How Does Montana Rank Among America’s Most Fun States?

We all define “fun” a little differently. For some, it’s live music, nightlife, and new restaurants popping up every week. For others, it’s long hikes, winding rivers, or casting a line. Ideally, the place you call home offers at least a little bit of both, but that’s not always the case.

WalletHub recently released its annual ranking of the “Most Fun States in America,” and it turns out not every state measures up equally when it comes to entertainment. They compared all 50 states using 26 key indicators of fun, ranging from movie costs and amusement parks to the availability of national parks and recreation.

So where did Montana land? Big Sky Country came in at #30 overall. Sitting right in the middle of the pack. Not exactly the most exciting number, but not the least either. For locals, that probably feels about right for the average American. Montana may not have the density of nightclubs, amusement parks, or festivals you’ll find in places like California, Florida, or Nevada (the top three), but what it does offer is something different. 

Our fun comes in the form of wide-open spaces, hunting seasons, rodeos, fly fishing trips, scenic byways, and national parks that draw millions every year. Nightlife might not top the list, but bonfire nights, small-town breweries, and music festivals under the stars certainly make up for it.

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So while Montana may not have ranked in the top 10, fun here doesn’t always need a ticket, a theme park pass, or a cover charge. Sometimes, it’s just a mountain view, a clear river, and plenty of room to breathe.