Wide-open spaces, stunning mountain views, frontier history, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone National Park are just a few of the incredible things that make Big Sky Country attractive to tourists. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Montana, rest assured you’ll find plenty of exciting and relaxing outdoor activities to make your trip unforgettable. Make sure to take the opportunity to visit our National Parks and to stop in Gardiner for some whitewater rafting.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
One of the most fun things you can do in Montana in the summer is raft down the Yellowstone River. There are options available for all ages and adventure levels, so you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to love it (but if you are, we have something for you too!). Whitewater rafting and scenic river floats are the perfect way to cool off and see a different side of Yellowstone.
YELLOWSTONE FLY FISHING
Begin in Gardiner and meet your tour guide for a drift boat fly fishing experience of a lifetime. Spend a half day or full day floating and fishing on the Yellowstone River with all equipment provided and a guide who knows all the best spots. You can also opt for a walk and wade fishing trip with drive in or hike in locations chosen based on your skill level.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
Gardiner, MT is just outside the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. You can also enter from the west side through West Yellowstone, MT. Either way, this national park is well worth your time. Explore hot springs and geysers, hike through beautiful landscapes, and enjoy stunning views of canyons, waterfalls, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as elk, bison, mountain goats, and wolves.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Glacier National Park is at the top of many traveler’s lists for fun things to do in Montana. With over 700 hikes and the iconic 50-mile “Going to the Sun” road, you’ll easily find plenty of ways to enjoy the area. Trek through mountain ranges, glaciers, meadows, and forests to see waterfalls, sparkling lakes, and more.
RINGING ROCKS
Make sure to stop just outside Butte, MT, to climb along the Ringing Rocks of Boulder Batholith. You can tap these rocks with mallets and hear them chime. Scientists don’t know why this occurs, but they do know if a boulder is removed, the chiming stops. You can also experience this rare occurrence in India, Vietnam, and Africa.
GRIZZLY & WOLF DISCOVERY CENTER
The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone is a favorite among tourists. Close-up views and opportunities to learn about these incredible animals in their natural habitat are just part of the fun. Get there early in the morning to hear the wolves howling and check out other fun animals while you’re there.
LEWIS & CLARK CAVERNS STATE PARK
Take a guided tour of the largest underground limestone caverns in the world. Stick to the concrete walkway and the safety of the handrails and open spaces, or ask about the alternate Wild Cave Tour that includes some crawling. Above ground, you can also enjoy camping, hiking, and other activities at this state park, found between Bozeman and Butte.
BOOK A RAFTING TRIP
Plan your outdoor adventure through beautiful Montana with the ideas above, and don’t forget to book your whitewater rafting trip or scenic float with Wild West Rafting.
Come see all the fun things to do in Montana this summer, including Yellowstone National Park, or visit in the winter for some great skiing. Contact Wild West Rafting for more information about how you can see a different side of Yellowstone and Gardiner, MT.