Explore this Map of Montana to learn everything you want to know about this state. Learn about this state’s location in the United States of America. Check out its national parks, trails, flag, geography, time zones, history, major cities, capital, and many more.

About Montana

Montana is the 41st state of the United States, which was admitted to the union on November 8, 1889. Helena is Montana’s capital city. Billings is the largest city, metro, and urban area in Montana state. 

English is the official language. In the US, Montana is one of the least populous states. Big Sky Country and The Treasure State are its nicknames. The Spanish word “Oro y Plata” (which means Gold and Silver) is the State Motto. Learn more about this US state from Facts of Montana.

Montana Flag

Montana’s state flag has a blue background with the state seal at the center. Along the upper and lower borders of the flag, a gold fringe is there. 

The Great Seal of the State of Montana features:

• An outer ring has the words “The Great Seal of the State of Montana.”
• In the inner circle of the emblem, you’ll find a landscape of:
  • Mountains
  • Yellow-colored sky
  • Plains
  • Forests beside the Great Falls on the Missouri River
• On the front of the inner circle, the picture shows a shovel, a pick, and a plow. It represents the industry of the state.
• At the bottom of the banner, the motto of the territory, Spanish words “Oro y Plata” is written. It means “Gold and Silver.”

The original design of the territory was accepted on February 9, 1865. 

In 1889, Montana changed from a territory to a state. The Territorial resolution accepted the design of Francis McGee Thompson and chaired a legislative committee that included the original designers. On March 2, 1895, the new design of the Great Seal of Montana was approved. Lear more about Montana State Symbols.

Montana History

Archaeological evidence suggests that more than 12,000 years back, the indigenous Native Americans used to live in the Montana area. Some of the tribes that lived there were:

• The Crows
• The Cheyenne
• Gros Ventres
• Assiniboine
• The Blackfeet
• The Kalispel
• The Pend d’Oreille
• Salish
• The Kootenai

The white explorers first entered this area during 1804-1806 through the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The first permanent settlement was in the Bitterroot Valley. Roman Catholic missionaries established Saint Mary’s Mission here. During the 1860s, this region became prosperous after gold’s discovery. 

Frequent conflicts took place between the Native Indians and the white people. Some of the most important battles were:

• Marias Massacre
• 1876’s:
  • Sioux and Cheyenne 
  • The Battle of the Little Bighorn
• 1877’s Big Hole Basin victory by Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce 

Despite these wins, they became no match before the might of the US Army. 

In the 1860s, the cattle ranches started to flourish in western valleys. In the high plains, open-range cattle operations started to flourish after 1870. A significant change took place in the 1880s. Montana received its first railroads, boosting easy freight movement and economic prosperity. In 1889, the territory of Montana became the State of Montana. The economy of Montana started to shift to the services sector from natural resource extraction after World War 2.

Montana Location

Montana Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of Montana on the US map. It also features the boundaries of different states in the US, neighboring countries, and oceans all around. 

The state of Montana is situated in the Western USA’s Mountain West subregion. It shares its borders with:

• Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta provinces of Canada (in the north)
• North Dakota and South Dakota (in the east)
• Wyoming (in the south)
• Idaho (in the west)

Its precise location is 44° 21′ N to 49° N Latitude and 104° 2′ W to 116° 3′ W Longitude. To learn more about the location, check the Montana Longitude and Latitude Map.

Montana Geography

The state of Montana is spread across a total area of 147,040 sq mi (380,800 sq km), out of which 145,552 sq mi (376,980 sq km) is land area and 1,491 sq mi (3,862 sq km) is water area. In terms of area, it is the 4th largest state in the United States. 

The geographical area of Montana has two predominant landforms:

• Great Plains: It covers around 60% of the total landform in Montana. To the east of the Rocky Mountains, this landform is situated. Great plains consist of prairies, grasslands, and high and gently rolling lands interrupted by hills and rivers such as Missouri Rivers and Yellowstone. You’ll find small mountains in this plain, including:
  • Little Rocky Mountain
  • Judith Mountain
  • Big Snowy Mountain
  • Bear Paws Mountain

Natural stone columns of different colors, including brown, yellow, red, and white, can be found in the southeastern parts. Wind and water sweep these badlands. 

• Rocky Mountain Region in Montana: Mountains and flat and grassy valleys cover this region. Evergreens such as pines, spruce, firs, and others can be found here. While the southwest valleys here are spread across 30-to-40 miles (48.3-to-64.4 km), the narrower valleys in the north are spread across 1-to-5 miles (1.6-to-8 km). A few active glaciers can be found in the higher altitudes of the Rocky Mountains. In the Montana Rocky Mountains, you’ll find clear and cold lakes. Check this Montana Topographic Maps to learn more.

Learn more about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of Montana.

