Historic Sites In Montana. More Than Just Parks has 10 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I’m going to give you my list of the 10 Historic Sites In Montana that you’ll want to see.
To be clear, this list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as opposed to national parks.
If you’re planning a trip to Big Sky Country then one book that I highly recommend is: Ghost Towns of Montana: A Classic Tour Through The Treasure State’s Historical Sites by Shari Miller.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Historic Sites In Montana
10. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
We begin our countdown of the Top 10 Historic Sites In Montana with Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
I don’t know about you, but I get goosebumps just thinking about the Corps of Discovery.
Commemorating the Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-06), the Lewis & Clark Trail connects 16 states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon).
This trail is administered by the National Park Service. It’s not a hiking trail, but does provide opportunities for hiking, boating and horseback riding at many locations along the route.
It’s a great opportunity to see the USA while learning about the brave men (and one woman) who weren’t able to make the journey in an air-conditioned SUV.
What Can I See In Montana That’s Connected To This Historic Trail
I’m so glad you asked. After all, our focus in this article is on Montana.
Believe it or not, the Lewis and Clark route covered more miles in Montana than any other state.
The campsite at Slaughter River was used by the Corps of Discovery on both legs of their journey through Montana. Today, Lewis and Clark’s Slaughter River is known as Arrow Creek.
It’s located within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Lewistown, Montana.
The camp includes a shelter and two outhouses. It’s a great place to visit in Montana while you retrace their historic route.
Undaunted Courage | Lewis & Clark
Before setting out on your adventure, I highly recommend reading Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage.
There’s nothing like reading about their amazing story and the incredible hardships they faced to put you in the mindset of Lewis and Clark as get you ready for your own adventure.
RELATED: 40 Best National Parks Books (Great Gifts For Parks Lovers)
9. Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail tells the incredible story of how some of our most amazing natural wonders were formed. It’s a region with a variety of places and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Did you ever wonder how these amazing geologic formations came into being. When I went to college, I always wanted to take a geology course so I did.
Of course, being that it was a California school the course I took was all about earthquakes. It gave the expression “shake, rattle and roll” a whole new meaning for me. But I digress . . .
Back to my geology story. These amazing places were formed by an incredible network of routes connecting natural sites and facilities.
This provides geologists and laypeople with an interpretation of the geologic consequences of the Glacial Lake Missoula Floods of the last glacial period.
This occurred about 18,000 to 15,000 years ago. It includes sites in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. School’s out!
There Are Some Wonderful Museums To Visit
Well, maybe school’s not entirely out.
There are some wonderful museums for you to visit to learn more about this amazing story. They include the following:
- Idaho-Museum of North Idaho, 115 Northwest Blvd, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814, (208) 664-3448Montana-Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St # A, Missoula, MT 59801, (406) 327-0405
- Oregon-Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058, (541) 296-8600
- Washington-Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, 990 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA 98648, (509) 427-8211
CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)
8. Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
At #8 on our list of the best historic sites in Montana is Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site.
“They were a rugged set of men, these pioneers, well qualified for their self-assumed task. In the pursuit of wealth a few succeeded and the majority failed,…the range cattle industry has seen its inception, zenith, and partial extinction all within a half-century.
-Conrad Kohrs, 1913
The changes of the past have been many; those of the future may be of even more revolutionary character.”
The Legacy Of The Grants & The Kohrs
Dreams of wealth first lured the cattle men to Montana. The range was open and unfenced, and they could fatten their cattle on the lush grass and push on to new pastures when the old areas were overgrazed.
By 1885, cattle raising was the biggest industry on the High Plains. Investors and speculators rushed to get in on the action.
As ranches multiplied and the northern herds grew, there came a predictable consequence: overgrazing.
This and the fierce winter of 1886-87 caused enormous losses, estimated at one-third to one-half of all the cattle on the northern plains.
Theodore Roosevelt
One of those forced to liquidate his holdings was a young Theodore Roosevelt whose ranch was in North Dakota.
One of my favorite books is about Roosevelt’s time in the Badlands. It’s appropriately titled: Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands and a great read.
Many cattlemen never recovered. I just snuck in another history lesson. But it didn’t hurt, did it?
