Montana

United States

Montana is Big Sky Country - a vast, rugged state of towering mountains, pristine wilderness, and authentic Western culture. Home to Glacier National Park's dramatic peaks and Yellowstone's northern gateway, Montana offers world-class fly fishing, skiing, hiking, and wildlife watching. From charming towns like Bozeman and Missoula to working cattle ranches, Montana delivers the American West at its finest.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$100/day
Mid-range$200/day
Luxury$450/day

Known For

montanabig_skyglacieryellowstonebozemanmissoulawhitefishfly_fishingskiingrancheswildliferocky_mountainsnational_parks

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
  • )
  • Restaurant waitstaff: 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Bar staff: $1
  • 2 per drink or 15
  • 20% of the bill
  • Taxi drivers: 15
  • 20% of the fare
  • Hotel housekeepers: $2
  • 5 per day

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
  • No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
  • Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
  • Punctuality for appointments is expected
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • Shaking hands is a common greeting
  • Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
  • It is common to make small talk with strangers
  • "Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 21
  • Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
  • Federal law prohibits marijuana use
  • Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
  • Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
  • Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

SlayTo do something exceptionally well
Y'allYou all (yawl) - Southern classic
LowkeySubtly / Kind of (loh-kee)
No capNo lie / For real (no kap)
It's givingIt has the vibe of...

Climate

Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Mountain areas significantly colder. Summer highs 80-90F in valleys, cooler in mountains. Winter lows often below 0F. Weather changes rapidly. Wildfire smoke possible July-September.

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Bison must_try

Lean, flavorful meat from American buffalo. Served as steaks, burgers, and in traditional preparations. More sustainable than beef with a rich, slight

Huckleberries regional_speciality

Wild purple berries found only in the Northern Rockies. Used in jams, pies, ice cream, and even BBQ sauce. Foraging is a beloved local tradition.

Rocky Mountain Oysters street_food

Deep-fried bull or bison testicles - a cowboy delicacy not for the faint of heart. Usually breaded and served with cocktail sauce.

Montana Craft Beer beverage

Montana has more craft breweries per capita than almost any state. Clean mountain water makes exceptional beer, from IPAs to stouts.

Trout must_try

Fresh rainbow and brown trout from Montana's pristine rivers. Often prepared simply - pan-fried with butter and almonds.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Glacier National Park Lodges Accommodation
Book 6-12 months in advance

Historic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Going-to-the-Sun Chalets are extremely popular with very limited inventory.

Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservation Attraction
Book 2-4 months in advance

Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservations required during peak season (May-September). Limited daily permits.

Yellowstone (Montana entrances) Accommodation
Book 3-12 months in advance

Yellowstones Montana entrances (North and Northeast) provide access to Lamar Valley and less crowded areas. Gateway town lodging fills up.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Fly Fishing Guide tour_or_activity
Book 2-6 months in advance

Montana is a premier fly fishing destination. Top guides on rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, and Missouri book months ahead.

Fun Facts

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