Montana Counties 

Montana has 56 counties. Beaverhead County is the largest county in Montana, having a total area of 5,543 sq mi (14,356 sq km). Silver Bow County is the smallest county having a total area of 718 sq mi (1,860 sq km). Take a closer look at the location and boundaries of different counties in the Montana County Map.

Montana Area Codes

The US State of Montana has only one area code, which is 406. The Montana Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code. It also shows the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

Montana Zip Codes Map

There are 361 active zip codes in Montana. Some of the best zip codes to live in are 59715, 59601, 59718, 59803, 59802, 59725, 59102, 59801, and many more. The Montana Zip Codes Map helps you locate a particular zip code’s location and shows the zip code boundary, state boundary, and state capital. 

Montana Major Cities

Montana’s city map helps you learn about the state’s major cities and locations. It also showcases the state capital, state boundary, other cities, neighboring states and oceans, and many more. 

Some of the largest and major cities in Montana are Billings, Butte, Helena, Bozeman, Great Falls, Missoula, and many more. Check out the Montana Cities Map for more details.

Montana Airports

The busiest airports in Montana are Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Billings Logan International Airport, Missoula Montana Airport, and many more. Check the location of different airports (both public-use and military) in the state on the Montana Airports Map. This map also shows Montana’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

Montana National Park and Trails

Montana has eight national parks. Around 3,903,740 visitors visit these national parks annually. Major national parks in the state are Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and others.

In Montana, you can enjoy around 1,253 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Some of the most popular ones are Avalanche Lake through the Trail of the Cedars, Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail, Highline Trail, Hidden Lake Trail, etc. 

Check out the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, and more details in the National Parks in Montana Map.

Montana Climate 

In the USA, Montana is one of the coldest regions. 57.2 °F (14 °C) is the average daily high temperature here. The climatic condition of Montana keeps changing frequently. You’ll find varied seasons in the state, ranging from warm summer to deep winter conditions. 

July remains the sunniest month. Montana receives around 12 hours of sunshine every day during this month. Sunshine remains the shortest in December. The maximum precipitation occurs in June and the least in January. Relative humidity ranges from 40% to 60%, which is considered pleasant overall. December records the highest humidity, but July remains driest.

Montana Time Zones

The time zone of most of Montana is UTC−07:00 (Mountain). Montana’s Summer (DST) time zone is UTC−06:00 (MDT).

FAQs on Montana

FAQ #1: How Big is Montana?

Ans: Montana is the 4th largest US state in terms of total area. Its total area is 147,040 sq mi (380,800 sq km), out of which 145,552 sq mi (376,980 sq km) is land area and 1,491 sq mi (3,862 sq km) is water area.

FAQ #2: What is the Capital of Montana?

Ans: Helena is the capital of Montana. 

FAQ #3: What is the Population of Montana?

Ans: Montana is one of the least populous states in the United States. The state’s population is expected to be 1.14 million in 2022. It is the 43rd most populous state in the United States. 

FAQ #4: What is Montana known for?

Ans: The state of Montana is known for Yellowstone National Park, Sapphires, Wildlife, Bighorn Mountains, rich mineral deposits, and many more. 

FAQ #5: Is Montana nice to Live in?

Ans: Yes, Montana has many places and reasons to live nicely. Two cities of Montana have made it to the list of Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2018 of Livability. While the hometown of the University of Montana (Missoula) ranked 59, the hometown of Montana State University (Bozeman) ranked 96. Availability of a wide range of education options, outdoor recreation, conducive business climate, and others are some of the reasons to live nicely in Montana. 

FAQ #6: Does Montana have a Desert?

Ans: Montana Desert is located just beside I-90’s Pipestone exit. It is situated just 2.2 miles (3.54 km) up Delmoe Lake Road. You can find it just after the old Northern Pacific rail line. 

FAQ #7: How Long is Winter in Montana?

Ans: The winter season lasts for around 3.2 months. The average daily high temperature during November 20-February 25 remains below 40 °F (4.44 °C). December is the coldest month in the state, during which the average low and high temperatures remain 14 °F (-10 °C) and 31 °F (-0.6 °C), respectively. 

FAQ #8: Is Montana Flat or Mountainous??

Ans: Montana is predominantly mountainous. While you’ll find the Rocky Mountains in the east, many small mountains (such as Judith Mountain, Little Rocky Mountain, Big Snowy Mountain, and Bear Paws Mountain) can be found in the Great Plains. 

FAQ #9: Why is Montana called Big Sky?

Ans: Montana is called Big Sky Country because it refers to the state’s unobstructed skyline. This nickname originated during the Montana State Highway Department’s promotion in 1962. 

FAQ #10: Why is Montana called Treasure State?

Ans: You will find large-scale mines of both gold and silver in Montana. Gold and silver mining has brought treasure to the state and led to the boom in the economy of Montana. That’s why it is called the Treasure State. Montana’s state motto is “Oro y Plata,” which means “Gold and Silver” in Spanish.