Highway 2 cuts across the northern edge of Montana, running for more than 650 miles from North Dakota to Idaho. It passes through wide-open plains, small frontier towns, and rugged mountains before reaching Glacier National Park. Known as the “Hi-Line,” this route is one of the most scenic and underappreciated road trips in the United States.
If you are planning to drive Highway 2, you will discover a side of Montana that feels authentic and untouched. It is less crowded than the southern routes like I-90, but it is packed with quirky roadside stops, cultural history, and sweeping views that stretch forever.
This guide highlights the best things to do along Highway 2 in Montana, from east to west, so you can plan your journey across Big Sky Country.
Start: The Hi-Line in Eastern Montana
Wolf Point
One of the first towns you reach if you are coming from North Dakota, Wolf Point is the cultural hub of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. It is best known for hosting the Wild Horse Stampede, Montana’s oldest rodeo. If you pass through in July, this event is a mix of Native American culture, cowboy traditions, and community spirit.
Fort Peck Dam and Lake
Just south of Highway 2 lies Fort Peck Dam, one of the largest earth-filled dams in the world. The dam created Fort Peck Lake, which stretches for more than 130 miles and is popular for fishing, boating, and camping. The Fort Peck Interpretive Center is worth a stop to learn about the dam’s construction during the 1930s and see its exhibits on local wildlife and dinosaurs.
Central Montana Highlights
Glasgow
Glasgow is nicknamed the “middle of nowhere” because it is one of the most remote towns in the continental United States. Despite that, it is a friendly place to fuel up, grab a bite, and learn a little local history. The Valley County Pioneer Museum showcases the region’s Native American heritage, railroad history, and pioneer life.
Malta and the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum
Highway 2 takes you through the small town of Malta, home to one of Montana’s best fossil collections. The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum features skeletons and fossils discovered in the surrounding area, including hadrosaurs and raptors. Families especially enjoy this stop.
Nearby, you can also visit the Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and photography.
Havre Beneath the Streets
Havre is one of the largest towns along Highway 2, and it hides a fascinating secret underground. The Havre Beneath the Streets tour takes visitors into tunnels used during the early 1900s, when businesses relocated underground after a fire. The recreated saloons, brothels, and shops tell stories of frontier life in surprising detail.
Havre is also a good place to stock up on supplies before continuing west.
Along the Hi-Line
Driving west from Havre, Highway 2 passes through some of the most quintessential prairie scenery in America. Rolling fields, small farm towns, and grain elevators dominate the landscape. Stops worth considering include:
- Chester: A quiet town with access to Tiber Reservoir for camping and fishing.
- Shelby: Known for its 1923 world heavyweight boxing championship between Jack Dempsey and Tommy Gibbons, which nearly bankrupted the town. You can see exhibits at the local museum.
Approaching the Rockies
Cut Bank
Cut Bank calls itself the “coldest spot in the nation” and has a giant penguin statue to prove it. The town is a fun place for quirky photos, and its museum covers both local Blackfeet history and railroad heritage.
Browning
Browning is the heart of the Blackfeet Nation. The Museum of the Plains Indian is an excellent stop to learn about Native cultures of the northern plains. If you travel in July, you might catch the North American Indian Days, one of the largest gatherings of Native people in the region.
Glacier National Park
The crown jewel of Highway 2 is Glacier National Park. Highway 2 skirts the southern border of the park, following the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
- Marias Pass: At 5,213 feet, this pass offers spectacular views of the mountains and forests. A monument honors Theodore Roosevelt for his role in creating national forests.
- Middle Fork Flathead River: Popular for rafting, fishing, and scenic photography.
- Access to Going-to-the-Sun Road: From West Glacier or East Glacier, you can drive this world-famous alpine road if it is open (usually late June to mid-October).
Highway 2 does not replace Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it provides a reliable route across the state even when snow closes the park’s higher roads.
Western Montana
Kalispell
Once you leave Glacier, Highway 2 heads through the Flathead Valley, a fertile region filled with lakes, farms, and orchards. Kalispell is the commercial hub and offers breweries, historic buildings, and the Conrad Mansion Museum, which showcases life during Montana’s frontier days.
Libby
Further west, you reach Libby, a small town surrounded by wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking in the Cabinet Mountains or visiting the Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge, one of the most photographed sites in western Montana. The falls are wide and powerful, and the suspension bridge offers sweeping views.
Troy
The last town on Highway 2 before the Idaho border, Troy is the lowest point in Montana at 1,892 feet. Surrounded by forest and rivers, it is a peaceful spot to rest before heading west into Idaho.
Driving Tips for Highway 2
- Distances are long: Services are spread out, so fill up on gas whenever you can.
- Expect two-lane highways: Much of Highway 2 is a simple two-lane road with passing lanes in some areas.
- Weather varies: Winters are harsh, and even in summer, storms can blow across the plains.
- Wildlife on roads: Watch for deer, elk, and even bears, especially near Glacier.
- Cell service is limited: Especially in the central Hi-Line region. Download maps in advance.
Pros and Cons of Highway 2 in Montana
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Scenic and less crowded than I-90 | Fewer services between towns |
| Access to authentic small-town Montana | Long driving distances |
| Amazing cultural stops and history | Rough weather in winter |
| Gateway to Glacier National Park | Limited cell coverage |
Conclusion
Highway 2 in Montana offers a road trip unlike any other. It is a journey through open skies, prairie towns, Native heritage, and rugged mountain landscapes. You will pass through historic sites, quirky roadside attractions, and some of the most beautiful wilderness in North America.
While it requires patience and preparation, the Hi-Line rewards travelers with an authentic slice of Montana life. Whether you are tracing the path of old railroads, exploring hidden museums, or gazing up at the peaks of Glacier National Park, Highway 2 will leave you with stories and memories that few other routes can match.
FAQs
How long does it take to drive Highway 2 across Montana?
The route runs about 650 miles. Without stops, it takes roughly 12 to 13 hours, but most travelers spread it over several days.
What is the best time of year to drive Highway 2?
Summer and early fall are best. Winter can bring icy roads and closures, while spring may see flooding in some areas.
Is Highway 2 in Montana scenic?
Yes, it is one of the most scenic highways in the state, passing through wide-open plains, Native reservations, and Glacier National Park.
Are there many gas stations along Highway 2?
Gas stations are available in towns, but they are spread out. Fill up when you have the chance, especially in central Montana.
Is Highway 2 a safe road to drive?
Yes, but drivers should be cautious of wildlife, icy winter conditions, and long stretches without services.
