10-Nights Exploring Big Sky Country - Explorations – Small Group

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park was established to protect the area's spectacular scenic values, as characterized by the geologic features of the Rocky Mountains and valleys and the native plant and animal life. The park encompasses approximately 1.4 million acres of wilderness and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the western United States. A combination of spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and relative isolation from major population centers have combined to make Glacier National Park the center of one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America - once the homeland of the Blackfoot and Kootenai Indian tribes and many sites in the park are sacred spiritual sites. There are over 50 glaciers in the park from which it gets its name. There are also over 200 lakes or streams in Glacier. There are over 730 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy in Glacier National Park.

Missoula

Known as "Garden City" for its lush green landscape, Missoula lies in the heart of the northern Rockies in Western Montana where five valleys converge and serves as a center for education, medicine, retail and arts. Located at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the Clark Fork River banks is The University of Montana - one of the most beautiful in the nation. Missoula offers a variety of recreation opportunities centered on the waters. Attractions include: Carousel for Missoula/Dragon Hollow, Art Museum of Missoula, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, St. Francis Xavier Chruch, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wildlife Visitor Center and Smokejumper Visitor Center. Historic Downtown features classic early buildings and offers unique shops, galleries, fine dining, cultural activities and exciting nightlife.

Whitefish

Whitefish is one of the most scenic, breathtaking areas in America and is surrounded on three sides by picturesque mountain peaks. This alpine village offers summer activities including the most scenic gondola ride in the Northwest. Whitefish still retains the warm, friendly charm of its bygone railroading days. Great Northern Railroad Depot, along with western-style covered walkways, is the focal point of downtown. This small, friendly town offers the best recreation. Whitefish’s Great Northern Brewing Company boasts its own microbrewery. Housed in historic Great Northern Railroad Depot, Stumptown Museum includes many railroad artifacts and community memorabilia and photographs. Enjoy Montana’s only 36-hole golf course, Whitefish Lake Golf Course, with spectacular views of mountains and lakes. Whitefish Lake City Beach offers a sandy swimming beach and beautifully landscaped park. A superb cross-country skiing facility, Glacier Nordic Center, features impeccably-groomed trails partially lit for night skiing.

Helena, MT

Helena, the state capital located 225 mi/360 km northwest of Billings, began in the 1860s as a gold-rush boomtown.

Today, it's home to the old Queen Anne-style governor's mansion, the Greek Renaissance-style state Capitol (with a dome of copper mined in Montana) and The Cathedral of St. Helena, which is an imposing part of the city's architectural history.

Last Chance Gulch, the historic downtown's walking mall, offers a wide range of art galleries, shops, restaurants, music and craft fairs (in the summer months). Great Northern Town Center in north downtown features a beautiful carousel and ice-cream parlor, a children's science center (Exploration Works) and great dining opportunities.

Also downtown, you'll find the Holter Museum of Art, with new shows every six weeks. The Grandstreet Theater presents classic and modern plays, and The Montana Shakespeare Company holds outdoor shows in Performance Square.

Gardiner

Gardiner is located at the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park in southwest Montana. The Roosevelt Arch, dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, provides a gateway to Yellowstone from this entrance. Gardiner is a quaint western town providing the perfect base to explore Yellowstone. It offers plenty to do including art galleries, restaurants, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and a long list of seasonal outdoor activities.

Bozeman

Located in the heart of southwesten Montana's Rocky Mountains, just 90 miles south of Yellowstone Park, Bozeman is a mecca of year-round outdoor recreation and offers some of the world's finest fly-fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, biking, rafting, climbing and kayaking.