While Montana is renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, picturesque small towns, and fertile ranch lands, it also boasts a unique blend of peculiar and extraordinary sights that are sure to captivate any traveler.
From millions of frozen grasshoppers, rocks that sing, dinosaur bones, and plenty of ghost towns, Montana is an explorer’s paradise.
There are so many odd and interesting things to see in the Treasure State that we had to poll our team at Hollinger Real Estate in Bigfork, Montana, to select the top unusual things to see.
The Berkely Pit
Butte, Montana
When we heard that people from around the world actually PAY to see this, we had to check it out. What was once an open pit copper mine that helped to electrify America now holds over 40 billion gallons of acidic water, microscopic lifeforms, and heavy metals. It is the largest collection of toxic waste, including sulfuric acid, zinc, arsenic, iron, cadmium, and copper. Measuring one mile long by half a mile deep, the Berkely Pit is said to be over 1,780 feet deep.
Montana Dinosaur Center
Bynum, Montana
Are you fascinated by creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago? Here’s your opportunity to dig for dinosaur bones, really! Through the Montana Dinosaur Center, you can be a paleontologist by participating in their half-day and full-day digs. During this expedition, you and your family can learn about fossil identification, surface mapping, and field search. Then, the real fun begins, when you go to an active dig which may include anything from rock and dirt removal to bone extraction!
The Ringing Rocks of Montana
Butte, Montana
Prepare to be amazed at the Ringing Rocks of Montana, a unique geological formation located approximately 18 miles east of Butte and north of I-90. To experience this wonder, bring a metal object (a screwdriver, crescent wrench or small hammer works fine) to tap on the pile of rocks located just on the outer edge of the Boulder Batholith. The rocks, with their unique geological shape, emit a ringing or chiming sound when lightly tapped. The tunes will change as you work your way around the pile. But remember, don’t move any rock! If the pile is disturbed, the ringing will no longer occur. Locals will explain that the sounds are due to the rock’s composition and their chemistry within, adding to the mystery and wonder of this unique attraction.
Grasshopper Glacier
Worden, Montana
Here’s one that kids of all ages will find absolutely fascinating. Located in the Custer National Forest is a famous snowfield that sits at 11,000 feet. Unlike most glaciers in the world, this one is not white. In fact, our research notes it looks like “elephant skin.” Its bizarre appearance comes from the frozen bodies of tens of millions of locusts, which are embodied within the glacier. Back in the 1900s a geologist by the name of J.P. Kimball apparently discovered this scientific wonder. He deduced that these grasshoppers (locusts) must have been journeying over the Rockies and got caught in a fierce winter storm. Further research indicates that this species was identified as “Rocky Mountain locusts” -which are now extinct. It’s a tough road to get to this abnormal act of Mother Nature, yet those who trekked to the glacier said it’s worth the time and effort.
Pompey’s Pillar National Monument
Worden, Montana
No matter where you travel throughout Northwest Montana, you are sure to come across historical road signs with stories about the travels of Lewis and Clark. In Worden, Montana, it’s not a road sign to stop you in your travels, but a towering sandstone pillar. For those who seek sights of ancient petroglyphs, set your sights on this. Look closely and see an intriguing collection of Native American petroglyphs. Look closer, under the glass frame and you will see the signature of William Clark. From what historians have documented, this is the only remaining permanent natural evidence of Clark’s travels through the West.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Whitehall, Montana
Speaking of Lewis & Clark, here’s another adventure to add to your list, especially if you are seeking a spot to cool off. Discover one of North America’s most highly decorated limestone caverns at Montana’s first national park. Above ground, the Park is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic. Below ground is the perfect spot to slip away from the sun and enter one of the largest limestone caves in the West. Back in the 1800s, history notes that Lewis & Clark enjoyed the setting as much as you will – setting up camp. Today, the 3,000-acre park is one of Montana’s more unusual parks that hosts some of the most interesting limestone structures that you may ever see here in the United States.
St. Ignatius Mission
St. Ignatius, Montana
Set in the foreground of the magnificent Mission Mountains, this historic Mission is not odd or unusual per se, yet it is an integral part of the region’s history. The center of the Mission is its iconic Sistine Chapel, which can be seen for miles on end. Inside is just as spectacular, with 58 hand-painted ceiling and wall frescos that remain in meticulous shape. Outside, you will take a step back in time, walking through a few of the Mission’s remaining structures that were home to a thriving school, mill, and covenant of the Sisters of Providence – back in the 1800s. The museum includes artifacts of the mission’s work with the Confederated Salish Tribe.
The Havre Tunnels
Havre, Montana
While doing our research for this Blog about odd things to see in Montana, we were continually amazed at the options to explore – underground. And here’s another one. Back in 1904, the entire town of Havre burned down – yet that didn’t stop the residents from remaining on site. They rebuilt their life, underground. Included in the rebuild were a saloon and bordello (a commonplace for those days), a butcher, a soda fountain, and other (legal and illegal) necessities. For those who know what it is like to live in Havre year-round, it doesn’t surprise us that the town’s hearty and determined residents continued on!
Miracle of America Museum
Polson, Montana
Call it unusual, quirky, odd, entertaining, and educational all in one breath; it’s by far the largest collection of all the above in America. On the south end of this quaint lakeside community of Polson is the Miracle of America Museum, which is jampacked with history inside and out. No matter what your interests in life, you will find more options to wander and wonder than you could ever expect from its eclectic assortment of oddities outside. Just look for the gigantic hanging cherry, Army remnants, and shipwrecked structure, and you will know that you have arrived!
No matter where you travel within Big Sky Country, we know you will always find something interesting to see and do. It’s also a spot where Mother Nature has set the scene for living a good life under the Big Sky. Right now, there is an excellent selection of lakefront homes, mountain homes, golf resort properties and wide open spaces for sale in Montana. When you are ready to continue to discover our state that overflows with treasures, contact our family at Hollinger Real Estate. We were born and raised in Montana and know the territory better than most.
