Vacation rentals in Montana

1. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is an exceptional outdoor experience in itself. Trek the over 600 miles of hiking and biking trails and drive down the 40-mile Going-to-the-Sun road. Cross Logan Pass, where you'll marvel at the majestic 9,100ft Reynolds peak from the pass summit. Relax and rejuvenate by one of the park's 130 lakes, or take a wooden boat tour on the water.

2. Flathead Lake

Speaking of water, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Fed by the Swan and Flathead rivers, fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers make the lake a popular leisure spot. The annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival here offers plenty of fun and excitement, with kayaking and rafting races, among many other events.

3. Gates of the Mountains Wilderness

For some more active fun, head out with your family to the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, just north of Helena. You'll enjoy spectacular guided boat rides and beautiful views of the canyon. There's also plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and nature watching.

4. Giant Springs State Park

Further up the Missouri River is Giant Springs State Park, near Great Falls. It offers lots of fun and relaxation for the whole family. Visit the fish hatchery here, go for a picnic or hike the well-kept trails along the river, or just enjoy the peaceful beauty of the world's largest freshwater springs.

One cultural attraction you should visit in Montana is the Museum of the Rockies. This museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is famous for its outstanding displays of dinosaur eggs and dinosaurs. It is also home to the Taylor Planetarium, where you can view entertaining and educational shows about the cosmos.

Montana has a longstanding mining history. To learn more about the life of miners in Montana, head to the World Museum of Mining in Butte. The "Orphan Girl' tower is one of the highlights of this museum. Join one of the underground tours of the mines for a unique experience.

The word Montana derives from the Spanish word 'montaña' which means mountain, so the Rockys should be your first port of call. The UNESCO World Heritage Glacier National Park is a living testament to the geological changes that altered North America over the last billion years. Yellowstone National Park attracts a record number of visitors for its rugged beauty, geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and even glacial activity. Grizzly bears, lynxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep are often found meandering through the wilderness.

Helena, the capital city proposes interesting attractions such as the St. Helena Cathedral, the 1876-built Old Fire Tower, Reeder's Alley historic mining district and the stately Montana State capital building. The Pictograph Cave State Park in Billings is a pre historic archaeological site where 2,000-year-old cave paintings can be found. Discover art from Montana and the Rocky Mountain region at Billings' Yellowstone Art Museum; follow that up with a visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield before heading back to your Montana vacation rental to unwind.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

Montana's best-known State Park, Lewis and Clark Caverns is famous for its underground limestone caverns. Above ground, enjoy the great hiking trails and picnic sites.

Montana State Capitol

Take a tour of this neoclassical government building in the state capital Helena, and learn about its history, architecture and art.

Museum of the Rockies

The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman is most famous for its dinosaur collections. It additionally tells the story of the natural and cultural history of the Rockies and the people who live there.

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Observe wolves and bears at this rescue and wildlife center in West Yellowstone. There is also a museum exploring the bear across history and folklore.