MONTANA
NOT FINISHED YET!!!!
* All the writing and photos below are my own work, except for the links.
"Big Sky Country" is the motto of this beautiful mountainous region. From the Spectacular Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains and Crystal clear lakes, this state is wild and rugged. The main attractions are the National Parks with Glacier National Park (UNESCO world heritage site) fully contained within the state and Yellowstone’s North and West entrance on the Montana/Wyoming border.
Glacier National Park in Montana is the only place in America with a triple divide allowing water to flow into the Atlantic, Hudson Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
It has the largest number of grizzlies in the US so do carry some bear spray. Wildlife is plentiful here such as elk, black bears, lynx, moose, mountain lions, wolverines, deer, coyotes, big horn sheep, wolves and bear Wyoming there are also bison.
Main cities in Montana:
Billings
* All the writing and photos below are my own work, except for the links.
"Big Sky Country" is the motto of this beautiful mountainous region. From the Spectacular Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains and Crystal clear lakes, this state is wild and rugged. The main attractions are the National Parks with Glacier National Park (UNESCO world heritage site) fully contained within the state and Yellowstone’s North and West entrance on the Montana/Wyoming border.
Glacier National Park in Montana is the only place in America with a triple divide allowing water to flow into the Atlantic, Hudson Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
It has the largest number of grizzlies in the US so do carry some bear spray. Wildlife is plentiful here such as elk, black bears, lynx, moose, mountain lions, wolverines, deer, coyotes, big horn sheep, wolves and bear Wyoming there are also bison.
Main cities in Montana:
Billings
Nestled on the Yellowstone river, this city is really a working city, for the coal and oil reserves stored in the land around it. It has a strong economy, low unemployment and low cost housing, so popular with many people in Montana as a place to live and work more than a tourist destination. It is the most populous city in Montana, founded in 1882 as a railroad town. I haven't been here, so can't give you much information.
An elegant university city set in the stunning Rocky Mountains close to Yellowstone National Park, it is the famous Sweet Pea capital of the nation. It is one of the best cities to live in Montana and as such is an expensive city to live in. It is a youthful city with skiing, hiking and fishing popular sports. It has a more diverse population than other cities in Montana with people from the West Coast relocating there as well as some celebrities. I haven't been here, so can't give you much information.
Founded in 1886 as gold and silver was discovered here, Butte has 6,000 historic buildings. It is popular with people who like hiking, water sports, hot springs, ranch holidays, with a historic downtown area with art galleries, museums good restaurants and shops. You can take a trolley tour of the city. I haven't been here, so can't give you much information.
Gardiner
Gardiner is home to the Roosevelt Arch, the original entrance to America’s very first National Park, Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Gardiner sits alongside the Yellowstone river in Paradise Valley. whilst still a tiny town it is frequented by visitors from all over the world and wildlife from all of the Yellowstone area. The whole town is there to service the needs of tourists and they do offer a genuinely warm welcome. it is a great place to stay to visit the Northern loop of the Yellowstone National Park.
Popular Accommodation;
Yellowstone Village Inn
Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
Yellowstone Basin Inn
Park Hotel
Yellowstone Gateway Inn
The Roosevelt Hotel
406 Lodge
The Antler Lodge
Dreamcatcher Tipi Inn
Yellowstone Treasure Cabins
Guest Ranch
Yellowstone Valley Lodge Ascend Hotel Collection
Aspects Big Sky
Gardiner Guest House
Crevice Mountain Lodge
Yellowstone Tipis
North Yellowstone Guest Cabins
Gardiner is home to the Roosevelt Arch, the original entrance to America’s very first National Park, Yellowstone’s North Entrance.
Gardiner sits alongside the Yellowstone river in Paradise Valley. whilst still a tiny town it is frequented by visitors from all over the world and wildlife from all of the Yellowstone area. The whole town is there to service the needs of tourists and they do offer a genuinely warm welcome. it is a great place to stay to visit the Northern loop of the Yellowstone National Park.
Popular Accommodation;
Yellowstone Village Inn
Yellowstone Riverside Cottages
Yellowstone Basin Inn
Park Hotel
Yellowstone Gateway Inn
The Roosevelt Hotel
406 Lodge
The Antler Lodge
Dreamcatcher Tipi Inn
Yellowstone Treasure Cabins
Guest Ranch
Yellowstone Valley Lodge Ascend Hotel Collection
Aspects Big Sky
Gardiner Guest House
Crevice Mountain Lodge
Yellowstone Tipis
North Yellowstone Guest Cabins
Popular restaurants:
Wonderland Cafe - American
The Corral - American
Grizzly Grille - Seafood/Grill
Eat Cafe - American
Nomad Taco -street Food
Yellowstone Pizza company
The Corral - American
Grizzly Grille - Seafood/Grill
Eat Cafe - American
Nomad Taco -street Food
Yellowstone Pizza company
Helena
The capital of Montana and least well known city in Montana ( Great for a general knowledge quiz!) It is located half way between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks with a gold mining history. It is a quiet city today with hiking, fishing and mountain biking the main attractions. The TV program Yellowstone was filmed here. I haven't been here, so can't give you much information.
