Located in the north west of the United States of America, Montana is America's fourth largest state and one of the most naturally beautiful ones. Montana is known for its mountain ranges and wildlife. In fact the name 'Montana' is derives from the Spanish word for mountain.

Vast natural and wildlife reserves, low population density, clean fresh air and an all-round back to nature feeling is what welcomes you when you choose to visit 'The Land of the Shining Mountains'. The scenery and culture are stunning and perhaps the best time to soak in all of nature's riches is the summer.

Family holidays in Montana

Montana is famous for its National Parks and two of them are a must visit - Glacier National Park and the ever famous Yellowstone National Park.

Glacier National Park is over a million acres of pristine mountain ranges filled with wildlife and flora that are unique to this region of the continent. A little over 130 lakes contribute further to the stunning beauty of this Park. Don't miss the Going-to-the-Sun road which is a highway that is a dedication to engineering and nature. Many who have traveled on this stretch of highway have felt that it almost defies gravity.

Restored buses and even wooden tour boats will make your experience at Glacier a traditional one, and there is always the hiking, a must do to truly discover what Glacier holds. Fishing is another time-honored recreation that brings many an avid fly fisher to the numerous water bodies in Glacier.

Yellowstone National Park needs no introduction. More than 2 million acres of forest, with 290 waterfalls, 300 geysers including Old Faithful which erupts every hour and more than 200 species of wildlife, makes Yellowstone an educational and relaxing place to vacation at. It is also the world's first National Park and is a place on earth where little has changed since it opened 135 years ago.

Montana - Back to the roots

Montana is also home to 7 Indian nations, each with their own rich history and tradition that is being preserved in the best way possible. Sacred lands dot the state of Montana and are home to tribes such as the Crow, Blackfeet and the Flatheads. The art and the rituals of these tribes are intriguing and well worth exploring especially if you're on a family vacation.

The education one can derive from visiting the Indian reservations is one that will provide insight into the real history of this land. You could opt to experience Indian culture by being a part of their rituals and their lifestyle or by exploring their art and traditions.

Art, Theatre, Battlefields and more

Montana is a melting pot of culture and the art form that stands out has to be theatre. Summer theatre is very popular and play houses stud the many cities and towns in Montana. There is plenty to choose from on Montana's theatre circuit. Music festivals, stand-up comedy and rodeos are the other options you'll have in Montana. Museums are also aplenty here; you could visit the Crazy Mountain Museum in Big Timber or Montana Cowboys Association Museum and Bar at Great Falls. No matter your choice, you will be treated to something unique and interesting.

As for the battlefields, one must visit is the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, that is the final resting place of General Custer. Another must do is Montana are expedition http://herhelp.com/" title="http://herhelp.com/">http://herhelp.com/outdoors/1464-montana.html" alt="TRAIL" title="TRAIL">TRAIL" title="TRAIL">trails like the one that Lewis and Clark took, dinosaur excavation sites and historical http://herhelp.com/" title="http://herhelp.com/">http://herhelp.com/outdoors/1464-montana.html" alt="TRAIL" title="TRAIL">TRAIL" title="TRAIL">trails that include ghost towns.

Montana vacation

All in all Montana is a state where there is something for everyone. Family vacations here are more than just fun; there is something new to try at every turn. Hiking, rafting, fishing, a game of golf or even a ranch vacation, you cannot go wrong with Montana if you want to truly experience nature's treasures.

And as for the culinary delights, Montana is rich in fine dining; breweries and a thriving organic food culture that ensures you are eating the best of what the earth has to offer. You can't go wrong with Montana, especially if what you desire is fresh air and an escape to a land that remains untouched by the spoils of modernity.