CHECK OUT: 10 AMAZING Facts About Badlands National Park
The Open Cattle Range Industry Didn’t Last
The open-range cattle industry lasted only three decades. Unfortunately, few of its pioneering men and women who made their fortunes are remembered today.
From their humble beginnings, this business has evolved into the more scientific ranching of today, with its own risks and uncertainties.
That is the legacy of the Grants and the Kohrs, whose pioneer ranch, complete with original furnishings, is a reminder of an important chapter in the history of the West. (Source: NPS)
Things To Do | Grant Kohrs Ranch
You can see how the cowboys lived at the Grant Kohrs Ranch. There’s a self-guided tour of the bunkhouse and the working ranch.
Remember, it’s a working ranch. This means you’ll be able to see today’s cowboys carrying on an old and proud tradition. You will need to be careful, however, as you won’t want to get in harm’s way.
You might see a team of horses waiting for a harness in the barn, or a cowboy riding out to check the herd. I cannot overemphasize the importance of being aware of your surroundings.
I want you to be able to safely explore the ranch as opposed to telling your friends about your trip to the Emergency Room and how many stitches they had to put in your head.
Check Out: 25 BUCKET-LIST Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)
Tour The Ranch House At Grant Kohrs
The Ranch House was built by Johnny Grant in 1862. You can take a guided tour which offers a unique look into the lives of both of the families. Visitors can see how they lived through viewing their original furnishings and personal items.
There’s also a Wagon Tour which will take you around the ranch. You’re actually hitched up to a team of horses and it doesn’t get any better than that.
CHECK OUT: 6 Missouri National Parks Worth A Stop On Your Next Midwest Road Trip
Historic Sites In Montana
7. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
At lucky #7 on our list of the best historic sites in Montana is Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site.
The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is a part of America’s past.
It’s a historical reconstruction of one of the most important fur trading posts on the Upper Mississippi.
I recommend beginning your trip by watching a wonderful film about the Fort Union. During its 39 years of existence, from 1828 to 1867, it was a center of economic and social exchange between Northern Plains Tribes and other cultures.
You come away from this film with an understanding that this was no ordinary post. It was the most important post of its time.
The film is only 9-minutes long and you can see in the Bourgeois House Visitor Center Museum’s video kiosk during regular open hours. It’s worth it.
Fort Union’s Trade House
You have a wonderful opportunity to travel back in time with a visit to Fort Union’s Trade House. A costumed Park Ranger will explain how this place was the fort’s most important building.
I have to give these incredible Park Rangers a shout out. Not only are they friendly and helpful, but they get dressed up in these amazing costumes and go all out to make you believe they were actually there back in the day.
Trading was the name of the game back in the day. American Fur Company Traders and the fort’s tribal trade partners, the Assiniboine, Crow, Blackfeet, Plains Cree, Plains Ojibwa, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, and others, all entered this space for one purpose, the act of trade.
So it was more than just a store on the Upper Missouri River.
The Trade House was where diplomatic negotiations transpired, families reconnected, stories were shared, and feasts were held. It was truly a happening place.
There’s A Wonderful Bookstore & Gift Shop Too
So many books, so little time. I enjoy researching and writing articles for the Pattiz Brothers who happen to be my sons. And the best part of all is that they pay me in books! It works for them and it works for me.
The only one it doesn’t work for is my wife who tells me that we’re running out of bookshelves, but I digress . . .
RELATED: 40 Best National Parks Books (Great Gifts For Park Lovers)
6. Bannock Ghost Town
Our next historic site in Montana is not just for Halloween. At #6 we have Bannock Ghost Town.
Bannack has its roots in the second half of the nineteenth century: it was the first town in this state where the search for gold took place. Shortly after Gold was discovered in Grasshopper Creek, the city of Bannock, Montana was founded to house all the folks who arrived seeking their fortune.
It was considered such an important center that two years later it was named the capital of Montana, reaching 3000 inhabitants. When the gold mines ran out, the fame of Bannack also declined, but it remained alive and well until 1970, when the last resident died.
Although it’s just one of many towns in Montana that were abandoned after the gold rush, Bannock has been somewhat maintained; by turning it into a state park, it has the benefits of both stewards and a budget to help prevent its decay.
