If you haven't been properly introduced to Montana, you're depriving yourself of some of the most majestic views you'll find throughout the entire U.S. There's a good reason the locals refer to this enchanting state as Big Sky Country, as a blanket of clear blue divided by mountainous clouds hangs like a halo above some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. There are plenty of ways to take in all the pristine nature in your Montana rental car, but here are some road trip ideas destined to bring you up close and personal with what makes visiting this state an unforgettable experience.
Nature lovers will rejoice knowing that Montana is home to one of the most stunning national parks in the country. Glacier National Park consists of more than 1 million acres of land, ranging from the alluring snowcapped mountain tops of Mount Jackson to the wondrous evergreen meadows where wildlife is free to roam. The park is open throughout the year, and visitors can drive their Montana rental cars right through the park and even up the winding, twisting turns of various mountain peaks. Whether you're game for a sunny afternoon of hiking near Saint Mary's Lake, encountering wild mountain goats that roam through the fields or simply gazing at the hundreds of mountain peaks that were formed more than 100 million years ago, a visit to Glacier National Park is an essential stop during your Montana road trip.
With a name like Flathead Lake, you know you're never going to forget this experience. The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, Flathead Lake serves as the ground for a quintessential great outdoors excursion in the Big Sky Country. Hop in the Montana rental car down U.S. Highway 93 and breathe in the fresh air and majestic scenery. Make sure to bring your pole and tackle box, as there are plenty of ideal stops around the shorelines to indulge in a day devoted to fishing and picnicking. With a total dimension of approximately 200 square miles and six surrounding state parks, there is certainly no shortage of outdoor opportunities you can embark on while driving around Flathead Lake.