From cooler temperatures to changing colors, autumn is the perfect time to slow down and see Montana from a different perspective by taking a scenic road, bike or canoe trip.

From ghost stories to haunted houses, fall is the perfect time to indulge in the thrill of the supernatural. Many historic places in Montana are known for their own spooky tales as well as their role in state history, and a fall road trip to these stops can be an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

Montana is a place of unspoiled beauty with views that are vast and vibrant, pair that with colorful bursts of foliage, fall in the Big Sky state is something you have to experience. The yellow leaves of aspen trees shimmer in the cool breeze creating a stark contrast against their pale bark and the dark shadows of the surrounding mountains. Grazing mule deer raise their heads in unison from their peaceful meal as they hear the nearby bugling call of a bull elk to his herd. With the unforgettable sights and sounds of the season all around you, you’ll fall in love with Montana’s undiscovered season.

Montana is a place you have to see to believe and autumn in the Treasure State is no exception. With fewer crowds in the fall, it’s almost like you have the place to yourself. Combined with the crisp autumn air, pleasant daytime temperatures and the changing colors of fall, it’s no surprise that this time of year is perfect for experiencing the Big Sky state. One of the best ways to discover Montana is hiking. With over 15,000 miles of trails ready to be explored, Montana is a hiker’s paradise. Discover all the unspoiled beauty this state has to offer, and bask in the red and gold hues around every bend.

Montana offers many opportunities to learn about the indigenous cultures of its 12 tribes through celebrations, community attractions and history. From powwows to historic battlefields, plan to enjoy these experiences in Montana's Indian Country.

The culture of music in Montana stems from one-of-a-kind, rare craftsmanship; just like the Gibson Acoustic Guitars made in Bozeman. With a rich heritage and some of the last unspoiled landscapes in the country, Montana is not only a place of inspiration for music but also the perfect place to enjoy it. For music lovers, must-visit events and performances around the state include Magic City Blues, Montana's Urban Music Festival in Billings, the Red Ants Pants Festival in White Sulphur Springs, Headwaters Country Jam and Rockin' the Rivers in Three Forks; and new this year, the inaugural Moonlight Music Fest in Big Sky.

Long vacations are great, but not always feasible. For travelers seeking big adventures without a big time commitment, Montana has endless possibilities waiting. Between the mountains, rivers and plains, Montana's warm season is the perfect time to plan a long weekend trip. Whether you're a couple, a family or a group of friends, you'll make lasting memories together with a 3-day getaway to Big Sky Country.

In Racing with Tradition, Sarah Munjal and her three children attend the Indian Relay Championships. This regional competition focuses on the rich tradition of the sport for indigenous tribes, and the important role horses play in their culture. The event includes customary pow wows where dancers moved to rhythmic drumbeats dressed in colorful, intricate clothing representing their heritage.

There is something magical about taking in stunning, unspoiled scenery while horseback riding. Western life and tradition holds deep roots in Montana, from the cowboys that rode the open range centuries ago to the family-owned ranches operating around the state today.

Summers are made for creating lasting memories with family and friends. Whether traveling for a week or just 72 hours, you’ll find unlimited adventure in Montana.

Summer days are right around the corner and dreams of hitting the open road will soon be a reality. But until the time comes to roll down the windows and crank the perfect playlist on the radio, we are happy to provide a little inspiration to help fuel those dreams.

As the 2018 Winter Games approach, there’s no better time to try winter’s fan favorite sports. In fact, a Pyeongchang-inspired getaway may be closer than you think. Montana is the perfect place to try your hand at a variety of winter sports, including snowboarding, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing and more. From beginners to trained athletes, here are some of the best ways to feel like you’re going for a podium finish in Big Sky Country.

Montana is made for winter adventure, so it’s no surprise that three 2018 Winter Games competitors began their careers in the mountains of Montana! Maggie Voisin, Darian Stevens and Brad Wilson are looking ahead to Pyeongchang, but took time to share their experiences growing up in Montana and why they love skiing here. They also shared insider tips to enjoying winter in Big Sky Country like a champion.

The perfect ski vacation is not just about the number of trails a resort has, but also the environment and charm of the destination. Montana ski towns are known for their friendly and laid-back lifestyles, each with its own unique personality to discover between runs. From fun-for-the-whole-family excursions to a night out on the town, these Montana mountain towns offer winter travelers everything they could want for their next ski getaway.

Love is in the crisp winter air of Montana. When the temperature drops and snow begins to fall it’s time for a romantic trip to the Treasure State. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a fun night in a lively mountain town or a scenic winter retreat with a warm fireplace, Montana has you covered.

Some people think summer is the best time to visit Montana’s National - Yellowstone and Glacier - and state parks. However, winter visitors can enjoy several activities at the parks, including cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, with easier access to explore more.

When snow begins to fall, savvy skiers start searching for the next secret hot spot. Travelers looking for less-crowded ski experiences will find Montana is home to a number of world-class ski towns and family-owned gems ready to be discovered.

In Melodies and Memories, the newest winter episode in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series, singer and Lone Mountain Ranch employee Bruce Anfinson takes guests on a sleigh ride through the forest and cascading mountains to a cozy, traditional Montana meal.

In Where the Mountains Meet the Prairie, the newest episode of the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series, skier Sarah Freeman finds her next adventure in Big Sky Country with skijoring, a fast-paced sport in which horses pull skiers through a challenging course filled with jumps and turns. Competing in the National Skijoring Finals in Red Lodge, Freeman and cowboy, Tom Finley, take their skills to the next level.

In Trailhead to Adventure, the newest episode of the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series, avid cross-country skiers Melissa Adler and Kelli Sanders provide visitors with a unique winter experience in West Yellowstone.

In Snow Day Traditions, a family’s winter vacation becomes an unforgettable bonding experience in Montana. Taking to the wintry slopes of Showdown Montana, these visitors are treated to an under-the-radar ski adventure while fueling a lust for adventure in Big Sky Country.

In Wild Designs, the newest episode in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series, artist and metal smith Jessica Lewis draws inspiration from Montana’s sweeping mountains and wide open spaces to create a collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry. As the owner of the online jewelry shop Ruby + Revolver, Jessica brings the style and spirit of Big Sky Country to her artwork

We’re happy to introduce Top of the Class, the newest Discover Your #MontanaMoment video installment. Watch Neil Chaput de Saintonge, who trained under famous photographer Ansel Adams, turn Montana into a natural classroom for a group of students at Rocky Mountain School of Photography, offering a landscape and a learning experience they will never forget.

When the leaves begin to change color it’s time to enjoy the dishes of autumn. Visitors looking for a mouth-watering meal can enjoy the full fall bounty in Montana. With a wealth of locally grown ingredients and first-class dining options, Montana is the perfect place for a fall feast.

Travelers taking a road trip through Big Sky Country are sure to come face-to-face with miles of unspoiled beauty and plenty of reasons to pull over and take the perfect nature shot. Fall is a particularly great time to take a scenic drive through Montana. These seven breathtaking drives are great for a fall getaway or weekend road trip.

As the days grow shorter and the Halloween season approaches, history lovers and families alike begin searching for their next spooky adventure. Turn away from haunted houses this fall for an eerie Big Sky getaway. Montana’s cities and towns are home to a rich history, filled with intriguing backstories and a wealth of secrets to uncover.

In Rainbows Every Day, outfitter Tom Jenni guides two frequent Montana visitors, Beth and Mary, on a fly fishing adventure on the Blackfoot River. With a master’s degree in biology and 17 years of experience as a guide, Jenni’s knowledge of Montana’s classic waterways provides travelers with a fishing trip they will never forget.

In The Perfect Fit, the newest installment in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, business owner Sarah Calhoun is bringing together music lovers of all ages in Montana. Calhoun is the founder and organizer of Red Ants Pants Music Festival, a three day music festival that celebrates the spirit of Montana and the close-knit community it inspires.

In Small Town Gem, the newest installment in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, local business owners Dale Siegford and Shirley Beck are leading a revival of the historic town of Philipsburg.

There are a wide number of places to plant your stakes in Montana. But for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary for their next trip, these Montana camping experiences are truly one-of-a-kind. Ranging from luxurious glamping to rustic and remote stays in a tipi or yurt, many of these locations are all-inclusive, allowing travelers to book a visit without the hassles of packing for an outdoor stay.

Montana is known for its beautiful mountain terrain and unspoiled, wide-open spaces. But for travelers looking to add water to their summer adventure, Montana is home to some of the most impressive bodies of water, from the mighty Missouri River to crystal lakes nestled in view of the mountains.

Ranches are essential to the West’s rich history and culture. Today visitors can experience cowboy culture without sacrificing the comforts of first-class lodging. Guest ranches offer a variety of immersive and informative activities, including horseback riding, local cuisine, and a first-hand look at what it means to work on a ranch.

May is Montana Beer Month and a great time to celebrate the state’s wide variety of local brewers. With the fourth highest amount of craft breweries in the country and a wealth of local ingredients, Montana is a thriving hotspot for beer lovers. Using locally grown wheat and barley, fresh glacier water, and Montana hops, brewers pride themselves on providing a unique taste in every beer they serve.

