260 Amazing Facts About Montana


Montana

260 Interesting Facts About Montana

  • The state flower of Montana is the Bitterroot.
  • The 2020 Montana population is one million people.
  • The square mile area of Montana is 147,040.
  • Montana is one of the largest states in the United States, ranking at number four behind Alaska, Texas, and California.
  • Despite being one of the largest states, it is also one of the least densely populated states, at only six people per square mile.
  • This means the Big Sky state has the 44th largest population of American states.
  • 'The Cowboy Capitol' is the other name for Miles City in Montana.
  • The largest temperature change recorded in one place over a 24 hour period occurred in Loma, Montana when the temperature rose from -54 to 49 degrees Fahrenheit. That's a full 100 degree difference!
  • Montana is home to 100 species of mammals: no other state has as many different mammal species.
  • ontana is home to seven State Forests and 53 State Parks.
  • Montana is the only state in the U.S. with a Triple Divide, which allows waters to flow to Hudson Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Montana has more different species of mammals than any other state in the U.S. There are approximately 100 species of mammals, including elk, bighorn sheep, caribou, and bobcats.
  • The Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing (undammed) river in the contiguous United States. The longest river in the U.S. by miles, the Missouri River, begins in Montana at the “Three Forks” - the intersection of the Gallatin, Madison and Jefferson Rivers.
  • Flathead Lake is the largest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi River.
  • Glacier National Park has 250 lakes in its boundaries.
  • Great Falls is the largest waterfall on the Missouri River.
  • Montana has the largest grizzly bear population of all the lower 48 states.
  • Not surprisingly, Montana has also named the grizzly bear their state animal.
  • The name of Montana’s largest state park, Makoshika, meant “bad earth” or “bad land” to Sioux Indians. But, despite its name, it’s a paradise for geologists. The park has over 11,000 acres of layered rock formations that include fossil remains of dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops.
  • Miles City is known as the Cow Capital of the West, where cowboy traditions live on through events like the annual Bucking Horse Sale.
  • At 12,807 feet, Granite Peak is the highest natural point in Montana.
  • Wild buffalo can still be viewed at the National Bison Range, just north of Missoula.
  • 3 Wonders of the Great Falls: in 2011, the oldest man (Walter Breuning) on earth was said to hail from the Great Falls. Secondly, the shortest river in the world is found here. The Roe River runs about 201 feet. Thirdly, the biggest fresh water spring in the United States (Giant Springs) is in Great Falls.
  • A Smoke Stack So Big: the Anaconda Smelter Stack dates back to 1918 and was created for the smelting operation of massive copper. Standing at 585 ft high, the chimney is one of the tallest freestanding masonry work, so tall that the Washington Monument can fit in.
  • The Rimrock Hoodoos: one of the best adventures you can do in Billings is hit Swords Park Trail. After about 0.8 miles, you will get to the hoodoos or toadstools. The colors of the rocks make great backdrops for photos. You can wander around in all directions but you may not climb them. While heading back to the trailhead parking, you can retrace your footsteps via the dry wash.
  • Montana is the only state in the US to have a land border with three Canadian provinces.
  • Montana has 56 counties: the largest county is Yellowstone.
  • Montana has around 28million acres of public land, which totals 30% of the state's total acreage.
  • Montana is home to seven State Forests and 53 State Parks.
  • The Rocky Mountains are found in Montana, as well as British Columbia in Canada, and Idaho and Wyoming in the United States.
  • Despite the name 'Montana' coming from the Spanish word for mountain, Montana only has an average elevation of 3,400 feet - the lowest among the Rocky Mountain states.
  • The highest point of Montana is Granite Peak at 12,799 feet.
  • The eastern portion of Montana is rolling landscape where cattle and sheep graze.
  • However, although the film focuses on the Blackfoot River in Montana, most of the fishing footage was actually shot on the state's Gallatin River.
  • Yellowstone National Park has around 2000 earthquakes yearly, and the park also has more than 300 geysers within its boundaries.
  • One of the largest T-Rex skeletons ever found was discovered in Hell Creek, Montana in 2016. It's known as 'Tufts-Love Rex' and is one of only 15 T-Rex skeletons found virtually intact.
  • Montana was the site of the first placement of a Gideon bible in a hotel room.
  • According to chlorofluorocarbon dating, the water at Giant Springs takes 26 years to travel underground before returning to the surface.
  • Montana is home to the largest migratory elk herd in the nation.
