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• Montana State University | Top Tier Research University

Montana State undergrads Heath Caldwell, Tyler Delridge, Amberly Guerrero and Amanda Haab have won prestigious Goldwater scholarships.  Explore

Chaofu Lu named a fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science  Explore

Montana State University has been named the No. 2 military friendly school in the nation by the website MilitaryFriendly.com.  Explore

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More News News

MSU students to showcase capstone projects 

MSU engineering students will showcase their senior capstone projects May 2.  

MSU doctoral student receives research award

Charles McDaniel will use the grant for research at Argonne National Laboratory.

Montana PBS receives 14 regional Emmy nominations

MSU grad school waives app fees April 20-27

Music "Pop-Up" Performance Asbjornson Hall Atrium

12:50pm - 1:10pm Norm Asbjornson Hall 2nd floor east atrium

Bear Aware w/ Montana's Fish, Wildlife, and Park 5:30pm

Bozeman Monologues 6:00pm - 10:00pm

EHHD Bobcat Pounce: 5K Run, Walk, Stroll 10:00am - 12:00pm

Pure Gold reception 3:00pm - 5:00pm

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Consider contributing to the President’s Excellence Fund that supports undergraduate research, academic competitions and in service-learning projects, or to another worthy program.

It is our goal that all students reach their highest potential.

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Montana State University

P.O. Box 172220

Bozeman, MT 59717-2220

Telephone: (406) 994-6650

Fax: (406) 994-1972

Email: [email protected]

Location: 101 Montana Hall

Antoni Campeau

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A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 catalog.

• MSU Extension
• Extension Family & Human Development

Online courses:

Parenting in the age of overindulgence online course.

Developed in collaboration with University of Minnesota Extension, this free online course guides parents in ways to minimize overindulgence and improve family relationships.  The course includes five "Take and Teach" modules professionals can use to assist parents and caregivers.

Visit the Parenting in the Age of Overindulgence online course at the University of Minnesota website

Visit the informational page, including the Take and Teach modules, for Parenting in the Age of Overindulgence online course

Parenting with a Good Heart online course

Developed in collaboration with University of Minnesota Extension, this free online course guides parents in ways to parent with "a good heart" while avoiding overindulging children.  This course's research-based information will be useful for parents looking for guidance to raise responsible, accountable children. 

Visit the Parenting with a Good Heart online course at the University of Minnesota website

Developmental Parenting Highway online course

Developed in collaboration with University of Minnesota Extension, this free online course provides parents, teachers, and professionals who work with children research-based information on the concept of a "developmental parenting highway," and how to stay in the middle of that road rather than fall into the "ditches" of overindulgence.  

Visit the Developmental Parenting Highway online course at the University of Minnesota website

Video Courses

Let's talk about discipline.

Parenting can be hard, we can all use new ideas or strategies along this journey. Montana State Extension and University of Minnesota Extension have partnered together to develop brief videos with strategies for parenting and caregivers for all ages based on the current parenting research.

Creating a Safe Space for Exploration

Modeling Tricky Situations

Responsibility

Request Parenting Information

Are there parenting topics not covered in the videos above you would find helpful?  Do you have a parenting question we could help with?  Please send the MSU Extension Family Specialist a message with this form:

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• 7 Towns Perfect For Retirement In Kansas

Retirement can be an exciting new chapter for senior adults transitioning from long careers to a life of relaxation and fulfillment. For older adults who prefer the charms of small-town living, the state of Kansas offers several unique communities perfect for enjoying one's golden years. With wide open spaces, affordable living costs, excellent access to medical care, and plenty of activities to keep seniors engaged, these small towns help make the Sunflower State one of the best retirement destinations in the nation.

Hays rests in the heart of west-central Kansas and is known for its strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage. The town draws its name from the military outpost, Fort Hays, which protected settlers during the mid-1800s as they traveled west. With the expansion of railroads across the High Plains, Hays experienced tremendous growth, becoming a hub for local cattle ranchers and wheat farmers to transport their goods. Today, a few remnants of the old Fort are still present, but the town is best known as the home to Fort Hays State University, a four-year Division II college that has been a part of the community since 1902.

The historic downtown area, known as "The Bricks," is filled with charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you need a place to eat, Gella's Diner and Lb Brewing Company is the best brewpub in Western Kansas. The Paisley Pear Wine Bar and Bistro is another fantastic eatery with excellent lunch specials. History buffs will enjoy the Sternberg Museum of Natural History's many artifacts and displays. During the summer, residents enjoy the town's Wild West Festival, a fantastic July 4th extravaganza that has been part of the town's heritage for nearly thirty years.

The median price for a home in Hays is $230,000, and the cost of living is 24% less than the national average. With reasonable food and fuel costs and access to quality healthcare through Hays Medical Center, this small town of 21,136 residents provides a peaceful yet fulfilling retirement experience.

Atchison offers retirees a tranquil setting in the northeast corner of the state. The town is known for its Victorian-era architecture, and history buffs will enjoy touring the famed Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit the scenic river views at the Atchison Riverfront Park, which has well-maintained walkways. Another wonderful five-acre park is the International Forest of Friendship, which honors more than 1500 people who have significantly contributed to aviation.

The median price of a home in Atchison is $139,000, making it one of the most affordable areas in the state. In addition, Kansas exempts state income tax for seniors earning an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000. Amberwell Atchison is a 25-bed healthcare facility that can handle most medical situations.

