It’s true… some people who grow up in Montana end up leaving. And whether it was for a job, for love or just to see what else was out there, they usually end up missing some things about it. If you’re back home in Montana for the holidays or you are wishing you were, you’ll appreciate this list.

People who leave Montana tend to miss…

  1. The mountains.

Ryan McKee / Flickr Unless you move to certain parts of Colorado or the Swiss Alps, it doesn’t get better than this. And even then, these views would be tough to top.

  1. The location.

Google Maps If you really think about it, Montana has an amazing location. We’re a short distance from the beautiful states of Wyoming and Idaho, a single day’s drive to the coast (for the most part), mere hours from the best of the Midwest, a four hour flight from New York City and close to our Canadian neighbors.

  1. The fresh air.

Brian Kingsley / Flickr Yes, other places have quality oxygen… but can they top Montana’s crisp clean air? Doubtful.

  1. The festivals.

Sweet Pea Festival Facebook The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, the Huckleberry Festival, Sweet Pea… we love to celebrate here.

  1. The stories.

Dave Herholz / Flickr It doesn’t matter where you live. There is nothing like a certified Montana story.

  1. The summers.

Jodie Wilson / Flickr The Dairy Queen is open, the rivers are ready to float, and the sun is shining. We look forward to them all year, and even though they’re fleeting, Montana summers are incredible.

  1. The winters.

fisherga / Flickr If you want to make Montanans smile (or roll their eyes) simply ask, “What do you DO out there in the winter, anyway?”

  1. The people.

Lew (tomswift) Holzman / Flickr Like everywhere else on the planet, Montana has its good people and its less than great people. But it can be jarring to move away and realize that it’s not common to wave to other drivers on the road or greet strangers like a grocery store like you’re old friends.

9.The local delicacies.

julie / Flickr Flathead cherries, huckleberries, wheat (and pastries), fresh corn on the cob… you’ll miss it. Trust us.

  1. The beer.

Dan K / Flickr Speaking of local delicacies, our state has really come a long way when it comes to beer production. The first time you order something out of state and it disappoints, you’ll wish you were back in Montana having a pint of something awesome.

  1. The wildlife.

Charles (Chuck) Peterson / Flickr When you move out of state and realize it’s not as common in your new home to see mountain goats grazing on your hikes or spot deer in your backyard on a cold morning, you’ll appreciate the Treasure State so much more.

  1. The pride.

Troy Smith / Flickr It’s indescribable, really. There’s just no place like home.

If everything on this list resonated with you, it’s probably best if you stay here in Montana. After all, Montana is the best state.

Ryan McKee / Flickr

Unless you move to certain parts of Colorado or the Swiss Alps, it doesn’t get better than this. And even then, these views would be tough to top.

Google Maps

If you really think about it, Montana has an amazing location. We’re a short distance from the beautiful states of Wyoming and Idaho, a single day’s drive to the coast (for the most part), mere hours from the best of the Midwest, a four hour flight from New York City and close to our Canadian neighbors.

Brian Kingsley / Flickr

Yes, other places have quality oxygen… but can they top Montana’s crisp clean air? Doubtful.

Sweet Pea Festival Facebook

The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, the Huckleberry Festival, Sweet Pea… we love to celebrate here.

Dave Herholz / Flickr

It doesn’t matter where you live. There is nothing like a certified Montana story.

Jodie Wilson / Flickr

The Dairy Queen is open, the rivers are ready to float, and the sun is shining. We look forward to them all year, and even though they’re fleeting, Montana summers are incredible.

fisherga / Flickr

If you want to make Montanans smile (or roll their eyes) simply ask, “What do you DO out there in the winter, anyway?”

Lew (tomswift) Holzman / Flickr

Like everywhere else on the planet, Montana has its good people and its less than great people. But it can be jarring to move away and realize that it’s not common to wave to other drivers on the road or greet strangers like a grocery store like you’re old friends.

julie / Flickr

Flathead cherries, huckleberries, wheat (and pastries), fresh corn on the cob… you’ll miss it. Trust us.

Dan K / Flickr

Speaking of local delicacies, our state has really come a long way when it comes to beer production. The first time you order something out of state and it disappoints, you’ll wish you were back in Montana having a pint of something awesome.

Charles (Chuck) Peterson / Flickr

When you move out of state and realize it’s not as common in your new home to see mountain goats grazing on your hikes or spot deer in your backyard on a cold morning, you’ll appreciate the Treasure State so much more.

Troy Smith / Flickr

It’s indescribable, really. There’s just no place like home.

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