  • The first luge run in North America was built at Lolo Hot Springs in 1965.
  • Scot Schmidt, the first professional extreme skier, was born in Helena.
  • Travelers Rest in Lolo was a stopping point on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It’s the only site on the Lewis and Clark Trail that has physical proof of the explorers’ presence.
  • Montana holds the record for the most dramatic temperature change to occur over a 24-hour period. In 1972 in Loma, the temperature rose from -54˚F to 49˚F.
  • The tallest point in Montana is the Granite Peak. It stands at a height of 12,807 feet. It is the tenth highest point in the U.S.
  • Montana has the largest population of golden eagles in the United States. You can see more eagles on a single day here than anywhere else in the United States.
  • Montana is home to approximately 8,000 moose. This animal was once considered extinct but it is alive in well in Montana.
  • Montana has one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils. The Museum of the Rockies alone has 13 T-Rex specimens.
  • Dinosaur Trail, Havre: the H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum gives an opportunity to visitors to drive through a series of dinosaur sites. The remains of the 75 million-year-old dinosaur embryos have been preserved at Judith River Formation. This is an indication that the area was once covered by an inland sea.
  • Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary- A Haven for Rescued Animals: abandoned and rescued native wildlife find shelter at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. The orphanage never releases the animals back to the wild. So you can go and learn all about the history of bobcats, mountain lions, bison, eagles, wolves, elk, and black bears.
  • In Fort Benton, a cowboy once insisted on riding his horse to his room in the Grand Union Hotel. The manager objected, so the two exchanged gunfire. The Horseman was killed and, later, fourteen .44 slugs were found in his body.
  • The Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park is considered one of most scenic drives in the country.
  • Due to its ample mining history, Butte is known as the “richest hill on earth”.
  • It’s possible to see up to about 1,700 nesting pelicans at the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.
  • The Battle of the Little Bighorn, often referred to as Custer’s Last Stand, took place near the Little Big Horn River in Montana Territory. It was the most prominent action of the Great Sioux War of 1876.
  • The Yellowstone River, the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states, runs through Montana.
  • The town of Ekalaka was named after the daughter of famous Sioux chief, Sitting Bull.
  • The Big Sky County: Montana is referred to as the Big Sky County due to its many vantage points. Its horizon spreads out under the panoramic sky as in the case of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. There are several vantage points to see the migrating waterfowl. The 2.8 million acre draws skiers, hikers, fishers, and mountain bikers from all corners of the world.
  • Home to Unique Wildlife: there were two forests initially in Neihart- Helena-Lewis and Clark, which later combined to become a home of peculiar wildlife. People visit the national park to see a mountain goat, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, grizzly bears, black bear, gray wolf, bald eagles, peregrine falcon, blue grouse, and mountain lion, among others.
  • The Custer’s Last Stand: the Battle of the Little Bighorn occurred around the ravines and ridges Little Big Horn River. The fight was between the soldiers of the Lakota Sioux, the Northern Cheyenne tribe, and the 7th US Calvary Regiment. The war happens to be a symbol of the clash of 2 completely different cultures: the horse/buffalo culture from northern plain tribes and the industrialized US. The aftermath was the death of Custer together with his troop. A national monument was built to commemorate the Great Sioux War of 1876 and a clash of culture.
  • Montana contains Glacier National Park, which is known as 'The Crown of the Continent', and parts of Yellowstone National Park.
  • Glacier National Park has 250 lakes in its boundaries.
  • Yellowstone National Park is located in southern Montana and northern Wyoming, and was the first national park established in the United States.
  • It boasts 290 waterfalls that are more than 15 feet tall, and they flow year-round.
  • Giant Springs state park is located just outside Great Falls, boasting 14 miles of the Missouri River shoreline.
  • Giant Springs state park is also home to the largest freshwater springs in the country, producing over 156 million gallons of water daily.
  • The fastest growing sector of Montana's growth is tourism: nearly 13 million tourists visit locations like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, Flathead Lake, and Beartooth Highway every year.
  • Montana became a state on 8 November 1889.
  • Montana is the only state in the US with a triple divide, which allows water to flow into the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and the Hudson Bay.
  • Although Montana is now home to over 8,000 moose, the animal was once thought to be extinct in the Rockies south of Canada.
  • Infamous sheriff and outlaw Henry Plummer constructed the first jail in Montana.
  • In 1888, more millionaires per capita were living in Helena than any other city in the world. Most made their fortunes off of gold.
