What is Montana Known for? Discover Montana’s Famous Facts, Foods, and Landmarks

With its majestic landscapes like Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, Montana is known for its unparalleled nature and picturesque towns. If you’ve been living in Montana for years or are considering moving to the state, you may be wondering, what else is Montana known for?

At Redfin, we’ve got the answers for you. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Billings or buy a home in Missoula, read on to find out what makes Montana a great place to call home.

Job opportunities and economy

Montana is known for its agriculture industry, primarily in wheat production, along with apples, beans, potatoes, safflowers, and more. Other major job industries in Montana include tourism and healthcare with key companies including Benefis Health System, Billings Clinic, and Montana State University.

Montana’s top five employers

• Benefis Health System
• Billings Clinic
• Montana State University
• Kalispell Regional Healthcare
• Bozeman Health

World-renowned tourist attractions

• Glacier National Park is famous for its pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, and picturesque lakes. You can drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking views, hike trails like the Highline Trail, and spot wildlife such as grizzly bears and mountain goats.
• Yellowstone National Park extends into Montana, offering geothermal wonders like the Old Faithful geyser, colorful hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. You can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, watch for bison and elk, and marvel at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
• Billings serves as a gateway to Montana’s outdoor adventures. For example, you can find attractions nearby like Pictograph Cave State Park showcasing ancient rock art, and ZooMontana featuring regional wildlife exhibits. You can also explore downtown Billings’ breweries, galleries, and historic sites.
• Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, is a scenic destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. Be sure to explore charming lakeside towns like Polson and Bigfork, and enjoy outdoor activities amid stunning mountain views.
• The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman is known for its paleontological exhibits, including dinosaur fossils and the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever found. You can also learn about Montana’s Native American heritage and natural history through interactive displays.

Farm-to-table regional cuisine

With its rugged terrain and abundant natural resources, Montana’s cuisine emphasizes hearty dishes and locally sourced ingredients. Bison, elk, and trout are staples of Montana cuisine, often grilled or smoked to perfection. Huckleberries, found in the mountainous regions, are used in various desserts like huckleberry pie and jams. Montana also celebrates its ranching heritage with classic dishes like steak and potatoes.

Top restaurants in Montana

• The Montana Club in multiple locations
• Open Range in Bozeman
• Lucca’s in Helena
• Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Missoula
• Ciao Mambo in Billings

Historic arts and culture scene

Montana’s arts scene is shaped by its rich Native American heritage, pioneer history, and breathtaking natural beauty. The state’s artistic heritage is celebrated in institutions like the Montana Museum of Art & Culture in Missoula and the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, showcasing an array of Western and contemporary art.

Five great museums in Montana

• Moss Mansion Museum in Billings
• Original Governor’s Mansion in Helena
• Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex in Deer Lodge
• Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning 
• World Museum of Mining in Butte

Stunning landscapes and national parks

Montana’s natural land formations are dominated by the majestic Rocky Mountains, which run through the western part of the state. You’ll see iconic peaks like Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The eastern plains offer expansive grasslands and the rugged badlands of Makoshika State Park, known for its unique geological formations and dinosaur fossils.

National and state parks in Montana

• Glacier National Park near Columbia Falls
• Yellowstone National Park near West Yellowstone
• Flathead Lake State Park near Bigfork
• Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park near Whitehall

Minerals and natural resources

Montana has abundant natural resources and minerals, including vast reserves of coal, natural gas, and timber. The state is also known for its deposits of copper, gold, and silver, making mining a significant industry. Additionally, Montana’s landscapes are rich with agricultural potential, supporting farming and ranching sectors. Its rivers and streams contribute to a thriving fishing and outdoor recreation industry, further highlighting its natural resources.

Did you know? Montana is home to the largest migratory elk herd in the United States.

Popular Montana phrases

In Montana, you’d encounter expressions that reflect the state’s rugged landscapes and outdoor lifestyle. 

• “Heading to Big Sky country” refers to going to the Yellowstone area for expansive views and outdoor adventures like fly fishing and hiking. 
• “Cowboy poetry” are gatherings, celebrating the state’s ranching heritage.
• “Rocky mountain oysters,” are a unique food item, deep-fried bull testicles.
• “Prairie maggots” is slang for sheep.
• “A buck ninety-eight” often refers to something expensive.

More things Montana is known for

• Big Sky Country: Montana’s nickname, Big Sky Country, reflects its vast open landscapes, expansive skies, and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Ranching heritage: Montana has a strong ranching tradition, with vast cattle ranches. The annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering celebrates cowboy culture and the state’s agricultural roots.
• Lewis and Clark Expedition: Montana played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. You’ll find landmarks like Pompeys Pillar preserving the explorers’ journey and interactions with Native American tribes.
• Big Timber: Montana is known for its vast forests and timber industry, contributing to the state’s economy and providing opportunities for logging, woodworking, and outdoor recreation.
• Crow Fair: Held annually in Crow Agency, Crow Fair is one of the largest Native American gatherings in the US, celebrating Native American culture through dancing, rodeos, and traditional games.

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