Where Is Montana? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Montana is a beautiful state. The views in the state are breathtaking and sure to capture the eye of your social media followers. The state is home to one of the most famous national parks, Yellowstone. It’s also one of the least populous states in the nation (only 1.1 million people live here) with huge open spaces.

But the question is, do people know where Montana is? Do people know about its neighboring states? If you are wondering where Montana is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Montana’s neighboring states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Montana, and other facts about The Treasure State.

Where Is Montana Located on the Map?

Montana is located in the Northwest United States, the region known as the Mountain States. With an area of 147,040 square miles, it is one of the biggest states in the nation. But where is Montana on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Montana Officially Join the US?

Montana belonged to both the French and Spanish before it became part of the United States. When gold and other natural resources and minerals were discovered in the region, the US government made it a territory called the Montana Territory. For 20 years, it was a territory until the US started building railroads in the territory to connect the eastern US to the west. On November 8, 1889, Montana was officially ratified to become the 41st state admitted to the union.

Which States Border Montana?

Four states border Montana — Idaho to the west, North and South Dakota to the east, and Wyoming to the south. Montana sits on the Canadian border, and thus Canada shares a border to the north of the state. Let’s take a look at the four states that border the Treasure State.

Idaho

Known as the Gem State, Idaho is in the northwest United States and has a mountainous region that is perfect for skiing during winter. It is a state diverse in wildlife, which includes moose, owls, and caribou. With a population of nearly 2 million, Idaho’s capital is Boise and it is the 43rd state admitted to the union.

North Dakota

North Dakota is known as the Peace Garden State and there is truly a lot of serenity here. President Theodore Roosevelt was an avid hunter and it is said that he went to the state to hunt buffalo and fell in love with North Dakota. With a population of 775,000, North Dakota is one of the country’s least populated states. The state’s capital is Bismark and is known for its open terrain where animals like bison, bobcats, and bighorn sheep are free to roam around.

South Dakota

South Dakota is known as the Mount Rushmore state because of the large sculpture that is carved into Mount Rushmore (or Six Grandfathers as it is known to many other people) in the Black Hills Mountains. The sculpture features four presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. With a population of nearly 900,000, South Dakota is the 40th state in the nation and its capital is Pierre.

Wyoming

The least populated state in the nation with a population of nearly 600,000, Wyoming is the 44th state to be admitted to the union. The capital of Wyoming is Cheyenne and its nickname is the Equality State because it was the first state to give women the right to vote.

Is Montana a Good Place to Live?

Let’s be honest: you won’t be in a bustling city if you’re living in Montana. There won’t be metro rides or annoyingly high traffic in the Treasure State. Instead, you’ll be in an outdoorsy person’s paradise. It is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, with nature at your fingertips. If you want to hike through the woods, fish in rivers, or just experience a night full of stars without light pollution, then Montana is your state. Another plus is that Montana is one of the least densely populated states, so you may live in a place where your closest neighbor is miles away.

However, if you are used to city life, there won’t be much of that in Montana. Although Helena or Billings, the state’s biggest cities, do have a vibrant nightlife scene, it does not compare to the big cities like Chicago, New York, or LA. You will also have to get used to harsh winters. Montana gets all four seasons, which means that it’s likely to snow in winter. In terms of housing, the options are limited, which has driven prices up (that’s not a change from big cities, though).

What Is the Climate in Montana?

Montana is a big state. That’s why it has a variety of climates, especially because the Continental Divide divides the state in two. The Continental Divide is a mountainous region with waterways that extends as far north as Canada and all the way south to Mexico. The eastern part of Montana is plainer and hillier, with a continental climate. Western Montana is mountainous with tough terrain and valleys. Its climate can get extremely cold in the winter but has deliciously cool summers.

Montana’s climate has become hotter since the turn of the 20th century and it’s mainly due to climate change. As the world gets hotter, the weather in Montana will get more extreme. The state will get harsher winters and hotter summers.

What Is Montana Most Known for?

Montana is known as “Big Sky Country” because of its nature and open spaces. It is truly a nature lover’s paradise. There is an abundance of wildlife in the state, as well as an abundance of natural resources. That’s why its nickname is the Treasure State. Interestingly enough, one of the most common minerals found in Montana is the sapphire, which they lead in production.

If you want to check out the wildlife, you are sure to run into many animals here. Grizzly bears abound in the state, as well as elk, moose, bison, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Montana is also a big hunting state because of the big game that you can spot everywhere.

Lastly, Montana’s national parks are gorgeous. The most popular one is Yellowstone National Park, which attracts over 4 million tourists every year.

Fast Facts About Montana

• Capital: Helena
• Population: 1.1 million
• Governor: Greg Gianforte
• Lieutenant Governor: Kristen Juras
• State animal: Grizzly bear
• State bird: Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
• State flower: Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)

Conclusion

Montana is a majestic state. Its wide open spaces stretch out for miles and are different from the bustling cities in the more populous states. Although it only has 1 million people, there are still many fun activities you can enjoy in the Treasure State. You can visit Yellowstone National Park, which will leave you breathless. You’ll even think you are looking at a Thomas Moran painting.

Although housing can be expensive and the winters can be tough, Montana is still a gem of a state to live in. Montana has it all — from its cozy towns, its welcoming residents, and nature galore. Montana is a place full of wondrous excitement for all visitors and those looking to live there. The state of Montana, after all, is truly a treasure.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Harry Beugelink/Shutterstock.com