Heading to “Big Sky Country” soon and wanting to know what to do during your road trip in Montana? You’ve come to the right place!
Montana is one of the most beautiful states in the USA. It offers breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and unforgettable outdoor experiences, making it the ideal destination for a road trip!
I absolutely loved my time in Montana and can’t wait to share all my best tips with you.
This 10-day Montana road trip itinerary takes you through some of the state’s most iconic destinations, from the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park to the beautiful small towns of Missoula and Bozeman.
Please note that while this itinerary was built with Kalispell as a starting point, it could be reversed and started from Bozeman.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
Renting a Car in Kalispell
Kalispell is the perfect starting point for your Montana road trip. Major car rental agencies are available at Kalispell Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), offering a variety of vehicles to suit your travel needs.
10-Day Montana Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Kalispell
Begin your trip in Kalispell, a charming town nestled in the Flathead Valley.
You can spend the day exploring its historic downtown, visiting the Conrad Mansion Museum, the Hockaday Museum of Art and enjoying the local eateries.
I recommend going to the visitor center when you get there since they can give you plenty of information about the area. They also have a map with a self walking tour of the historic downtown which is interesting (and free!).
You will also find a lot of outfitters and vintage shops so if shopping is on the cards for you or if you’d like to buy some cowboy boots, it’s the perfect place.
Kalispell offers a taste of authentic Montana life with its rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
- Accommodation: Stay at the Kalispell Grand Hotel, a historic boutique hotel in the heart of downtown.
Day 2: Whitefish & Columbia Falls
On your second day, make your way to Whitefish. This is a mountain town known for its outdoor activities and lively arts scene. You’ll find loads of shops and it’s a great place to start the day with a nice breakfast or coffee.
You can then drive to Whitefish Mountain Resort. If you are visiting in summer, make sure to take the scenic ski lift. It will take you all the way to the summit of Big Mountain where you can discover the wonderful views of the lake and mountains.
The ride itself is very scenic but it gets even better at the top.
From there, you can go for a bit of a walk or get a drink at the Summit House before making your way back.
If you are into hiking, you can also get there with the Danny On Trail which is known as one of the best hikes in Montana.
Once you’re done, head to Columbia Falls. This small town gives proper small town USA vibes and is a great place to explore for the evening.
I particularly recommend going to the Gunsight Saloon for drinks or food. They have an amazing indoor and outdoor area with live music.
If you are interested in going to a rodeo, Brash Rodeo in Columbia Falls is a great option. It takes place every Thursday in summer.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Most of the day in Whitefish, evening in Columbia Falls
- 🚗 Driving time: 20 minutes from Kalispell to Whitefish, 15 minutes from Whitefish to Columbia Falls
Day 3: Glacier National Park – Apgar Side
It’s time to visit one of the best national parks in the USA! On Day 3, head to the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
Today we will focus on the Apgar area.
To start, make your way to the Apgar Visitor Center. It’s a great place to ask the rangers for information, get your national park stamp and check out the ranger-led activities available.
From there, drive to Apgar village. You’ll find some shops and cafes here so it’s a nice place to get a coffee.
Make sure you walk to the shores of Lake McDonald so you can see the colourful pebbles.
From there you can also hire a boat or canoe.
Once you’re done in Apgar, head to the Fish Creek Campground to start the hike to Rocky Point. It’s only about 2 miles long and it boasts fantastic views of the lake.
Please note that ranger offers guided walks of this area so it’s worth checking the schedule beforehand.
In the afternoon, make your way back to the Going-to-the-sun road.
TIP: Please note that you will need a vehicle reservation to take this road. It only costs $2 but you need to get it in advance otherwise you will be denied entry.
Once you are on the road, you’ll start the scenic drive to lake McDonald lodge. The lodge is absolutely stunning and it really feels like you’re stepping back in time.
From there, you can do one of the lake McDonald cruises. This is very interesting because you get to see the lake in a different way and there is always a ranger on board giving you information.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
- 🚗 Driving time: 30 minutes from Columbia to Apgar Visitor Center
- Accommodation: Consider staying at the Lake McDonald Lodge, a historic lodge offering stunning views of the lake.
Day 4: Glacier National Park – Going-to-the-Sun Road
Today you’ll be driving the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world.
The 50-mile route takes you across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, offering breathtaking views and numerous photo opportunities.
Stop at viewpoints like McDonald Falls, The Loop, Logan Pass, and The Weeping Wall.
I also recommend stopping at Avalanche Creek and going on the trail of cedars all the way to Avalanche Lake.
It’s a very scenic hike and the lake is beautiful. It’s a 10k walk that takes about 2h30 to complete.
At the end of the drive, you will arrive in St Mary, stay there for the night so you can explore this area tomorrow.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
Day 5: Glacier National Park – St. Mary Side
Explore the St. Mary area of Glacier National Park. Hike the St. Mary Falls Trail, which offers a moderate hike with stunning waterfall views.
You can also visit the St. Mary Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s natural and cultural history.
In the afternoon, start making your way back to the west via the East Glacier road to get different views.
It will take you about 3 hours to get to Bigfork.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
Day 6: Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Polson
Bigfork is a quaint town on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake.
Here you can explore local art galleries and shops, then drive along the scenic Flathead Lake to Polson, a charming town at the lake’s southern tip.
You can enjoy some water activities like kayaking or simply relax by the lake.
You will also find the Miracle of America Museum which is worth a visit if you are into memorabilia.
Finally, if you fancy a drink, head to the Glacier Brewing Co. It’s a local brewery with a beautiful beer garden.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
- 🚗 Driving time: 45 minutes from Bigfork to Polson
Day 7: Missoula
Continue south to Missoula, known for its arts scene, historic downtown, and outdoor activities.
Here you can visit the Missoula Art Museum, hike the “M” Trail for panoramic views of the city, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the farmers market.
It’s also a nice place to go cycling and mountain biking.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
- 🚗 Driving time: 1.5 hours from Polson to Missoula
Day 8: Deer Lodge and Butte
In the morning, drive to Deer Lodge, where you can visit the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site.
This is a working cattle ranch that preserves Montana’s ranching heritage and the ideal place to visit for adults as well as children.
You can walk around the ranch, get a cowboy coffee and take a guided tour of the house.
It’s a great opportunity to see the cattle and horses.
In Deer Lodge, you can also visit the Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex.
Then, head to Butte, a historic mining town with a rich history. Explore the World Museum of Mining and take a walking tour of the historic district.
I also recommend driving up to The Granite Mountain Speculator Mine Memorial where you can learn more about the mining industry and sad history of the area.
It also boasts fantastic views of the city.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Half day in Deer Lodge, half day in Butte
- 🚗 Driving time: 1.5 hours from Missoula to Deer Lodge, 1 hour from Deer Lodge to Butte
- Accommodation: Stay at the Finlen Hotel and Motor Inn in Butte, a historic hotel with modern amenities.
Day 9: Bozeman
Today we will head to Bozeman, a lively college town known for its outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
There are quite a few museums you can visit here including the Museum of the Rockies, which features extensive dinosaur exhibits, and the Gallatin History Museum, which tells you everything you need to know about the history of the area.
You’ll also love strolling through the downtown area with its eclectic shops and cafes. In the evening, grab a drink at the Crystal Bar. It’s a very unique dive bar and they have a great happy hour.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
- 🚗 Driving time: 2 hours from Butte to Bozeman
Day 10: College ‘M’ Trail and Livingston
On your last day, you’ll be exploring the area around Bozeman.
I recommend starting early in the morning to go to the College ‘M’ Trail. It’s a short 10-minute drive from downtown Bozeman but the parking lot is small and gets full early.
There are two ways you can get to the top, an easy and a difficult route. Whichever way you choose, it will take you about 1h30 to 2 hours to complete the hike.
The ‘M’ itself is very nice but the most noticeable thing is the views from there! You can see the mountains, the valley and the town.
Once you are done, head to Livingston, another cute town in Montana.
You will love strolling around downtown and discovering the cute vintage shops. There are also a lot of great cafes.
You can also visit the Yellowstone Gateway Museum which is a great introduction before heading to Yellowstone.
- ⏰ Recommended time: Full day
Map of this Road Trip for 10 Days in Montana
10-Day Montana Road Trip Summary
- Day 1: Kalispell
- Day 2: Whitefish & Columbia Falls
- Day 3: Glacier National Park – Apgar Side
- Day 4: Glacier National Park – Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Day 5: Glacier National Park – St. Mary Side
- Day 6: Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Polson
- Day 7: Missoula
- Day 8: Deer Lodge and Butte
- Day 9: Bozeman
- Day 10: College ‘M’ Trail and Livingston
Enjoy your Montana adventure!
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