Montana – Big Sky Country

Greetings from Montana Postcard. Available at Legends' General Store.

Greetings from Montana Postcard. Available at Legends’ General Store.

Montana’s name is derived from the Spanish word montaña, which means mountain. She is also known by several nicknames, including “Big Sky Country,” “The Treasure State,” “Land of the Shining Mountains,” and “The Last Best Place.”

Montana is a land of spectacular mountains and plains. From the outstanding geological features of Yellowstone to the majesty of Glacier, Montana’s National Parks will inspire and astound you. You’ll see an abundance of wildlife – antelope, elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, eagles, trumpeter swans, bears, wolves, and more.

Visitors will also enjoy adventure and excitement in the Old West by seeing the historic mining camps of Nevada CityBannack, and more.

Montana has something for everyone, providing memories you will never forget.

Enjoy your travels in Montana, and welcome to the Big Sky Legends.

Kathy R. Weiser-Alexander
Editor

Virginia City, one of Montana's oldest mining camps, still entertains thousands of visitors yearly. Photo by Kathy Alexander.

Virginia City, one of Montana’s oldest mining camps, still entertains thousands of visitors yearly. Photo by Kathy Alexander.

Montana Flag – Under the word “Montana,” on a blue field, is the state seal. The seal shows some of Montana’s beautiful scenery and tells what people were doing in pioneer times. The pick, shovel, and plow represent mining and farming. In the background, a sun rises over mountains, forests, and the Great Falls of the Missouri River. A ribbon contains the state motto “Gold and Silver.”

Bowman Lake at Glacier National Park, by the National Park Service

Bowman Lake at Glacier National Park, by the National Park Service.

 

© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated February 2024.

Also See:

Destinations Across America

National Parks

United States Geography

U.S. States