Things to see and do in Montana

Attractions in Montana

Great outdoors

Join canoeing classes and other outdoor activities offered by Montana State University in Billings, Montana's largest city. Great opportunities abound in the region for fishing, hiking and western adventures, such as guest ranches and cattle drives. Catch the Big SkyFest hot air balloon festival in late July/early August.

Helena

Tour Helena, the state capital, with its fine 19th-century architecture, museums and the gothic-style St Helena Cathedral (www.sthelenas.org), modelled on the cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

Historic tour

Retrace the path of Lewis and Clark's historic expedition (http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us) in the early 1800s that opened up the wealth of the western US.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Head for Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, an hour southeast of Billings and site of General George Armstrong Custer's last stand against the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors on 25 June 1876. A tour takes visitors through the battle movements of both sides and the visitors' centre displays weapons used in the battle.

Montana Museum of the Rockies

Visit the Montana Museum of the Rockies (www.museumoftherockies.org) and sign the kids up for a week-long camp to learn about paleontology and go on a mock dinosaur dig.

National Bison Range

See bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and black bear roam free in the National Bison Range, just north of Missoula. This high plains refuge was established in 1908 to protect it from extinction. Today, the park is home to around 450.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Hike, bike, horse-ride, boat or drive through alpine landscapes in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, home to many endangered bears, big horn sheep, mountain goats, moose and grey wolves. The 84km (52-mile) Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of America's most scenic drives.

Yellowstone National Park

Watch spouting geysers, bubbling mud cauldrons, hot springs and fumaroles in Yellowstone National Park (www.nps.gov/yell), the oldest national park in the world, dating back to 1872, also shared with Idaho and Wyoming. Yellowstone is also home to rich wildlife and features the world famous Old Faithful geyser.

Tourist offices

Rocky Mountain International Tourism UK

Montana Tourism Office