Discover • Explore • Connect

Find Your Montana

Big Sky Country, county by county

From Rocky Mountain valleys to open plains, Montana offers many ways to feel connected to a place. Explore its counties, discover public lands and find practical resources for life across the Treasure State.

Montana at a Glance

Population estimate1,144,694 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
State capitalHelena
Largest cityBillings
Counties56 counties
Land area · MSL145,470 sq mi (MSL)
Water area · MSL1,570 sq mi (MSL)
StatehoodNovember 8, 1889 · 41st state
Highest peak · USGSGranite Peak · 12,799 ft (USGS)
Across Big Sky Country

Explore Montana’s Counties

Montana’s 56 counties connect mountain towns, river valleys, agricultural communities and prairie landscapes. Use the county directory to find the area you want to explore and the local services that matter to you.

Big Sky Country, county by county county map

Choose a County

Big Sky Country, county by county landscape

Start with a place, then look a little closer. Discover the communities around Glacier National Park, follow the Yellowstone and Missouri river corridors, or explore eastern Montana’s open country. County guides bring the statewide picture down to a local scale.

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American landscape
Get to Know

Montana

Montana spans Rocky Mountain landscapes in the west and broad plains to the east. Its communities range from regional centers such as Billings and Missoula to small towns serving large rural areas. Helena is the state capital.

Public lands, farming and ranching, local businesses and the living cultures of Montana’s Tribal Nations all help shape the state. Use this guide to connect scenic discovery with practical information: county resources, education, health care, transportation and public services.

Life Across Big Sky Country

Mountains and Plains

Explore contrasting landscapes, from western mountain valleys to eastern badlands and open grasslands.

River Country

Discover communities and recreation along Montana’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

Living Heritage

Learn about Tribal Nations, local history and the people who continue to shape Montana.

Everyday Connections

Find useful starting points for schools, public services, transportation and local life.

Find Your Place inThe Treasure State
Latest from

Montana Dispatch

Reporting and updates from across the Treasure State.

Montana Free Press

Yellowstone County Attorney Twito resigns, tapped to lead U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana

Longtime Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito is stepping down to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District…

Read the full story
By Phoebe TollefsonOct 16, 20262 min read
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State Symbols

Symbols of Montana

Wildlife, plants and traditions that help tell Montana’s story.

Big Sky Country, county by county flag
Nickname

The Treasure State

A nickname rooted in Montana’s gold, silver and copper.

Motto

Oro y Plata

Spanish for “Gold and Silver.”

State Bird

Western Meadowlark

Montana’s official state bird since 1931.

State Flower

Bitterroot

Montana’s official state flower since 1895.

State Tree

Ponderosa Pine

Montana’s official state tree since 1949.

State Animal

Grizzly Bear

Montana’s official state animal, selected in 1983.

The Montana Connection

Montana’s identity reaches from mountain forests to prairie horizons. Its state symbols reflect native wildlife, plants and a history tied to mineral wealth. Explore the places and communities behind the Treasure State’s familiar names.

Big Sky CountryRocky MountainsMissouri RiverYellowstone CountryTribal NationsRanchlandsBadlands
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Useful Connections

Montana Resources

Explore Montana’s places and find useful connections for everyday life.

Government

Find Your Next Connection

Explore county information and public resources for your part of Montana.

Good to Know

Montana Questions, Answered

Practical starting points for exploring and living in Montana.

Your Montana Journey

Start with a county, discover a place and connect with the resources you need.

My Local GuideDiscover Montana, county by county.
© 2026 My Local GuideAn independent guide to Montana places and resources.Official services are provided by the linked agencies and organizations.Photos: National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management. Full credits in the asset guide.