The great state of Montana is far more than a big empty space on the map. It’s one of the best vacation destinations in North America. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Montana should be on your list. Before you go, here’s a little of what you should know about Montana before visiting.
You’ll Eat Well Here
When we think about great regional cuisines, we think of the hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurants of the Northeast, mouth-watering Southern barbecue, and the great culinary convergence that is New Orleans. After a trip to Montana, you’ll add the state to the list. This is bison country, and advances in bison ranching have yielded a lean and flavorful meat—one that lacks the off-putting gaminess of previous attempts to supplant good old beef. Then, there are the huckleberries. These little purple berries have a taste unlike any other. Enjoy them fresh, dried, or as jellies and jams.
Speed Limits Are Back
With its low population density and wide-open highways, Montana once posted some very unusual speed-limit signs—unusual because they didn’t post a number at all. Instead, this unorthodox signage advised motorists to drive at a speed that was “reasonable and prudent.” This made Montana notorious nationwide, especially among aggrieved drivers who were frustrated to putter along their expressways at a crawling 55 mph. The legislation may have been more popular from afar than at home, though. Different drivers—and different cops—had competing concepts of what constituted a reasonable and prudent speed, so posted limits have been back on the books and roadsides since 1998. Today, Montana restricts light cars and trucks on open roads to 80 mph.
It’s an Off-Roading Haven
Driving in Big Sky Country isn’t about enjoying roads without traffic—it’s about shirking the roads altogether. One thing you should know about Montana before visiting is that it’s an off-roader’s paradise. If you own a Jeep Wrangler, an ATV, or another off-road vehicle, you can enjoy the many trails and off-road opportunities throughout this vast state. From the Ringing Rocks to the land encircling the estimable Yellowstone National Park, you have many chances to take in Montana’s breathtaking nature from behind the wheel.
Access to Yellowstone
Speaking of Yellowstone Park, while Wyoming gets most of the credit for hosting this showcase of the American West at its best, part of the park spills into Montana and Idaho as well. If you’re staying in southeastern Montana, you can access Yellowstone Park and spend some time camping, horseback riding, and fly-fishing amid the geysers and amazing scenery of this great national park.
