Montana is known for it’s big skies, sprawling ranches and wild life. I have road tripped through Montana several times, and each visit has been filled with some of the most beautiful sights we have ever seen. This blog article shares our itinerary from our stay in St. Ignatius, under the Mission Mountains. The Mission Mountain Range is located in Northwestern Montana, and is a paradise for hiking, camping and fishing. Save our list of things to do to enjoy your own getaway in the mountains!
How to Travel Montana
We went on a road trip from Minnesota to St. Ignatius, Montana. We traveled through North Dakota, spending 1 night in Medora, North Dakota on there way there and back. If you decide to drive from from the east, Medora is a great stop to make. Not only is this wild west town scenic with plenty of places to eat, but it is also home to the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We were able to explore the park and see bison and wild horses! If you are wanting to fly, the Missoula International Airport is 40 miles away from St. Ignatius, Montana.
Unique Stay in St. Ignatius
During our time in St. Ignatius, we stayed at one of the coziest cabins that is located at the foothills of the Mission Mountains, right behind the National Bison Range. Welcome to the Bison View Cabin! With 2 bedrooms and a daybed, this cabin can comfortably sleep 4 guests. The unique part of the Bison View Cabin is the custom woodwork throughout the entire cabin, and the view of the Mission Mountain Range from the front porch (there are three porches!). There is also a fire pit, with string lights surrounding for ambiance. Bison View Cabin is also very well stocked-which helped us travel light (they even had S’Mores kits)! It really doesn’t get better than this! Make sure to save the Bison View Cabin for your Montana road trip!
Travel St. Ignatius, Montana: Your Road Trip List
1. Drive the National Bison Range
The National Bison Range is located right behind the Bison View Cabin in St. Ignatius, Montana. It is home to over 350 bison, elk, bears and other wildlife, and managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Visitors can take a self-directed driving tour along 2 scenic drives, Prairie Drive and Red Sleep Mountain (open May-October). The loop takes about 2 hours to drive. We went at dusk and were able to see several bison and elk during our drive.
2. Garden of 1,000 Buddhas
Garden of 1,000 Buddhas is nestled in Jocko Valley near St. Ignatius. It is a public park, and free to visit. The garden features 1,000 stupas, medicinal hot springs, prayer wheel, incredible statues and scenery as well. We felt like we were in a different country entirely as we strolled through he garden. Make sure to read the plaques describing each statue as you explore.
3. Feed the Trout at Jocko Fish Hatchery
We had a great time at Jocko River Trout Fish Hatchery, which is located near the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas. The Fish & Wildlife Management staff let us feed the fish, and my kids had a blast watching the fish jump out of the water. The fish are divided up by age, so you can see the stages of their growth, which is very cool. It is also free to get in.
4. Shop Local
If you are a coffee lover, you can start off your shopping day with the drive thru Kapi Shop for some delicious coffee and breakfast on the go. Next, we hit some local shops- the Great Gray Gifts (by the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana) and Treats. Not only is this a delicious store that doubles as a cafe, but they also partner with the Farmer’s Gals to sell raw milk by the jar.
5. Indulge in Huckleberry
Huckleberry is a sweet, almost blueberry-like fruit native to Montana. Our favorite spot to try some of these goodies was the Huckleberry Jam Factory. This local shop offers trying the Huckleberry flavor in any form you’d like- from jam to and ice cream or huckleberry shake. We had a Huckleberry Twist Cone and a shake- we can’t decide what we like best! We also brought home some Huckleberry syrup and jam.
6. Visit a Museum
If you are a history buff, you’ll know that Montana is full of rich history. Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana shares artifacts, wood work, bead work, life size dioramas and photography from early Montana settlers and the Flathead Indian Reservation. Nearby, you can also walk a trail that goes by a pond with a perfect view of the Mission Mountains. Make sure to double check the hours and times before visiting!
7. Flathead Lake
Thirty minutes from St. Ignatius, you will find one of the largest natural bodies of freshwater in Western USA, and also the cleanest- Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake has 160 miles of shoreline. You can visit any of the 6 units in the park, including the famous Wild Horse Island. On these units, you can fish, swim, camp, go boating and view wildlife.
8. Mission Mountains Wilderness Complex
The Mission Mountains are 74,000 acres of paradise for the outdoor lovers in the world. Often known as the “American Alps,” this recreational area has snow capped mountains, small glaciers, meadows and alpine lakes. This land is managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. This area is also known for it’s grizzly bear population. If you are not a tribal member, you can obtain a tribal recreation permit from stores within and near the reservation communities of Missoula, Kalispell, Seeley Lake, and Thompson Falls. You can find more information at Visit Montana.
9. Glacier National Park: The Crown of the Continent
An hour and a half from Bison View Cabin in St. Ignatius is the infamous Glacier National Park. The closest entrance is West Glacier, where you will end up near Lake MacDonald. I suggest you head straight to Going to the Sun Road to park and hike the trails along Logan’s Pass, as it gets extremely crowded. We hiked the Hidden Gardens trail and Hidden Lake Trail. Truly the most beautiful sites we have ever seen. We also get to see the Weeping Wall and stopped at all the overlooks to the Going to the Sun Road.
The Trail of Cedars is also a stunning stop, as well as the beach near Lake MacDonald. If you keep driving the Going to the Sun Road, you will run into one of the most blue lakes you will ever see- Saint Mary Lake. There are picnic areas, various hiking trails that go to the lake and nearby waterfalls.
It should be noted that there is an additional timed entry permit needed to visit Glacier National Park. Make sure to watch the Glacier National Park website for more updates regarding the opening of Going to the Sun Road. Typically, it opens July to mid October. If you are unable to get a timed entry permit, you can also enter the park before 6 am or after 3 pm.
10. Bison View Cabin
I had to end this list with the Bison View Cabin, because it was an important part of our itinerary. We enjoyed reading and having coffee on the porch while gazing at the Mission Mountains. Watching the sunrise here was incredible. There is a stream in the backyard that makes for a perfect spot to watch wildlife right from your bed (as well as the Bison Range). We also enjoyed their S’mores kit, and having fires with a cozy mountain view.
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Travel Montana: The Mission Mountains and Beyond Road Trip List
Montana is known for it’s big skies, sprawling ranches and wild life. I have road tripped through Montana several times, and each visit has been filled with some of the most beautiful sights we have ever seen. This blog article shares our itinerary from our stay in St. Ignatius, under the Mission Mountains. The Mission…
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