Western Montana Road Trip Itinerary Episode One of Two – On the Road with Lou

Buckle up and breathe deep—this is Big Sky Country, and it’s about to leave a mark on your soul.

📍 Day 1: Kalispell Arrival – Gateway to the Crown Fly into Glacier Park International (FCA), grab your rental and supplies, and settle in. Optional overnight to rest up before the wild begins.

📍 Days 2–4: Glacier National Park Just 45 minutes from Kalispell, Glacier is raw, rugged, and unforgettable. Must-Sees:

• Lake McDonald
• Avalanche Lake or Grinnell Glacier
• Going-to-the-Sun Road

Spend at least one day—ideally two or three—soaking up the trails, turquoise lakes, and epic views.

📍 Day 5: Flathead Lake + Polson Drive south to the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Paddle, float, or picnic—this place is pure peace. Optional:

• Miracle of America Museum
• Boat rental + lakeside dinner Stay the night in Polson for small-town charm and killer sunsets.

📍 Day 6: Garnet Ghost Town From Polson, head 2 hours east to Garnet—Montana’s best-preserved ghost town. Wander the wild past, creaky saloons, and silent hills. Plan for a half-day if you love history or hiking.

📍 Day 7: Butte – Mining Soul & Irish Roots Two hours later, you’re in Butte. Grit meets gold rush nostalgia. Don’t Miss:

• World Museum of Mining
• Copper King Mansion
• Underground tunnel tours Stay overnight to catch Butte's glow after dark.

📍 Day 8: Lewis & Clark Caverns Just 40 minutes from Butte, Montana’s first state park is full of surprises. Top Picks:

• Guided limestone cave tours (it’s 50°F inside—bundle up!)
• Hikes with panoramic views Plan for a couple of hours or stretch it to a lazy half-day.

📍 Day 9: Pictograph Cave State Park Drive 3 hours to Billings, stopping at this serene site to see ancient cave art and take a peaceful loop hike. Time: ~2 hours.

📍 Day 10: Billings Send-Off Wrap up in Montana’s biggest city. Fly out of Billings Logan International (BIL) after one last good meal and a walk to reflect on your trip.

🛣️ Quick Tips:

• Reverse works too: Start in Billings, end in Kalispell
• Go in summer/early fall for best weather + wildlife
• Glacier deserves extra time—trust us on this

💬 Lou’s Parting Thoughts: Whether you're starting with waterfalls or ending in whispering caves, Montana isn’t just a trip—it’s a story you take with you. Thanks for joining me on Episode One. Two more epic routes to go. Until next time—stay curious, drive safe, and keep chasing the magic.

On the Road with Lou | Episode One: Montana – Western Wonders Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), and let’s hit the road.

Welcome to Big Sky Country. Just 45 minutes from Kalispell is Glacier National Park—“Crown of the Continent” for a reason. Picture towering peaks, turquoise lakes, glacier valleys, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. You might spot a mountain goat—or a bear (from a safe distance).

Time Tip: Minimum: 1 day for the scenic drive and short hike. Ideal: 2–3 days to hit trails like Avalanche Lake or Grinnell Glacier.

Stay in Kalispell: The perfect Glacier gateway—small-town vibes, comfy beds, and supply stops before you head into the wild.

Next: Flathead Lake in Polson (1 hr 15 min south). It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—and it’s gorgeous. Clear water, wide skies, and time that seems to slow down.

Time Tip: Quick stop: 2 hours for a stroll or picnic. Half-day: Paddle or hit the quirky Miracle of America Museum. Full-day: Swim, boat, and watch an unforgettable sunset.

Stay in Polson: Right on the lake. Laid-back, lakeside charm with breezes, coffee, and postcard-worthy views.

Now head to Garnet Ghost Town (2 hrs from Polson). One of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns. Walk through 30+ original buildings and feel the hush of history.

Time Tip: 2–3 hours to explore, or half a day if you want to hike or linger.

Next stop: Butte (2 hrs from Garnet). A gritty, proud mining town with Irish roots and underground tunnels. Don’t miss the eerie Berkeley Pit, old mansions, and hearty food.

Time Tip: Half-day for highlights. Better yet? Stay overnight to soak in the history and catch Butte at night.

Then cruise 40 minutes to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Explore epic limestone caverns on a guided tour (it’s a cool 50°F year-round) and hike through stunning terrain above ground.

Time Tip: 2–3 hours for the cave tour. Half a day if you want to hike or picnic.

From there, it’s 3 hours to Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings. Walk through caves marked with over 100 ancient images—some more than 2,000 years old. Short trail, big vibes.

Time Tip: 1.5–2 hours to walk, reflect, and connect with the past.

Wrap up in Billings: Montana’s biggest city is the perfect landing spot—great food, cozy stays, and easy flights out of Billings Logan International (BIL). Want to reverse the route and start here instead? Totally works.

From glacial peaks to ghost towns, underground caves to ancient art—this is more than a road trip. It’s a story waiting to be told.

Thanks for rolling with me on Episode One of On the Road with Lou. Stay tuned for more, and remember: the best journeys don’t just take you places—they stay with you.