Montana

Overview

Montana, in the northwest of the USA, occupies a position to the south of the Canadian border, to the north of Wyoming and parts of Idaho. The Rocky Mountains form a large part of the western half of the state, the Continental Divide forming part of the border with Idaho. To the east, canyons and mountain meadows give way to the Great Plains, where huge herds of bison once roamed.

The crown of Montana's tourist attractions has to be Glacier National Park, with 50 glaciers and around 200 lakes. This park lies on the northern border of the state in one of the most spectacular parts of the Rocky Mountains. The park is only open for a limited time in summer and the 'Going To The Sun Road' across the park may not be open until June. The 83 km. road is among the most scenic in the USA and crosses the Logan Pass at well over 2000 metres. It is possible for all the jagged peaks to be enveloped in cloud, but if they are, try again at another time, the views are worth it. Watch out for wildlife, bighorn sheep and mountain goats, even grizzlies inhabit the region. By August there should be also be fantastic displays of wildflowers. The historic lodges and the fleet of brilliant red vintage buses, which take visitors along the scenic highway, make for an exciting stay, but book early!

A small area of Yellowstone National park is in Montana and the town of West...more

History

In common with other north-western states, the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1805 made an important historical impact. Their journey along the Missouri River made the first contacts with native tribes. It also allowed for reconnaissance for future trading posts and made scientific reports on local plants and animals. There were problems with grizzly bears, and the portage around the Great Falls was one of the major obstacles of the journey. Alas these falls have now been diminished by power plants.

After the expedition fur trading became the most important economic activity until the first gold finds in 1858. Helena, which is now the state capital, is on the site of ?Last Chance Gulch?, where some weary and discouraged prospectors had stumbled on gold. Virginia City, in the southwest corner of the state, had sprung up around another gold find and had served as the territorial capital. Although now almost a ghost town many of its buildings have been restored and visitors can get an idea of life in gold rush days.

Montana became a state in 1889, but is still the third least populated, with Native Americans making up about 6% of the population. Today the mainstay of the economy is agriculture, with cattle and sheep and a large proportion of the nation?s wheat growing on the prairies. Mining is still important with large coal reserves and even gold, copper and other minerals still being exploited. Lumber and wood products are also important, not forgetting the ever growing tourism to the...more

When to Go

Essentials