montana in a nutshell + photos

This is one of the many views of the mountains within Glacier National park. This photo and all the others can not do the justice it deserves. This is a place that must be seen live, with your own eyes and in the flesh. The crisp, fresh, air must be inhaled in person. I do not wish to describe it. I don’t know the words. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

Montana is a very special place for me now and for very obvious reasons. Having just wed in the 4th largest state in the U.S., I am sure you can possibly imagine why. My husband (gasp) and I do see ourselves going back over and over again. Right now we’re still swimming in the memories of our wedding week and a return to Glacier is obvious, but we’re sure we’ll get to some of those other Montana gems as well. In one giant nutshell, Montana was amazing!

Please allow me to tell you more.

A lot of this going on in Brennan’s Wave in Missoula. Rafting and water sports are big in this part of the country. Too bad I’m just not that brave yet. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

There are definite standouts I’d like to list about the Treasure State.

1. The people in Montana are REALLY friendly! Could have been our luck, but almost everyone we encountered was very pleasant. The folks at the Flathead Dept of Justice, Jim at the West Glacier camera shop and the peeps at the hotel (of course). Super decent people out that way.

2. They drive fast in MT. The speed limit is 70 for the most part, but this means something like 85 for the average native of the state. If I had a slice of huckleberry pie for all the cars that sped past Dayo and me, I’d be 20lbs heavier and still poking along in the right lane at 70 mph.

If you’re in the mood for a lot of second-hand Indian tales and possibly some factual information about the park, boarding a historic Red Bus for tour is your best bet. Classy and stylish, these things are not really built for comfort. On a warm day these babies are best with the top down. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

The Prince of Wales is actually located in Alberta, Canada. Our Red Bus tour took us up this way on the International Peace Park tour. We skipped out on the afternoon tea for a fish n’ chips. The hotel is very beautiful and has an interesting story on the actual structure. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

3. Natural beauty engulfs you. The snow-capped mountains, the trees, the lakes, the rapids, waterfalls and chirping birds can be found in an abundance. Very possibly the closest I’ll personally ever get to heaven on earth.

4. It’s not Montana, but a drive up the highway gets you up into Alberta, Canada where there is plenty of nature and trails to be explored. If time is limited like ours was, take a tour bus and enjoy the ride. If time is on your side I suggest you do what we wish we could have and hoof it!

Us in West Glacier. Photo: Tourist

Carousel for Missoula is fun for all! Beware. It does pick up speed, so buckle up and enjoy the ride Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

5. Where Glacier is all about nature, Missoula, a college town about two hours south, is very artsy. Take an art walk around downtown. Check out the various painted and screen printed electric boxes. Try photographing them all or just your fav few. Ride the carousel and if you’ve got kids (something I suspect we’ll be working on very soon), check out Dragon Hollow next to A Carousel for Missoula. Fun, fun, fun!

6. I’m not certain whether touching on this is appropriate or not, but I’ll worry myself with that later. The people in Missoula all look the same. A little unkempt, beards, hair that hasn’t been cut in ages, lots of tattoos and so forth. Not a problem, but it was noticeable and therefore worth noting.

The mountain goat is the Glacier Park symbol. I do suspect this little guy has seen some hardships in life. He is missing a horn and his coat was a bit shaggy. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

A very breathtaking view from the Prince of Wales in Waterton Lakes National Park. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

Another view from the Prince of Wales in Alberta. Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

The best breakfast we had in Missoula and during our entire trip was at Catalyst. Try it for yourself! Photo: Adrienne Abiodun

7. Watch out when ordering or bring your appetite. The portion size in Montana can make a big-bad Texas plate cry.

8. Our top three dining experiences were as follows: Belton Chalet restaurant, Three Forks Grille in Columbia Falls and Catalyst in Missoula.