– “Hey! Where are you from?”
– “I’m from the US”
-”Oh, which state?”
– “Montana”
– “Montana? What’s even up there?”
Montana is known, but it’s unknown, at the same time. People know the name – it’s been in various movies (Legends of the Fall, Horse Whisperer). There was even a jean company called Montana at one point in the Soviet Union.
But somehow, Montana remains elusive to many people, even to some Americans. Many people are curious – what’s up there? Montana is known for its open spaces, unpredictable weather, the Crown of the Continent, and more.
Read on to discover what Montana is known for.
In this article:
- It has more cows than people
- It is the size of Germany, with the population of Rhode Island
- It is the birthplace of Mystery Ranch
- Absolutely unpredictable weather (a world record)
- Skiing the Rockies
- Oro y Plata
- It has no official nickname
- The Crown of the Continent
- It has the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the US
- Birding
- Bonus: Montana food, cities, and universities – what are they known for?
What’s Montana Known For?
Montana is known for its vast space and small population. It’s roughly the size of Germany but has the same population as Rhode Island. It also holds the world record for the largest temperature change in 24 hours, is home to part of the Rocky Mountains, and is largely an agricultural state.
Here are 10 things Montana is known for.
It’s got more cows than people
Two and a half times more!
Montana is known for being an agricultural state. The western part of the state is composed of the Rocky Mountains, but 60% of the state lies upon the Great Plains, which is prime land for raising cattle.
In fact, Montana has the third largest cow-to-person ratio in the United States, behind Nebraska and South Dakota!
It is the size of Germany, with the population of Rhode Island
Did you know that Montana is the fourth largest state in the US but the least densely populated? Montana is known for being vast and sparsely populated. It is the size of Germany but has the population of the smallest US state, Rhode Island.
It is the birthplace of Mystery Ranch
Are you a backpacker? If so, you’ve probably heard of the uber-high-quality backpack brand, Mystery Ranch. Did you know they are based in Bozeman, Montana?
Mystery Ranch is famous for being one of the best-quality backpack brands in the world. Today, they produce some of the highest-quality and most reliable backpacks on the market for outdoor enthusiasts, the military, wildland fire brigades, travelers, and anyone else who needs a load-bearing product.
They are known for using top-shelf materials, expert craftsmanship, and aesthetically pleasing designs that are durable and lightweight. Have a look at their packs, yourself, if you haven’t already.
You can check out Mystery Ranch’s gear here.
Absolutely unpredictable weather – 103° change in 24 hours
“Don’t like the weather in Montana? Just wait 10 minutes – it’ll change.“
This witty joke perfectly describes the weather in Montana. Long cold winters are never guaranteed. Nor are slow, blooming springs, long warm summers, or steady autumns.
Spring will emerge in mid-March, then be covered by a snowstorm the next day. This can drag on until late April when summer suddenly appears in full. It can snow in early October, then hit 85°F (29°C) a week later.
Generally speaking, Montana has four solid seasons. But Montana is known for unpredictable weather. In fact, it holds the world record for the largest temperature change in 24 hours.
World Record Temperature Drop
At 9 am on January 14, 1972, a chinook wind pushed the temperature in Loma, Montana from -54°F (-48°) to 49°F (9°) by 8 am on January 15th: a 103°F (57°C) change.
There is some debate about whether it broke the previous record because the temperature change occurred over two separate days. However, the previous record of 100°F (___°C) change was set in Browning, Montana.
Skiing the Rockies
We can’t talk about Montana without mentioning the Rocky Mountains and Montana’s ski resorts.
The western side of the state consists of the Rocky Mountains. Montana’s largest peak, Granite Peak, reaches 12,799 ft in elevation (3,901 m). Montana’s mountain ranges consist of jagged peaks well above treeline with vertical chutes and extensive ridgelines, rolling tundra, and endless pine-forested mountains stretching from the south to the north of the state.
Naturally, Montana is known for skiing. Do you like ski vacations? Do you like vacationing in the mountains? Then Montana’s Rocky Mountains are worth considering – the state offers some of the best skiing in the United States.
Read about the best ski resorts in Montana here.
Oro y Plata
We also can’t discuss what Montana is known for without mentioning its minerals.
Montana’s state motto is “Oro y Plata”, Latin for “Gold and Silver”. Montana is known for having an abundance of copper, gold, coal, manganese, silver, zinc, lead, and oil. Naturally, Montana is known for its rich mining history.
Many of Montana’s old mining towns have turned into ghost towns, which are some of the state’s top tourist destinations.
Read about the best ghost towns in Montana here.
It has no official nickname
But many unofficial nicknames. Montana is known for being called Big Sky Country. This is because of its vast open spaces and beautiful scenery. Here, people have said they feel like they’re under the “Big Sky”.
Other nicknames that Montana is known for:
- The Treasure State
- The Last Best Place
- Land of the Shining Mountains
I’ve rarely heard the last one, myself. But the others are indeed common nicknames.
