Montana Car Rental

Guide to Montana

Geography

Montana’s landscapes are in sharp contrast to each other. In the west, the Rocky Mountains rise thousands of feet into the air, but the east is flat and sparsely populated. The state consists of six official regions: Glacier Country, Gold West Country, Russell Country, Yellowstone Country, Missouri River Country, and Custer Country.

Climate

The eastern part of Montana has a cold semi arid climate, while the west has a Mediterranean continental climate. On the whole, summers (July-September) are mildly hot, and winters (November-February) are wet and cold. Most of the rain falls between April and June.

Culture in Montana

Montana has a larger Native American population than most other states. It is the only state whose constitution says that Native history and culture must be taught in all schools and colleges.

Things to do in Montana

Discover the picturesque national parks

Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit for its stunning yet imposing beauty. You will be amazed by its hot geysers, the most famous of which is Old Faithful. Although most of the park is in Wyoming, three of its entry points are in Montana.

Another great nature reserve in Montana is Glacier National Park, on the border with Canada. Together with Canada’s Waterton National Park, it constitutes the first International Peace Park in the world. Its glaciers, valleys, and lakes all remind you of a geological epoch long gone.

Explore religious architecture

The Cathedral of Saint Helena, in Montana’s capital Helena, is a marvelous piece of neo-Gothic architecture modeled after the Votivkirche in Austria. Stained glass windows, marble statues and altars, and two majestic spires lend this place of worship a true grandeur.

Museum of the Rockies

Situated in Bozeman, the Museum of the Rockies displays more dinosaur fossils than any other museum in the US. The Mesozoic nerd in you will be reluctant to ever leave. The museum also has exhibits that tell the stories of World War soldiers, white settlers, and Montana’s Native peoples.

Eating out in Montana

You’ll find some excellent Mexican flavors at El Vaquero Taqueria, one of Helena’s most popular restaurants. Be sure to try the shredded beef street tacos! While in Missoula, the second-largest city in the state, grab breakfast at The Shack Cafe, an 80-year-old cafe that boasts juicy huckleberry pancakes. For lunch, head to SakeTome Sushi for seafood options inspired by Japanese, American, and Scandinavian culinary traditions. Sir Scott’s Oasis Steakhouse, Lounge, and Bar is perfect for a hearty dinner in Manhattan.

Montana Transport

Airport

Fly into Montana at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN).

Getting around

Montana is a large state, so most travelers rely on their cars here. If you decide to take a bus anyway, choose Greyhound Bus Lines or Powder River Trailways. If you don’t have your own vehicle, the most popular car rental agencies are Dollar, Enterprise, and Journey.

Within Montana, it’s best you travel by car. Popular car rental companies in Montana include Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz.