5 Things To Know Before Visiting Montana This Summer

Montana is one of the most tourist-friendly spots you'll find. Each year, we welcome millions of folks to our beloved state in hopes that they will enjoy themselves and all that Big Sky Country has to offer plus make life-long memories with the time they spend here.

While Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks bring in the most people, Montana has several other spots worth checking out. In fact, Montana is an outdoor paradise. From fishing, camping, floating on our rivers, or just checking out the different towns and attractions, you'll love your time here in The Treasure State.

However, if you're planning on visiting soon, there are a few things that you need to know.

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1. Hotel stays are expensive. Whether you're planning on lodging in one of the National Parks or just a hotel in one of our cities or towns, keep in mind that the summer months are when many hotels and motels make their money. So, be prepared to spend more than you normally would.

2. Traffic can be an issue. While Montana is the 4th largest state with tens of thousands of miles of road, summer can be a bit hectic when it comes to driving. Not only is there a lot of road construction taking place during the summer, but when you bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors, traffic can become congested.

3. Wildlife can kill you. For many travelers, the idea of getting a close-up photo of a bison, elk, moose, or bear may be tempting, but keep in mind these are wild animals and they will attack you. Each year there are several reports of tourists being injured because they thought it would be a good idea to pet the "fluffy cows".

4. Be kind to locals. Most Montanans are very friendly and will welcome you, however, keep in mind that this is their home and a little kindness goes a long way. Don't grow impatient if you have to wait in line at a restaurant or your order doesn't get there as fast as you would like.  They do the very best they can and deserve your respect.

5. Be sure to plan ahead. Many of the more desirable locations are booked out months prior. When it comes to campgrounds and lodging, reservations are a must and if you didn't plan well in advance, you might find yourself out of luck or settling for a place that you don't necessarily want to stay.