The Crown of the Continent is here
Montana is known for being the home of the Crown of the Continent – the largest, most diverse intact ecosystem in the United States. All of the plant and animal species living here have remained unchanged since the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805.
The Crown of the Continent is located at the waist of the Rocky Mountains, where Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana meet.
It has the largest concentration of grizzly bears in the United States
Anyone who has ventured into the wilderness of Montana has likely heard of the grizzly bear population here. Montana is known for being home to the highest concentration of Grizzly bears in all of the United States.
Montana has played a key role in recovering the once-endangered grizzly bear population in this region of the US. Their species has found refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the entire Rocky Mountain Front. Today, this region of the US is home to 1,900 grizzly bears.
As such, Montana is also known for bear danger. The likelihood of seeing a grizzly bear when hiking, biking, camping, or being outdoors in Montana is extremely high. While there is plenty to enjoy in this state, the bear threat is real.
Before heading out exploring Montana’s natural areas, be sure to carry bear bells and bear spray. Be safe, and enjoy!
Birding
If you’re a bird enthusiast, then you’re in luck. Montana is known for its wide variety of bird species and wonderful birding opportunities.
In the spring and summer, when Montana is awaking from its cold winter, birders can see bald eagles, white pelicans, cedar waxwings, and many others. When the fall closes in, birders can see rough-legged hawks, snow buntings, and waxwings.
Glacier National Park, the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and Flathead Lake are just a few of the best places in Montana for birding. They’re also some of the best places to visit in Montana, in general.
Montana’s bird species are enchanting. Whether you’re a casual or avid birder, the bird species here will delight you, year-round.
And much more
These are just a few of the things Montana is known for. Montana is also the birthplace of director David Lynch, is home to Yellowstone National Park, and has one of the most bookstores per capita in the US.
There are plenty of interesting facts to discover about Montana. Come see what you can discover!
What is Montana Known For – FAQ
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Montana.
What Food is Montana Known For?
Montana is mostly known for its beef. It’s also known for huckleberries, choke cherries, and morel mushrooms.
Is Montana a Nice Place to Live?
Montana is a nice place to live because it has a low population, beautiful nature, and a rich history. Montana has several mid-sized cities offering employment and education opportunities. Overall, many people who love open space and access to nature love living in Montana.
Read about the best places to live in Montana here.
Why is Montana Known as Big Sky Country?
Montana is known as Big Sky Country because of its open, expansive spaces and incredible views across the natural landscape. This gives visitors and residents the feeling that they are standing beneath a big sky.
What is Bozeman Montana Known For?
Bozeman, Montana is known for being a quaint town offering access to multiple nearby outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and skiing. Bozeman is also known for Montana State University.
What is Billings Montana Known For?
Billings Montana is known for being the largest city in Montana. It’s home to Logan International Airport and Montana State University. Billings is also known for Zimmerman Park, a wild natural park that sits atop a sandstone cliff, overlooking the city below.
What is Missoula Montana Known For?
Missoula Montana is known for being a university town with a laid-back atmosphere. Missoula is home to the University of Montana and is known for offering great access to outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and skiing.
What is Whitefish Montana Known For?
Whitefish Montana is known for being in the beautiful northern part of Montana, where Whitefish Mountain Resort is located. Whitefish is nearby Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and an hour’s drive from the Canadian border.
What is Kalispell Montana Known For?
Kalispell Montana and the Flathead Valley are known for Flathead Lake, nearby Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, and many outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and skiing. It’s also known for its arts and culture.
What is University of Montana Known For?
The University of Montana is known for its exceptional undergraduate research facilities and learning opportunities. It has been the host of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. It’s also known for its location in beautiful Missoula, Montana.
What is Montana State University Known For?
Montana State University is internationally recognized as being among the top 5% of universities in the world. It is known for its extensive investment in research. Recently, MSU topped $200 million in research expenditures.
What is Great Falls Montana Known For?
Great Falls Montana is known for its rich art and for being a key point on the Lewis and Clark Trail on June 13, 1805. The city is known for the Lewis and Clark festival, C.M. Russel museum complex, and the largest freshwater spring in the United States.
What is Montana Known for Producing?
Montana’s main commodities are cattle and wheat. Together, they constitute 75% of Montana’s agricultural receipts. Other historic commodities such as malting barley, hay, and sugar beets remain important.
What Number State is Montana?
Montana was the 41st state. The United States acquired Montana from France in 1803 in the Louisiana Purchase and in 1846 in a treaty with Great Britain. It was officially admitted to the union on November 8th, 1889.
What Makes Montana So Special?
Montana’s open skies, enormous peaks, and expansive nature make it a special place for many people. It’s home to a range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk herds, and bird species. It’s also home to Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.
What Are 2 Fun Facts About Montana?
Montana’s name comes from the Spanish word “montaña”, because the state has a vast range of large mountains. It also holds the world record for the largest temperature change in 24 hours.
What Are 4 Interesting Facts About Montana?
Montana’s name comes from the Spanish word, “montaña”. This is because of the state’s wide expanse of large mountains. It has the lowest population density of all US states, offers incredible birding opportunities, and was the 41st state.
