Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Missoula and Western Montana
Western Montana shows off with
lush green mountain ranges
and
towering forests.
In
the far north,
Whitefish
is the ultimate mountain town, a skier's paradise. Just south, glit-
tering
Flathead Lake
is Montana's Riviera, with sprawling mansions and luxe lodges at
the water's edge. The tiny hamlet of
Bigfork
serves up a surprisingly fine selection of both
culture and cuisine, not to mention recreation. The scenic
National Bison Range
in Moiese
can be visited en route to cultural hub
Missoula,
home of the
University of Montana,
great
restaurants, and better bars. In the southwest corner of the state, the
Bitterroot Valley
com-
bines a rich history with
world-class fly-fishing.
Massive mountains dwarf massive bison.
Butte, Helena, and Southwest Montana
This corner of the state wears its history like a badge of honor in mining towns like
Ban-
nack, Virginia City,
and
Nevada City.
Some of the other towns that survived the dramat-
ic boom-and-bust cycles include charming Victorian
Philipsburg
and
Butte,
and
Helena,
the venerable state capital. Then there is the sweeping
Big Hole Valley,
with
picturesque
