7-Nights Sunny Days, Starry Nights: America's Rocky Mountains By Design

Yellowstone National Park

Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the first and oldest national park in the world. Preserved within Yellowstone are Old Faithful Geyser and some 10,000 hot springs and geysers, the majority of the planet's total. These geothermal wonders are evidence of one of the world's largest active volcanoes; its last eruption created a crater or caldera that spans almost half of the park. An outstanding mountain wildland with clean water and air, Yellowstone is home of the grizzly bear and wolf, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk. It is the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the largest intact temperate zone ecosystems remaining on the planet. The human history of the park dates back 12,000 years. The events of the last 130 years of park history are reflected in the historic structures and sites associated with various periods of park administration and visitor facilities development.

Missoula

Known as "Garden City" for its lush green landscape, Missoula lies in the heart of the northern Rockies in Western Montana where five valleys converge and serves as a center for education, medicine, retail and arts. Located at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the Clark Fork River banks is The University of Montana - one of the most beautiful in the nation. Missoula offers a variety of recreation opportunities centered on the waters. Attractions include: Carousel for Missoula/Dragon Hollow, Art Museum of Missoula, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, St. Francis Xavier Chruch, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Wildlife Visitor Center and Smokejumper Visitor Center. Historic Downtown features classic early buildings and offers unique shops, galleries, fine dining, cultural activities and exciting nightlife.

Billings

It is nicknamed the Magic City because of its rapid growth from its founding as a railroad town in 1882. It was said that Billings "grew like magic." Billings is named for Frederick H. Billings, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Due to Billings' status as the largest city in a 500 mile radius (south-central and eastern Montana and northern Wyoming), it serves as a shopping and accommodation center for area residents and highway travelers. The city's proximity to Yellowstone National Park, Pompey's Pillar, and the area where the Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought also draws a large number of tourists, especially during the summer months.

Whitefish

Whitefish is one of the most scenic, breathtaking areas in America and is surrounded on three sides by picturesque mountain peaks. This alpine village offers summer activities including the most scenic gondola ride in the Northwest. Whitefish still retains the warm, friendly charm of its bygone railroading days. Great Northern Railroad Depot, along with western-style covered walkways, is the focal point of downtown. This small, friendly town offers the best recreation. Whitefish’s Great Northern Brewing Company boasts its own microbrewery. Housed in historic Great Northern Railroad Depot, Stumptown Museum includes many railroad artifacts and community memorabilia and photographs. Enjoy Montana’s only 36-hole golf course, Whitefish Lake Golf Course, with spectacular views of mountains and lakes. Whitefish Lake City Beach offers a sandy swimming beach and beautifully landscaped park. A superb cross-country skiing facility, Glacier Nordic Center, features impeccably-groomed trails partially lit for night skiing.

Spokane

Located 280 mi/450 km east of Seattle and 18 mi/30 km from the state border with Idaho, Spokane, Washington, offers an abundance of activities for visitors, from hiking and skiing to boating and fishing to shopping and dining. The city also provides plenty of cultural, arts and entertainment options.

Spokane is the commercial center of an agricultural region and serves as a gateway to the recreation areas of eastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana.

Big Sky

The scenic community of Big Sky, Montana rests high in the Gallatin National Forest, where Lone Mountain, at 11,166 feet, towers over the community. Big Sky is home to the Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort, a year-round playground for outdoor recreationists. Big Sky also has new terrain for the young and young at heart in Moonlight Basin. As Big Sky's newest ski resort, visitors can enjoy over 1500 acres of extraordinary ski terrain on the north face of Montana's famed Lone Mountain.