America’s fourth largest state, Montana is bigger than Germany or Japan. Many of the state’s most treasured destinations and experiences are clustered in the rugged western portion, making it less daunting for the first-time visitor trying to discover the best of “Big Sky Country.” Here are just some of the state’s must-see attractions.1. Glacier National Park
By any name and from any view, Glacier National Park has a dramatic presence. Home to more than one million acres, the beauty with glacier-carved terrain that encompasses wild meadows, glistening clear rivers, stunning 400-foot waterfalls, striking rock faces and dramatic mountain peaks, it's truly unlike any place on earth.
2. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Known as the site of Custer's last stand and located in southeastern Montana, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument memorialises the site of the Battle of the Little Bighorn which took place on June 25-26, 1876 between the United States Seventh Cavalry Regiment led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, and the Sioux and Cheyenne under the political and spiritual leadership of Sitting Bull. The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument was originally named Custer Battlefield National Monument. President George H.W. Bush renamed the site on December 10, 1991. It is now representative of those who were in the battle, Native Americans and the 7th Cavalry.
3. Bozeman
Bozeman is the gem of Big Sky Country, bustling with activities for all seasons. Winter brings powder to the peaks at Bridger Bowl Ski Area and nearby Big Sky Ski Resort, while the spring brings high waters and thrilling rafting on the Gallatin River. Summer is splendid for backpacking the Gallatin Divide, and fall colours bring nearby Yellowstone National Park to life as the wildlife come out to mate. The city's cultural scene thrives with annual events like the American Indian Pow Wow and the rodeo. Consider visiting the Museum of the Rockies; recognised as one of the world's finest research and history museums, it is renowned for displaying an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a T. rex skeleton!
4. Mining history
Montana is known for its rich mining history. Butte, Montana was once known world-wide as The Richest Hill on Earth. A combination of geologic circumstances produced a mineral wealth that made hundreds of men rich and, more importantly, gave high-paying jobs and opportunities to thousands and thousands of immigrants from much of the rest of the world. An oft-told story is of emigrants being told, “Don’t stop in America, go straight to Butte!”. As well as Butte, Virginia City and Nevada City lie along Alder Gulch, the site of the richest placer gold strike in the Rocky Mountains with an estimated total value of 100 million dollars throughout the 18th and 19th century. In the early 1860s, during the first three seasons, an estimated $30 million worth of gold was removed from the gulch. Impressive!
5. Entrances to Yellowstone National Park
Montana is home to three of Yellowstone National Park’s five entrances. Visit Yellowstone and experience the world's first national park. Marvel at a volcano’s hidden power rising up in colourful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. Explore mountains, forests, and lakes to watch wildlife and witness the drama of the natural world unfold. Discover the history that led to the conservation of national treasures “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
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