Montana

From it’s National Parks to it’s small, scenic towns, Montana has something to offer for everyone. Hiking, camping, and fishing might be the draw for many, but Montana has something to offer everyone.

Parks

Glacier National Park
Roughly two hours drive north of Holland Lake is the entrance to the world-famous Glacier National Park.
Offering its guests more than 700 miles of hiking trails, rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and the Going-to-the-Sun highway, there are days of adventures within the boundaries of the Park.

There are several lodging options within the park, but with little surprise, it books up quickly. So if you want to include a sleep-over in your park visit, please book early.  If you are looking for a little bit more of an outdoor experience, you can also camp.  Most of the camping sites in the Park are first-come-first-serve, but if you want to guarantee your spot, you can reserve ahead of time.  Looking for a little more help with your trip to Glacier?  Guided tour information can be found here.

Yellowstone National Park
Approximately 5 hours southeast of Holland Lake is yet another world-renowned National Park: Yellowstone! If you’re coming to Montana from a distance, its a must-see.  Amongst the 3,500 square miles there are wandering bison, stunning mountain peaks, glacial formations, hot springs, and of course — Old Faithful.

Yellowstone may be best enjoyed over the course of multiple days.  There are various lodging options, including camping, throughout the Park.  That being said, late July is the high-season and we strongly recommend booking your space early if you want to stay in the Park.

Because the Park is so large and offers so much to see, it might not hurt to plan your top priorities before-hand.

Lewis and Clark Caverns
Montana’s first and best-known state park and showcases one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest.

Water Sports

Seeley Sport Rentals
Want to hit the water while staying near Seeley Lake? Rent a wave runner, pontoon, or canoe for afternoon and waves.

Bigfork Water Sports
Flathead like is a little jaunt north of Holland Lake, but also offers many, many water rentals as well.

Montana Whitewater
If you’re headed to Yellowstone and want to catch some rapids, do a whitewater rafting tour! We’ve used Montana Whitewater and always had a great time.

Hiking

Want to hike all those beautiful mountains that Montana has to offer? Well the possibilities are endless! (Including a hike nestled right along Holland Lake up to the picturesque Holland Falls or a nearby hike to Morrell Falls.  Sarah and Chris were lucky enough to visit Holland Lake Lodge and hike up the falls during their visit in September, 2011.  You can see a few of the pictures below.) But the options across the state are really endless. Just pick a trail, any trail.

Camping

Camping is obviously a favorite activity for many who enjoy experiencing Montana’s great outdoors.  Interested in reserving a camping spot or learning more about what camping sites offer particular amenities?  Be sure to check-out the USDA’s recreation site to get lots of help information.

Recreational Vehicles

We’ve also heard rustling of people interested to in renting RV’s to help enhance their travels around the Big Sky State.   Pierce RV, Montana RV , and Cruise America offer various types of RV rentals.  You can also search Go Camping  or the USDA Camping Search to locate options to set-up camp for your RV.

Montana’s Historic Cities and Towns

In addition to its stunning mountains and crystal clear waters, Montana is rich in history. Although small in population (the 2010 Census indicates the population of the entire state is still below 1 million people), Montana’s towns offer rich experiences and warm, unforgettable hospitality.

Take a drive south to the bride’s historical hometown of Anaconda. Former home to the world-famous Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Anaconda offers and unique mix of history and culture nestled in a small valley community. While there, you can shoot a few holes on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Old Works Golf Course, visit the classic Washoe theater (Balcony seats are a quarter extra), and of course, grab a drink at the Club Moderne. There are also museums, a walking tour, and red bus tour (!!) to give you a taste of the richness of Anaconda’s history. And to make the experience complete – make your culinary experience complete by finding yourself a pasty or pork chop sandwich for lunch or dinner. You’re doctor might not approve, but you won’t regret it!

Visit the state Capitol building or take the kids on train ride for the Last Chance Tour Train to get a taste of Helena’s deep history.  Or, take a quick trip up the Missouri River on a boat tour to the Gates of the Mountains.  (Lewis and Clark were impressed, hopefully you will be too.)

Missoula is one of the closest cities to Holland Lake Lodge and offers a lot in terms of hiking, biking, and enjoying a small, laid-back community.  You can hike the M, visit the Carousel, or take a float through Hellgate Canyon.

Also rich in mining history, Butte is home to the World Mining Museum. You could also consider a tour of the Copper King Mansion and should not miss the Berkeley Pit.

Visit the Gallatin Valley (where ‘A River Runs Through It’ was filmed) and get a taste of Bobcat Country. (Just to clarify – that the Montana State University Bobcats.)  Pick up a Pickel Barrel sandwich  (one of the father of the bride’s college favorites) or take a visit to the Museum of the Rockies and see a dinosaur collection complete with fossils found in Montana.

A tiny mining town not far from Anaconda, Phillipsburg offers its guests an opportunity to mine real sapphires and has a candy store that cannot be missed! (Just ask the locals).