Southwest Montana

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Tom Robertson
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton

See elegant Victorian-era mansions in mining-boom ghost towns and picturesque ranches dwarfed by rugged mountain peaks in this historic and beautiful region.

History is etched into the diverse landscapes of Southwest Montana, from ghost towns crumbling amid cross-country ski trails to the Native American pictographs that adorn limestone cliffs. Discover wild stories and fascinating heritage entwined with the mountains, canyons, rivers and forests of this magnificent region.

There’s so much to discover in the region, from its northerly tip near Glacier National Park to its southern reaches, which border Yellowstone National Park. Embark on a road trip through Southwest Montana and or base yourself in one of its major towns.

The state’s capital HelenaOpens in a new window sits in the northerly corner of the region and marked a stopover for Lewis and Clark when the two explorers traveled this way around 200 years ago. Take a historic train ride or visit Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena to uncover the history beneath the scenery. Be awed by Helena’s boomtown mansions and a breathtaking turn-of-the-century cathedral. Find out where all the wealth came from in the nearby mining town of ButteOpens in a new window. Taker a historic trolley tour or learn about the region’s mining successes and failures at the World Museum of Mining. Anaconda and Philipsburg are also historic mining towns with beautifully preserved architecture.

Get acquainted with the same mesmerizing vistas that charmed pioneering prospectors when you explore Southwest Montana’s pristine reserves. Discover river valleys surrounded by rolling pastoral land and framed by jagged mountain peaks. Hike and camp along forested trails at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest or check out the Lewis and Clark Caverns and the Painted Rocks State Park. Go rafting or fly fishing in the region’s beautiful rivers or take a boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains canyon to see rugged limestone cliffs.

Southwest Montana is easily reachable by plane to Helena Regional Airport or Missoula International Airport. Road trip trails include the Pintler Scenic Loop. Make the most of the wintertime in Southwest Montana with the region’s network of cross-country skiing trails or enjoy long sunny days in the lakes, rivers and forests in summer.

Where to stay in Southwest Montana

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Downtown Bozeman

5/5(1 area review)

Downtown Bozeman is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Andesite Mountain and Rialto.

Downtown Bozeman
Big Sky Resort featuring a hotel and interior views

Big Sky Mountain Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sky Mountain Village, Big Sky Resort and Explorer Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
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Spanish Peaks

While visiting Spanish Peaks, you might make a stop by sights like Big Sky Resort and Cabin Ski Lift.

Spanish Peaks
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Lazy Acres

While Lazy Acres may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Two Top Mountain and Tweedy Lake.

Lazy Acres
Big Sky showing mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and snow

Big Sky Meadow Village

While visiting Big Sky Meadow Village, you might make a stop by sights like Big Sky Golf Course and Historic Crail Ranch.

Big Sky Meadow Village
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Big Horn

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Big Horn and surrounding area, you can visit Big Sky Resort and Black Bear Ski Lift.

Big Horn
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
3 out of 5
2107 Cornell Ave, Butte, MT
The price is S$181 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$181
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Butte. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (942 reviews)
"We have stayed at this location on more than one occasion. We like that the kitchen area has snack's, coffee and various beverages available around the clock. The staff are friendly and helpful. The grounds around the hotel look like they have been working on. Our room was in good shape when we checked ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
Comfort Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
1515 W Park St, Livingston, MT
The price is S$145 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
S$145
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Livingston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
5.4/10 (631 reviews)
Spacious room and nice pool
"The front desk person was hard to understand due to lack of good English spoken. The cleaning staff neglected to supply towels which we discovered in the morning - we had planned on showering before leaving but not towels altho there was bath soap, shampoo etc.. Renovating was in progress in some ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites
320 Guest Ranch
320 Guest Ranch
3 out of 5
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is S$367 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
S$367
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly ranch in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Restful bliss
"Great place to stay. Nestled in the mountains next to a beautiful rushing river, horses grazing in a meadow, it could be no more idyllic. Between Big Sky and Yellowstone West entrance, there is plenty to do. Staff was wonderful. Don't miss out on the rainbow trout or elk medallions at McGills. Have ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

320 Guest Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
4 out of 5
PO BOX 160001, Big Sky, MT
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town ...
9/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"we had a lovely time!! would definitely come back in a heartbeat! check in was easy, place was perfect!!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
SkyWater Cabins
SkyWater Cabins
3 out of 5
797 U.S. 93, Hamilton, MT
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Skalkaho Bend Park and River Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"The ducks are so cute!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

SkyWater Cabins
Aspects Big Sky
Aspects Big Sky
4 out of 5
200 Misty Mountain Court, Gallatin Gateway, MT
Stay at this 4-star villa in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Big Sky Town Center and Soldiers Chapel are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Aspects is wonderful. The decor is cozy and stylish. The house is immaculately clean. The views are amazing. There’s so much attention to detail and the property manager is friendly and responsive. We stayed for a week, and would love to go back!"

Reviewed on 1 Jun, 2025

Aspects Big Sky
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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