Hidden Gems: Montana's Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Destinations Near Great Falls
Discover authentic Montana experiences away from the crowds this summer with the Aisling Hotel as your perfect home base
Why Venture Beyond the Tourist Trails?
While Glacier National Park and Yellowstone draw millions of visitors each summer, Montana's true character often reveals itself in the quieter corners that tourists typically overlook. As locals, we at the Aisling Hotel have assembled this insider's guide to help you experience the authentic Montana that keeps us falling in love with this state year after year.
Our centrally-located Great Falls hotel puts you within easy reach of these hidden treasures, with comfortable accommodations to return to after your daily adventures. Read on to discover the lesser-known Montana destinations that will make your summer trip truly unforgettable.
Hidden Water Wonders
Sluice Boxes State Park
Just 30 minutes from Great Falls, this limestone canyon along Belt Creek offers a gorgeous summer playground without the crowds. The dramatic rock formations, clear pools, and remnants of mining history create a perfect day trip for hiking, photography, and cooling off in the creek's refreshing waters.
Tower Rock State Park
This towering 400-foot rock formation along the Missouri River was noted in Lewis and Clark's journals but remains overlooked by most tourists. Just 30 minutes from our hotel, it offers short hikes with spectacular river views and excellent birdwatching opportunities, including golden eagles that nest in the area.
Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge
While tourists flock to more famous wildlife destinations, this prairie wetland complex just 10 miles north of Great Falls provides extraordinary bird watching with over 240 species. The summer months bring an explosion of migratory birds and wildflowers that transform the landscape into a vibrant canvas of color.
Historical Treasures Without the Crowds
Fort Benton
Known as the "Birthplace of Montana," this charming river town 40 miles northeast of Great Falls offers a walkable historic district with buildings dating back to the 1860s. Summer visitors can enjoy the quiet museum district, stroll along the scenic Missouri River levee, and experience Montana's fur trade and steamboat history without fighting through crowds.
Havre Beneath the Streets
Take a fascinating underground tour of the tunnels beneath Havre where businesses operated after a devastating 1904 fire. This unique attraction about 1.5 hours from Great Falls includes a saloon, bordello, opium den, and Chinese laundry that tell the story of Montana's rugged past.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump
While just 15 minutes from Great Falls, this important archaeological site remains surprisingly uncrowded. One of the largest buffalo jump sites in North America, summer visitors can hike the trail to the top of the jump for spectacular views while learning about Indigenous hunting techniques and culture.
Natural Escapes Beyond the National Parks
Square Butte
This distinctive flat-topped butte rising dramatically from the plains southwest of Great Falls was immortalized in many paintings by famed Western artist Charlie Russell. The moderate hike offers spectacular 360-degree views of central Montana's landscape and a chance to see golden eagles and prairie falcons.
Highwood Mountains
While tourists flock to more famous Montana mountain ranges, the Highwoods just east of Great Falls remain a local secret. These isolated mountains rise nearly 4,000 feet above the surrounding plains, offering excellent hiking, wildflower meadows, and wildlife viewing without the crowds of more popular destinations.
Crown Butte
This ancient volcanic remnant, resembling a fortress rising from the plains west of Great Falls, rewards hikers with spectacular views and a unique ecosystem. The moderate 2-mile trail to the top passes through native prairie grasses and wildflowers before reaching the dramatic stone "crown."
Charming Small Towns Worth the Detour
Belt
This historic coal mining town 20 miles east of Great Falls offers a perfect half-day escape. Visit the charming Harvest Moon Brewing Company housed in a historic brick building, explore the local mining museum, and enjoy small-town Montana charm rarely experienced by tourists.
Fort Shaw
Just 25 minutes west of Great Falls, this tiny community holds remarkable history as home to the first U.S. women's basketball world champions - a team of Native American girls from the Fort Shaw Indian Boarding School who won the 1904 World's Fair championship. Visit the memorial to these pioneering athletes and enjoy the scenic Sun River Valley.
Augusta
This authentic cowboy town on the Rocky Mountain Front (just over an hour from Great Falls) offers a genuine slice of Montana life. Visit during summer to experience small-town rodeos, browse Western art galleries, and enjoy spectacular mountain views without the tourist crowds that overwhelm other Rocky Mountain communities.
Off-the-Radar Summer Events
What the Hay Contest (September)
This quirky roadside attraction along Highway 87 between Great Falls and Lewistown features dozens of creative hay bale sculptures created by local farmers and ranchers. Time your visit to coincide with this uniquely Montana celebration of agricultural creativity.
Central Montana Fair (Late July)
While tourists flock to larger events, the Central Montana Fair in Lewistown (90 minutes from Great Falls) offers authentic Montana culture with rodeos, livestock competitions, and local food in a family-friendly atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds.
Summer Symphony at the Gibson Mansion (June-August)
Experience chamber music in the historic Gibson Mansion gardens in Great Falls on select summer evenings. These intimate concerts provide a refined cultural experience rarely found on typical Montana itineraries.
Hidden Foodie Destinations
Harvest Moon Brewing Company (Belt)
This microbrewery housed in a historic brick building in Belt offers award-winning craft beers and excellent food in an authentic small-town setting rarely discovered by tourists passing through on their way to more famous destinations.
Roadhouse Diner (Great Falls)
While not exactly hidden, this local favorite serves creative, gourmet burgers using local beef and ingredients that showcase Montana's agricultural bounty. Try the "Flathead Cherry Burger" for a uniquely Montana flavor combination.
2K's Café (Fort Benton)
Worth the drive to Fort Benton for their legendary cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfasts served in a quintessential small-town diner atmosphere that has remained unchanged for decades.
The Aisling Hotel Advantage: Your Base Camp for Authentic Montana Exploration
The Aisling Hotel in Great Falls provides the perfect central location for exploring these hidden gems, with several advantages for the discerning traveler:
Insider Knowledge
Our staff includes lifelong Montanans eager to share their favorite local secrets not found in typical guidebooks. Ask about seasonal specialties like huckleberry picking spots or hidden fishing access points.
Central Location
Great Falls' strategic position puts you within easy reach of mountains, plains, rivers, and historical sites without the premium prices of more touristy destinations.
Comfort After Adventure
Return from your off-the-beaten-path explorations to comfortable rooms, quality amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere designed to enhance your authentic Montana experience.
Plan Your Authentic Montana Summer
Escape the crowds this summer and discover the real Montana with the Aisling Hotel as your comfortable base camp. Contact us today to book your stay and begin planning your exploration of Montana's hidden treasures.
Call 406-555-1234 or visit aislinghotel.com to book our special Hidden Gems summer package, available June through September.
