Travel Spotlights: West Region

Answer the call to adventure in Montana, home to sparkling lakes, snowcapped mountain peaks and the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. Near Helena, this spot was encountered by adventurers Lewis and Clark and sits halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Among this trail’s 14 paleontology museums, discover the state’s rich geological history at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, which displays the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skull ever found. In Choteau, tour the Old Trail Museum, where you can touch a dinosaur bone.

At this popular museum in Butte, experience Montana’s mining history by going 20 meters underground, climbing into a mining cage and exploring 66 exhibits at the Orphan Girl mine yard. Visit the mineral and rock room and re-created mining town.

Located in the northwestern Montana, Flathead Lake – the largest freshwater lake in the Western USA – is a beautiful spot for sailing, swimming and fishing. Take a boat tour to Wild Horse Island to see wild horses, bighorn sheep, deer and bald eagles.

Marvel at stalactites and stalagmites on a guided tour of these dramatic limestone caverns in Whitehall. You may see Western big-eared bats sleeping in dark crevices. Aboveground, enjoy hiking, biking, a nature tour of the park or camping under the stars.

Explore North Dakota’s expansive vistas in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Join a ranger-led hike through the scenic badlands, home to multicolored rock formations, dramatic canyons and sweeping plains where bison, elk and prairie dogs roam.

The International Peace Garden in Dunseith is a celebration of peace, cooperation and friendship. Tour the Sunken Gardens, listen to the Carillon Bell Tower’s Westminster chimes or visit the Floral Clock – every year, it’s redesigned using up to 5,000 plants.

Learn about North Dakota’s Indigenous Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people at this multipurpose lakeside facility in New Town. Explore the museum and interactive kiosks that detail the living history of these tribes and stop by the gift shop for a souvenir.

Unlock a gateway to the past at the oldest state park in Mandan, North Dakota. Hike, bike or horseback ride scenic trails with views of the Heart and Missouri River bottoms, explore reconstructed Earthlodges at the On-A-Slant Indian Village or tour Fort Abraham Lincoln.

Featuring a growing culinary culture and thriving arts scene, North Dakota’s largest city offers visitors numerous attractions and activities in its bustling downtown. Sip a latte at Atomic Coffee, shop at unique boutiques, dine on authentic Mexican street food, tour a museum or explore an art gallery.

The otherworldly beauty of Badlands National Park attracts adventurers with its twisted peaks, winding canyons and sharp buttes. Hike the Notch Trail or drive the scenic Badlands Loop Road and spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife along the way.

Follow in the footsteps of explorers Lewis and Clark as you journey across South Dakota. Check out historic sites such as the Native American Scenic Byway and Fort Randall Dam, or spend a day swimming, fishing and sailing in the reservoir at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area.

Visit the land of outlaws and heroes like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane in Historic Deadwood. Nestled in the Black Hills, this gold rush mountain town transports visitors to the Wild West. See historic sites, tour museums and take a wagon ride through town.

Crafted to honor Lakota leader Crazy Horse, this granite memorial is the largest in-progress sculpture in the world. Watch live crews as they sculpt the mountain, and explore the Avenue of the Chiefs to discover museums, a viewing veranda and a theater.

In the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, you’ll find Wind Cave National Park. Take a guided tour into the depths of one of the longest underground caves in the world as you listen for the whistling of escaping air. Above ground, keep a lookout for bison, elk and prairie dogs.

Take a road trip through scenic Colorado, home to towering mountains, vibrant towns and breathtaking national parks. Fly into the gateway city of Denver and drive to Colorado Springs. Ascend to the top of Pikes Peak on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and marvel at sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods Park.

Just outside of Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the USA, nearly 300 meters above the Arkansas River. For incredible panoramic views, stroll across the bridge or take a thrilling gondola ride. Stop by the visitor’s center to enjoy the café and gift shop.

Travel from Colorado Springs to Alamosa, home to the tallest sand dunes in the USA at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Rent specially made equipment outside of the park for a thrilling day of sandboarding or sand sledding before hitting the road to the small town of Pagosa Springs.

Soak in the relaxing, warm waters of Colorado’s Pagosa Springs. Used by ancient Puebloan tribes for centuries, the mineral-rich waters offer replenishing benefits to soothe the body and soul. Check in at The Springs Resort & Spa, home to 23 spring pools on the banks of the San Juan River.

After you’ve rejuvenated in the hot springs, drive to Mesa Verde National Park, where history is carved in stone at the incredible Cliff Palace. This Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling features over 150 rooms. Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road or hike trails to see ancient rock carvings.

Discover downtown Denver’s walkable thoroughfares, vast performing arts complex and world-class museums. Browse boutiques tucked into Victorian buildings in Larimer Square and dine at chef-driven restaurants or sidewalk cafés.

From the galleries and museums in the Golden Triangle Creative District to the craft breweries and street art of RiNo Art District, Denver is a celebration of the diverse cultures that create the fabric of the city.

Experience the latest in entertainment at Denver’s dynamic new outdoor plaza, McGregor Square. Encompassing an entire block of Lower Downtown Denver, this exciting complex features a boutique hotel and a diverse selection of restaurants and retail outlets.

A magnet for art lovers, the recently renovated Denver Art Museum entices guests with reimagined galleries, dining options and outdoor spaces. Explore nine collections including Latin, Asian, Western and Indigenous art featuring more than 70,000 works from around the world.

Hear artists from all musical genres like you’ve never heard them before. This legendary venue has near-perfect acoustics due to its natural design among towering red rock formations. Beyond concerts, explore the Performers Hall of Fame, try Yoga on the Rocks, hike nearby trails or grab a bite at Ship Rock Grille.

Known for its wilderness areas, national forests, and state and local parks, Idaho is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. At Craters of the Moon, hike trails or take a scenic drive on the loop road to explore a dramatic landscape of ancient lava flows.

Venture into North America’s deepest river gorge, where Old West history meets rugged beauty. Hike or horseback ride through the scenic wilderness, experience whitewater rafting or jet boat tours on the Snake River, and keep an eye out for grazing bighorn sheep.

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