In addition to exploring the beautiful nature of the backcountry, Montana’s cities come alive in the summer with a variety of unforgettable events. These festivals bring the culture and heritage of Montana to life by bringing together the state’s food, music, and businesses.

A day hiking in Montana can take you along spiraling mountain passes, sprawling forests, and crystal lakes. For those looking to lace up and take a trek with a view this summer, these six Montana hiking trails offer breathtaking vistas and miles of unspoiled backcountry.

Everyone seems to know about Montana’s scenic natural landscapes and lively cities, but the state also has as variety of charming small towns, each providing their own unique appeal. Many of these towns are just a short drive from larger cities, making them the perfect destinations for a day trip.

In Home on the Range, the latest installment in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, Sara and Henry Hollenbeck of Hollenbeck Ranch are combining technology and traditional ranching. Sara uses social media to bring a personal touch to her work and connect her fun-loving flock with a large audience.

In Happy Trails, the newest installment in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, Amelia Hagen-Dillon uses her love for trail running to create detailed maps of Montana's backcountry. As cofounder of Cairn Cartographics, Hagen-Dillon takes a hands-on approach to mapmaking by exploring the sweeping trails with her dog, Piper.

In A Taste of Montana, the latest installment in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, Travis Peterson combines his love for his state and craft beer to create a distinct taste of the West.

In Changing Currents, the first episode in the Discover Your #MontanaMoment video series from Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, kayaker and outdoor adventurer Brad Ludden leads a group of extraordinary young adults on a challenging ride on the rushing rapids of Montana.

Located at the crossroads of three major bike routes, Whitefish is a starting point for boundless adventure. In At Peace, the latest installment in The Sky’s the Limit video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, owner Cricket Butler and Whitefish Bike Retreat offer lodging, rentals, and a community for those looking to travel Montana’s mountainside bike trails.

There’s nothing like waking up in the mountains, surrounded by a blanket of snow-covered trees. For travelers who want the full Montana experience, lodges can provide comfortable, personal, and charmingly rustic accommodations. Many also offer delicious gourmet meals, first-class views of the beautiful countryside, and outdoor activities to fully experience the surrounding nature.

A day in Montana can take you from challenging ski terrain to the soothingly warm waters of natural hot springs. In fact, there’s nothing better than warming up after a day exploring the snow-covered countryside, in the natural waters of hot springs. For those looking to reach both ends of the temperature spectrum on their next vacation, pair some of some of Montana’s hottest hot springs with the coolest winter activities.

In Training Ground, the latest installment in The Sky’s the Limit video series from Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, former professional skier Billy O'Donnell helps students find their full potential in the mountains of Montana. O'Donnell is the founder of RIDGE Mountain Academy, an American Gap Association accredited gap year enrichment program that focuses on mountain sports and education.

In Home Coming, the latest installment in The Sky’s the Limit video series from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development, daredevil Adam Majors returns to Montana for a flight down Saddle Peak in Bozeman. Majors, a sky fly pilot, uses a fabric speed glider to fly from mountain peaks for an adrenaline-pumping ride. Now a family man, Majors returns home to take to the sky once more, taking on the slope that has always eluded him.

Montana is known for some of the best skiing in the nation, but that's not all there is to do in Big Sky Country this winter. From Yellowstone to Southeast Montana, Glacier Country and beyond, there are countless ways to spend a snow day -or week- with friends or family.

During ski season, slopes throughout the country become increasingly more crowded. But with the Montana mountainside and a little ingenuity, The Great Northern Powder Guides can always offer skiers a private run.

Only in Montana. Those are the words Elke Govertsen, founder and CEO of Mamalode Magazine, has come to live by. Seven years ago, Govertsen chose to take on the dual role of raising a family and pursuing her dream-to share the good, the bad and the beautiful moments of motherhood with moms like her. The result was Mamalode, a national magazine written by and for moms.

For Absaroka Dogsled Treks owners Mat Stimpson and Hannah Vogel, that first ride through the Montana backcountry was more than a heart-racing experience. It was cathartic. In the latest installment in The Sky's the Limit video series, the team shares one of the rarest views of the beautiful Absaroka Mountain range-riding through canyon cuts and vista points led by a powerful pack of sled dogs.

Most people have a hard time following one dream. Rachel Pohl is following two. She has made a career doing the two things she loves most-painting and downhill skiing. During the winter months, Rachel spends her days trekking up and skiing down Montana's snow-covered mountains, all the while searching for her next landscape to paint.

Chef Eduardo Garcia’s story made national headlines when a tragic injury cost him his left arm, some ribs and nearly his life. Now, five years after his near-death experience, he’s back in his home state of Montana and starring in The Harvest, the fourth short film in The Sky’s the Limit video series.