  • Jordan is one of the most isolated county seats in the country. The town is 175 miles from the nearest airport, 85 miles from the nearest bus line and 115 miles from the nearest train.
  • Both the Spanish and French laid claim to Montana historically.
  • Montana has a unique feature known as a triple divide. The triple divide allows water to flow into the Hudson Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • The most famous of the Montana state animals is the grizzly bear.
  • Only around 1500 grizzly bears remain in the lower 48 states of America: an estimated 800 are found in Montana.
  • The old capital of Virginia City is a Montana ghost town.
  • Once the gold of the surrounding mountains ran dry, occupants abandoned Virginia City, leaving it a perfectly preserved relic of the Old West.
  • Montana is home to the largest migratory elk herd in the US.  
  • The Northern Yellowstone herd (around 15 000 to 20 000 elks) migrates from Wyoming northwards into Montana each winter.
  • Around 10 000 white pelicans with a wingspan of nine feet migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to Medicine Lake in northeastern Montana every spring.
  • The only North American gemstone to be included in the Crown Jewels of England is the Montana Yogo sapphire.
  • To be considered 'frontier counties', means that these counties only have an average of 6 people per square mile or even fewer.
  • The economy of Montana is mostly based on agriculture, which includes ranching and cereal grain farming.
  • The state also benefits from its resources of oil, gas, coal, mining, and lumber.
  • Montana has thousands of rivers and creeks, including the Missouri River.
  • The Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing (un-dammed) river in the United States.
  • Its rivers feed the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and Hudson Bay.
  • Montana has 3000 named lakes and reservoirs, including Flathead Lake.
  • Flathead Lake was carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, and is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.
  • Both Flathead Lake and the world's smallest river, the Roe River, are in Big Sky Country.
  • The origin of the name “Montana” comes from the Spanish word for “mountainous.”
  • Montana is the fourth largest state in the U.S. with the 44th largest population.
  • Montana offers almost 28 million acres of public lands, almost 30 percent of the state’s total acreage. 
  • The North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, located at Gardiner, is the original entrance to the world’s first National Park when it opened.
  • The famous ghost town Bannack was founded in 1862 during the largest western gold rush since the California Gold Rush in 1848. It was first capital of Montana Territory until the capital was moved to Virginia City.
  • The famous fly-fishing movie “A River Runs Through It” focuses on the Blackfoot River in Montana, but most of the fishing footage was shot on Montana’s Gallatin River.
  • The largest observed snowflake fell during a storm in 1887 in Montana. It was measured at 15 inches wide.
  • Yogo Sapphires, found only in Montana, are considered to be among the finest sapphires in the world. Their “cornflower blue” color gives them one of the most true-blue colors naturally (without treating).
  • “Tufts-Love Rex,” a giant Tyrannosaurus skeleton, was found in 2016 in Hell Creek, Montana. It is one of only 15 virtually intact T. Rex skeletons and one of the largest ever found.
  • Jeannette Rankin from Missoula was the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1916.
  • The name Montana has a Spanish origin. The earliest Spanish settlers named the state “montaña” and it means mountain in Spanish. Montana is one of the nine mountainous states located in the western United States.
  • The motto of Montana is “oro y plata” and this means “gold and silver” in Spanish. This motto is taken from the gold and silver deposits in the state. Gold was first discovered in Montana in 1852.
  • Butte, Montana is called the “richest hill on planet earth”. This is because of the rich mining history of this city.
  • Montana has a very low population density. Of the state’s 56 counties, 46 counties have average populations of just 6 people or less per square mile. This is why these counties are considered “frontier counties”.

Things unique to Montana

  • Montana has a large population of grizzly bears. This is probably why the grizzly bear is the state animal of Montana. An estimated 1800 grizzly bears are thought to be alive today.
  • Montana has huge deposits of natural and mineral resources. Some of these resources are zinc, copper, silver, lead, oil, manganese, gold, timber and zinc.
  • The largest city in Montana is Billings and the capital city is Helena. Billings is the only city in Montana to have a population of more than 100,000 people while approximately 75,000 people live in Helena.
  • Montana has two popular nicknames. It is called the “Big Sky Country” and it is also called “The Treasure State”.
  • Montana is the 41st state to be formed in the U.S. preceded by South Dakota and succeeded by Washington. It was incorporated into the union on November 8, 1889.
  • Montana has a large international border with Canada. It is the only state in the U.S. to share a land border with three Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan).
  • Montana has two important revenue-generating industries. They are mining and agriculture.
