Montana is a place of vast prairies, spectacular snow-covered mountains, and verdant forests. Wild rivers and streams are filled with rainbow trout and other fishes. Elk are bountiful in western areas of the state.

Montana's early history is a story of Indians, mountain men, and prospectors. Until the mid-1800s, thousands of buffalo grazed the short-grass prairies. In the 1870s, large cattle ranches developed thoughout many areas in Montana Territory.

Later, many homesteaders arrived to settle the land and build towns. Home was often a log cabin. Statehood was achieved in 1889. Today, agriculture, manufacturing, and service-related industries (such as tourism), dominate Montana's economy.

With a population of 902,195 people in a land area of 147,000 square miles, Montana is a sparsely populated state. So there's plenty of room to roam, in the countryside and in the cities.

Eastern Montana is an area of rolling plains. Grasslands with few trees dominate the landscape. Huge wheat farms and cattle ranches are common on the prairies of eastern Montana. Some of the nation's richest coal mines are also found in this area.

In the central part of Montana, the plains are dotted with small mountain ranges which are outliers of the Rocky Mountains. Mule deer live among the coulees throughout the region. Antelope are also abundant on the rolling grasslands of eastern and central Montana. Cattle ranching is a way of life.

In western Montana, the land changes to magnificent mountains. Welcome to the Rocky Mountains. The Absaroka Range near Billings is snow covered much of the year and reaches over 12,000 feet in elevation. Further to the west and north, the peaks of the Crazy Mountains mark the end of the plains. View a physical map of Montana.

Forestry, mining, and tourism are the major industries in the mountainous areas of western Montana. The rugged landscape is home to elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and grizzly bears. Gray wolves are common in Yellowstone Park.

Montana has beautiful scenery and exciting historical places. Wonderful museums are found in cities, big and small. Fishing, hunting, and camping are popular activities for almost everyone. Visitors enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons.

In Montana "Old West" traditions live on. Cowboys drive cattle high up into the mountains to feed on lush summer grasses. Indians, in full native dress, gather to celebrate their customs at the Lewis and Clark County fairgrounds in Helena and other areas of the state.

Montana is called the "Treasure State." This slogan symbolizes the wealth derived from the state's rich gold and silver deposits. True to its history, Montana is a genuine treasure, with its abundant natural resources and friendly people.

Twitter Tweets from MontanaTraveler	Travel Regions Yellowstone Country Gold Country Ranchland Discoveryland Wilderness Country	Bargain Hotels, Motels, and Bed & Breakfast Great Lodging
Over 7,000 Elk roam the wilds of Yellowstone Park	About 596 grizzly bears call Yellowstone Park home	Yellowstone Park

Montana's Small Towns and Cities

The Best of
Montana

Scenic Area

• Gates of the Mountains near Helena

Scenic Highway

• Beartooth Highway, U.S. Hwy. 212 near Red Lodge

Natural Site

• Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone Park

Lake

• Flathead Lake near Kalispell

Museum

• Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena

 Restaurant

• The Granary in Billings

Western Store

• Hoglund's Work and Western Wear in Great Falls

Sports Store

• Big Bear Sports Center in Billings

Scenic Drive

• I-15, Helena to Great Falls 

Small Towns

• Lewistown

• Deer Lodge

• Hamilton

Historical Site

• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument near Hardin

Night Life

• Missoula

Mountains

• Bitterroot Mountains along U.S. Highway 93 south of Missoula

Montana: Campgrounds | Guest Ranches | Outfitters and Guides
State Parks | Golf Courses  | Art Galleries/Museums | Churches
Start: Travel Planning

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Copyright © 2010 by John Sandy