Every season is beautiful in Montana, and each one brings something new to look forward to. But our summers are really something special, especially those long, hot days spent at one of our pristine lakes.
Now that summer is finally here, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. There are over 3,000 lakes and reservoirs in Montana, but if you’re looking for a magical experience, start with one from this list.
- Seeley Lake
Micah Sheldon / Flickr Not only is Seeley Lake itself gorgeous, but it happens to be located on one of Western Montana’s most scenic drives, Highway 83.
- Fairy Lake
Troy Smith / Flickr Everyone in the Bozeman area knows that this is a beautiful, peaceful place to visit during the summer. It’s also close to the relaxing Fairy Lake Campground.
- Mystic Lake
Jim Slack / AllTrails The deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains has a sandy beach to enjoy during the summer. The nearby hiking trails don’t hurt, either.
- Canyon Ferry Lake
Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr Canyon Ferry Lake is the third largest body of water in Montana, and its location makes it one of the state’s most popular recreation areas.
- Georgetown Lake
Idjpg / Flickr You can see three different mountain ranges from this gorgeous lake near Anaconda.
- Lake Koocanusa
Spend a Day Toursing, LLC / Flickr You’ll find this gem tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, north of Libby.
- Whitefish Lake
-ted / Flickr Not only is Whitefish Lake near the town of Whitefish and all it has to offer, but it has Whitefish City Beach, which is an amazing summer hangout.
- Bull Lake
N Vision Photos / Flickr Boaters love Bull Lake. But even if you don’t own a boat, go for the natural beauty and the nearby campground.
- Bighorn Lake
Mia & Steve Mestdagh / Flickr There’s nothing better than fishing or boating at Bighorn Lake in Southern Montana on a hot summer day.
- Flathead Lake
PJ Johnson / Flickr Flathead Lake is one of Montana’s most beautiful treasures, and this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
Which Montana lakes remind you of summertime?
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
Not only is Seeley Lake itself gorgeous, but it happens to be located on one of Western Montana’s most scenic drives, Highway 83.
Troy Smith / Flickr
Everyone in the Bozeman area knows that this is a beautiful, peaceful place to visit during the summer. It’s also close to the relaxing Fairy Lake Campground.
Jim Slack / AllTrails
The deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains has a sandy beach to enjoy during the summer. The nearby hiking trails don’t hurt, either.
Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr
Canyon Ferry Lake is the third largest body of water in Montana, and its location makes it one of the state’s most popular recreation areas.
Idjpg / Flickr
You can see three different mountain ranges from this gorgeous lake near Anaconda.
Spend a Day Toursing, LLC / Flickr
You’ll find this gem tucked away in the northwest corner of the state, north of Libby.
-ted / Flickr
Not only is Whitefish Lake near the town of Whitefish and all it has to offer, but it has Whitefish City Beach, which is an amazing summer hangout.
N Vision Photos / Flickr
Boaters love Bull Lake. But even if you don’t own a boat, go for the natural beauty and the nearby campground.
Mia & Steve Mestdagh / Flickr
There’s nothing better than fishing or boating at Bighorn Lake in Southern Montana on a hot summer day.
PJ Johnson / Flickr
Flathead Lake is one of Montana’s most beautiful treasures, and this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
