Let’s Visit Montana
- Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Montana.
- For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Montana
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Montana.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Here are 10 famous men and women from Montana.
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Montana.
Famous Men
- Gary Cooper (1901–1961): Born in Helena, Montana, Gary Cooper was a legendary actor known for his roles in classic films like High Noon and Sergeant York. He won two Academy Awards for Best Actor and is remembered as one of Hollywood’s greatest stars.
- David Lynch (1946–): Born in Missoula, Montana, David Lynch is a renowned filmmaker and artist known for his surreal and often disturbing films like Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, and the TV series Twin Peaks. He is considered a master of modern surrealist cinema.
- Brad Bird (1957–): Born in Kalispell, Montana, Brad Bird is an Academy Award-winning director and animator. He directed animated films like The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Iron Giant, as well as the live-action film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
- Phil Jackson (1945–): Born in Deer Lodge, Montana, Phil Jackson is a legendary NBA coach and former player. He is best known for coaching the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers to a combined 11 NBA championships.
- John Dahl (1956–): Born in Billings, Montana, John Dahl is a film director and screenwriter known for his work on neo-noir films like Red Rock West and The Last Seduction. He also directed episodes of popular TV shows like Breaking Bad and Dexter.
Famous Women
- Jeannette Rankin (1880–1973): Born near Missoula, Montana, Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. A suffragist and pacifist, she was elected twice and is known for her anti-war stance, including her vote against entering both World Wars.
- Myrna Loy (1905–1993): Born in Helena, Montana, Myrna Loy was a famous actress best known for her roles in The Thin Man series and The Best Years of Our Lives. She was one of Hollywood’s top stars in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Michele Hicks (1973–): Born in Bozeman, Montana, Michele Hicks is an actress and model known for her roles in TV series like The Shield and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She has also worked as a model for various fashion brands.
- Martha Raye (1916–1994): Born in Butte, Montana, Martha Raye was a comedian, actress, and singer known for her work in films and television. She was also a beloved performer for U.S. troops during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
- Dian Fossey (1932–1985): While born in San Francisco, California, Dian Fossey spent significant time in Montana for her education and research. She was a world-renowned primatologist and conservationist, best known for her work with gorillas in Rwanda and the book Gorillas in the Mist.
Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/
Admission to the Union
November 8, 1889 (41st)
State Capital and Government
Area and Total Population
Area: 145,545 square miles | Total Population: 1,024,000 |
Major cities and their population
City | Population |
Billings | 121,000 |
Missoula | 78,000 |
Great Falls | 60,000 |
Bozeman | 57,000 |
Bute | 36,000 |
Helena | 34,000 |
Whitefish | 9,000 |
Education
- Montana Office of Public Instruction
- Montana University System
- Montana State University. Bozeman
- University of Montana. Missoula
Educational Resources
Fairs and festivals
Flag
Geography
Location
Glimpses Into History
- Brief History of Montana
- PBS Great States. Montana
- Montana Historical Society. Timelines
- Montana History Portal
- Ducksters. Montana State History
National Landmarks and Historic Sites
Breathtaking Landscapes
Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Montana.
National Monuments
- Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (National Park Service)
- Pompeys Pillar National Monument (Bureau of Land Management)
- Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (Bureau of Land Management)
National and State Parks
Sports
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams
State Motto
“Oro y Plata,” Spanish for “Gold and Silver.”
State Nicknames
- The Treasure State
- Big Sky Country
State Symbols
See: Montana State Symbols
Also see: State Symbols of Montana
Seal
See: About the State Seal of Montana
License Plate
State Animal
State Bird
State Flower
Tourism: Enjoy some incredible vacations
Watch a video
- Montana (US Embassy Vienna)
- Top 25 things to do in Montana (Anna and Karl Travel)
- 10 best places to visit in Montana (Sky Travel)
- 14 best things to do in Livingston (Anna and Karl Travel)
Weather
More Resources For The Best Things To Do
Billings
Bozeman
Bute
Helena
Missoula