Montana is certainly a popular destination in the summer months, with millions of folks coming here to see Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Plus, we've got fly fishing, river rafting, and a ton of music festivals—but there is a whole lot more to our state than just that.

While Montana is known for some of its bigger cities and destination towns, there is still a whole lot of fun to be had in some of the smaller towns across the state. So even though we're halfway through summer, there are still some great opportunities to get out there and have some fun here in Montana.

Let's take a look at 4 of them.

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Old Montana

There are several different places across the state that you can visit to see the Montana of old. The Museum of the Rockies is a great place to check out all year long, but in the summer there are some additional things to see, including the Living History Farm and the Tinsley House. This fantastic exhibit runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and allows folks to step back in time to see Montana in an entirely different light.

Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash
Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash
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Of course, there is Fort Missoula, which has a rich history, as well as Virginia City. Folks love heading over to Deer Lodge to see the old prison, plus, Montana has several Ghosts Towns you can explore.

One Of Our Many Lakes

Summer and water just go together and Montana certainly has some incredible lakes. Everyone is familiar with the popularity and beauty of Flathead Lake, but there are several others across the state that offer all kinds of fun recreation, including Fort Peck Lake, which happens to be the biggest lake in the state and is located in eastern Montana. Just how big is Fort Peck Lake?

Well, with a shoreline of over 1500 miles, it's rather large.

Photo by Glenna Haug on Unsplash
Photo by Glenna Haug on Unsplash
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A Local Farmer's Market

Montana has a ton of local farmer's markets across the state and speaking from experience, you will find some real treats at each one.  Of course, when it comes to fresh produce, Montana is famous for a few different items. Two of the most popular are Flathead cherries and Dixon melons, and you can find both for sale in the summer.

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Many of these markets also have a ton of local Montana-made artwork and crafts available.  Going to the farmer's market is something my wife and I both enjoy, and it's a fantastic way to spend a few hours on a weekend or evening.

Montana Wildlife Preserves

Here is a great opportunity to not only have some fun but to learn something while you're at it. We have several Wildlife Preserves across the state, and every time I've gone, I've always had a great time.  Not only is it impressive to see all of those majestic animals up close, but it also gives us a deeper appreciation for where we live and the importance of taking care of this land that we love.

Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash
Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash
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This is just a small sample of the different things you can do here in Montana during the summer. This great state of ours is certainly filled with adventure, so get out there and find yours this summer, because before we know it, there will be snow on those mountains.

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Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

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