Have you had a chance to discover a taste of Montana? It is something that Steve and I truly look forward to once we are able to travel full time!

Discover a Taste of Montana

Horses graze at Big Sky Montana

Because we plan on spending about a month in each state as we travel across America to get a true taste of each state, we have been doing a lot of research. Here is what we have discovered about the beautiful state of Montana. When it comes to Montana, one of the most underrated elements of the state is its culinary scene. Montana’s food and drink options are vibrant, mouthwatering and sure to complement any trip. The state has a rich agricultural industry producing items such as huckleberries, Flathead cherries and bison. The Traveling Locavores look forward to tasting Montana in the form of locally grown products to cook with. But there are several culinary hotspots found throughout Montana, with anchors that include Billings, Bozeman, Missoula and Whitefish where we look forward to dining.

A sweet slice of summer can be tasted in a slice of pie made with Montana’s signature huckleberries.
Photo Credit: Visit Montana

Montana’s largest city, Billings has a robust food and drink scene, with a whole bunch of  restaurants that showcase some of the best in dining, from steakhouses to seafood and locally sourced entrées and spirits. It’s also home to the state’s only self-guided, walkable brewery district. The 1.5-mile-long brewery route is in downtown Billings and includes six breweries, two distilleries and a cider house.

Then there is the town of Bozeman, which is a beautiful and easy 2.5 hour drive from Billings. Bozeman is an elegant western town that has become a hub for outdoor activities like fishing, skiing, mountain biking and hiking in and around the six mountain ranges that surround the city.  After a day of exploring, venture to one of Bozeman’s distinct neighborhoods. Both Downtown Bozeman and the Cannery District are great places to experience the flavors of this corner of Montana. Local favorites include Montana Ale Works, Dave’s Sushi, Open Range, Feed Café and more.

Bigohorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Montana

Sitting at the confluence of five valleys, Missoula is the second-largest city in Montana, and its historic downtown is one of the best dining locations in the state. From craft breweries and distilleries, to restaurants that specialize in Montana’s local cuisine, travelers are sure to find palate-pleasing entrées and treats in the Garden City. The state’s most famous ice cream shop, Big Dipper, also got its start in Missoula and is a favorite summertime destination. I also learned that if you want to sample locally made beer, you should consider taking a guided tour of the city’s breweries with River City Brews Rafting Tours or a pedal-powered tour with Thirst Gear.

One of the hiking trails in Glacier National Park Montana

If you take the scenic drive north of Missoula you will come to the mountain community of Whitefish, which is located just 30 minutes west of Glacier National Park. While home to around 7,500 residents, Whitefish’s dining scene is one that you’d expect to find in a much larger city. In this mountain town chefs focus on what I love most, sourcing fresh and local ingredients to create distinct menu offerings. When you travel to Whitefish, you’ll find an array of diverse restaurant options, including Southern-inspired cuisine, Italian, sushi and steak, as well as bakeries, breweries and distilleries.

But rest assured, Montana’s local flavor and culinary offerings expand far beyond these urban hubs. Local favorites and small-town gems include pizza at Moose’s Saloon in Kalispell, pork chop sandwiches at Pork Chop John’s in Butte, hamburgers at Parker’s Restaurant in Drummond, Serrano’s in East Glacier Park and the Jersey Lilly in Ingomar, as well as a variety of incredible restaurants in Big Sky.

As you travel through the state, and Steve and I just can’t wait, be sure to keep your eyes open for a variety of trails that will lead you to more mouth-watering and thirst-quenching destinations.
Sip on a local brew by exploring the stops that make up the Montana Brewers Trail. Chances are, along your travels you’ll see barley fields where many Montana brewers source their grains before transforming them into beers that are distinctly Montana-made. Or you can try sweet treats on Central Montana’s Pie Trail. This expansive trail focuses on all things pie as it winds through 19 drool-worthy destinations in 15 communities, with numerous towns and cities to explore along the way.

In Spring you can test the waters of Montana’s blue ribbon trout streams!

As you can see there is so much to learn, sip and taste at Montana’s craft distilleries, cideries and meaderies, wineries, breweries and farmers markets as you Discover a Taste of Montana. Montana offers unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences and relaxing hospitality!

My information and photographs were sourced from The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development (MOTBD)