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From antelope-speckled, short grass prairies in the east to snow-capped mountain ranges and free-flowing rivers in the west, it's no wonder Montana has been dubbed "the last best place." The inspiring landscapes and easy-going, friendly towns combine to form Montana's six distinct travel regions. Experience this unpretentious hospitality and therapeutic scenery - you'll find it here in Montana, east and west... north and south.
Spreading nearly a million acres over the northern Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park holds some of the world's most sublime scenery. With elevations ranging from 3200 ft along the Flathead River to summits toping 10,000 ft, the park contains a wide variety of landscapes. Alongside four dozen glaciers and ancient limestone drifts, there are lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bears. The flora ranges from high grassy plains to alpine tundra. In July, the park's higher altitudes are ablaze with meadows of blue gentians, yellow lilies, pink heathers, and feathery white Bear Grass.
Nestling picturesquely between the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west and the Little Belt Mountains to the east, the rural city of Great Falls owes its name to its location along the Missouri River. As the river cuts through the city, it drops over 500 ft in a series of rapids and five breath-taking waterfalls. The city is best known for its two excellent museums. The Charles M. Russell Museum, traces the history of the American West, focusing on the life and work of resident cowboy and prolific Wild West artist "Charlie" Russell, who gave the city much of its cultural flavor.
On a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretative Center. This museum details the epic explorations of the Corps of Discovery, the cross-country expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1803 to 1806.
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The state capital, Helena, makes a fine base for exploring Montana. Originally known as "Last Chance Gulch," Helena was founded as a gold-mining camp. Fortunately most of the wealth generated here remained, as it is evident from the number of mansions built by mining millionaires. Many of these exuberantly designed Victorian-era homes have been converted into B&B inns.
The largest natural fresh-water lake west of the Mississippi River, Flathead Lake is a deep-blue jewel at the western foot of the Rocky Mountains. Cherry orchards and towns like Bigfork line the highway on the lake's eastern shore. Rent bikes or kayaks, or take guided boat tours into the scenic lake.
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