There are two kinds of family road trips. The “Are we there yet?” kind, with too many car hours and too little action (sorry kids), and the “Do we have to go home?” kind (thank you, parents). To find the best of the latter, we sent adventurerJacob Moon, with his wife and daughter, to Montana and the family discovered a journey packed with action and Old West history. Turn up the volume andlisten to their getawayand then read on for planning tips on doing the trip yourself.
Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway
A great road trip needs a great backdrop, and the 49-milePioneer Mountains Scenic Bywayfrom Wise River to State Highway 278 delivers, with 10,000-foot peaks looming over meadows and forests. There are plenty of adventures to enjoy—fishing, vistas, hikes—including a stop at the ghost town ofCoolidge, an abandoned mining community that makes for an easygoing nature walk. You can also relax at the family-ownedElkhorn Hotsprings.
Crystal Park
Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? That’s what you’ll find atCrystal Park recreation area, where you’ll hear the scraping of shovels and the excited murmurs of folks on the hunt for quartz crystals. You can keep any you find—and they’re pretty darn easy to find. With just simple hand tools and a $5 fee for everyone over ten, your family will come away with souvenirs for life. “We could have spent all day there,” Jacob says.
Bannack State Park
A bustling population of 3,000 once inhabited this site, a former territorial capital where gold was discovered in 1862. These days, the ghost town atBannack State Parkthrives as a destination for visitors exploring the site’s stunningly well-preserved buildings. Spend an afternoon opening creaky doors into the past, then make it an overnight stay at the park’s campground. For a special night the kids will love, rent the park’s tipi.
Ennis 4th of July Parade
The clopping of hooves can be heard alongside the hum of classic cars and John Deere tractors at theEnnis 4th of July Parade. This can’t-miss parade has been marching steadily onward every summer for the past 89 years. With the historic western charm of Main Street and three distinct mountain ranges as a backdrop, it’s a great way to experience one piece of the rich tapestry of communities that make up America.
Ennis and Virginia City
Experience thriving Western towns across rural Montana. Exhibit A: the vibrantstreets of Ennis. The shops, saloons, and restaurants on Main Street buzz with locals and visitors alike, especially at Tavern 287, a family-owned restaurant with delicious upscale dishes at small-town prices. “I’m definitely taking a detour to go there whenever I’m in the area,” Jacob says. Also a must: theAlder Gulch Shortline Railroadconnecting Virginia City to Nevada City.
Ennis Rodeo
If you’re looking for a true Montana experience, look no further than the bleachers at theEnnis Rodeo. It’s part sporting event, part social gathering, and all fun. Stunning scenery and lots of talented cowboys and cowgirls make Ennis a great spot for your first rodeo. The two-day event features bull riding, steer roping, barrel racing, and more. Day-of tickets are free for kids under five, $10 for older kids, and $15 for adults.
You don’t findMontana. Montana finds you. It’s not about checking off stops or taking the scenic route. It’s knowing the distant mountain you saw yesterday can look different tomorrow and stay unchanged for years to come. It’s silences that buzz, rivers that rise, and stories that stick with you. For more Montana trip planning information go tovisitmt.com.
