14 Best Lakes in Montana to Visit

Also known as the Treasure State, Montana is well-known for its natural beauty, vast rolling plains, and mountainous regions. This is one of the most visited US states for outdoor adventures. From Glacier National Park to Logan Pass to breathtaking lakes to other natural attractions, Montana offers endless opportunities to its visitors.

Montana is home to several artificial reservoirs or glacially-carved water bodies, adding to the state’s natural beauty. Combined with a range of recreational activities, all lakes in the state are must-visit attractions if you’re planning to explore Montana.

Since there are a bunch of beautiful lakes in Montana, this post has listed some of the best ones that can help you unwind and relax. Let’s take a closer look at some of Montana’s lakes.

14 Beautiful Lakes in Montana That You Can Visit

1. Fort Peck Lake

Located in the eastern prairie area of Montana, Fort Peck Lake is a man-made reservoir. About 134 miles in length, this lake is the largest existing water body in Montana. This is one of the popular tourist attractions of Montana, created in the 1930s by Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River.

Fort Peck Lake is spread over 245,000 acres, making it the largest lake in Montana by surface area. With more than 1,500 miles of shoreline, this lake is famous for several activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating.

This lake is also surrounded by the beautiful and expansive Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Multiple back roads connect this water body to nearby wilds where visitors can enjoy additional recreational opportunities, like hiking, camping, and bird-watching. Rich in natural beauty, a trip to Fort Peck Lake is a must-visit in Montana.

See Related: Best Cheap Places to Travel in the US

2. Flathead Lake

Spread over 197 square miles of surface area, Flathead Lake is a natural lake in northwest Montana. Situated along the mainline of the Flathead River, this is one of the cleanest lakes in the world for its type and size.

Flathead Lake in Montana is accessible from either Highway 35 or Highway 93. You can swim, camp, bike, and hike around this beautiful lake among mature forests and breathtaking views of the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range. Flathead Lake is also one of the best lakes in Montana for boating and fishing.

Though there are several campgrounds around the lake, Flathead Lake State Park is one of the best camping areas. Also,…