Montana state

Montana Travel Guide

Overview

Montana, named for the mountain range in the center and east of the state, is the fourth largest state in the United States. Its surface is 380,000 km² and was formed by huge glaciers, scorching heat, lava and inland lakes. The Rocky Mountains run through Montana to the west, while endless prairies shape the landscape in the east of the country. Montana is one of the most densely populated states in the USA. Montana is also known as the Treasure State because of its natural resources. Since gold was first discovered at Grasshopper Creek in 1862, thousands of treasure hunters have come to the country. In addition to gold, copper, silver and precious stones were mined in the mines up until the 1980s. Today, mainly oil, natural gas and coal are mined. Tourism is becoming increasingly important. Montana is popular with hunters and anglers, and the numerous golf courses and snow sports facilities attract visitors from all over the world year-round. The population lives mainly from agriculture. In the north, wheat, corn and barley are grown in vast fields, while in the south cowboys drive the cattle out into the pastures. The Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site (website: www.nps.gov/grko/index.htm) at Deer Lodge commemorates the great cattle drives of the late 19th century. With its seven Indian reservations, Montana is one of the US states with the most reservations and one of the largest in terms of area. The twelve Native American tribes that live in Montana include such well-known tribes as the Sioux, the Northern Cheyenne and the Blackfoot. In Browning, the Plains Indian History Museum (website: www.iacb.doi.gov/museums/museum_plains.html) invites you to learn more about Native American life. Almost a quarter of Montana’s land is state forest or owned by the state, of which 20,000 km² are nature reserves, which are home to around 500 different species of animals, including bison, elk, deer, antelope, wolves and bears. Montana also has access to Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the world. The park is known for its geothermal springs. Glacier National Park in the north of the country is very popular with campers and hikers. Especially in the months of July and August, numerous nature lovers come to the park to enjoy the unique landscape.

  • Travelationary: Covers basic information about Montana geography and economy.

Getting there

Arriving by plane

The airports in Billings, Bozeman, Helena and Missoula offer connections to all major US cities.

Arrival by car

Greyhound buses run from Seattle to Chicago. More information from Greyhound (website: www.greyhound.com).

Arrival by train

The Amtrak Empire Builder line traverses northern Montana en route from Seattle or Portland to Chicago. Additional information from Amtrak (website: www.amtrak.com).

Passport and visa regulations

Entry with children

Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.

Contact addresses

Montana Office of Tourism
301 South Park Avenue
US-59620 Helena, Montana
United States
(406) 841 28 70, (800) 847 48 68 (toll free within the US).
http://tourism.mt.gov
http://tourism.mt.gov The Great American West

c/o Lieb Management

(also responsible for Austria and Switzerland).

Bavariaring 38
D-80336 Munich
Germany
(089) 689 06 38 41.
http://greatamericanwest.de
http://greatamericanwest.de Glacier Country Montana
4852 Kendrick Place, Suite 101
US-59808 Missoula, Montana
United States
(406) 532.32.34 or (800) 338.50.72 (toll-free within the US).

  • Usaers: Provides a full list of major rivers and mountains in Montana.

Country data

Area (sq km)

380837

Population

1,068,778

Population density (per square km)

3

Population statistics year

2019

Montana state