One of the least densely populated states in the USA, you’ll soon learn why Montana is nicknamed ‘Big Sky Country’. Book a hotel in a place famous for its snow-capped mountains and sprawling landscapes, millions of people visit Montana every year to tread the icy trails in Glacier National Park and to explore the forests, basins and towering cliffs of Yellowstone National Park. Although Montana is particularly popular with mountain climbers, hikers and skiers, its two largest cities – Billings and Missoula – also offer a unique flavour of this remote state’s culture and cuisine.
Where to Stay in Montana
Billings — Although small by national standards, Billings is the largest city in Montana and the state’s economic centre. Book a hotel in a place that’s popular as a base for Montana’s vast array of outdoor winter sports, Billings has some key cultural attractions too, such the renowned Yellowstone Art Museum. It is also home to Billings Symphony Orchestra.
Missoula — While smaller than Billings, Missoula is the true cultural hub of Montana. Book a hotel in a place that’s home to the Montana Museum of Art & Culture, several breweries and the state’s most famous collegiate sports, Missoula offers a concentrated taste of Montana life. Located at the confluence of five mountain ranges, Missoula also draws many hikers and climbers.
Cooke City — Don’t be fooled by the name! A tiny mountain hamlet with a population of just 100, Cooke City attracts visitors who wish to get back to nature and see the mountains of Montana at their most unspoiled. Cooke City is notable for being a key tourist access point to the world-renowned Yellowstone National Park.
Gardiner — Like Cooke City, Gardiner is a tranquil Montana backwater. Its famous Roosevelt Arch acts as the main entry point to Yellowstone National Park. Slightly larger than Cooke City, Gardiner has a population of around 900, but it offers a very warm welcome to tourists and all the amenities you could need to prepare you for a trip to Yellowstone.
How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in Montana
Yellowstone National Park is the main attraction in this remote but unspoiled region. Set off from Gardiner and take a self-guided driving tour of the Yellowstone Upper Loop. The humbling silence of the park is interrupted only by the wind pummelling its famous Obsidian Cliff and by the crashing waters of its many waterfalls and geysers, such as Old Faithful, probably the most famous geyser in the world. Finish a day of exploration with a sightseeing trip to the bubbling heat of Mammoth Hot Springs.
You could book a self-guided tour of the Yellowstone Upper Loop from Cooke City, rather than Gardiner. It won’t matter much where you choose to depart from, since you’ll have plenty to see and do either way. Head out skiing (downhill or cross country, the choice is yours), stay in the city with a family trip to Montana Zoo in Billings, or learn all about the state’s military heritage at Fort Missoula. Wherever you go, everyone will find something to their tastes in this scenic rural haven.
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