TRAVEL INFORMATION
Know Before You Go

Western Montana's State Parks + Wildlife Refuges

parks

more
hide
Public Land Parklands, Forestlands, Wilderness Areas, Refuges and BLM Land

Parklands, Forestlands, Wilderness Areas, Refuges and BLM Land

Note: As of July 1, 2023, Conservation Licenses are required for everyone age 12 and older to access most state lands, including wildlife management areas, fishing access sites and wildlife habitat protection areas. This requirement does not include state parks. Please recreate responsibly. Learn more here.

From the grandeur and awe of Glacier National Park to the natural diversity of our beautiful state parks and forestland to the vastness of our wilderness areas, Western Montana’s public lands offer hundreds of miles of trails, countless fishing access sites, lush forests, serene and remote wilderness, wildlife habitat, scenic drives and endless recreation opportunities. These lands have been set aside for our enjoyment and for the preservation of our natural places.

It’s important to be aware of when you are on tribal lands: the Blackfeet Reservation, home to the Blackfeet Nation; and the Flathead Reservation, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

While tribal communities are welcoming to respectful visitors, this is not public land and there are sacred places we must not disturb. It’s also important to be mindful and respectful of a tribe’s unique culture, history and traditions. Make sure you “know before you go” in terms of permits and policies that may be different from Montana law. Learn more here.

Spring Seven: Western Montana’s Must-Do List

Dive into the season with our exclusive "Spring Seven" list—a treasure trove of must-do experiences that prove spring in Montana is the perfect time to visit.

Public land—acreage held by state and federal government for conservation purposes—is what brings together communities and people who want to enjoy and share in the natural, untouched beauty of the great outdoors. In Montana, we cherish our public spaces. We have helped fight to protect them and keep them that way in perpetuity. We honor our public spaces and understand their value, and we are privileged to share these lands with each other, with wildlife and with visitors recreating in our extraordinary region.

Public and Private Land Ownership Maps

The Public Lands Information Center has maps available of the area with detailed guides to public recreation sites including:

  • Campgrounds
  • Parks and Monuments
  • Historical/Cultural Sites
  • Lakes and Reservoirs
  • Wilderness Areas
  • Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
  • National and Historic Trails
  • Scenic Drives

Get out into these wide-open spaces, canyons, meadows and mountains, whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, paddle, float, fish or horseback ride or watch wildlife.

Map of Montana's Public Lands
Recreate Responsibly Plan Ahead, Play it Safe, and Leave No Trace.
News from Glacier National Park Currently, 12 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are open for travel.

Connect With Glacier Country

9 Hot Spots for Live Music in Western Montana

Read more

Spring Seven: Western Montana’s Early Spring Must Do List

Read more

Glacier Country’s Food Truck Scene

Read more

Call for expert help

1.800.338.5072

Start Planning Your Trip