Dreaming of putting down roots in Montana? In addition to affordable cities, this state is laden with wildlife and wow-worthy natural formations and beauty. Known as the Treasure State for its mineral wealth, lush landscapes, and the Rocky Mountains, Montana has a dynamic history and rich, untouched wilderness.
Check out the top ten state parks in Montana.
1. Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
Google Rating: 5.0
Visitors Per Year: 61,508
Wildlife watching, fishing, boating, and camping are some of the biggest must-have experiences at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park. Spanning 3,000 acres, the state park is dotted with shoreline access to 18 lakes (including McGregor Lake and Horseshoe Lake), plus it’s filled with amazing foliage and botanical wonders. Visitors can dig into 91 campsites after a day of swimming and exploring.
2. Giant Springs State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 327,916
Giant Springs State Park houses one of the largest freshwater springs in North America. Loaded with recreational activities and opportunities to gaze at stunning geological features, this day-use state park (no camping allowed) was originally noted by Lewis and Clark in 1805. Hike to the Giant Springs and marvel at its larger-than-life wonder, which produces 156 million gallons of water per day. Day experiences include hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, birding, and boat-watching.
3. Lone Pine State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 87,732
Slide on over to Lone Pine State Park. Located in the southwestern area of Kalispell, Montana, this 270-acre day-use state park (no camping allowed), is a dreamy destination—plus an activity center with a gift shop—featuring nearly 8 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and snowshoeing. Visitors can see impressive views of Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin, and Glacier National Park.
4. Makoshika State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 80,992
Makoshika State Park is a sight to behold, as it’s famous for its badland formations and fossilized prehistoric and dinosaur remains. Visitors from all over the globe trek to this state park to view breathtaking Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops skeletons. Makoshika is Montana’s largest state park with scenic opportunities at every twist and turn. With 28 camping sites, hiking trails, an outdoor amphitheater, and picnic spots, it’s a must-do for nature and history lovers.
5. Milltown State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 71,144
Milltown State Park encapsulates the storied heritage of Montana’s culture and rich natural lands. With panoramic views of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot Rivers, the state park has three miles of riverfront hiking trails. The 635-acre area is rife with history, from the Glacial Lake Missoula floods that shaped the terrain to the Merriweather Lewis 4th of July passage. The day-use park is perfect for birding, fishing, hiking, photography, nature tours, and picnicking.
6. Lewis & Clark Caverns
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 24,792
Looking for a great bounty of natural expanse? Head on over to Lewis & Clark Caverns, a 3,000-acre state park brimming with geological beauty and ten miles of hiking trails. With its renowned limestone caverns, the park is a draw for its natural wonders such as bat wildlife viewing. Experiences include a campground, trails (hike or bike), an amphitheater, a gift shop, a visitor center, and guided cave tours.
7. Flathead Lake State Park System
Google Rating: 4.8
Visitors Per Year: 115,684
Want to hit up multiple state park units? Go to Flathead Lake State Park, which includes six state park areas: Wayfarers, Yellow Bay, Finley Point, West Shore, Big Arm, and Wild Horse Island. Dig into a bounty of experiences at this state park: Camping (including yurts), trails, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing are go-to activities.
8. Council Grove State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Visitors Per Year: 33,824
Looking for more day-time discoveries? Plan a visit to the day-use Council Grove State Park, as there’s no camping allowed. Step into an afternoon of wonder and wanderlust on its 187 acres. This history-laden area is known for its historical connection as the site of the Hellgate Treaty, and today it’s a base for cross-country skiing, trails (by bike or hike), snowmobiling, boating, and more.
9. Logan State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Visitors Per Year: 16,492
On the north shore of Middle Thompson Lake lies Logan State Park and its 17 acres (which is part of a larger network of the Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park). This forested area is a hub for camping, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. In this state park, visitors can experience stunning foliage like Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and western larch as they shade the landscape.
10. Spring Meadow Lake State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Visitors Per Year: 134,544
On the western side of Helena, Montana, you’ll find Spring Meadow Lake State Park. This day-use park is an outdoor urban sanctuary and nature oasis. From water activities like swimming and paddle boarding to wildlife fun like hiking and fishing, there are photo opportunities abound on the trail or by the lake. This haven is a spot for explorers year-round: hunt, fish, ski, and even ice skate. there’s a new discovery at any time of the season.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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