Montana Road Trips for Families: Scenic Stops, Small Towns & Big Adventures

If you’re craving a Montana family road trip vacation that’s more wild than Wi-Fi, it’s time to load up the car, cue up your favorite playlist, and hit the open road. Montana’s highways and backroads are tailor-made for families who want fresh air, wide-open spaces, and the kind of memories that come with melted s’mores and roadside ice cream.

From glacier-carved valleys to Old West towns, here’s your guide to the best family-friendly road trips across the Treasure State.

1. The Glacier Loop: Lakes, Larch, and Legendary Views

Start in Whitefish, where kids can burn energy on the lake or explore downtown’s walkable shops. From there, head east along Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park — a drive that’s as jaw-dropping as it is family-friendly (just keep snacks handy for all those photo stops).

Must-see stops:

• Lake McDonald Lodge for canoe rentals

• Logan Pass for wildflower spotting

• St. Mary for huckleberry milkshakes

Bonus tip: Visit mid-June through early September for the best weather and open roads.

2. Bozeman to Yellowstone: Geysers and Great Eats

This route packs in everything — wildlife, waterfalls, and waffles.Start in Bozeman, where you can explore the Museum of the Rockies (kids love the dinosaur fossils), then head south through Big Sky for mountain views that belong on a postcard.

End your trip at Yellowstone National Park, where Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and bison herds will keep everyone’s cameras clicking.

Don’t miss:

• Gallatin River picnic stops

• Big Sky’s zipline or scenic gondola

• A soak at Bozeman Hot Springs on the way home

3. The Great Plains Trail: Billings to Fort Peck

For families who love history and small-town charm, this eastern Montana route is a hidden gem. Begin in Billings, then cruise north toward Fort Peck Lake, one of the state’s best spots for boating and fishing.

Along the way:

• Stop in Lewistown for ice cream and a stroll through its historic downtown.

• Visit Charles M. Russell’s studio in Great Falls for a touch of cowboy art.

• Camp near Fort Peck Dam and catch an outdoor movie at the vintage theatre.

This trip offers wide-open skies, fewer crowds, and a real taste of “old Montana.”

4. Missoula to Flathead Lake: Huckleberries and Happy Campers

Just two hours of driving packs in a ton of adventure. Start in Missoula, swing through Ravalli County for fresh cherries and local markets, then wind north toward Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

Family favorites:

• Polson’s public beach and playground

• Cherry stands in Bigfork (mid-summer is best)

• The National Bison Range in Moiese

You’ll find countless camping spots and a few cozy cabins for an easy, low-stress getaway.

5. The Highway 89 Adventure: Livingston to Great Falls

This stretch follows the Yellowstone River north through ranch country, mountains, and charming small towns. Start your morning with coffee and pastries in Livingston, then roll north through White Sulphur Springs and end in Great Falls for a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Why families love it:

• Easy day-trip stops

• Scenic photo ops at every curve

• Natural hot springs for parents, open fields for kids

Road-Trip Tips for Montana Families

• Pack layers: Even in summer, mountain temps can dip fast.

• Bring bug spray: Especially near lakes and rivers.

• Plan fuel stops: Some routes go hours without a gas station.

• Stay flexible: You never know when a herd of elk will cause the best traffic jam of your life.

The Takeaway

Montana isn’t just big — it’s big on family fun. Whether your crew loves scenic drives, wildlife spotting, or quirky roadside diners, you’ll find adventure waiting around every bend. So load up, head out, and let Montana’s wide-open roads do what they do best: bring families together.