Looking for some Montana day trips? Look no further than right here for some of the best day trips near me! Even if all you can spare is a single day, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy a wide array of wonderful experiences. From charming small towns to picturesque trails, exciting events, and everything in between, you’ll find something to suit your travel desires. So without further adieu, check ’em out – one for each month of the year!

1. January: Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT, USA
Big Sky Resort Facebook
There's never a bad time to visit Big Sky and the Big Sky Resort, but January is an especially magical (albeit cold) month here. Obviously, the skiing is fantastic ... but even if you don't do snow sports, you can enjoy the shopping, dining, and spa services at Big Sky Mountain Village. We definitely recommend coming for at least a few days, but if you can't, it is definitely one of the best day trips in Montana.
2. February: Whitefish Winter Carnival
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Whitefish Winter Carnival Facebook
This annual event, held in its namesake Whitefish, is always a blast, and each year there is a different theme. Whether you come for the day or for the entire three-day festival, you're sure to enjoy some of the best quirkiness you've ever seen! It is definitely an awesome Montana day trip.
3. March: Butte
Butte, MT, USA
The annual St. Patrick's Day festivities in Butte, MT Facebook
We're not saying that Butte has the best St. Patrick's Day celebration in the country or anything ... but we're not claiming that it doesn't, either. If you've never experienced the fun for yourself, make this the year that you take that day trip near me in Butte.
4. April: Bozeman
Bozeman, MT, USA
Tim Evanson / Flickr
Bozeman is without a doubt one of the best day trips in Montana! We suggest that you visit before the summer hits and the tourists flock to the city for the Sweet Pea Festival and other fun. While it might be colder and grayer than this photo would indicate, you can still visit your favorite restaurants, shops, and the Museum of the Rockies in peace. And don't forget to go for a spring soak at Bozeman Hot Springs!
5. May: The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, 34574 White Coyote Rd, Arlee, MT 59821, USA
Ewam Garden of One Thousand Buddhas Facebook
Located in Arlee, The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas is a public garden and a place for people of all faiths to come enjoy some quiet contemplation. Sounds like a perfect Montana day trip.
6. June: Virginia City
Virginia City, MT 59729, USA
Brenda / Flickr
When was the last time you visited Virginia City, Montana's most charming ghost town? Celebrate summer's arrival with a day trip if it's feasible. A great choice for day trips near me in Montana, June is when this little town becomes more "spirited."
7. July: Livingston
Livingston, MT 59047, USA
Tracy Hunter / Flickr
A parade, fireworks, family-friendly fun - oh, and Montana's most famous rodeo. All of this happens in the beautiful town of Livingston. One of the best day trips in Montana, we can't think of a better place to spend the 4th of July.
8. August: Missoula
Missoula, MT, USA
Missoula Downtown Facebook
There's nothing like a Montana day trip and a beautiful summer day in Missoula. Treat yourself to some huckleberry ice cream from Big Dipper and walk the Riverfront Trail. And if you happen to be there on a Thursday, you can check out the free performances and food trucks at Downtown ToNight at Caras Park.
9. September: Montana Bale Trail (What The Hay)
Hobson, MT 59452, USA
Montana Bale Trail: What the Hay Facebook
Editor's Note: This event is no longer in operation.

If you live in central or eastern Montana, head to Hobson anytime after the first Sunday after Labor Day and check out this fascinating hay sculpture contest. This longtime tradition is a truly unique day trip near me in Montana and is sure to make you laugh.
10. October: Flathead Valley
Flathead Valley, Montana 59911, USA
Troy Smith/Flickr
Montana's fall foliage is highly underrated. And while a Montana day trip to Glacier National Park may not be possible, you can cruise through the Flathead Valley and see scenes like this.
11. November: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, 1500 Fairmont Rd, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
Fairmont Hot Springs Facebook
While it can snow in Montana anytime, November is when the winter weather starts getting real. Take a break and warm up in the piping-hot pools of the fabulous Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. It is one of the most popular resorts in the state and one of the best day trips in Montana.
12. December: Bigfork
Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
kyle v/Google Maps
Bigfork has become well-known as Montana's Christmas Village. The local chamber of commerce and some of the businesses are always hosting events that will help you get into the holiday spirit. Be sure to keep this in mind for day trips near me in Montana.

 

Interested in making any (or all!) of these into a road trip and needing transportation? Check out what RVshare has to offer.

Montana is an amazing place to explore in any season. Have you been to any of these places? What do you think are the best day trips in Montana? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Another great idea for day trips near me in Montana? Small-town day trips in Montana!

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Best day trips in Montana

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 28, 2022

Where are some of the best ski resorts in Montana?

As you might imagine, because of how far north in the country it is, there are many amazing ski resorts in Montana. If you enjoy cross-country skiing (or would like to try it), you might think about going to Homestake Lodge. Located in the town of Whitehall, the lodge is unique in that it is a completely sustainable property located off the grid. It definitely makes for a great day trip near me in Montana.

I’m looking for some good places to go fishing in Montana.

Due to the abundance of waterways all over the state, Montana fishing is one of the most popular activities here for residents and visitors alike. Some of the more well-known spots include Two Medicine Lakes, the Smith River, and the Gallatin River, just to name a few.

I’m interested in historic landmarks in Montana.

With a very deep and rich history, there are numerous historic landmarks in Montana that serve to educate travelers about the past and how it led to the present and each one is a great idea for a Montana day trip. Among them is Butte, where you will learn a lot about the mining history here and how it fits into the overall story of the state’s founding.

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