CHECK OUT: 5 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In Oklahoma
The Top 5 Historic Sites In Montana
5. Big Hole National Battlefield
We’re on to the Top 5 Historic Sites In Montana. At #5 we have Big Hole National Battlefield.
Spoiler Alert: I’m a retired history teacher. When I go somewhere, I love to learn about the history of the place. You have probably figured that out about me already however.
My wife tells me that not everyone is made that way. I’m not sure I believe her, but just in case, I’ll keep this history lesson brief. And, no homework. I promise!
The Battle of Big Hole was fought August 9-10, 1877, in Montana, between the U.S. Army and the Nez Perce Tribe. The Nez Perce were led by Chief Joseph. The U.S. Army by Colonel John Gibbon.
This was no cake walk for either side. Both experienced heavy casualties.
The Nez Perce gave as good as they got. They were forced to withdraw from the battlefield, but Gibbon’s force was in no condition to pursue them.
The U.S. Army suffered 29 dead (23 soldiers and six civilian volunteers) and 40 wounded (36 soldiers and four civilians) of whom two later died. These casualties amounted to more than 30 percent of Gibbon’s force.
The Nez Perce fought a rearguard action as they made their way to Canada.
IF YOU LOVE HISTORY THEN CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
Acceptable Casualties
Now I did some research because I like to think of myself as a scholar. My wife likes to think of me as a nerd. She’s usually right. I just hate that! But I digress . . .
Anyway, an acceptable loss, also known as acceptable damage or acceptable casualties, is a military term used to indicate casualties or destruction inflicted by the enemy that is considered minor or tolerable.
From what I was able to learn, casualties in excess of 10% are considered excessive. The Nez Perce inflicted over 30% casualties on Colonel Gibbons and his soldiers. That definitely qualifies as excessive.
To learn more about the Battle of Big Hole I recommend: Battle of the Big Hole: The Story Of The Landmark Battle Of The 1877 Nez Perce War by Aubrey Haines & Calvin Haines.
Touring The Big Hole Battlefield
If you haven’t been to the Big Hole National Battlefield before then I recommend starting at the visitor center. It offers museum exhibits, a film, and a book sales area.
I’m someone who likes to do a “reconnaissance mission” before I go out into the field. This means that I like to gather as much ‘intel’ as I can.
What better place to do that then in the visitor center. And, don’t be afraid to ask those friendly folks questions. That’s what they’re there for.
As part of my reconnaissance, I learned about the award winning film There’s No Turning Back: Battle at Big Hole. It’s impactful! The film provides an introduction to Nez Perce Flight of 1877 and the battle which took place at this site.
Outside of the visitors center, there’s an observation deck which provides you with an opportunity to explore the battlefield year round.
Viewing scopes allow close inspection of the tipis, the 1883 granite monument, and the howitzer cannon from afar.
Explore The Battlefield Trails At Big Hole
There are three trails open from sunrise to sunset daily year-round. The Nez Perce Camp Trail leads to the site where the sleeping Nez Perce were camped when the army attacked on the morning of August 9, 1877.
The trail is a 1.6 miles round-trip walking trail with no elevation gain. Hikers should look out for ground squirrel holes. These can easily be stepped into. You don’t want to twist an ankle or ruin a squirrel’s day.
You Can Get Your Steps In Too
The trail takes approximately one hour to complete. Remember, however, you’re getting those steps in. When my son calls me that’s the first question he asks. “Dad, did you get your steps in?”
I thought I was smarter than him when I kept telling him that the weather in my neighborhood was too terrible to go walking. Then he and his two brothers conspired against me. They got me a treadmill. But I digress . . .
The Siege Area Trail is 1.2 miles round-trip and climbs about fifty feet in elevation. The trail takes approximately forty-five minutes to complete. Visitors can look at the rifle pits dug by the soldiers and see the monument dedicated to the Seventh U.S. Infantry soldiers.
The Howitzer Trail is a 0.8 mile spur trail off of the Siege Area trail that climbs 320 feet in elevation. It takes approximately 40 minutes to hike. Visitors will find a replica cannon at the site.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST CIVIL WAR SITES IN AMERICA
4. Nez Perce National Historic Park
We’re on to the final four on our list of the best historic sites in Montana. At #4 we have Nez Perce National Historic Park.
