9 Things We Are Looking Forward to Following Quarantine

As Montana begins a phased re-opening following our stay-at-home directive, it finally feels like we can start having a conversation about what we are looking forward to as we move toward a new normal. Don’t get us wrong, we know we aren’t back to the way things were and we have a long way to go, but we feel comfortable in dreaming about our next adventures in Montana.

1. Camping Trip with Friends and Family

Montana’s wide open spaces lend themselves to getting out and enjoying the great outdoors! With summer just around the corner, we are hopeful that soon we will be able to pack our tents, gather our family, and make our way to one of the many great campgrounds throughout Southwest Montana.

Lewis & Clark Caverns Campground

2. Celebrating with Our Communities

We are looking forward to the time when it is again safe to gather with locals and visitors in our lively communities! While some of our favorite events have been canceled or postponed we know these events will be back and you can bet we will approach them with a new appreciation in the coming years.

Butte, Montana

3. Enjoying a Pint with Friends

Southwest Montana is home to a number of craft breweries that make the perfect gathering place (when appropriate) and have some pretty tasty brews! Many of our breweries are still offering pickup orders at this time.

Ruby Valley Brew

4. Rest and Relaxation in the Treasure State

We will continue to day dream of the time when visiting one of the region’s natural hot springs is once again safe 🙂

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

5. Making the Trip from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park

One of the most popular Montana road trips is between the state’s two National Parks. Southwest Montana is the corridor between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks and offers a trove of little known gems to make the trip between the two unforgettable! Check out our itineraries from Yellowstone to Glacier.

Glacier National Park

6. Taking Part in Hands-On Experiences with Our Kids

The kids are getting stir crazy and we can’t wait for the opportunity to get outside and explore everything Southwest Montana has to offer. Bannack State Park offers hands-on learning opportunities (especially during Bannack Days), but that isn’t the only opportunity in Southwest Montana. To name a few others: Gem Mining, Rockhounding at Crystal Park, science exhibits at ExplorationWorks, and others!

7. Taking a Tour (or 3) to Get to Know the Place We Call Home

A colorful history is a defining feature of Southwest Montana. In the 19th century, thousands made their way to this land, hoping to strike it rich in the gold rush or stake their claim amidst the homestead movement. All who came were looking for a fresh start, and Montana offered that. There are a number of tours that lead visitors through the historic highlights of our region, from the homes of the Copper Kings to tours of Montana’s early territorial capital, Virginia City.

Firetruck Tour Virginia City

8. Getting Out and Supporting our Incredible Local Businesses

Southwest Montana is home to communities ranging in size from Helena to Cardwell and everything in between. We can’t wait for the day that we can once again gather on Main Streets across the region, wander through shops, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants!

Philipsburg

9. Not Taking the Little Things for Granted