Everything's bigger in Montana -- the mountains, the snow, the national parks and especially the sky. Whether you hike, ski, soak in hot springs or tag along with a rancher, you take a trip back in time when the West was not yet won and breathtaking scenery stretched untouched by human hands as far as the eye could see.
Wedding Requirements Marriage licenses in Montana are easily obtained at the clerk’s office in any county, but non-residents must get the license in the county they intend on getting married in. Both parties must be present and the cost of the license is $53. Be sure to bring all records of any previous marriages or divorces, and brides must also have a medical certificate proving that a test for rubella has been performed. For more information, visit mt.gov/howdoi/worklive.asp.
Things to Do
Glacier and Yellowstone National Park Montana is home to eight national parklands, but the biggies are Glacier and Yellowstone. The latter is actually America's first national park, designated in 1872; people still flock there to spot the wildlife (including bison, elk, wolves and grizzly bears), relax in natural hot springs and watch the show put on by the Old Faithful geyser. At Glacier, hike the more than 700 miles of trails that zigzag past forests, meadows, mountains and lakes. Historic lodges, majestic glaciers and soul-nurturing serenity also await.
Ski Areas For skiers and snowboarders, Montana boasts options galore, from Big Sky Resort's 25 lifts and hundreds of lodging options to Whitefish Mountain Resort's ski-in, ski-out accommodations. And in true Montana fashion, crowds are scarce. For more wintry fun, try snowmobiling, ice skating or dog sledding -- all readily available from late autumn through early spring, depending on snowfall (the state averages 250 inches per year).
Working Ranches Ranchers from Bozeman to Kalispell have worked cattle on Montana's plains since the 1870s, and you can still get in on the action during the warmer months. Montana's southwest corner is home to a number of vacation ranches that offer horseback riding, cattle drives and plenty of Old West atmosphere but with all the modern conveniences. To see the pros at work, head to one of many rodeos that take place in smaller towns during the summer circuit, including the popular Livingston Roundup Rodeo held over the Fourth of July holiday.
Off the Beaten Path
River Rafting Strap on your life jacket and climb aboard a raft for some whitewater excitement. As the ice fields melt on Montana's slopes, the rivers swell, making spring the perfect time to test your mettle with paddle in hand. Both the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Glacier Park and the Alberton Gorge outside Missoula are good bets. The best outfitters do multi-day trips complete with luxe tents and gourmet meals so you can camp out in style.
