Montana

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Montana - The Big Sky State

Welcome to Montana

Montana, often called "Big Sky Country," is a state of wide-open spaces, towering mountains, and breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the northwestern United States, it shares borders with Canada to the north and several U.S. states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho. Montana’s diverse landscapes range from the Great Plains in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west, offering a variety of outdoor experiences and stunning scenery.

Natural Wonders

The state is home to world-famous destinations such as Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and numerous rivers and lakes that attract hikers, anglers, and adventurers. With expansive wilderness areas, Montana provides a haven for wildlife including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and bald eagles. Its skies are often filled with brilliant sunsets and stars, giving rise to its popular nickname.

Heritage and Culture

Montana’s history is deeply tied to Native American tribes, early explorers, and pioneers of the frontier. Today, the state celebrates this heritage through cultural festivals, historic sites, and vibrant communities. Agriculture, especially cattle ranching and wheat farming, plays an important role in Montana’s economy, while tourism continues to grow as visitors seek its natural beauty and adventure opportunities.

Maine Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts

Fact	Detail	Interesting Facts
Region	Western United States (Mountain West)	Montana is the 4th largest U.S. state by area but one of the least populated, giving it vast open spaces. The state’s name comes from the Spanish word “montaña,” meaning “mountain.” Glacier National Park in Montana has over 700 miles of hiking trails and is known as the "Crown of the Continent." Montana has more cattle than people, with ranching being a major part of its economy and culture. The Little Bighorn Battlefield, where Custer’s Last Stand occurred in 1876, is located in southeastern Montana. Montana’s Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. The state has some of the darkest skies in the U.S., making it a prime location for stargazing and astronomy. Montana has one of the largest elk herds in the nation and abundant wildlife including grizzly bears and bison. Yellowstone National Park, the nation’s first national park, extends into southern Montana. The famous “Going-to-the-Sun Road” in Glacier National Park is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Population	≈ 1.1 million (2025 est.)
Area	147,040 sq mi (4th largest)
Statehood	November 8, 1889 (41st state)
Capital City	Helena
Largest City	Billings
Abbreviation	MT
Nickname	"The Treasure State" / "Big Sky Country"
Geography	Rocky Mountains in the west, Great Plains in the east, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks
Bordering States	North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho; also borders Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan)
Economy	Mining, agriculture (cattle, wheat, barley), tourism, forestry, energy
State Tree	Ponderosa Pine
State Bird	Western Meadowlark


Our Content
	Interactive and Printable Montana Maps and Map Activities This section features numerous interactive and printable Montana maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Montana map.

	History of Montana Montana’s history is deeply tied to Native American tribes such as the Crow, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, and Nez Perce, whose cultures shaped the region long before European arrival. In the late 1800s, Montana became known for the fur trade, gold rushes, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, before officially entering the Union as the 41st state in 1889.

	Famous People from Montana Two famous people connected to Montana are Sitting Bull, the Lakota leader who resisted U.S. government control and was present near the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce leader known for his courageous retreat through Montana while resisting forced relocation.

	Montana Literacy and Comprehension Exercises This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.

	Fun Montana Printables and Coloring Activities This section features fun and educational Montana-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Montana' sign, and much more!

	Fun Montana and United States Online Games This section provides some really exciting online games such as Montana or Not Montana, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.