Southwest Montana, MT

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Lisa Wareham
Photo provided by Tom Robertson
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
Photo provided by Chuck Haney
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton

See elegant Victorian-era mansions in mining-boom ghost towns and picturesque ranches dwarfed by rugged mountain peaks in this historic and beautiful region.

History is etched into the diverse landscapes of Southwest Montana, from ghost towns crumbling amid cross-country ski trails to the Native American pictographs that adorn limestone cliffs. Discover wild stories and fascinating heritage entwined with the mountains, canyons, rivers and forests of this magnificent region.

There’s so much to discover in the region, from its northerly tip near Glacier National Park to its southern reaches, which border Yellowstone National Park. Embark on a road trip through Southwest Montana and or base yourself in one of its major towns.

The state’s capital HelenaOpens in a new window sits in the northerly corner of the region and marked a stopover for Lewis and Clark when the two explorers traveled this way around 200 years ago. Take a historic train ride or visit Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena to uncover the history beneath the scenery. Be awed by Helena’s boomtown mansions and a breathtaking turn-of-the-century cathedral. Find out where all the wealth came from in the nearby mining town of ButteOpens in a new window. Taker a historic trolley tour or learn about the region’s mining successes and failures at the World Museum of Mining. Anaconda and Philipsburg are also historic mining towns with beautifully preserved architecture.

Get acquainted with the same mesmerizing vistas that charmed pioneering prospectors when you explore Southwest Montana’s pristine reserves. Discover river valleys surrounded by rolling pastoral land and framed by jagged mountain peaks. Hike and camp along forested trails at the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest or check out the Lewis and Clark Caverns and the Painted Rocks State Park. Go rafting or fly fishing in the region’s beautiful rivers or take a boat tour through the Gates of the Mountains canyon to see rugged limestone cliffs.

Southwest Montana is easily reachable by plane to Helena Regional Airport or Missoula International Airport. Road trip trails include the Pintler Scenic Loop. Make the most of the wintertime in Southwest Montana with the region’s network of cross-country skiing trails or enjoy long sunny days in the lakes, rivers and forests in summer.

Where to stay in Southwest Montana

Big Sky Resort which includes interior views and a hotel

Big Sky Mountain Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sky Mountain Village, Black Bear Ski Lift and Big Sky Resort are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
Smoked rosemary infusion!

Downtown Bozeman

5/5(98 area reviews)

Downtown Bozeman is noteworthy for its coffeehouses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Andesite Mountain and Rialto.

Downtown Bozeman
Ousel Falls Park Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, MT that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.

Spanish Peaks

While visiting Spanish Peaks, you might make a stop by sights like Cabin Ski Lift and Ousel Falls Park.

Spanish Peaks
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Lazy Acres

5/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lazy Acres and surrounding area, you can visit Tweedy Lake and Two Top Mountain.

Lazy Acres
Big Sky which includes a luxury hotel or resort, mountains and snow

Big Sky Meadow Village

While visiting Big Sky Meadow Village, you might make a stop by sights like Big Sky Golf Course and Historic Crail Ranch.

Big Sky Meadow Village
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Powder Ridge

While there might not be top attractions in Powder Ridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Big Sky Resort and Black Bear Ski Lift.

Powder Ridge
Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90

Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90

3 out of 5
2107 Cornell Ave, Butte, MT
$99 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$109 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Butte. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,031 reviews)
"No food options after 9pm"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Butte City Center I-15/I-90
320 Guest Ranch

320 Guest Ranch

3 out of 5
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, Gallatin Gateway, MT
$295 nightly
The price is $319 total per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
$319 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly ranch in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"the cabin was a good size, comfortable and clean. the breakfast was FANTASTIC. staff was friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

320 Guest Ranch
Studio 6 Suites Butte, MT – I-90 / I-15

Studio 6 Suites Butte, MT – I-90 / I-15

2.5 out of 5
2100 Cornell Ave, Butte, MT
$68 nightly
The price is $76 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$76 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Butte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Dotty's ...
5.8/10 (1,009 reviews)
"Nice extended stay."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Studio 6 Suites Butte, MT – I-90 / I-15
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort

Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort

4 out of 5
PO BOX 160001, Big Sky, MT
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Big Sky. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 17 restaurants. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Town ...
9/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"Loved Big Sky report. Can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Vacation Rentals at Big Sky Resort
Aspects Big Sky

Aspects Big Sky

4 out of 5
200 Misty Mountain Court, Gallatin Gateway, MT
Stay at this 4-star villa in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Big Sky Town Center and Soldiers Chapel are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Aspects is wonderful. The decor is cozy and stylish. The house is immaculately clean. The views are amazing. There’s so much attention to detail and the property manager is friendly and responsive. We stayed for a week, and would love to go back!"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

Aspects Big Sky
SkyWater Cabins

SkyWater Cabins

3 out of 5
797 U.S. 93, Hamilton, MT
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Skalkaho Bend Park and River Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Awesome! Very clean and comfortable. Quiet place to relax. Close to town but off the main road. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

SkyWater Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southwest Montana