If you’ve ever been to Montana, you understand the incredible state pride the locals have. They already know what a gem The Treasure State really is, but the truth is, the rest of the country should treasure it, too. Here are reasons why everyone should love Montana, whether or not they live there.
- The very existence of Glacier National Park.
Cody Wellons/Glacier It’s been the setting for movies, the destination for numerous vision quests, a nature lover’s paradise and a surreal spot in this country for centuries. It’s safe to say you aren’t human if you can’t find something to love about Glacier.
- The location.
Wikipedia Need to escape to Big Sky Country? Whether you live in the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest or the Heartland, you can hop on a train or go for a drive and be in Montana in a few hours or a couple of days, depending on your starting point. It’s a four hour plane ride from the East Coast. The state also borders Canada, so our friends from the North can visit easily.
- The snow sports.
Tim Whitlow/Flickr There’s a reason why people flock to Montana during the winter, and it’s not because they’re dying to enjoy the sub zero temperatures. The skiing in Montana can’t be beat.
- The people.
Ben Smith/Flickr There are nice people everywhere, just like there are unfriendly people everywhere. But Montana seems to have an especially high number of kind-hearted people who will smile at you and wave as you drive past them, even when they don’t know who you are.
- The beer.
Kapital/Flickr States like Oregon and California get plenty of attention for their breweries…and meanwhile, Montana is producing some of the finest beer you’ll ever taste. Better yet, it’s cheap! Most Montana beer is very affordable.
- The sapphires.
Jessica Wick Montana makes the world a more beautiful place with its stunning sapphires. They’re called Yogo sapphires, and you can’t find them anywhere else.
- The history.
Loren Kerns/Flickr The gold rush. The Dinosaur Trail. Custer’s Last Stand. Ghost towns galore. Montana is a history buff’s dream, and everyone should appreciate the stories it can tell.
- The true seasons.
Loco Steve/Flickr Live in Montana for one year and you’ll truly experience all four seasons. There’s a running joke about those seasons being Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter and Construction, but the green springs and fall foliage will convince you that it’s just that, a joke.
- The cherries.
photogramma1/Flickr The cherries in Flathead Lake are so delicious, they have their own festival, the Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival.
- The huckleberries.
calamity_sal/Flickr Not a cherry fan? Try the other state fruit in the form of freshly baked huckleberry pie or some Montana huckleberry ice cream.
- The purple politics.
Wikimedia Not everyone appreciates or loves this, of course…but sometimes Montana likes to keep the rest of the country guessing when it comes to how they vote. No matter where you stand, admit it: it’s exciting to watch. You’re welcome!
- The mountains.
Steve Brown/Flickr “Montana” means “mountain” in Spanish. The state has a long list of mountain ranges that will take your breath away.
- The hot springs.
Flickred!/Flickr Even in the dead of winter, you can keep warm in Montana, and the mineral rich water will soothe your body and soul.
- The hiking, camping and rafting.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr When the weather warms up, all you have to do is step outside to fall in love with Montana. You’ll have your pick of places to hit the trails, pitch a tent or attempt whitewater rafting.
- The uniqueness.
Always Shooting/Flickr There is no place like Montana on Earth. It might share Yellowstone National Park with two other states and some of its quirks with other places, but it’s the unique combination of wildlife, stunning scenery, delicious food, rich history and wonderful people that make it so easy to love.
What do you love most about Montana?
Cody Wellons/Glacier
It’s been the setting for movies, the destination for numerous vision quests, a nature lover’s paradise and a surreal spot in this country for centuries. It’s safe to say you aren’t human if you can’t find something to love about Glacier.
Wikipedia
Need to escape to Big Sky Country? Whether you live in the Pacific Northwest, the Midwest or the Heartland, you can hop on a train or go for a drive and be in Montana in a few hours or a couple of days, depending on your starting point. It’s a four hour plane ride from the East Coast. The state also borders Canada, so our friends from the North can visit easily.
Tim Whitlow/Flickr
There’s a reason why people flock to Montana during the winter, and it’s not because they’re dying to enjoy the sub zero temperatures. The skiing in Montana can’t be beat.
Ben Smith/Flickr
There are nice people everywhere, just like there are unfriendly people everywhere. But Montana seems to have an especially high number of kind-hearted people who will smile at you and wave as you drive past them, even when they don’t know who you are.
Kapital/Flickr
States like Oregon and California get plenty of attention for their breweries…and meanwhile, Montana is producing some of the finest beer you’ll ever taste. Better yet, it’s cheap! Most Montana beer is very affordable.
Jessica Wick
Montana makes the world a more beautiful place with its stunning sapphires. They’re called Yogo sapphires, and you can’t find them anywhere else.
Loren Kerns/Flickr
The gold rush. The Dinosaur Trail. Custer’s Last Stand. Ghost towns galore. Montana is a history buff’s dream, and everyone should appreciate the stories it can tell.
Loco Steve/Flickr
Live in Montana for one year and you’ll truly experience all four seasons. There’s a running joke about those seasons being Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter and Construction, but the green springs and fall foliage will convince you that it’s just that, a joke.
photogramma1/Flickr
The cherries in Flathead Lake are so delicious, they have their own festival, the Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival.
calamity_sal/Flickr
Not a cherry fan? Try the other state fruit in the form of freshly baked huckleberry pie or some Montana huckleberry ice cream.
Wikimedia
Not everyone appreciates or loves this, of course…but sometimes Montana likes to keep the rest of the country guessing when it comes to how they vote. No matter where you stand, admit it: it’s exciting to watch. You’re welcome!
Steve Brown/Flickr
“Montana” means “mountain” in Spanish. The state has a long list of mountain ranges that will take your breath away.
Flickred!/Flickr
Even in the dead of winter, you can keep warm in Montana, and the mineral rich water will soothe your body and soul.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
When the weather warms up, all you have to do is step outside to fall in love with Montana. You’ll have your pick of places to hit the trails, pitch a tent or attempt whitewater rafting.
Always Shooting/Flickr
There is no place like Montana on Earth. It might share Yellowstone National Park with two other states and some of its quirks with other places, but it’s the unique combination of wildlife, stunning scenery, delicious food, rich history and wonderful people that make it so easy to love.
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