chico Hot Springs is home to two open-air mineral pools as well as many outdoors activities such as horseback riding, hiking, white-water rafting, fly fishing, and more. A drive to Missoula will prove a unique excursion filled as it is with hippies and students.

With a history of providing visitors with much to explore, as well as some incredible outdoor activities, Billings makes for a memorable visit.

Billings Attractions

Moss Mansion Historic House

Moss Mansion, Billings, Montana
Photo credit: Jaydec

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Moss Mansion was the home of the Preston Boyd Moss family built in 1903 and has been preserved to capture the family life of the well-to-do. Designed by New York architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who's best-known for creating New York's Waldorf Astoria, most of its original fixtures are still present and visitors can view them during informative guided tours of the property. The SpringFest is an annual favourite, with many artists, chefs, and artisans showing off their wares on the mansion's lawn. Moss Mansion is also available for private rental.

Website: http://www.mossmansion.com

Western Heritage Center

Affiliated to the Smithsonian Institution, the Western Heritage Center in downtown Billings has a collection of more than 16,000 artefacts documenting the life, culture and history of the Yellowstone River Valley and the Northern High Plains. The building itself is considered its most valuable treasure, having been built in 1901 and existing on the National Register of Historic Places. Alongside constantly changing exhibitions drawing around 22,000 annual visitors, the centre also hosts activities such as lectures, storytelling hours and scavenger hunts.

Website: http://www.ywhc.org

Yellowstone Art Museum

Montana's premier art museum, the popular Yellowstone Art Museum exhibits contemporary and historic art of the Rocky Mountains West region. Established in 1964, it now contains more than 3,000 works, including the Virginia Snook Collection, the largest public display of the drawings, paintings, books and memorabilia of cowboy illustrator Will James. The museum hosts events throughout the year, including art auctions and semi-annual festivals.

Website: http://www.artmuseum.org

ZooMontana

Montana's zoological park and botanical garden hosts around 70,000 visitors a year and is one of the state's most popular tourist attractions, the only zoo within 600 miles (965km) of Billings. With pristine natural habitats, the complex covers 70 acres (28 ha) to the west of the city. It exhibits animals and plants native to the northern Rockies and high plains, and similar latitudes in Europe and Asia. The grounds have also recently opened up as a concert venue, with musicians and fans alike revelling in the gorgeous surrounds.

Website: http://www.zoomontana.org

Custer National Forest

The Custer National Forest is scattered across Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, but the forest headquarters are in Billings, Montana and most hiking and camping is undertaken in the part of the forest located about an hour's drive to the south of the city. Custer is the most ecologically diverse forest in the north of the USA, renowned for its lake and stream fishing and home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, cougar and moose. A popular outing from Billings is to follow the spectacular Beartooth Scenic Byway, with the area being one of the gateways to Yellowstone National Park.

Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/custer

Yellowstone National Park

The world's first national park, Yellowstone was established in 1872. Despite its popularity today, most of the park still remains an undeveloped wilderness of magnificent mountains, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rivers. It is renowned for its geothermal wonders and abundance of wildlife. Spilling over into Wyoming and Idaho, the enormous park is situated on top of the Yellowstone Caldera, a collapsed volcanic crater that was formed 600,000 years ago and holds within it the greatest geothermal area in the world. This unique environment includes features such as exploding geysers, thousands of steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. The park also includes one of the state's most popular attractions, Old Faithful, a geyser which draws thousands of tourists to witness its regular eruption of steaming water. Yellowstone's wildlife includes grizzlies, black bears, wolves, moose and large herds of bison and elk. The two narrow waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River cut a striking picture in the yellow-coloured rock that gives the park its name, with superb views and hiking trails for all abilities. Yellowstone Lake fills the eastern part of the caldera and offers opportunities for boating and fishing expeditions in summer. All places of interest are accessible along the loop roads, but the intensity of visitors in summer, especially between July and August, means that one needs to hike away from the main paths to experience the true wilderness of Yellowstone National Park.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/yell

Missoula

The 'Garden City' doesn't have much in the way of gardens, but Missoula is an outdoor sportsman's Eden. Downtown is a collection of unique shops and lively bars where it is easier to walk or bike than drive. The University of Montana starts right where the hill ends and is a beautiful campus to wander or catch a football game to see the university's Montana Grizzlies playing. Tourists often visit Missoula for outdoor activities of all kinds, from skiing, kayaking and hiking to rock climbing, hang-gliding and mountain biking. There are a number of festivals in Missoula too, so visitors should come ready for celebrations of craft beer, rodeos and a host of country markets.

Website: http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us

Pictograph Cave State Park

Pictograph Cave in Pictograph Caves State Park
Photo credit: Tbennert

Located just six miles (10km) south of Billings, Pictograph Cave State Park is a wonderfully scenic and historically fascinating day trip. The 93 acre (38 ha) park is a National Historic Landmark home to a complex of three caves (Ghost, Middle and Pictograph) linked by a walking trail. Two contain evidence of habitation dating back over 4,500 years ago, while more than 30,000 historical artefacts such as bone tools, arrow heads and beaded jewellery have been discovered within the park. The pictographs themselves date back more than two millennia, and their meanings are still being debated by archaeologists today.

Website: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/pictograph-cave

Chico Hot Springs

Though they're hardly in a fashionable area, the unpretentious Chico Hot Springs are quickly becoming a popular attraction in Montana, drawing guests from New York and Hollywood. Set in the aptly-named Paradise Valley near the town of Emigrant, the springs contain two open-air mineral pools with temperatures around 93°F (34°C), perfect for relaxing. There's a restaurant and a lively bar onsite, and outdoor activities like horseback riding, dog sledding, hiking, fly fishing, white-water rafting and cross-country skiing are on offer.

Website: http://www.chicohotsprings.com

Airports in Billings

Billings Airport (BIL)
Billings Logan International Airport
http://www.flybillings.com

Location: Billings The airport is two miles (3km) northwest of Billings.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: +1 406 247 8609.

Car rental: Enterprise, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, National, Alamo, Avis, and Budget have car rental facilities at the airport.

Big Sky
Billings

Big Sky Resort, Montana.
Photo credit: Jim

Montana's leading holiday destination, Big Sky is a fantastic year round resort offering the best skiing to be had in the state. Situated between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky sits among some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. With great powder and long runs on three different mountains, Big Sky is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise and nothing beats a day out on the slopes than relaxing in a hot tub before enjoying the resort's après-ski entertainment.

Montana Attractions