Wildlife and scenery lovers choose exotic and wild destinations for getaways, although not always affordable. However, people who can't get away for too long encounter a low-key destination combining ever-changing areas, along with unique local tours, various adventures, communities to visit, and amazing opportunities. From seeing the ghost town legacy of Bannack and Elkhorn, admiring the natural spring at Spring Meadow Lake, uncovering the underground world of Lewis and Clark Caverns, fishing at Black Sandy, hiking, and biking, to discovering the stunning Montana State Parks, there is so much to do and see in Montana. Here are 10 most affordable yet spectacular day trips in Montana that are simply inspiring.

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10 Philipsburg

Once voted among the Prettiest Painted Places in America, historic “P-Burg” is a cute small town in Montana featuring pretty views and a quaint main street, and offering a little something for everyone.

Sapphire mining in the region dates back around 120 years and is one of the coolest things to do in Montana. The Philipsburg Rock Creek deposit is the biggest, creating four times more sapphire than all other Montana deposits united. People visit the well-known Sweet Palace, a candy store that has the sweetest tooth desire, and Philipsburg Brewing, offering tons of beer, including Haybag Hefe.

  • Where to stay: Charming 30's Bungalow
  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, terrace/Patio, air-conditioned, coffee machine, towels

9 Martinsdale

Located in Central Montana, Martinsdale is a tiny town trip for those who want to explore Montana's traditions. People visit The Bair Family Art Museum, which is a treasure of Montana’s past. The art museum displays a Native American artwork collection people won’t find anywhere else. They can also tour the Bair Family home and get a treasure from the gift shop. The museum and grounds sit between the Crazy and Castle Mountains along the Upper Musselshell River.

8 Gardiner

Gardiner is an incredibly small town in Montana and the most renowned entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It boasts some of the best fly-fishing and hiking, as well as some stunning scenery. People go on a whitewater rafting adventure in the Yellowstone River, which is a wide and picturesque river featuring big waves and mountain views.

7 Kootenai Falls

Located in Northwest Montana, Kootenai Falls is extremely beautiful. One of the most beautiful natural wonders of Montana and a perfect day trip excursion. This largest untouched falls in the state, easily accessible through a short hike and by crossing the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, features stunning scenery and is an absolutely worth taking trek.

6 Miles City

Miles City is a traditional Western town that people visit in May for the annual Bucking Horse Sale. It offers some of the unique things to do around Montana, including the Tongue River Winery and the Range Riders Museum, and people will be charmed by tasty food at historic Montana.

5 Holland Falls In Holland Lake

Holland Lake and Holland Falls make a lovely day trip to the Seeley-Swan Valley. Located near Holland Lake, Holland Falls is a famous, easy day hike with the trail starting at the end of a parking area. People follow the trail tracking the shoreline Lake and gradually climbing to the base of the falls. The hike is gorgeous, and some visitors stay on an overnight trip at the spectacular campground at Holland Lake.

4 Virginia City

Virginia City is a historical gem and a family-friendly destination, but it is lovely in the spring and summer. It is an easy drive from Helena, Bozeman, Butte, and Belgrade. Visitors head experience entertaining activities by watching a remarkable theater performance by the Virginia City Players at the local Opera House. For historical amusement, people take a Fire Engine Tour of the city or take the train from Nevada City and enjoy the perfect scenery and learn about the surrounding area.

Related: 10 Underrated Montana Towns Perfect For A Country Vacay

3 Anaconda

For adventure lovers, Anaconda is a great place sitting a mile above sea level in the middle of the Deer Lodge National Forest. Visitors catch stunning views of the Pintler Mountain Range. Anaconda was once home to the Anaconda Copper Company and features one of America’s Top 100 Public Courses, the Old Works Golf Course, which has built a reputation as one of the premiere daily fee golf experiences in the Northwest region.

2 Crystal Park

Crystal Park is a pretty place to spend a day. Located in the Pioneer Mountains, it is a quick drive from Dillon. People visit Crystal Park to find clear crystals caused by minerals within the quartz scattered through the decomposed granites, sometimes white, gray, or purple. Gray crystals are "smoky," and the highly-prized purple crystals are called amethyst. The most common are single crystals. The stunning site has been reserved by the Forest Service for the rock-hounding experience, which will make a great family bonding.

1 Geocaching in Helena

Geocaching is a fun-filled adventure, and Helena, which is halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, boasts some of the best geocaching in the country. This modern treasure hunt involves a GPS and a smartphone app. People will search for treasure just like the miners did in Helena back in 1864 when they finally found gold! They will enjoy a stop in Helena for park adventures and take in some of the city’s rich history.