10 Historic Walking Areas in Montana That You Shouldn't Miss

July 14, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana

1. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

4201 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405-0913 +1 406-727-8733 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lcnf/recarea/?recid=61458
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 852 reviews

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in Giant Springs Heritage State Park, this visitors center provides information and exhibits about Lewis and Clark's famous journey and the historical significance of the United States' westward expansion.

Reviewed By abalparker - Sylvan Lake, Canada

A wonderful place to learn more about the amazing story of Lewis and Clark and the early early days of the great plains and the west!! Also take in the buffalo jump, amazing to understand of how the first nation peoples harvested and feed their communities while respecting and living in harmony with nature!!

2. Garden Wall

Glacier National Park, MT https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/glacier-national-parks-garden-wall
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 82 reviews

Garden Wall

Ridge along a mountain trail.

Reviewed By MaryEllenM27 - Kalispell, United States

The Garden Wall is also known as the 7 mile long Alpine Section on the West side Going to the Sun Road. It has stunning views and parking turnouts...some small and others quite large. There are many extra waterfalls early in the season and the iconic Weeping Wall runs so full you can drive under the water or walk under it for photos. In late June/early July there will be areas with remaining snow drifts the higher you drive approaching Logan Pass. There will also be remaining snow-bridges with waterfalls rushing beneath them. Those are gorgeous but extremely dangerous to walk out onto for photos...just don't do that. In the Summer the Garden Wall is full of wildflowers of all kinds...including the broad spherical white Cow Parsley, Indian Paintbrush, perennial geranium, the blue or lavender Penstemon, & small white daisy like flowers. At the Big Bend area where the largest parking area is located, you will see fields of purple Fireweed and/or the tall white spikes of the famous Bear Grass. In the Fall the foliage above and below the road is a carpet of various colors with a background of the nice clear blue sky. Fall wildflowers at that time of year include Indian Paintbrush, Aster and Gallardia.

3. Historic Landmark District & Steamboat Levee Walk

1421 Front St, Fort Benton, MT 59442-8884 http://www.fortbenton.com/levee.html
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Historic Landmark District & Steamboat Levee Walk

4. I.G. Baker Home

1750 Washington St, Fort Benton, MT 59442-8942 http://www.heritagepark.ca/park-information/attractions-and-exhibits/ig-baker-co-store
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

I.G. Baker Home

5. South Rim Trail

Yellowstone National Park, WY
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

South Rim Trail

Considered by many to be the best area to view and explore the Grand Canyon.

Reviewed By jesseo582 - Jackson, United States

This easy trail is accessible in segments from various locations all the way from Chittenden Bridge to Artist Point. It’s highly recommended for showing different aspects of a portion of this amazing yellow canyon unimagined by visitors who stand at maybe two overlooks and leave with only that limited perspective. Like walking along the rim of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, this walk will bring it alive for you.

6. Beaver Ponds Loop Trail

Yellowstone National Park, WY
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Beaver Ponds Loop Trail

At just over 5 miles, this trail offers visitors intimate views of Yellowstone's peaks, ponds, meadows and wildlife.

7. Uncle Tom's Trail

Yellowstone National Park, WY
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 552 reviews

Uncle Tom's Trail

Reviewed By T5277GNjonathanl

Disclaimer: if you have heart or lung disease or are in poor physical shape, do not take this trail. As much as it is a great workout that everyone should try, do not endanger yourself. With that being said, this is a spectacular trail and a great way to experience what Yellowstone Falls really has to offer. There are two ways to access this trail. #1. From Grand Loop Rd, turn onto S Rim Drive. After 0.6 miles or 1km, you will see a left turn lane. Taking this lane will take you to the busy lookout of the two, but no fear because you can quickly snap a picture and head down good ol' Uncle Tom's Trail without further delay. #2. If you continue another approximately 0.7 miles (a little over 1km) on S Rim Drive, you will get to another parking lot with a big sign saying 'Artist's Point'. I'm not sure as to whether or not that's where the trailhead for the Artist's Point trail is; you'll have to look at a different page for that. Parking here will give you the better view for the falls if you don't want to have crowds in your picture. However, you will need to take a 45 minute hike to even get to the trailhead for Uncle Tom's Trail. The hike (it's called S Rim Trail) starts near the outhouses. So, choose wisely. Uncle Tom's Trail itself is a blast. The stairs are on the side of a rock face. It's basically all stairs if you didn't know. While there are safety railings for the entirety of the trail, life harnesses are not included. So, be careful, take breaks (there are benches) and get ready to enjoy a significantly less crowded view of the Falls. Enjoy!

989 Carousel Way, Helena, MT 59601-3396 +1 406-457-5353 [email protected] http://www.gncarousel.com
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

Great Northern Carousel

Located in Helena's Great Northern Town Center, this world-class, hand-carved work of art consists of 37 animals carved by a renowned Walt Disney World carver and 14 Helena scenic-carved rounding boards and stained glass artwork. In fact, the National Carousel Association said it is the finest carousel in the nation, if not one of the finest in the world.

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

This was a fun carousel. We had to pay on a machine to get our tickets. There. When the carousel ended, we could go at the carousel. During the carousel, they threw messages. One was for a free ride carousel. My wife gave it to a girl. She was so happy. We felt we were kids again! Worthwhile to see!

9. Downtown Bozeman

Bozeman, MT +1 406-586-4008 [email protected] http://www.downtownbozeman.org
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 973 reviews

Downtown Bozeman

Reviewed By 283dennisl

Great town to visit the locals are awesome folks friendly and willing to help. Lot's of shops pubs and restaurants to visit

10. Virginia City National Historic Landmark

300 Wallace St, Virginia City, MT 59755 +1 406-843-5247 http://www.virginiacity.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Virginia City National Historic Landmark

Reviewed By phat_dawg_21 - Alpharetta, United States

We spent about four hours here, looking into the shops and stores, reading the historical markers and informative signage, and just absorbing the atmosphere. We especially enjoyed the grocery store with all of the old packaging and labels. It brought back many memories of my grandmothers’ kitchen in the early 50’s.

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