There’s nothing like jumping into a cold lake, river or swimming hole on a hot Montana summer day. There are places to swim scattered all across the Treasure State, and some of them are pretty popular this time of year. The 7 on this list, however, aren’t as well-known by Montanans.
Enjoy!
- Yellowstone River near Billings
David Casteel / Flickr There are quite a few great places to go for a dip along the Yellowstone River in the Billings area. You’ll find the Duck Creek Bridge area just south of the city, which makes a great jumping point. The Yellowstone is best for veteran swimmers since there are sometimes strong currents.
- Ackley Lake in Hobson
Ackley Lake State Park Facebook Ackley Lake State Park is a beautiful spot to spend the day, and the lake itself is perfect for going for a swim.
- The Firehole River near Yellowstone National Park
Don Graham / Flickr The Firehole flows south to Wyoming, but there are some great spots to take a dip on the Montana side. Always send a strong and seasoned swimmer into a river first to check for current and depth.
- Foy’s Lake in Kalispell
Jim W / TripAdvisor Swimming, fishing, and boating are all enjoyed at Foy’s Lake, which is located in Lone Pine State Park.
- Hebgen Lake
Nicholas Trandem / Flickr Hebgen Lake is a man-made lake, retained by an earth-fill dam. It’s located in Gallatin County, and it’s a beautiful spot to fish or swim.
- Holland Lake in the Flathead National Forest
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr Located off the shores of the Holland Lake Campground, this northwest Montana gem is cool and refreshing on a hot summer day, especially for campers. You don’t have to stay at the campground to swim here - it has a day use area.
- The Smith River near White Sulphur Springs
Jeff Jones / Flickr This is a popular place to relax, fish and camp in the summertime, and parts of the river are perfect for taking a dip.
Looking for more great places to swim in Montana? Check out these 13 swimming holes.
David Casteel / Flickr
There are quite a few great places to go for a dip along the Yellowstone River in the Billings area. You’ll find the Duck Creek Bridge area just south of the city, which makes a great jumping point. The Yellowstone is best for veteran swimmers since there are sometimes strong currents.
Ackley Lake State Park Facebook
Ackley Lake State Park is a beautiful spot to spend the day, and the lake itself is perfect for going for a swim.
Don Graham / Flickr
The Firehole flows south to Wyoming, but there are some great spots to take a dip on the Montana side. Always send a strong and seasoned swimmer into a river first to check for current and depth.
Jim W / TripAdvisor
Swimming, fishing, and boating are all enjoyed at Foy’s Lake, which is located in Lone Pine State Park.
Nicholas Trandem / Flickr
Hebgen Lake is a man-made lake, retained by an earth-fill dam. It’s located in Gallatin County, and it’s a beautiful spot to fish or swim.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
Located off the shores of the Holland Lake Campground, this northwest Montana gem is cool and refreshing on a hot summer day, especially for campers. You don’t have to stay at the campground to swim here - it has a day use area.
Jeff Jones / Flickr
This is a popular place to relax, fish and camp in the summertime, and parts of the river are perfect for taking a dip.
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