The Nez Perce National Historical Park offers thirty-eight sites in four states. Wow!
While you may have neither the time nor the money to see it all, there are three sites in Montana. One is the Big Hole National Battlefield covered above.
The other two are Canyon Creek and Bear Paw Battlefield.
Canyon Creek
Canyon Creek-After emerging from Yellowstone National Park, the Nez Perce were pursued by Colonel Samuel Sturgis’ Seventh Cavalry.
In a rearguard action on September 13, 1877 the Nez Perce were able to gain time by stopping Sturgis’ troopers.
Directions: From Interstate 90 continue north on US Highway 310 into Laurel and past the statue of Chief Joseph. Continue up First Avenue until it changes to Montana Highway 532.
The monument and interpretive signs are approximately 8.3 miles from the freeway. (Source: NPS)
Bear Paw Battlefield
Bear Paw Battlefield-Just 40 miles short of the Canadian border, the Nez Perce were besieged by the U.S. Army. With losses mounting, Joseph gave his rifle to General Oliver O. Howard, ending the siege on October 5, 1877.
They had traveled 1,170 miles in the nearly four months since the first skirmishes.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history behind the battlefield then I recommend: The Long Journey of the Nez Perce: A Battle History from Cottonwood to Bear Paw by Kevin Carson.
Directions: The visitor center is located at the Blaine County Museum, 501 Indiana Street in Chinook. The battlefield is 16 miles south of Chinook, Montana on County Highway 240. (Source: NPS)
CHECK OUT: A Brief (& Informative) History Of America’s National Park Rangers
Historic Sites In Montana
3. Yellowstone National Park
At #3 on our list of the best historic sites in Montana is America’s Oldest National Park – Yellowstone.
Interesting Facts About Yellowstone
I have to warn you [early and often my wife tells me] that I am retired history teacher. I’m also fascinated by the history of places I encounter. I hope that you are too, but I’ll try to make this a short history lesson just to be on the safe side. And, no homework, I promise!
Before it became America’s first national park, people explored this fantastic place. They told tales of its magnificent beauty and amazing natural wonders. Few believed them however.
Then, in 1869, C.W. Cook saw some of Yellowstone’s incredible geysers with two traveling companions. Cook was so moved by his experience that he submitted an article to Lippincott’s magazine.
He received a curt reply from them which read as follows: “Thank-you, but we do not print fiction.” Aren’t publishers wonderful.
Old Faithful | Yellowstone National Park
It was left to the Washburn Party, led by Henry Washburn and Nathaniel Pitt Langford, to convince a skeptical public that this place was as magnificent as people were describing it.
Members of the party made detailed maps and observations of the region, explored numerous lakes, climbed mountains, and observed an incredible array of wildlife.
The Washburn Party traveled to the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. They were so fascinated by the regular eruptions of one geyser in particular that they decided to name it Old Faithful. And, needless to stay, the name stuck.
CHECK OUT: 18 (FASCINATING) Yellowstone National Park Facts You Probably Didn’t Realize
The Official Report Of The Washburn Party
The official report of the Washburn Party was written by Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane. He described, day by day, what the party saw in Yellowstone.
As Freeman Tilden writes, “He [Doane] climbed the peak now known as Mount Washburn on a day when the pure air of the country revealed everything with crystal clarity.
He saw the snowy summits above the Gallatin Valley, and from them traced almost an unbroken circle of mountains, of which he thought the Tetons were a part.” (Source: The National Parks, Freeman Tilden)
Doane’s report authenticated earlier descriptions of Yellowstone. A skeptical public finally began to believe these fantastic tales of this wilderness wonderland.
Wouldn’t it have been incredible to have been there? Of course, you can travel there now and the amenities are much better.
RELATED: 15 BEST Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
Ten Things To Do While At Yellowstone:
10. Go Camping-There are many campsites inside the park though you should check availability before you arrive.
9. Go Fishing-Try the trout waters north, south and west of Cody. They’re filled with native brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout.
8. Check Out The Local Culture-See the Plains Indian Museum or visit one of five museums at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
7. Explore The Rocks & Fossils-Inside Yellowstone you will find basalt columns formed by lava and a petrified forest.
6. Go Rafting-Raft down one of the nearby rivers or check out the information on rafting trips which is available at the park entrances.
