Montana

[jipsy]

I am trying to plan a vacation in September to Montana, but I don't know where to fly in to, where to go, etc. We are planning this because we are considering moving there in a few years. We are very outdoorsy type people and don't mind harsh weather; the less people around us the better.

So, Montanians and Montana visitors, fill me in on what you think is the best to see in 9 days.

 

[janette]

I grew up in Montana, it's a great place to visit. I don't think I could take the winter anymore to live there though.

Glacier National Park is absolutely beautiful. If you are outdoor people you could spend a long time there but there are so many places to visit. Most of the park can't be seen from the roads. You can ride horses or backpack. I'd like to stay at Sperry Chalet, it is a 6mile hike to the hotel. Not sure if I can talk my family into that.

edited to add: You might want to try to get there in August instead of September. If they get early snow many places will be closed by September.

 

[Montana Minnies]

I am trying to plan a vacation in September to Montana, but I don't know where to fly in to, where to go, etc. We are planning this because we are considering moving there in a few years. We are very outdoorsy type people and don't mind harsh weather; the less people around us the better.

So, Montanians and Montana visitors, fill me in on what you think is the best to see in 9 days.

Hi
I'm happy to tell you about Montana, since I have lived here all my life. Billings is the largest city in Montana; approx 100,000 people. It is about 150 miles north of Yellowstone National Park and about 40 miles from the Beartooth Mountains. Interstate highway 90 connects the southern route of Montana (east to west; west to east) so it makes for easy travel. Otherwise the roads are 2 lane and between Missoula, MT and Glacier Park it can get quite congested at times with traffic. I have famly members who live close to Glacier so I have been there more often. Be aware that in the mountanious areas it can snow at anytime. I have seen it snow in June on the Continental Divide near Butte.
I heard over the news a couple of days ago that the snow plows were out clearing the road to "Going to the Sun" highway in Glacier Park. That means summer is on it's way. I have never done it myself, but I have seen places in the Western part of the state where white water rafting is offered. I think that was by Whitefish, MT. (If you are planning a September trip they might not have that offered then.)
If flying into Montana, I would suggest flying into either Billings, Missoula, Great Falls or Helena. They are the larger towns and from any of them you should be able to get to other destinations more easily.
Here is a website that maybe of help to you. http://visitmt.com/
If you have any other questions feel free ot PM me and I will do my best to answer.
Good Luck and Happy Planning
PS: I've come across a few other Montanan's on this board, maybe they will be able to give you some helpful tips too!

 

[ktpool]

I am also going on vacation to Montana - in July. We will spend 3 days at Yellowstone then 5 days in Billings for a dh convention. Any ideas on things we can do in Billings with the kids - 9 and 6? I will probably be alone with them, as dh will be too busy, I'm sure.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[babytrees]

I am also going on vacation to Montana - in July. We will spend 3 days at Yellowstone then 5 days in Billings for a dh convention. Any ideas on things we can do in Billings with the kids - 9 and 6? I will probably be alone with them, as dh will be too busy, I'm sure.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I spent 12 years in Billings and there is a lot to do.....not as much as big cities but....there is/was a Strawberry festival early July involving all of downtown. You need to go to the Rims both during the day and night beautiful view. The Yellowstone river is nearby. If you are going to be in Billings on the 4th, head over to Laurel....it has the best and I mean best fireworks and festival that I have ever been to. The Art Museum is great my kids loved going there. I am sure there is more but I am getting tired. PM me if you'd like.

 

[babytrees]

I would fly into Bozeman, Billings or Helena as those give the best rates.
There is so much to do as someone said but I second the go in August as some of the passes will close toward the end of the month. If you like white water rafting August is better for that too although the white water is pretty slim that late in the season.

We love the Red Lodge area for a lot of activities.

 

[Montana Minnies]

I am also going on vacation to Montana - in July. We will spend 3 days at Yellowstone then 5 days in Billings for a dh convention. Any ideas on things we can do in Billings with the kids - 9 and 6? I will probably be alone with them, as dh will be too busy, I'm sure.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi
Here is a website that maybe helpful to you:
http://visitmt.com/categories/city.asp?SiteID=1&City=Billings

Billings has a waterpark that many people enjoy, it is located on the westend of the city off of Interstate 90 near the Holiday Inn and Cracker Barrel Restaurant. We also have a zoo, it doesn't have a lot of animals yet, but the area is really nice. If you are interested in history you may want to go to Hardin, MT and see where the Battle of Little Big Horn took place. There is usually a re-enactment of Custer's last stand sometime during the summer. Pompey's Pillar is another popular site among the tourists, it is about 30 miles east of Billings. There may be other events going on during your visit in the surrounding communities that you might want to check out. The fireworks display in Columbus, MT usually takes place a couple of days after the 4th as not to interfere with the display that is done in nearby Laurel, both are popular among the locals. Billings has a display too, but for some reason people seem to prefer the ones in the smaller towns. (Of course nothing compares to WDW! That is just MHO. )

Enjoy and Happy Planning.

 

[Jynohn]

Hi Jipsy:

We're planning a trip to Montana too for the same reason...we'd love to move out there someday! I'm also from Massachusetts, and can't wait to leave this state when the kids are out of school

My family thinks I'm crazy to want to go out there. I've actually never even been before, but something about it really appeals to me. The state is so huge though it seems overwhelming to even plan a trip, let alone choose a place to live!

 

[babytrees]

The water park!! How could I forget the water park? It's a ton of fun. The girls loved ZooMontana and what it lacks in animals it makes up for in trails and beauty.