  • Montana is the first state in the United States to elect a woman to Congress. Montana native, Jeanette Rankin was elected to Congress in 1916 and re-elected in 1940. Jeanette Rankin was against the World Wars and also opposed the U.S. attack on Pearl Harbour. Her’s was the only vote against the war and she faced furious opposition for her views.
  • Approximately 10,000 white pelicans migrate from the Gulf of Mexico to Medicine Lake, Montana every spring. These birds are striking because they have wingspans of about nine feet.
  • There are more cattle than human beings in Montana. This is not surprising because the state is an important center of livestock farming.
  • The largest snowflake ever observed was seen in Fort Keogh, Montana. This snowflake had an incredible diameter of 15 inches.
  • One of the largest steer in world history rests in the O’Fallon Museum in Montana. This steer was about six feet tall and weighed an impressive 3,980 pounds.
  • The Lewis and Clark expedition stopped at Travelers Rest in Lolo, Montana. This is the only site that has physical proof of the presence of these explorers.
  • The city of Loma in Montana has the world record for the greatest temperature change in 24 hours. The temperature changed a whopping 103 degrees Fahrenheit moving from -54 degrees Fahrenheit to 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Montana has a unique feature called a triple divide. This triple divide allows water to flow into the Atlantic Ocean, The Hudson Bay (when considered an Arctic tributary) and the Pacific Ocean. The continental divide is responsible for an extreme climate since the opposing Arctic and Pacific atmospheres link up to create a dramatic weather clash. Visitors are advised to carry rain gear and warm clothes when visiting Kalispell’s backyard treasure.
  • In 1888, there were more millionaires per capita in Helena, Montana than any other city on earth. Most of these millionaires made their money from gold.
  • Jordan, Montana is one of the remotest county seats in the United States. The nearest airport is 175 miles away while the nearest bus line is 85 miles away.
  • Part of the Yellowstone National Park is located in Montana. The park experiences 1000-3000 earthquakes annually and is also home to supervolcanoes. It is the first national park in the U.S. Montana is also home to the “Crown of the Continent” – the Glacier National Park.
  • Montana is large enough to contain six American states. You can fit the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia into Montana.
  • The Great Falls on the Missouri River is actually in Montana. It is the biggest waterfall on this river.
  • Montana has a huge population of wild buffalo. You can see many of these animals at the National Bison Range close to Missoula.
  • Montana has many lakes. In fact, the Glacier National Park is host to 250 lakes and many of them are within Montana’s boundaries.
  • Montana has the largest variety of mammals in the United States. Some of these animals are elk, bison (the largest land mammal in North America), grizzly bears and buffaloes.
  • Montana is home to one of the largest earth-filled dam in the world. This dam is the Fort Peck Dam located in northeast Montana.
  • Montana has the largest County Park in the United States. This park is the Beaver Creek Park located in Hill County, Montana.
  • The Yellowstone River runs through parts of Montana. This river is definitely the longest un-dammed river in the lower 48 states.
  • Montana has a large population of native Americans. This state has at least eight federally recognized Native American tribes.
  • Bannack is the first territorial capital of Montana. It is preserved as a ghost town today.
  • The legendary Native American chief Sitting Bull has a town named after his daughter. The town of Ekalaka in Montana is named after the daughter of this famous chief.
  • The smokestack in Anaconda, Montana is one of the tallest brick structures in the world. It stands 585 feet high.
  • Only one gem from North America is included in the Crown Jewels of England. This is the Montana Yogo Sapphire.
  • Montana is the home of the world’s First International Peace Park. This park is a combination of Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and the Glacier National Park in Montana.
  • Montana also has two popular slogans associated with its name – the “land of the shining mountains” and the “last best place.” Montana has more than a 100 mountain ranges in its western half.
  • In the area, it is slightly larger than Japan. It is also the largest landlocked U.S. state.
  • The Clark Fork discharges the greatest volume of water of any river exiting the state.
  • There are more than 3000 named lakes and reservoirs in Montana. These include the Flathead Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in the U.S.
  • Fork Peak Reservoir of Missouri River is the largest reservoir in the state.
  • July 2007 was the hottest month ever recorded in Montana.
  • The Desert Land Act of 1877, allowed settlement of Arid Lands and allocated 640 acres to settlers for a fee of $0.25 per acre and a promise to irrigate the land.
  • During World War I, approximately 1500 Montanans died and 2437 were injured. Almost 40,000 Montanans volunteered or drafted for the war. This is a huge contribution of manpower by any state in the U.S. during the time.