For a complete list, check out our article on all of the Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Top 5 Things to Do at Yellowstone
5. Take A Hike-There’s a 1,300 mile trail system. Some of the most popular hikes are Bunsen Peak, Fairy Falls and Uncle Tom’s Trail.
4. Visit The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone-This incredible place includes three glorious waterfalls. The overlook of the lower falls offers a breathtaking view.
3. See The Incredible Wildlife-Yellowstone is home to more wild animals than anyone else in America. There are are Bears, Wolves, Moose, Elk, Bison, Badgers, Otters, Fox and so much more to see inside the park.
2. See The Geysers Erupt– What would a visit to Yellowstone be without a trip to the Old Faithful Geyser. You don’t have to stop there, however, as Yellowstone is home to the most active geyser field in the world.
1. Sit Back, Relax & Soak It All In-After all, you’re on vacation. You can do as little or as much as you want. I tend to lean towards the as little side, but we’re all different.
Want to learn about some of the classic films and television series that were made at Yellowstone and America’s other national parks?
Check out our articles: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks & Look Familiar? 10+ CLASSIC Television Shows Filmed In The National Parks
2. Little Bighorn National Monument
In the runner-up spot at #2 on our list of the best historic sites in Montana is Little Bighorn National Monument.
Folks, were not going to get into the subject of casualties or what Custer was thinking when he attacked a force many times the size of his own.
George Armstrong Custer. Where do we begin? So much has been said, so much has been written and so much has been researched about his final Battle at the Little Bighorn.
While we know what happened on that fateful day there’s always more to learn about why.
“Under skies darkened by smoke, gunfire and flying arrows, 210 men of the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry Unit led by Lt. Colonel George Custer confronted thousands of Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors on June 25, 1876, near the Little Big Horn River in present-day Montana.
-Annette McDermott, What Really Happened At The Little Bighorn
The engagement was one in a series of battles and negotiations between Plains Indians and U.S. forces over control of Western territory, collectively known as the Sioux Wars.
In less than an hour, the Sioux and Cheyenne had won the Battle of the Little Bighorn, killing Custer and every one of his men. The battle has been ennobled as “Custer’s Last Stand”—but in truth, Custer and his men never stood a fighting chance.”
The Aftermath Of The Battle Of The Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also called Custer’s Last Stand, marked the most decisive Native American victory and the worst U.S. Army defeat in the long Plains Indian War.
The demise of Custer and his men outraged many white Americans and confirmed their image of Native Americans as wild and bloodthirsty.
Despite their overwhelming victory, the Battle of Little Bighorn had severe consequences for the Sioux nations and Plains Indians.
Prior to the battle, the American public generally agreed with the government’s policy of trying to negotiate peacefully with these Native Americans.
However, once the news spread that 200 U.S. soldiers had been murdered by the Sioux, public opinion quickly turned against them.
The U.S. Army dispatched more troops. Their mission was to seek them out and “deal” with them.
The Lakota hunting grounds were invaded by powerful Army expeditionary forces determined to conquer the Northern Plains Indians. Most of the declared “hostiles” had surrendered within one year of the fight.
The Black Hills were taken by the U.S. government without any compensation.
Take A Deeper Dive
To learn more about this important event in American history, I recommend: The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn by Nathaniel Philbrick.
If you’re particularly interested in military strategy and tactics then you also might wish to pick up a copy of The Strategy of Defeat at the Little Big Horn: A Military and Timing Analysis of the Battle by Frederick Wagner, III.
Little Big Man | Battle of the Little Bighorn
If you’re a film buff, like me, there’s a 1970 western movie titled, “Little Big Man.“ It’s based on the 1964 novel by Thomas Berger of the same name.
It’s the story of a white man who was raised by members of the Cheyenne nation during the 19th century.
The film is sympathetic in its treatment of Native Americans. The main character of this story incredibly survived both the Battle of Washita River and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
He is portrayed by a very young Dustin Hoffman.
Now here’s another interesting fact. The character of Jack Crabb, portrayed in the film by Dustin Hoffman, is partially based on Curley, one of Custer’s Native American scouts from the Crow tribe.
