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Montana, known as the Treasure State, is located in the northwestern United States. It borders Canada to the north, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and Idaho to the southwest and west. With a population of just over 1 million people, Montana is the 4th largest U.S. state by area but one of the least densely populated. The western half of the state features mountain ranges, lakes, forests, and glaciers in areas such as Glacier National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The eastern half consists of rolling plains dotted with small towns and farms. Montana's economy relies on industries like agriculture, tourism, mining, timber, and oil production. The state is known for its natural beauty, wide open spaces, history and culture. Let's explore some key facts and resources to learn all about Montana.

History of Montana

Humans have lived in what is now Montana for over 12,000 years. Native American tribes like the Blackfeet, Crow, Sioux, Assiniboine, Gros Ventre, Northern Cheyenne, and Salish lived throughout the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. The Lewis and Clark expedition passed through Montana in 1805 on their way to the Pacific Ocean. Fur trading was the earliest European activity in the region. Gold was discovered in 1862, bringing miners and settlers to cities like Bannack and Virginia City. In 1864, Montana became an organized incorporated territory of the United States. On November 8, 1889, Montana became the 41st state. Learn more about Montana's history at the Wikipedia page on Montana.

Montana's Economy and Major Employers

Key industries that drive Montana's economy include agriculture, ranching, mining, oil & gas production, lumber, tourism, and technology. Some major employers in the state include:

St. Vincent Healthcare - Healthcare industry, located at 1233 North 30th Street, Billings, MT 59101, (406) 237-7000
Billings Clinic - Healthcare industry, located at 2800 10th Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101, (406) 238-2500
Missoula County Public Schools - Public education, located at 215 South 6th Street West, Missoula, MT 59801, (406) 728-2400
Bozeman Health - Healthcare industry, located at 915 Highland Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59715, (406) 582-2475
Town Pump - Gas stations and convenience stores, headquartered at 5900 Airport Road, Helena, MT 59602, (406) 442-0313

Learn more about Montana's economy and major industries on the Montana Department of Commerce website.

Montana Geography and Climate

Montana is the 4th largest U.S. state by area, covering 147,040 square miles. It shares a 545-mile border with Canada. The Continental Divide runs north-south through the western half of the state, spliting it between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. Montana has a semi-arid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Due to the varied topography, the climate can vary widely across different parts of the state. Some key geographic features and areas include:

Rocky Mountains - located in western Montana
Great Plains - located in eastern Montana
Glacier National Park - located in northwestern Montana along the Canadian border
Yellowstone National Park - located in south central Montana and extending into Wyoming
Flathead Lake - located in northwestern Montana west of Glacier National Park
Missouri River - runs through north-central Montana
Bitterroot Range - located along the border with Idaho

Montana Public Lands and National Parks

With expansive wilderness and scenic areas, Montana has many national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. These provide recreation opportunities for residents and tourists while preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. Some of Montana's most notable public lands include:

Glacier National Park - over 1 million acres with rugged mountains, alpine meadows, lakes, and historic lodges along the Continental Divide
Yellowstone National Park - first U.S. national park, known for geysers and hot springs
Flathead National Forest - over 2.4 million acres in northwest Montana with lakes, rivers, hiking trails, campgrounds and more
National Bison Range - 18,800 acre refuge that is home to 350-500 bison and other Montana wildlife

Cities and Towns in Montana

While Montana is one of the most sparsely populated U.S. states, it still has several notable cities and towns. The largest city and state capital is Helena with over 30,000 residents. Here are some other prominent Montana municipalities:

Billings - Montana's most populous city located in Yellowstone County, with over 110,000 residents
Missoula - major city in western Montana and home to the University of Montana, with over 75,000 residents
Bozeman - located in southwestern Montana in Gallatin County, with over 50,000 residents
Butte - historic mining town in southwestern Montana with just under 34,000 residents
Great Falls - north central Montana city in Cascade County with over 58,000 residents

You can learn more about Montana's counties, cities and towns on the State of Montana tourism website.