Missoula
Missoula is more than just an overnight stop over on the way to Yellowstone, it’s a vibrant small city with a youthful feel, due to the University of Montana being based here, lots of cafes, restaurants, a good quality hospital and shops including an REI store for your hiking needs. It does have a more tolerant vibe than some smaller towns in this very conservative state, so all tourists will feel comfortable here.
It sits in a valley of several mountains, with 3 rivers running through it. It is where the film “A river runs through it” was set.
If you have time, take a trip to the beautiful Glacier National Park, approximately 2 1/2 hrs drive from here.
Popular Accommodation
The Wren
Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
Double tree
Hilton Garden Inn
Residence Inn
Fairfield Inn and Suites
StoneCreek Lodge
Goldsmith's Riverfront Inn
Holiday Inn
AC Marriott
Towneplace Suites Marriott
Homewood Suites
Shady Spruce Hotel
Blue Mountain B&B
Staybridge Suites
C'mon Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Butler Creek Lodge
Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
Double tree
Hilton Garden Inn
Residence Inn
Fairfield Inn and Suites
StoneCreek Lodge
Goldsmith's Riverfront Inn
Holiday Inn
AC Marriott
Towneplace Suites Marriott
Homewood Suites
Shady Spruce Hotel
Blue Mountain B&B
Staybridge Suites
C'mon Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Butler Creek Lodge
Popular Restaurants
Bob Marshall's Biga Pizza
Five on Black - Brazilian Fast Food
Tamarack Brewing Company - American
Plonk - American
Paul's Pancake Parlor
Scotty's Table - American
Ciao Mambo - Italian
Boxcar Bistro - French
Fiesta en Jalisco - Mexican
Outback Steakhouse
Mustard Seed - Asian
Sushi Hana - Japanese
Dinosaur Cafe - Cajun & Creole
Masala Restaurant - Indian
The Camino - Mexican
Zoo Thai
Vietnam Noodle Restaurant
Edelweiss Bistro - German
Top Hat - American
Five on Black - Brazilian Fast Food
Tamarack Brewing Company - American
Plonk - American
Paul's Pancake Parlor
Scotty's Table - American
Ciao Mambo - Italian
Boxcar Bistro - French
Fiesta en Jalisco - Mexican
Outback Steakhouse
Mustard Seed - Asian
Sushi Hana - Japanese
Dinosaur Cafe - Cajun & Creole
Masala Restaurant - Indian
The Camino - Mexican
Zoo Thai
Vietnam Noodle Restaurant
Edelweiss Bistro - German
Top Hat - American
West Yellowstone
The most famous accommodation area for Yellowstone National Park, this town at the west entrance is bigger than Gardiner in the north and even has its own airport if you don’t want to undertake a road trip to get to Yellowstone.
It provides all the essential services that tourists may need, lots of accommodation, cafes, restaurants, laundromat, theatre, supermarket, a medical clinic, wildlife sanctuary and other tourist attractions. There is a wide range of outdoor activities to try here too, such as zip lines and white water rafting.
Popular Accommodation
Kelly Inn
1872 Inn
Explorer Cabins
Under Canvas
Yellowstone Wildlife Cabins
Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
Golden Stone Inn
Terra Nova Cabins
Clubhouse Inn
Crosswinds Inn
Best Western Inn
Bar-N-Ranch
Evergreen Motel
West Yellowstone IHG Hotel
Wagon Wheel Hotel
Faithful Street Inn
Yellowstone West gate Hotel
The Adventure Inn
Alpine Motel
Arrowhead Lodge
Worldmark
West Yellowstone B&B
Paradise Rest Ranch
Wilderness Edge
Firehole Ranch
Cabins West Lodging
1872 Inn
Explorer Cabins
Under Canvas
Yellowstone Wildlife Cabins
Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
Golden Stone Inn
Terra Nova Cabins
Clubhouse Inn
Crosswinds Inn
Best Western Inn
Bar-N-Ranch
Evergreen Motel
West Yellowstone IHG Hotel
Wagon Wheel Hotel
Faithful Street Inn
Yellowstone West gate Hotel
The Adventure Inn
Alpine Motel
Arrowhead Lodge
Worldmark
West Yellowstone B&B
Paradise Rest Ranch
Wilderness Edge
Firehole Ranch
Cabins West Lodging
Popular Restaurants
Firehole BBQ - American
Ernie's Bakery and Deli -French, American
Running Bear Pancake House
Wild West Pizzeria
Madison Crossing Lounge - American
The Buffalo Bar - American
Bar N Ranch - American
Tr's Burgers
Smoke Jumper Cafe - American
Yellowstone Beer Company - American, Cajun, Creole
Taqueria Resendiz - Mexican
Ernie's Bakery and Deli -French, American
Running Bear Pancake House
Wild West Pizzeria
Madison Crossing Lounge - American
The Buffalo Bar - American
Bar N Ranch - American
Tr's Burgers
Smoke Jumper Cafe - American
Yellowstone Beer Company - American, Cajun, Creole
Taqueria Resendiz - Mexican