  • For World War I, Montana contributed one of the highest numbers of soldier per capita of any state. It was higher than 25% of any other state on a per capita basis.
  • Did you know that during World War II, almost 30 Japanese balloons landed in Montana? However, no damage to life or property resulted from these balloons.
  • Montana is also home to the largest ICBM field in the U.S. covering 23,500 miles.
  • Interestingly, Montana has given its three electoral votes to Republicans ever since the early 1950s with the exception of Lyndon Johnson’s in 1964 and Bill Clinton in 1992.
  • The Boiling River: the point where hot spring enters Gardner River is referred to as the Boiling River. Both hot and cool waters come together to create warm temperatures that are comfortable for swimming. It is a naturally hot tub and a great spot to soak up the beauty of Yellowstone.
  • Views of 3 US States: there is a bountiful mountain experience at the Big Ski Resort. There are 4 cliffs, 36 lifts, and over 300 runs. On clear days, you can see three states – Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana as well as the Yellowstone and Tetons national parks.
  • America’s Biggest Skiing: located midway between West Yellowstone and Bozeman, the Big Sky Resort got its name from its layout. Its paths are carved on a magnitude of terrain with a big sky above. Crowds love the powder stashes that are scattered evenly as a result of consistent snowfall. The land around here is covered by snow more than the skiers themselves.
  • The Surfing Downtown of Missoula: an evening stroll at Missoula would be incomplete without stopping by the bridge downtown. Surfers come here to ride waves of the gentle Clark Fork River. The man-made waves are right at the city center for the enjoyment of both locals and international tourists.
  • Most Historic City of Montana: Butte-Silver Bow was the first biggest city in Montana and in the west of Mississippi River. The early days involved the rise of Copper Kings and a mining camp that led to the founding of the labor movement. After decades of reduced mining, the city turned into an urban renaissance with a beautiful landscape.
  • The Montana Yogo Sapphire is the only gem from North America that’s included in the Crown Jewels of England.
  • There are more cattle in Montana than there are people.
  • On Highway 59, south of Miles City, Harry Landers has topped almost 1 mile of his fence posts with over 300 boots.
  • Popular American daredevil Evel Knievel was from Montana.
  • The O’Fallon Museum in Baker boasts the largest steer in world, Steer Montana. He grew to be nearly six feet tall and weighed 3,980 pounds.
  • In Montana, you can use the word “ditch” to order a drink. The phrase means “with water.” I.e. a “whiskey ditch” is a “whiskey and water.”
  • Successful animator and producer Brad Bird, who worked on well-known projects like “Rugrats,” “The Simpsons,” and Disney’s “The Incredibles” was born in Kalispell.
  • The Museum of the Rockies has one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils on Earth. It’s also home to 13 T-Rex specimens, more than anywhere else in the world.
  • A portion of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the country, is in Montana. The park has 1000-3000 earthquakes each year and is home to one of the Earth’s few super volcanos.
  • Montana is the 4th largest state in the US, by area. You can fit Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York within its borders and still have room for the District of Columbia.
  • Despite its large size, Montana is only the 44th most populated state in the nation.
  • Glacier National Park has 250 lakes within its boundaries.
  • Fort Peck Dam is the largest earth-filled dam in the world
  • The Rocky Mountain Front Eagle Migration Area is one of the best places to view golden eagles in the country. More golden eagles have been seen in a single day than anywhere else in the US.
  • Montana’s name comes from the Spanish word for “mountain”.
  • The first territorial capital of Montana, Bannack, is still preserved as a ghost town.
  • Out of the 56 counties in Montana, 46 are considered “frontier counties,” with average populations of 6 people or less per square mile.
  • Beaver Creek Park in Hill County is the largest county park in the US.
  • Famous western artist Charles M “Charlie” Russell called Montana home.
  • Montana’s state motto is “oro y plata” which means “gold and silver” in Spanish.
  • There are eight different federally recognized Native American tribes living in Montana.
  • Montana has not just one but two state gemstones: sapphire and agate.
  • At 585 feet high, the smokestack in Anaconda is one of the world’s tallest free-standing brick structures.
  • The name Montana comes from the Spanish word for mountains, 'montaña'.
  • Early Spanish colonizers named Montana 'Montaña del Norte' when they were first exploring the state, because of its western mountainous region.
  • Montana's nickname is 'The Treasure State' as a result of its hugely rich mineral reserves.
