The Best Montana Travel Destination For Retirees
Montana is one of the largest states in the U.S., and it’s also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful. Specifically, Montana is known for its natural beauty. Wherever you turn, you will find jaw-dropping mountain vistas, deep valleys, and tons of wildlife. With this comes plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. From obvious travel destinations like Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky, and Glacier National Park to under-the-radar spots like Flathead Lake and Helena, continue reading if you are a retiree who wants to be inspired to visit Montana. The reality is that there are plenty of parks, towns, and activities for all types of seniors to enjoy.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is regarded by many as the most beautiful national park in the entire United States. Its majestic natural beauty is unbeatable no matter what time of year you visit. Retirees can explore the park via the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which runs between West Glacier and St. Mary. From this road alone, you can visit several observation points with stunning views of waterfalls, glacial lakes, and more from the comfort of a vehicle. Meanwhile, if you prefer to hike, there are trails for people of all mobility levels in Glacier National Park. A few easy-to-moderate hikes of varying lengths include the Avalanche Lake, Bowman Lake, McDonald Creek, and Twin Falls. Lastly, Glacier National Park is a certified Dark Sky Park, which makes it an excellent spot for stargazing during your trip to Montana.
Yellowstone National Park
Although the majority of Yellowstone National Park is in the neighboring state of Wyoming, 3% of the park is technically in Montana, which makes it one of the best travel destinations for retirees in the state.
As one of the most popular national parks in the United States, it is extremely accessible, which makes it a great place to visit for people of all ages, including retirees. In fact, there are many gorgeous viewpoints that you can drive right up to, such as Lamar Valley, Paradise Valley, Firehole Lake Drive, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Beartooth Highway. These driveable access points offer views of the Great Fountain Geyser, the Gallatin and Absaroka mountain ranges, grasslands, and more. You might even get lucky and spot the park’s famed wildlife, like bison, elk, wolves, bald eagles, ospreys, and grizzly bears.
Flathead Lake
At first glance, Flathead Lake might seem like just another lake in a state that is home to over 3,000 lakes. However, there is something uniquely special about Flathead Lake. First, it spans 200 square miles and is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The lake is known for its crystal clear waters and is commonly referred to as the “clearest lake in the world” (it also happens to be one of the cleanest lakes in Montana). Further, it features a number of small islands, which adds to its natural beauty. Beyond the impressive lake, it is surrounded by mountains, which makes for picture-perfect scenery. Popular activities for retirees in Flathead Lake include sailing, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. Even if you’re not looking to exert too much, a few hours of relaxing along the scenic coast is more than enough for a fun outing.
Bozeman
The next Montana destination that retirees won’t want to miss is Bozeman. Bozeman is a relatively small city, yet it’s still the fourth largest in the state by population. Located in southwest Montana, it is an ideal spot if you also plan on visiting Yellowstone National Park during your Montana adventure.
That said, the town of Bozeman has so much to offer seniors. Visitors can explore one of the many museums and art galleries in town, like the Museum of the Rockies, the Gallatin History Museum, or the Bozeman Art Museum. Seniors interested in a game of golf with friends can stop by the Bridger Creek Golf Course to tee off in Montana’s beautiful greenery. Afterward, stop by Valhalla Meadery or Ghost Town Coffee Roasters to recharge with a few drinks.
Big Sky
Only 45 miles southwest of Bozeman lies Big Sky. Big Sky is the place to be during the winter in Montana, and that’s largely due to Big Sky Resort, which is one of the largest ski resorts in the entire United States. If you’re a retiree who lives alpine skiing, then Big Sky is a must. However, even if you’re not into skiing, there are a number of ways to enjoy Big Sky year-round. For example, you can rent a rustic cabin, go golfing, biking, or fishing, or hike one of the main trails in the area. Ousel Falls Trail is a leisurely hike and one of the most popular in the area. Strolling around the charming town of Big Sky is another fun way to spend an afternoon. The downtown core is a walking village with plenty of opportunities, whether it is grabbing some sushi at Omakase MT or relaxing in the Town Center Plaza.
Medicine Rocks State Park
Medicine Rocks State Park in eastern Montana is a must-see for retirees who love getting outdoors. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or viewing wildlife in its natural habitat, you can do so in this Montana state park. Bursting with history, culture, and unique topography - the park is known for the natural rock formations it contains - there is so much to explore here.
The rock formations that the park is named after are sacred to local Native American tribes and are made of soft sandstone rock that looks like Swiss cheese when you get up close. As you get closer, you will also notice thousands of inscriptions on the sandstone pillars dating back centuries. Wildlife you might be lucky to see here include mule deer, antelope, woodhouse toads, and sharp-tailed grouse. Medicine Rocks State Park is open year-round from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm, including the first come, first serve campsites.
Helena
Nestled in southwest Montana, Helena offers a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ideal for retirees seeking relaxation and adventure. As the state capital, it holds a unique position between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, making it an excellent stop for retirees looking to explore Montana’s iconic destinations.
For history buffs, a ride on the Last Chance Tour Train is a perfect introduction to Helena’s rich past. This hour-long tour departs from the Montana Historical Society Museum and takes you through historic landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. Helena, the State Capitol Building, and the charming Guardian of the Gulch fire tower. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to do as well. Mount Helena’s trail system offers stunning views and hikes suitable for various fitness levels. At the same time, the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum showcases native plants and tranquil garden paths, ideal for an afternoon stroll at a relaxed pace.
Lolo National Forest
Lolo National Forest offers retirees a peaceful escape into nature with more than two million acres of pristine landscapes, including rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and mountain ranges. Unlike some of Montana's more crowded parks, Lolo National Forest maintains a quieter atmosphere, making it ideal for retirees who want to connect with nature at a relaxed pace. This expansive forest has something for everyone, from low-impact activities like fishing and scenic drives to accessible hiking trails.
Retirees can enjoy gentle strolls along the Kim Williams Trail, which offers beautiful river views without strenuous terrain. The Morrell Lake Loop Trail and Barmeyer Trail Loop are other popular options, each providing a chance to immerse in the area’s lush landscapes while accommodating varying mobility levels. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the forest's numerous picnic spots and riverside rest areas are perfect for unwinding amid nature's beauty.
Fun fact: It is believed that the name “Lolo National Forest” comes from “Lou-Lou,” a former pronunciation of “Lawrence,” a French-Canadian fur trapper who was killed by a grizzly bear and buried in Grave Creek, which later became part of the national forest.
Wrapping Up
It’s time to start exploring the scenic state of Montana. This midwestern state has so much to offer retirees - and its mountains are just the starting point. Sure, you could easily spend all your time in Montana exploring its natural beauty, like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Medicine Rocks State Park. However, you will also find tons of history and culture here, like in the towns of Helena and Bozeman. No matter which Montana destinations you plan to visit, you are sure to love them.
