Montana stops on the way to Yellowstone and Glacier national parks

Star Bakery in Virginia City, a ghost town in Montana

You'll find everything from spirits and sapphires to ghost towns and river canyons. Here are our top picks for places to stop in southwest Montana.

Pull over at these great sites lining the road from Missoula to Glacier National Park including the best food, where to jump in the water and places to watch wildlife.

A girl sticks her feet into Lake Hebgen near West Yellowstone, Montana

The town of West Yellowstone sits right at the West Entrance to Yellowstone. Here are the top 7 ways to avoid the park’s crowds and see the best of the area.

Lone Mountain Ranch horseback ride with a view of Lone Peak in Big Sky

Born next to a ski area, the town of Big Sky offers music, food and tons of trails under its piece of the enormous Montana sky.

Visit a pit mine, a giant statue, and a distillery, then dance at a signature event at this melting pot of friendly people between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

Fly fishing the Madison River in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest south of Ennis, Montana.

Halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, this colorful town holds on to its western roots.

Night sky in Medicine Rocks State Park in Southeast Montana

Big skies and big culture meet in these authentic Montana cowboy towns on the way to Yellowstone

Mountain biking on a wildflower strewn trail near Helena, Montana

This vibrant capital city, 3 hours north of Yellowstone, caters to mountain bikers and wine tasters.

Between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, stay at this historic hotel beautifully remodeled to retain the classic design of the past.

From big game hunting to fishing, camping, biking, hiking and skiing, take advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities in the beautiful Judith Basin.

This quaint town has attracted cowboys, ranchers, the rich and famous and artists enamored by the scenery for more than 100 years. Stop at these 4 places.