Located in the Pacific Northwest and Great Plains regions of the country, Montana ranks fourth in land mass but only 44th in population. The state’s nickname is the “Treasure State,” although locals commonly refer to Montana as either “Big Sky Country” or “The Land of Shining Mountains.” The economy here is primarily based on agriculture with a heavy emphasis on lumber and mineral extractions, but tourism is equally important with millions of visitors a year frequenting the state’s many attractions such as Glacier National Park, the Battle of Little Bighorn site and three of the five entrances to Yellowstone National Park.

Land
      The state’s topography is very diverse. The Bitterroot Mountains form most of the western boundary. East of these, the Rocky Mountains nearly connect to form an almost continuous front that crosses the state. Between the two mountain ranges are many parallel valleys, including Gallatin, Big Hole, Bitterroot and Flathead. The remainder of the state is dominated by the rich prairie lands of the Great Plains. Montana has eight national forests, over 20 national wildlife refuges and several Indian reservations. The principal rivers are the Clark Fork of the Columbia, the Missouri and the Yellowstone. Because of the state’s many waterway’s, Montana has a variety of vegetation that blossoms throughout the year.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Treasure State State Capital: Helena State Flower: Bitterroot State Bird: Western Meadowlark

Cities
      The largest city in Montana is Billings and the state capital is Helena. With a total state population of less than one million, Montana is one of only two states in the country without a major metropolitan area and a population that doesn’t exceed one million. However, Montana borders the Canadian Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, which together, have three cities with a metro population of at least one million people.
      Some of the larger cities and major towns in Montana include Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Miles City, Belgrade,

Columbia Falls, Glasgow, and Whitefish. The major highways that serve to connect each of these cities and towns include Interstates 15, 90 and 94 and U.S. Highways 2, 93 and 212. Additionally, Amtrak’s Empire Builder train runs through the north part of the state and has stops in the several towns.
      The location of the cities in which people reside plays a major role in the types of housing styles that are available to homeowners and prospective buyers. In the mountainous rural regions, wood cabins and ranch-style homes primarily dominate the landscape.
In more urban areas such as Billings and Bozeman, a diverse collection of home styles can be found in a variety of neighborhoods. Modern townhouses and condominiums are as commonplace as conventionally designed two, three and four-bedroom single story homes in family-friendly subdivisions. These subdivisions are typically located near a centralized downtown district with regional shopping and dining options, parkland and recreational community centers.

Schools & Universities
      Additionally, public and private schools are located throughout these communities and in larger cities, the elementary and high school institutions are oftentimes supported by the presence of an institution of higher learning. Montana State University has campuses in Bozeman, Billings, Northern and Havre. Similarly, the University of Montana has campuses in Missoula, Dillon and Helena. Other state-funded schools include Flathead Valley Community College, Dawson Community College, Miles Community College and the private schools of Carroll College, University of Great Falls and Rocky Mountain College.

      The state is home to four minor league baseball teams. It has a strong presence in the rodeo circuit along with other adventure sports, such as fishing and hunting. Amazing fishing opportunities await in Big Sky Country, as the art of fly fishing was practically perfected here
      Montana's six major tourism regions include Glacier, Russell, Missouri River, Gold West, Yellowstone and Custer. From the most extreme outdoor adventures to the laid back solitude of fishing lakeside in a mountain setting, Montana has an escape for everyone. The climate here is seasonal, bringing warm sunshine in the summer months and snow in the winter. Hence, Montana's many ski areas are also popular destinations for at least five months out of the year.
      Overall, Montana is a perfect blend of rugged terrain, gently rolling hillsides, forest, farmland and open prairie. With its comfortable year round climate, low population density, rich agricultural soil and unparalleled natural beauty, Montana truly is the last best place.