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Montana’s motto, “Oro y Plata” – Spanish for “Gold and Silver” – is no understatement. The state was once the mining capital of North America (between the beginning of the gold rush in 1862 and the mid-20th century, the region produced more wealth in the form of gold, silver, sapphire, copper, and coal than any other mining district in the world). Today, Montana is the outdoor adventurer’s dream – the Great Plains are to the east, the Rocky Mountains to the west, and there’s access to both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Strap on your outdoor gear and don’t forget the sunglasses: fly-fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, and skiing are all primo here. The history is not too shabby either – follow Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, visit the battlefield of Little Bighorn (the most famous battle of the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877, also known as “Custer’s Last Stand”), and delight your inner child with a trip to one of Montana’s many archeology/dinosaur sites.
Because there is nothing like the feeling of Big Sky overhead and Western Frontier underfoot. From ghost towns and local rodeos to hot springs and ski resorts, see why Montana is nicknamed the “Treasure State.”
