In 2015, Glacier National Park received its 100 millionth visitor since its establishment in 1910. It's still every bit as enchanting now as it was back then. Hike a few miles into the backcountry from practically any trailhead and you'll feel like you have the million-acre wilderness to yourself. The real exploration in these parts, however, takes place beyond park boundaries.

Rugged, wild, and incredibly scenic, this five-day trip is filled with only-in-Montana experiences. Travel Glacier National Park’s legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. Take a ranger-led tour to see the park’s namesake glaciers. Raft or fish untamed waters. And chow down on a hearty steak supper or sleep in a restored railroad car.

Dig deep into Montana's roots on a four-day drive through the history-rich Bitterroot Valley. The down-and-back route crosses the Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trails, as well as the Continental Divide. Along the way, bunk in a hand-hewn log cabin and camp under the stars. Watch for moose, elk, and deer. Soak in natural hot springs. And, depending on the season, go skiing, skating, hiking, or horseback riding. 

There's no denying that Montana is jam-packed with enough to see and do to keep you busy for days on end, but the fun doesn't have to stop when the sun sets. It's one of the better states for observing the night sky as well! Its northern location, clear and clean air, and relative lack of light pollution allow the stars to shine bright across the state. And, if you keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to spot a rare phenomena that you can't observe everywhere-- like the Northern lights and the Miky Way.

The best piece of advice for planning a road trip through Montana? Be prepared to change up your plans and make unexpected stops, because you never know what you'll stumble across on an adventure through Montana-- it's really full of extraordinary surprises! You could wind up stopping for a quick photo op at one of the country's most unique superfund sites, or spending a full night drinking fishbowl cocktails with mermaids. You might even find yourself exploring the hidden history of one of Montana's quaintest little towns, or solving a mystery about musical rocks.
 

Sure, Montana is most famous for being home to Glacier National Park (and for being the Gateway to Yellowstone, too!) but just because you can visit National Parks here doesn't mean the state parks are any less awesome. From unique wildlife and stunning scenery to historic caves and rugged hikes, you'll find that Montana has some really awesome state parks that are unlike anything you've ever experienced.