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

Smoked rosemary infusion!

Downtown Bozeman

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

Downtown Bozeman
Big Sky Resort which includes interior views and a hotel

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
Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, MT that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.

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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lazy Acres and surrounding area, you can visit Two Top Mountain and Tweedy Lake.

Lazy Acres
Big Sky which includes a luxury hotel or resort, mountains 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

While there might not be top attractions in Big Horn, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Big Sky Resort and Black Bear Ski Lift.

Big Horn
Comfort Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
1515 W Park St, Livingston, MT
The price is P5,223 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
P5,223
P5,754 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
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 (601 reviews)
"Nice place.but it has changed names to Yellowstone comfort inn . Very confusing my Expedia receipt .says comfort inn"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Comfort Inn & Suites
Whitewater Inn
Whitewater Inn
2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is P9,420 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
P9,420
P10,550 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (911 reviews)
"Nice pool & hot tub"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Whitewater Inn
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 P6,730 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P6,730
P7,382 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (911 reviews)
"Easy access off the highway and clean"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
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! (35 reviews)
"Great unit . A bit difficult finding where to check in."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
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 Jun 1, 2025

Aspects Big Sky
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! (17 reviews)
"Very comfortable with great view. Cabin equipped with everything you’d need for a stay."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

SkyWater Cabins
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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