Get Lost in Nature...

Enjoy the outdoors this weekend. You quite probably won't die.

Montana Springtime

The mountains, flowers, snow and beauty of Montana. Laura Verhaeghe Photography

May 2016 National Geographic Devoted Yellowstone National Park

The entire May edition of National Geographic is focused on Yellowstone National Park.

Bumps on a Log

Hooded merganser and two pals share a log in a Montana wetland. Photo by Randy Smith. More great Montana outdoor photos on the Montana Open Land Month photo gallery.

Doe, a Deer

Spring is an amazing time for wildlife. See more great open land photos by Laura Verhaeghe at the Montana Open Land Month website. Laura Verhaeghe Photography 

Half a Billion Dollars Spent in 2015 by YNP Visitors

$500 million spent by visitors in communities near Yellowstone Park. Open land, outdoor recreation and tourism are major economic drivers for Montana.

Montana Senators Support LWCF Permanency

Montana Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines yesterday helped pass Senate legislation that permanently reauthorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This is great news for Montana. The LWCF has been a key program in support of Montana outdoor recreation, open land conservation, agriculture, forest management, tourism and more.

Sharp-Tail Grouse Strut Their Stuff

Colorful courtship on Montana's open prairies. 

Where Will You Hike in 2016?

Montana 2016 hiking discussed today in Billings. Where will you hike in 2016?

Montana's Springtime Flowers

The Arrowleaf Balsam Root is one of Montana's early blooming wildflowers and decorate many a Montana hillside. Photo by Kevin League Photography. See more photos by Kevin League and others on the Montana Open Land Month Photo Gallery.

Retrospective on Montana Tourism Advertising Slogans

"The Last Best Place" is "EZ 2 LUV" because it's "Unspoiled and Unforgettable." So "The Sky's the Limit" for "Big Sky Country." Interesting Frank Miele column on Montana tourism advertising slogans.

The Pika - Small Body, Loud Whistle

Consider the pika: Small body, loud whistle, always seems to be working hard among the rocks in higher elevations. (Randy Smith Photo) Check out more great outdoor photos at Montana Open Land Month website.

Montana Springtime Flower

Montana's skyline is majestic, but color can be found everywhere. The Fairy Slipper is one of Montana's more striking springtime flowers. Photo by Pelah Hoyt

For Montana, "The Sky's the Limit"

The Sky's the Limit is Montana's newest tourist advertising campaign. 
“This campaign is all about personal connection, connection with the environment, connection with others and connection with our magical state,” Montana Office of Tourism Jenny Pelej said.

A Family Legacy Benefits a Community

A thoughtful and productive partnership in Missoula County conserves open land, outdoor recreation and a family legacy.

Travelers for Open Land Salutes Montana Volunteers

Travelers for Open Land salutes all Montana volunteers in recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16. Volunteers not only make a difference, they make the impossible possible. Thank you for all you do.

New Online Montana Hiking Guide Available

Not sure where to go hiking in Montana this summer? This new online guide has great info.

Ales for Trails for Don't Fence Me In Trail Run

Ales for Trails. Cruise for Brews? Legendary brew returns for May 7 Don't Fence Me In Trail Run.

Two Seasons and Two Red Foxes

Two seasons and two red foxes. Photos by Randy Smith (winter) and Paul Sihler (summer). Red foxes are active throughout Montana. Check out more great photos on the Montana Open Land Month photo gallery. 

Governor's Tourism Conference Starts April 10

Governor's Conference on Tourism starts April 10 in Kalispell. In 2015, 11.7 million visitors spent $3.6 billion in Montana.

2016 Tourism Awards Announced at Governor's Conference

Some pretty impressive Montana tourism people, projects, events and campaigns have been nominated for 2016 Montana Tourism Awards. Winners will be announced April 10-12 at the Governor's Tourism Conference.

Governor's Conference on Tourism Coming April 10-12

Governor's Conference on Tourism and Business Development coming up April 10-12 in Kalispell. The conference agenda has something for everyone.

Badger Beware

Three badgers scout their surroundings. Photo by Paul Sihler