Curley rode with Custer’s 7th Cavalry into the valley of the Little Bighorn, but was relieved of duty before the final attack, retreating to a nearby bluff and witnessing much of the action.
Many conflicting stories of the era embellished Curley’s participation, stating in several cases that he disguised himself with a Cheyenne blanket to escape the immediate field of battle.
He was interviewed many times, with some writers claiming him to be the only surviving witness from the U.S. side of Custer’s Last Stand.
RELATED: Look Familiar? 25+ CLASSIC Movies Filmed In The National Parks
Things To Do At Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
I recommend beginning at the Little Bighorn Visitors Center. There’s a wonderful 25 minute orientation video for visitors unfamiliar with the history leading up to the battle. There are also some fascinating exhibits there which illustrate the events surrounding the Little Bighorn.
From there you can take a self-guided tour of the Indian Memorial, Custer’s Last Stand and walk through the Deep Ravine Trail which is a .25 mile self-guided walking tour. You can also walk through the national cemetery.
If you have additional time then I recommend driving the 4.5 mile tour road to the Reno-Benteen Battlefield, the second stage of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
The #1 Historic Site In Montana
1. Glacier National Park
As the #1 Historic Site In Montana we have selected Glacier National Park.
Looking for things to do in Glacier National Park on your next trip? Check out our article: 15 EPIC Things to Do in GLACIER National Park (Photos + Map) 2022
About Glacier National Park
Before we get to all of the wonderful things that you can do at Glacier, let’s begin with a short history lesson. Don’t roll your eyes. I promise it will be short and remember I don’t give any homework. After all I’m retired. And grading homework was never that much fun anyway.
As for Glacier, it officially became a national park in 1910. Fast forward to 2019 [I told you the lesson would be brief] and Glacier National Park is the 10th most visited park, making this one of the most popular national parks to visit in the United States.
Now if you want to learn more about the man who has a glacier, a lake and a mountain named after him at Glacier National Park then check out the article below.
Things To Do At Glacier National Park
With over a million acres to explore, there’s no shortage of things to do at Glacier. The park has over 700 miles of hiking trails. A great place to get familiar with the place is the 50 mile Going-to-the-Sun Road which is he main thoroughfare for many park explorations.
In addition to hiking, there’s boating, fishing, stargazing, bicycling, and taking guided excursions such as the park’s iconic Red Bus Tours. There’s also a shuttle service that will take you through the park.
There’s so much to do that your toughest job will be deciding which great activity to partake in. Now isn’t that a fun problem to have!
If it’s wildlife watching that you love, common sighting include marmots, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep, as well as the occasional grizzly and black bear.
Places You’ll Want To See While At Glacier
Remember that old Beatles song (you may or may not depending on your age). It starts out, “There are places I remember . . .” Well, I’m going to give you a list of places I believe you’ll remember too.
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park at approximately 10 miles long. It has incredibly clear water, colorful rocks, and the mountains that make it for a perfect sunset or sunrise.
Avalanche Gorge and Avalanche Lake are definitely worth seeing. Given the surrounding scenic beauty, they’re among the most popular trails in the park.
Trail of the Cedars is a short loop hike – less than a mile – that begins and ends on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It features a raised boardwalk that passes through a fragrant, old-growth red cedar forest, but the highlight is at the midway point.
Hidden Lake is another great place to visit especially at night as you’ll be treated to a spectacular star show.
If you’re planning to make the hike you’ll have a couple of options. Choose the one that makes the most sense for you given your level of experience.
Map Of Historic Sites In Montana
List Of Historic Sites In Montana
- Glacier National Park
- Little Bighorn National Monument
- Yellowstone National Park
- Nez Perce National Historic Park
- Big Hole National Battlefield
- Bannock Ghost Town
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
- Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
About The People Behind More Than Just Parks
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. My sons have spent their entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
As for me, I’m a retired lifelong educator and a proud dad of these two wonderful guys who are hopelessly obsessed with the national parks. I taught history for over a quarter of a century. Now I enjoy researching and writing articles for More Than Just Parks. I’m always on the hunt for topics where nature and history intersect so please feel free to share any ideas that you might have with me.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, and the U.S. Forest Service for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
Meet The Parks Brothers
Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) absolutely LOVE the national parks and public lands.
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then please sign up below!
Leave a Reply