Celebrating Independence the Montana Way
06/30/2020
It’s true that many Independence Day events have indeed been canceled this year due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean we need to let the holiday go by without any fanfare. We may have to get creative for 2020, but the good news is that Montana is full of fun in the great outdoors. Take advantage of the long weekend to get in some outdoor time with a patriotic bent. Here’s how to celebrate July 4 in Big Sky Country, even when big community celebrations are on hold.
Escape to the Wilderness
When social distancing is still a top priority, visit places with plenty of space. Highline Hotels operates properties in Bigfork, Livingston, Gardiner, and Bozeman, giving you easy access to the wilderness. Whether you’re thinking of hiking and mountain biking, fishing wild waters, or riding horses off into the sunset, you can find a slice of solitude and stunning scenery. There’s nothing more American than enjoying access to miles and miles of public lands dedicated to the enjoyment of the American people.
Float Away Your Cares
River floating in Montana is the perfect activity to mark a holiday that revolves around being wild and free, with rivers like the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone down in Southwest Montana, or the Flathead and Swan Rivers up in the Flathead Valley. You can rent tubes or rafts and arrange a shuttle. Plenty of local breweries have river-friendly backcountry growlers available to fill, so just remember to leave the glass bottles for later, once you’re off the river. You can also rent a kayak and paddle around Flathead Lake, exploring the shoreline from a new perspective. You never know what wildlife you may spot along the way!
Enjoy a Different Kind of Display
Time around the campfire, roasting marshmallows, and grilling out all make the Fourth of July plenty of fun, even if there aren’t scheduled parades and large-group festivities. Get gussied up in you red, white, and blue duds, light something on fire (burn ban dependent, of course), and see where the cold brews take you. Stargazing far from city light pollution can be an even better show than fireworks. And be sure to check for solar flares, because there’s a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights in our high latitudes when solar storms increase.
Celebrate Freedom by Supporting Local Businesses
Explore local this July 4, whether you’re taking yourself on a shopping spree or getting a jump on winter holiday gift buying with summer sales. Support local farmers by visiting farm stands and looking at art galleries and boutiques, local bookstores, and breweries. Show your support for business owners while feeling festive at the same time. Small-town Montana bustles with an entrepreneurial spirit and a healthy dose of whimsy, and now is the time to show support and help keep them alive and thriving.
When you plan a trip to western Montana, you can expect to find plenty of sweet spots for the Treasure State. Come out and explore for July 4! Click here to book now for your stay.