  • Montana's state motto is 'Oro y Plata', comes from the Spanish for 'gold and silver', as a result of the state's plentiful reserves.
  • Sapphires are one of the Montana symbols, as they are also found in abundance in the state.
  • Montana has several other nicknames, including 'Big Sky Country' and 'Land of the Shining Mountains'.
  • The capital of Montana is Helena, with a population of around 75,000.
  • However, the biggest city in Montana is Billings, with a population of around 100,000.
  • Montana borders both Canadian provinces and American states.
  • Of the United States, North Dakota and South Dakota sit at Montana's east, Wyoming is to its south, and Idaho to its west.
  • British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are Canadian provinces bordering Montana to the north.
  • Montana's eastern portion forms part of the northern Great Plains, an area it shares with Alberta, Saskatchewan, North and South Dakota, and northeastern Wyoming.
  • The contrast between Montana's high mountains and low-lying plains are the state's most striking geographical features.
  • 50 of Montana's 56 counties are considered 'frontier counties', designated by The National Center for Frontier Communities in 2000.
  • The water in Roe River originates from Giant Springs: before the water emerges here, scientists estimate that it has travelled underground for 2900 years.
  • It was the 41st state admitted to the union on 8 November 1889.
  • Yellowstone National Park was established on 1 March 1872, which was 20 years before either Idaho, Wyoming, or Montana were granted statehood.
  • The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument memorializes the 1876 battle between the Native American Sioux tribe and U.S. Army.
  • Archaeologists state that the first settlers in Montana are the Paleo-Indians.
  • Eleven tribal nations live on Montana's seven Native American reservations.
  • The twelfth tribe of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa lives without its own land in Montana.
  • The first gold was discovered in Montana at Gold Creek in 1852.
  • The first European colonizers of Montana were French fur traders, who arrived in the 1700s.
  • The 'Going to the Sun Road' in Glacier National Park is amongst the most scenic drives in America.
  • The first International Peace Park in the world was established in 1932, when Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, were united.
  • These two parks were then listed as joint World Heritage Sites for their beautiful scenery and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Glacier National Park is also an International Biosphere Reserve.
  • In 1908, the National Bison Range was established to preserve wild bison from extinction in western Montana.
  • Alongside elk, deer, antelope, and bears, around 500 bison live in this wildlife refuge.
  • Montana is one of the few remaining places globally to see free-roaming buffalo.
  • Montana is also home to Pompey's Pillar, a rock formation near Billings which is made of sandstone and was signed by Captain William Clark in 1806.
  • Pompey's Pillar also has ancient animal drawings on its surface: it could have been a meeting place for humans thousands of years ago.
  • Downhill skiing and cross-country skiing are both popular sports in Montana: the state has 15 developed downhill ski areas that are open to the public.
  • The coldest temperature ever recorded in the United States was in Rogers Pass on January 20, 1954, at -70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The Montana state bird is the Western meadowlark - this was voted by schoolchildren in 1930.
  • These animals include elk, caribou, lynx, and bobcats.
  • Montana is home to the famous ghost town Bannack, which was founded in 1862.
  • Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays Mitchell Prewitt, hails from Montana.
  • The largest snowflake ever observed fell during an 1887 storm in Montana. It measured 15 inches.
  • The Montana Yogo sapphire is considered amongst the finest sapphires in the world.
  • At the 19th century's close, the mines made the capital of Montana Helena home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world.  
  • The actor Gary Cooper came from Montana.
  • Yellowstone Park is one of the 30 active super volcanoes around the world, and is the only land-based one.
  • The Rocky Mountain Front Eagle Migration Area, west of Great Falls, is the best place in the world to see golden eagles - it's the record holder for the most golden eagles spotted in one day.
  • Paleontologists from the Museum of the Rockies were the first to discover fossilised dinosaur embryos at Egg Mountain in the Rocky Mountains, 14 September 1983.
  • Montana's state tree is the ponderosa pine.
  • Montana is the surname of the fictional character that brought Miley Cyrus fame: Hannah Montana.
  • The first woman to be elected to Congress in 1916, Jeanette Rankin, was born in Montana.
  • Freezeout Lake, near Great Falls, sees thousands of snow geese and tundra swans migrate there every year.
  • The Big Sky state is also home to the largest population of breeding trumpeter swans in the U.S.
  • The North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park is the original entrance to the world's first National Park, and is still the only year-round entrance.
  • The film A River Runs Through It, which starred Robert Redford, was filmed in Montana, bringing national attention to the featured sport of fly fishing.
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