Montana

Montana is a big state in the United States. It sits next to the country of Canada. People call it Big Sky Country because the sky looks huge over the flat land. The Rocky Mountains run through the western part of the state. Many bison, bears, and elk live here.

Land and Nature

Montana has mountains, forests, and wide grasslands. Glacier National Park is in the north and has beautiful lakes. Yellowstone National Park touches the southern edge. Many rivers flow through the state. Wild animals like wolves and moose live in the forests.

Map of early Native American lands in Montana.
Map of early Native American lands in Montana. (Government Printing Office, 1899 / Wikimedia Commons)

People and Life

Not many people live in Montana compared to its size. Helena is the capital city. Many people work on farms and ranches raising cows and wheat. Native American tribes have lived on this land for thousands of years. Visitors come to hike, fish, and ski.

Fun Facts

  • Montana has more cows than people.
  • The name Montana comes from a Spanish word meaning mountain.
  • Dinosaur bones are often found in Montana's rocks.

Did You Know?

Montana is home to the largest migratory elk herd in the United States. It is also one of only a few places where grizzly bears still roam free.