Montana

Ranching remains central to Montana’s identity, not just its economy, and hunting season, fishing, and wide-open land shape conversation as much as weather does. The state’s low population and wide, open horizon gave rise to its nickname, “Big Sky Country.”

Because towns sit far apart, communities depend closely on one another, building a culture that is quiet but sincerely warm toward newcomers who respect the land. Bison burgers, wild huckleberries, and pasties, meat pies brought by early mining families, reflect that same bond with the land.

Glacier National Park holds active glaciers and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Montana’s northern entrances to Yellowstone offer access to wild bison herds.