You may think that the less-than-ideal exchange rate between the loonie and the dollar would make travel south of the Canadian border too expensive. But we’ve got good news. From gas and lodging to a pint of craft beer and a juicy, local steak, a trip through Montana’s small towns will leave visitors richer in authentic adventure (and with thicker wallets) than when they began.

“I like to paint things that make me go, ‘Wow,’ and Montana’s got a lot of things that make me go, “Wow,” Dennis Farris, professional artist, said on his recent trip to Glacier National Park. The Last Best Place is a fertile landscape for inspiring cultural and artistic opportunities. Give your travel readers a creativity boost with these Montana-crafted experiences this fall.

Last summer, a group of friends met before dawn in Bozeman, Montana with a never-before attempted adventure in mind. Their story was captured in The Picnic, the second short film in The Sky’s the Limit video series by the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. Watch this video and explore six other Big Sky Country Basecamps.

Not everything is bigger in Texas. While the Lone Star State and Treasure State both boast big-hearted locals, spirited towns and miles of landscape fit for adventure, it all feels bigger under Montana’s blue sky. The Big Sky State serves up scenic mountain-top vistas, two national parks and 3.5 million acres of wilderness to explore, without the crowds, traffic or suburbs to navigate.

In search of hot springs and back roads, two sisters find each other. The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development launched a new short film series today featuring ordinary people chasing their own brand of adventure in Big Sky Country.

August 25, 2016 marks the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service. And while some NPS-designated areas, like Yellowstone and Glacier, come quickly to mind, Montana is home to less-prominent, yet equally inspiring battlefields, recreation areas, trails and monuments.

Nicknamed “Big Sky Country” for its boundless horizons and unimpeded vistas, Montana offers the intrepid traveler a chance to discover the last of the Wild West. Here are seven authentic ways to rediscover the Treasure State in 2016.

These days the cost of skiing and snowboarding simply exceeds the financial threshold of many working-class folks. One of the biggest cost hurdles is the price of a lift ticket, but Montana bucks this national trend by serving up a wide assortment of extra-affordable skiing options.

To the uninitiated, winter and fly fishing are often thought to be mutually exclusive. However, Montanans and other savvy anglers aren't deterred from seeking out that 4 pound hog just because of a little snow and brisk weather. Here are five reasons to pack your fly rod with your ski boots.

Montana takes pride in its spirit of individualism, and its mom-and-pop ski areas are no exception. Trading ritzy, high-speed quads for rootsy, downhome vibes, these independent mountains offer up deep days on the cheap, with a side of real local culture.

Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, tops many travelers’ bucket lists. But unbeknownst to most summer visitors, Yellowstone has a secret season. Under a blanket of snow, the park comes quietly alive each winter. Here are ten transformative winter experiences in Yellowstone National Park.

There are few places on the planet where ideal temperature water bubbles up from underground springs and beckons us to soak our bones as it does here in the treasure state.

For some skiers and snowboarders, winter trips are about more than simply, ahem, scratching the surface. Montana tends to draw deep snow zealots who not only want to shred pow, rail corduroy, boost natural features, swoosh the park, straight-line pillows and pack in the vertical, but also want to mix-it-up with a real local culture.

Life is too short to stand in long lift lines. With 15 ski and snowboard areas scattered across our spacious state, visitors are treated to gobs of powder and uncrowded slopes. Come experience winter in the last best place.

No need to be a burly downhill skier to enjoy a winter vacation in Montana. Though skiing and snowboarding get the lion's share of limelight during Montana’s snow-blanketed season, many travelers are drawn to Big Sky Country for less well-known, yet equally transformative experiences.

Few landscapes make the traveler as thirsty as the mountainous peaks and blue ribbon waters of Montana. Luckily, in addition to hiking and biking paths, there’s another well-worn trail system, along which local breweries help refuel outdoor adventurers for their next foray into Big Sky Country.

After three wildly successful years of hosting the National Folk Festival, the denizens of Butte carry on the tradition at the annual Montana Folk Festival. The sensationally popular event features multiple stages with continuous musical performances by artists from across the nation.

The allure of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks doesn’t end at their gates. The grand landscapes, flora and fauna, and rich histories that define these places extend outward, across Montana's vibrant small towns and colorful communities.

Autumn in Montana is the season that locals relish... and a time of year that savvy travelers take advantage of the state's amber hues and wide-open byways. Warm, Indian summer days are followed by crisp, nip-in-the-air evenings. Set against a backdrop of river-carved valleys, Big Sky Country serves up five iconic driving tours for travelers seeking a kaleidoscope of leafy colors.