9 Strangest Landmarks in Montana

Montana is a definitive Mountain West state in the U.S. that needs no formal introduction with its amazing sights. Encompassing commercial enjoyment and splendid natural and historical landmarks worth exploring for a lifetime, the "Treasure State" is a glorified itinerary option for all travelers who seek newfound adventures away from home. With many incredible places to witness, various bizarre and unusual places may warrant foot traffic. From the House of Mystery to the Ringing Rocks, these strange landmarks in the state are worth stopping for!

The Ringing Rocks

There are few landmarks known to many that can create sounds when interacted with, and this one is no stranger to that! The Ringing Rocks of Montana, located east of Butte, are sure to arouse curiosity with their special "chime" sounds that occur whenever tapped or struck by a hammer. It is suspected that one in every three boulders around the site will ring whenever one uses a hammer on them, and there is even a nearby rack filled with all sizes of hammers for tourists to experiment with. The metallic ringing sounds and the geologic beauty of 18th-century rock formations make this a true sightseeing moment for all who pass by.

Grasshopper Glacier

Located southwest of Billings, within the Beartooth Mountains lies Grasshopper Glacier, a locust-filled snowfield with strange origins. The glacier is known for having millions of dead grasshoppers trapped inside its icy domain, making it quite odd to outsiders. One of the biggest theories surrounding the glacier is that a massive number of frozen insects once migrated across the Rocky Mountains and ended up being stuck inside the ice after a winter storm affected the swarm. Over centuries of its existence, the ice had frozen them within and made them an integral part of the ecosystem. While the natural find surely raises eyebrows, tourists are encouraged to witness the glacier before it melts away for good one day!

Montana Vortex and House of Mystery

The Montana Vortex and House of Mystery is a supernatural landmark phenomenon that will surely bring people back for more. Located in Columbia Falls, the natural and commercial stopping point is known for its thrilling optical illusions and adrenaline-filled gravity tours that will create strange thoughts for curious minds. The attraction makes tourists feel like they are "shrinking" or "growing" when standing in its specific spots, making for a bizarre experience. With mysteriously slanted showrooms, uneven walking floors, and nifty alien gift shop trinkets, one may find plenty of weird pleasures while touring around unusual rooms full of memorable exhibits that draw in visitors from all over.

Pompey's Pillar

Around the small town of Worden, one may discover Pompey's Pillar. While the landmark itself is a natural and historic getaway stop, it is also bizarre due to bearing the last known physical evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The towering sandstone monument pays tribute to American Indians with its unique petroglyphs and rocky landscape but also carries William Clark's cursive signature and date within protective plexiglass. The petroglyph site is a famed exploration route from the 18th century when the two expeditionists made their way across Montana and decided to split up to document more of the town in depth. Local tribes called the pillar "the place where the mountain lion lies," but to this day, it is unknown whether this was a warning for mountain lions around or something far more mysterious.

Bleu Horses

Overlooking Highway 287 just north of Three Forks, the Bleu Horses are a strangely scenic viewpoint. The 39 steel equine sculptures fill up the hillside of the state with their shiny blue architecture and are a marvel for all drivers who pass by. With their realistic construction, they almost look as if they are real horses grazing in the countryside! Known for natural beauty and equestrian history, the Bleu Horses remain a staple for animal lovers and Montana locals who favor artistic talent and community-oriented cultural contributions. The metallic creatures continue to awe newcomers each time they cruise through the highway and are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who likes roadside oddities.

Anaconda Smelter Stack

The Anaconda Smelter Stack is a 1918 landmark in Anaconda that stands out as a truly unusual sight while new to town. Standing 585 feet tall, it is one of the largest brick structures known in the entire world and has symbolic recognition as a smelting point of interest for all who pass by. The photographic aspects of the stack, mixed with its odd Washington Monument-like characteristics, reels in all types of tourists. While the stack closed down in 1981, it remains a pivotal influence for locals and residents who want to witness one of the best features of Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park!

Ptarmigan Tunnel

Within Glacier National Park of West Glacier, one may stumble upon Ptarmigan Tunnel, a 1930s landmark with horseback trails and fantasy vibes. The tunnel, which measures almost 250 feet long, was made using steel jackhammers and dynamite blasting, leading to an inevitable dwarven splendor that tourists may love while out and about. Alongside its Ptarmigan Lake rocky exposure and glacial hiking routes, this stop is no ordinary one for tunnel exploration, as it boasts some mystery as a curious natural mountainside for those who believe there once was (or still is) a legendary kingdom beyond its entrance!

Sip 'n Dip Lounge

A commercial treat that will awe newcomers, this one is surely worth the return trip! The Sip 'n Dip Lounge is an iconic 1960s Polynesian tiki bar in Great Falls that remains a cultural and historical highlight for tourists and residents. With its distinctive indoor mermaid swimming pools, coupled with exotic tropical drinks and bamboo ceilings, visitors from all over come to this locale to experience what appears to be unusually pleasing. There is an assortment of mermaid accessories and motel ambiance that will keep people smiling as they explore and take a seat at a South Seas-inspired bar that has the trendiest jazz music and remembrance of "Piano Pat," a renowned Montanan who passed away in 2021.

Cut Bank Penguin

A large concrete penguin statue randomly stands in Cut Bank, and it always pleases travelers regardless of their itinerary options! The penguin, originally built in 1989, is a part of town that displays a sign saying "the coldest spot in the nation," which usually encourages tourism because of Cut Bank's winter temperatures and cold climate. The 27-foot-tall statue reminds everyone of the importance of being in a cold part of the state where residents usually want to stick around if they prefer chilly seasons and a frosty animal sight for community culture.

Final Thoughts

These strange landmarks in Montana are not to be discounted on any trip involving crazy sights and mysterious or bizarre places to uncover. With a host of historical, natural, and commercial insights, the "Treasure State" is easily a top contender for finding unusual stops and unordinary vibes in some of the best towns around. The Mountain West is sure to bring some uncanny memories to all who visit, familiar or unfamiliar!