Transportation in Montana

Due to its large size and dispersed population, having reliable transportation is essential in Montana. The state's transportation network includes:

Highways and Roads - Major interstates include I-15, I-90, and I-94, along with many U.S. and state highways. The Montana Department of Transportation maintains the state's highways and roads.
Railways - Freight rail systems like BNSF Railway and Montana Rail Link serve the agriculture, mining, and lumber industries.
Airports - Montana has over 100 public airports. Major airports include Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) and Glacier Park International Airport (GPI).
Public Transportation - Larger Montana cities have bus systems and paratransit services. Intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines and Rimrock Trailways.

Montana Demographics

Montana has a population of just over 1 million people according to 2020 census data. Here are some key demographics and statistics about the state:

White - 89.2%
American Indian - 6.6%
Hispanic or Latino - 3.9%
Median Age - 39.8 years old
Persons under 18 years - 22.1%
Persons over 65 years - 18.7%

The CEICData.com website has more details on Montana's population makeup and trends.

Montana Culture, Arts, and Entertainment

Montana has a proud heritage and unique culture shaped by its natural resources, Native American tribes, and pioneering spirit. Traditional cowboy and Western culture remain strong throughout the state. Montana is also home to vibrant arts, music, food, and entertainment scenes. Some highlights include:

Nelson Museum of the West - exhibits Western art and cultural artifacts in Billings
CM Russell Museum - museum focused on Western art of Charles M. Russell
Missoula Osprey - Minor League baseball team
Missoula Symphony Orchestra - community orchestra based in Missoula
Miles City Bucking Horse Sale - major livestock auction and rodeo event held annually in May
Made in Montana - organization promoting authentic Montana products and businesses

Events like rodeos, county fairs, music festivals and more happen year-round across Big Sky Country. Experience authentic Montana culture by following Visit Montana on Facebook.

Montana Education

Montana has over 800 public schools across 380 school districts. Here are a few key facts about education in the state:

Largest school district - Billings Public Schools with over 17,000 students
High school graduation rate - 86%
Students proficient in Reading/Language Arts - 50%
Students proficient in Math - 41%

Major colleges and universities in Montana include:

University of Montana - public research university in Missoula
Montana State University - public land-grant university in Bozeman
Montana Technological University - public university focused on STEM subjects in Butte

Learn more about K-12 education in Montana from the Office of Public Instruction website.

Famous Montanans

Montana has produced many notable figures over the years. Some famous Montanans include:

Evel Knievel - motorcycle daredevil from Butte who performed groundbreaking stunts
Chet Huntley - television journalist and news anchor born in Cardwell
Jeannette Rankin - first female member of Congress elected in 1916 from Missoula
Gary Cooper - iconic movie actor born in Helena in 1901
Myrna Loy - actress who appeared in many classic films, born in Helena in 1905

Learn about more notable Montanans on the MontanaKids website.

Must-Visit Montana Landmarks and Destinations

From Glacier National Park to the Little Bighorn Battlefield, Big Sky Country is filled with natural and historic landmarks to visit. Here are some top attractions and landmarks to see in Montana:

Glacier National Park - over 1 million acres of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, lakes, and historic lodges.
- GPS coordinates: 48.7596° N, 113.7870° W
- Street Address: West Glacier, Mt 59936
Little Bighorn Battlefield - site of the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn between the U.S. Army and Lakota/Cheyenne forces
- GPS coordinates: 45.5579° N, 107.4184° W
- Address: 756 Battlefield Tour Road, Crow Agency, MT 59022
Museum of the Rockies - Bozeman museum with dinosaur exhibits and archeological artifacts
- GPS coordinates: 45.6738° N, 111.0429° W
- Address: 600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717

Check out VisitMontana.com to learn more about things to see and do across the state.

Google Map of Montana

The embedded map above shows the geography and major cities across the entire state of Montana.

