Since Montana is home to Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone, obviously it's a good-lookin' state worth visiting. But, if we're being honest, the truly awesome stuff Montana has to offer is in between those parks. We're talking waterfalls, ghost towns, herds of bison, camping, mysterious piles of rocks that make music, and a massive collection of Buddha statues... all kinds of unexpected awesomeness. And, of course, the parks are amazing, too. Scenic drives, hot springs, geysers, electric blue lakes and more are waiting to be discovered within. Big Sky Country is ready to be explored!
Your gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday® is the absolute perfect place to call ‘home’ during your unforgettable adventures through Montana and Yellowstone. This award-winning KOA property backs up to over 500 feet of Yellowstone River beauty and offers the perfect mix of privacy, comfort, and access to all the incredible sights and activities nearby. Less than 10 miles from I-90, you’ll be able to easily make it to Yellowstone National Park and other attractions, while still feeling like you're spending your nights in nature. Need a place to kick back and relax after a long day? Roast s’mores on an open campfire, take a swim in the heated pool, or watch the wildlife that lives close by. It just doesn’t get much better than Livingston / Paradise Valley KOA Holiday. Oh, and if you want a breakfast to die for, give the “Waffles Benny” at Pinky’s Cafe a try; it's just a short trip away in downtown Livingston.
Who says all good things take time? A quick trek up this popular and breathtaking trail is rewarded with an incredible view of the stunning Palisade Falls. Much of the 1.1-mile trail in the Hyalite Recreation Area is paved, so the hike is suitable for the whole group, regardless of fitness levels. The views are quite popular, and this is pretty close to the charming town of Boseman, so if you want to avoid the crowd, best to start your adventure early. Have four-legged friends with you? You can bring them along, as long as you have a leash.
Your adventure of a lifetime keeps getting better, with a stop at the famous Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Wander through the caverns to observe and experience amazing limestone cave formations in one of Montana's most popular state parks. Get up close and personal with the caverns with an exceptional 2-hour guided tour, giving you an inside look at unique geological structures. Examine stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites as you duck, waddle, bend and slide through the cave. Kids will get to ride the famous Beaver Slide, and everyone should keep their eyes peeled for bat sightings!
Ever dream of starting your own band? What better way to kick off your music stardom than to throw your first show at Montana's Ringing Rocks? Located about 20 miles east of Butte, this unique rock formation features a pile of rocks that give off unique sounds when struck, giving you everything you need to throw a dance party with the entire group. It’s believed the sounds have evolved as the rocks have eroded, so every visit will turn up a totally unique noise! Make sure to bring a hammer or some kind of metal object to play the rocks with, as these give off the clearest sound. If you wish to drive to Ringing Rocks of Montana, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to be on the safe side, but the rocks are also accessible by about a one-mile walk.
As you continue your amazing adventure through Yellowstone and Montana, don’t miss the ‘last best place’ for western Montana camping at the modern and gorgeous Missoula KOA Holiday®. Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains and offering all the amenities you’d expect from a KOA property, the Missoula KOA Holiday is the place to be. Enjoy some time in the heated pool, take a rental banana bike for a spin, or have a mini golf showdown; there’s plenty to keep the entire group entertained. Best yet, Missoula KOA Holiday is just a quick drive to shopping, restaurants and other fun activities for the entire family, including the Smoke Jumpers Museum, National Bison Range, and the ghost town of Garnet.
Established in 1908 to provide refuge for American bison, the National Bison Range (NBR) is home to a large herd of the earth’s most majestic animals. The NBR is one of the oldest National Wildlife Refuge centers and is an incredible place to see bison, deer, and elk roam free in the comfort of their own home. A herd of between 350 and 500 beasts roves across the 18,000 acres-- a far cry from the tens of millions of bison that once roamed across the US and Canada, but considering that they were nearly extinct in 1890, it's a vast improvement. Stop at the visitor center for advice on the best place to spy the bison, and then make a point to cruise one or both of the two scenic drives through the range. The National Bison Range is one of those can’t-miss moments during your trip through Montana. If you wish to avoid the crowds, be sure to start your adventure early, as the NBR is a popular destination.
Do you hear that? KOA's 2017 Campground of the Year, the West Glacier KOA Resort®, is calling your name! Just 2.5 miles from West Glacier is the entrance to the stunning Glacier National Park; you can be up and exploring the park in less than an hour. With your choice of traditional lodging, RV campsites, and secluded tent spots, there’s an option for every kind of camper. Explore the towns of Bigfork, Whitefish & Kalispell, which are just a short drive from the campground, or spend an afternoon exploring nearby Flathead Lake and its famously crystal-clear water. With gorgeous mountain views, the smell of pine blowing through the air, and incredibly helpful staff, you can’t go wrong with a few nights at West Glacier KOA Resort.
There’s no better way to end your adventure than by making your final stop the breathtaking Glacier National Park. There are so many famously beautiful sites in the park, you could visit several times and still not see it all. Take a tour on a red, 1930s-era "jammer" bus, pick huckleberries, hike to Grinnell Lake, and boat on St. Mary Lake or Lake McDonald. Before you call it a day, be sure to take a scenic drive on Going-to-the-Sun- Road, which connects the east and west sides of the park. It's one of the country's most jaw-dropping drives and was even featured in the intro to The Shining!
It’s not often you get to take the incredible journey from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park, but when you do, it’s a trip you simply won’t forget. Whether it’s stopping by the tiny Miracle of America Museum, admiring bison during your drive through NBR, or making memories with your friends and family at a KOA campground, Montana just became your new favorite state.
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