Your Time Off, Your Time in Southeast Montana

When it comes to vacation, one thing rises above the rest: relaxation. Think quiet moments in a hammock, leisurely hours by the river, and the kind of calm that makes you say “ahhh.” Still, 52% of Americans don’t use all their vacation days each year—amounting to 705 million unused days of downtime. That’s a lot of rest left behind.

In Southeast Montana, skipping time off feels about as natural as a T-Rex trying to clap—just not happening. With endless big skies, wide open spaces, and welcoming small towns, there’s simply nowhere better to slow down, unplug, and breathe it all in.

Here are a few easy ways to enjoy your hard-earned time off your way:

For the History Buff

• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: Walk where history happened in 1876. Tours, ranger talks or personal guides make this story come alive. (NOTE: The Monument is undergoing a major renovation. For the most up-to-date information related to visitation and construction progress, see the website at nps.gov/libi.)
• Rosebud Battlefield State Park: Explore the site of the historic battle and enjoy interpretive displays that tell the story of the Plains Indians’ victory.
• Big Horn County Museum: Learn about local history, pioneer life and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

For the Dino Lover

• Carter County Museum: A Montana Dinosaur Trail highlight featuring world-class fossils, exhibits and a deep dive into the region’s prehistoric past.
• Frontier Gateway Museum: Combines dinosaur discoveries with regional history, making it a must-stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail.
• Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs: Get hands-on and help uncover real fossils alongside experienced paleontologists.
• Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum: Explore an extensive fossil collection and unique exhibits that bring prehistoric life into focus.

For the Culture Seeker

• Crow Fair (August 12^th-18^th 2026): Engage with the living culture of the Crow Tribe through parades, rodeos, and powwows, with vibrant regalia transforming the fair into a family reunion you won’t forget.
• Miles City Bucking Horse Sale (May 14^th-17^th 2026): Experience one of the most iconic Western events in the country, where broncs, culture and community take center stage.
• St. Labre Indian School & Museum: Experience Northern Cheyenne culture through authentic art, handcrafted items and exhibits that share living traditions and history.

For the Western Authenticity Fan

• Miles City Saddlery: Step inside a working saddlery where more than a century of Western craftsmanship is still on full display.
• Range Riders Museum: Discover the stories of longtime ranching families, frontier life and the region’s deep military connections.

For the Outdoor Adventurer

• Bighorn Canyon: Rent a pontoon from Ok-a-Bah Marina and explore towering cliffs and sparkling waters.
• Terry Badlands Wilderness: Experience rugged, striking badlands scenery—perfect for hiking, biking, birding and a little off-the-grid wandering.
• Makoshika State Park: Explore winding trails through dramatic sandstone formations ideal for hiking, biking, rock-collecting and soaking in big Montana views.

The secret to a better vacation? A little planning. Travelers who plan use more of their time off, take longer trips, and return home happier. And out here, happiness is always the goal.

Make it official: National Plan for Vacation Day is January 27, 2026. Start dreaming, start planning, and start packing your bags for Southeast Montana.