Living and Visiting Montana

With its natural splendor, small town charm and outdoor recreation, Montana is a wonderful place to live, work, or visit. Some top resources for life in Big Sky Country include:

Live Montana - information on relocating and living in Montana
Visit Montana - official state tourism website to plan your Montana trip
MT.GOV - official State of Montana government website
Montana State Library - find your local Montana library
Montana Job Service - search for jobs available in Montana

Montana offers an incredible quality of life and beauty. Come experience Big Sky Country for yourself!

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Montana

1. Billings

With a population of 110,263, Billings is the largest city in Montana. Located in Yellowstone County, Billings is the principal city of the Billings Metropolitan Statistical Area. Billings serves as a hub for many activities in the region including healthcare, retail shopping, and banking. The city hosts the Montana State Fair each summer and is home to Rocky Mountain College and MSU Billings. Billings has a diverse economy encompassing sectors like healthcare, finance, education, energy, and tourism. Some key links for Billings:

2. Missoula

Missoula is Montana's second largest city with a population of 74,428. Located along the Clark Fork River in western Montana, Missoula is home to the University of Montana. The city has a diverse economy centered around sectors like healthcare, education, retail, and tourism. Outdoor recreation is popular in Missoula which is surrounded by several wilderness areas. The city has an active arts and culture scene. Some key links for Missoula:

3. Great Falls

Great Falls is Montana's third largest city with a population of 59,638. Located along the Missouri River in north-central Montana, Great Falls emerged as a center of commerce and industry. Major employers today include healthcare organizations and Malmstrom Air Force Base. The city has an active arts scene and hosts several annual events. Outdoor recreation is popular in the surrounding area. Some key links for Great Falls:

4. Bozeman

Bozeman is a city in southwestern Montana with a population of 50,822. It is the county seat of Gallatin County. Bozeman is home to Montana State University and has a thriving high-tech and outdoor industry presence. The city has a vibrant downtown and art scene and easy access to recreational activities. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport serves the city. Some key links for Bozeman:

5. Butte

Butte is a city in southwestern Montana with a population of 34,294. Located in Silver Bow County, Butte has a long history as a center of mining and industry. The city experienced a boom with the discovery of large copper deposits in the late 19th century. While mining has declined, Butte still celebrates its mining heritage. Outdoor recreation and festivals are popular attractions. Some key links for Butte:

6. Helena

Helena is the state capital of Montana with a population of 32,315. Located in Lewis and Clark County, Helena is in the southwestern part of the state. As the state capital, Helena is a center of government services and agencies. Tourism and outdoor recreation also play a significant role in the local economy. Helena hosts many annual cultural events and has an attractive downtown historic district. Some key links for Helena:

7. Kalispell

Kalispell is a city in northwest Montana with a population of 22,584. It is the largest city and commercial center of the Flathead Valley. Kalispell serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park and other regional attractions. Major industries include healthcare, retail, and tourism. Kalispell is home to Flathead Valley Community College. The city hosts numerous festivals and events. Some key links for Kalispell:

8. Havre

Havre is a city in north-central Montana with a population of 9,850. Located in Hill County along the Milk River, Havre emerged as a railroad town. Today major employers include Montana State University-Northern, education services, and healthcare. Outdoor recreation and cultural festivals attract visitors. The Havre Beneath the Streets underground tour is a popular attraction. Some key links for Havre:

9. Miles City

Miles City is a city in southeast Montana with a population of 8,410. Located in Custer County on the Yellowstone River, Miles City first emerged as a trading post for the fur trade and military fort. Today ranching and energy industries drive the economy. The city hosts an annual Bucking Horse Sale festival. Some key links for Miles City:

10. Livingston

Livingston is a city in southwestern Montana located along the Yellowstone River with a population of 7,044. The city is an important gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Livingston has a vibrant downtown and rich cultural heritage. The economy relies on small businesses and tourism. Some key links for Livingston: