Whether you’ve hosted company from out of state for the holidays or you have a lot of friends who are new to Montana, you’ve probably realized that there are some things you must explain to our guests. After all, we kind of live in our own world here (and we like it that way).
These are a few of the most common things we find ourselves explaining to our visitors. Do any of these sound familiar?
- The best burgers here are not made of beef.
pwyliu / Flickr This is a matter of opinion, of course. But many of us believe that the best burgers are bison.
- Our breweries and brewfests rival anything beer-related in any other state.
Brad Perkins/ Flickr Most people who visit Montana don’t realize just how big the beer scene has gotten here. If you enjoy a good brew, be prepared to be impressed.
- Glacier National Park is not only our pride and joy, it’s basically heaven on Earth.
Cody Wellons / Flickr Robin Williams once compared it to actual heaven, and it’s one of the most photographed places in the entire country. So when you hear us talk about it with pride, there are good reasons.
- We grow beards for protection from the harsh elements here, not as fashion statements.
Julis 96 / Flickr No offense, hipsters, but our facial hair is impressive.
- You might experience some… interesting weather here.
Jonathan Fox / Flickr A sunny day in December? Possibly. Snow in June? Definitely. We’ve seen it all, sometimes in the same day.
- August is another word for “huckleberry picking season.”
theil / Flickr We really love our huckleberries, and if you sink your teeth into some warm freshly baked huckleberry pie, you will too.
- Women in Montana do not conform to gender stereotypes.
Bugeater / Flickr Although the Treasure State tends to hold some traditional values, our women are not what you might expect. Montana actually sent the very first woman to Congress (Jeannette Rankin held that honor before women could even legally vote), and many of the ladies who live here not only love the great outdoors, but will out-fish and out-hunt the men.
- We measure distance in minutes or hours. Get used to it.
Brook Ward / Flickr We’re used to driving great distances to reach the next major city (or even a small town, depending on where we live). So you’ll hear “It’s two hours away” but rarely “it’s 150 miles from here.”
- Our nightlife here looks a little different.
Eugene Wilson / Flickr Yes, we have bars… fun ones, in fact. But we’re much more likely to stay up until 2 AM hanging out by the campfire or talking to each other under the stars.
- Not everyone has had a terrifying experience with a grizzly bear, but everyone does have a wildlife story.
Valerie / Flickr Whether it’s hitting a deer with our car or spotting mountain goats on our last camping trip, we’ve all had a close encounter or two.
- Yes, the majority of Montanans carry guns…
NechakoRiver / Flickr … but we also take that responsibility seriously and we are well-trained in how to use them. No need to be nervous.
- We think our state is the best, but we’re not going to say that in front of you.
Dave Sizer / Flickr We love it when you visit. Really. But we also enjoy our space, and most of us think Montana is crowded enough, so you probably won’t hear us bragging about how great it is here.
Montana is a pretty unique place. In fact, most of us have had some bizarre experiences.
pwyliu / Flickr
This is a matter of opinion, of course. But many of us believe that the best burgers are bison.
Brad Perkins/ Flickr
Most people who visit Montana don’t realize just how big the beer scene has gotten here. If you enjoy a good brew, be prepared to be impressed.
Cody Wellons / Flickr
Robin Williams once compared it to actual heaven, and it’s one of the most photographed places in the entire country. So when you hear us talk about it with pride, there are good reasons.
Julis 96 / Flickr
No offense, hipsters, but our facial hair is impressive.
Jonathan Fox / Flickr
A sunny day in December? Possibly. Snow in June? Definitely. We’ve seen it all, sometimes in the same day.
theil / Flickr
We really love our huckleberries, and if you sink your teeth into some warm freshly baked huckleberry pie, you will too.
Bugeater / Flickr
Although the Treasure State tends to hold some traditional values, our women are not what you might expect. Montana actually sent the very first woman to Congress (Jeannette Rankin held that honor before women could even legally vote), and many of the ladies who live here not only love the great outdoors, but will out-fish and out-hunt the men.
Brook Ward / Flickr
We’re used to driving great distances to reach the next major city (or even a small town, depending on where we live). So you’ll hear “It’s two hours away” but rarely “it’s 150 miles from here.”
Eugene Wilson / Flickr
Yes, we have bars… fun ones, in fact. But we’re much more likely to stay up until 2 AM hanging out by the campfire or talking to each other under the stars.
Valerie / Flickr
Whether it’s hitting a deer with our car or spotting mountain goats on our last camping trip, we’ve all had a close encounter or two.
NechakoRiver / Flickr
… but we also take that responsibility seriously and we are well-trained in how to use them. No need to be nervous.
Dave Sizer / Flickr
We love it when you visit. Really. But we also enjoy our space, and most of us think Montana is crowded enough, so you probably won’t hear us bragging about how great it is here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