The downtown district has plenty of locally owned shops, boutiques, and antique stores to browse. If you get hungry during your visit, try the Cedar Ridge Restaurant north of town. If you prefer something closer to downtown, try Pete's Steak House, which has ample portions and reasonable prices.

Pratt sits in the rolling plains of south-central Kansas with its picturesque landscapes, tranquil scenery, and relaxed ambiance. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Lemon Park, a 117-acre oasis in town with manicured grounds perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic. In addition, the town's proximity to Pratt Sandhills Wildlife Area offers ample opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and photography. Pratt also boasts a vibrant arts community with galleries like the Vernon Filley Art Museum, featuring many local artists.

The median price for a home in Pratt is very reasonable: $147,000. While the cost of living is only about 13% less than the national average, food and utility costs are low, which helps stretch seniors' budgets. The Pratt Regional Med Center is a 35-bed facility that employs about 350 residents from the area.

Legends Cafe is the best place in town for lunch or dinner, and Uptown Cafe has a Sunday brunch worth sampling. With its affordable living expenses and tranquil nature, this town offers a pleasant place to spend one's retirement years.

Known for its rich history as a lawless cattle town in the Old West, Dodge City offers retirees a unique blend of culture, heritage, and outdoor recreation. The Boot Hill Museum showcases frontier artifacts and exhibits from the town's colorful past. Tourists often enjoy sipping on sasparilla at the Long Branch Saloon, a famous Wild West saloon. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the site of wagon ruts from pioneers who traveled the Santa Fe Trail.

When you visit, explore the downtown area with quaint shops and locally owned boutiques. Nostalgia buffs will love the Dodge City Antique Mall, which has an excellent selection of treasures under one roof. When you've finished reminiscing, seek out the Central Station Bar and Grill or Prime on the Nine. Both restaurants serve excellent, varied fare.

The median price for a home in Dodge City is $265,000, but with living costs averaging 17% less than the national average, seniors can enjoy a comfortable retirement. St. Catherine Hospital, a 99-bed medical unit, serves the needs of several communities in southwest Kansas. With its Old West vibe and affordable living expenses, Dodge City continues to attract seniors every year.

Hutchinson is home to the Kansas State Fair, an annual ten-day event every fall that brings tourists from across the state. The town also has several other exciting venues, including Strataca, an underground salt mine with over 160 miles of tunnels, and the Cosmosphere, a fantastic space museum with many artifacts and displays. The Hutchison Zoo is a great place to explore with the grandkids, and with a wide selection of city parks, there is plenty of green space for seniors to embrace an active lifestyle.

Housing costs for seniors in Hutchinson are reasonable, with the average home price being $144,500. Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is a 190-bed medical facility serving the needs of multiple communities. The cost of living is significantly less than the national average, although utilities tend to be closer to the state average.

When you visit, ensure that you try Roy's Hickory Pit BBQ, a simple place that has been serving smoke-kissed meats for over forty years. Don't be surprised if you have to wait in line for a seat during lunch, because this place is that good.

This small town of over 6,000 residents is famous as the site of the Presidential Library for Dwight D. Eisenhower , the 34th President of the United States. The site has plenty of exhibits and the former President's boyhood home. History buffs will enjoy the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, an authentic steam locomotive that runs daily during the summer. The Seeyle Mansion is a luxurious 25-room mansion with turn-of-the-century antiques and exquisite grounds.

The median price for a home in Abilene is $185,000, and food and fuel costs are excellent. Household expenses tend to run less than the national average, and healthcare is supplied by the Memorial Healthcare System, which operates a 25-bed critical care facility.

When you visit, plan on exploring the historic downtown area and stop at Joe Snuffy's Old Fashioned Grill. Don't let the outside appearance fool you; the food is delicious, and the prices are even better. Amanda's Bakery and Bistro is the best place for pastries and sweet desserts.

Lindsborg is affectionately known as "Little Sweden USA" and is a picturesque small town in central Kansas. Steeped in Scandinavian heritage, Lindsborg exudes Old World charm with its colorful Dala horses lining the streets. Lindsborg's downtown district is a treasure trove of Scandinavian-inspired shops, galleries, and eateries, offering visitors a taste of Swedish cuisine, artisan crafts, and traditional folk art. The Svensk Hyllningsfest celebrates Swedish culture every other year, featuring folk music, dance performances, and delicious Swedish delicacies.

Home values in Lindsborg are slightly higher than in other areas, but living costs for utilities, food, and fuel are less than the national average. Lindsborg Community Hospital provides medical care, with specialized care occurring at the Salina Regional Health Center, located about twenty minutes north.

Crown and Rye is the best place to try authentic Scandinavian cuisine when you visit Lindsborg, the Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery, for an authentic java lover experience.

The Sunflower State offers several unique small towns perfect for older adults to enjoy as retirement destinations. With affordable living costs, engaging attractions, and favorable access to medical facilities, these communities have much to offer seniors looking for a tranquil spot to spend their golden years.

More in Places

8 Serene Towns In Louisiana For A Weekend Retreat

6 Towns Perfect for Retirement in New Mexico

9 Most Memorable Small Towns in North Dakota

7 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Nevada

9 of the Most Welcoming Towns on the Pacific Coast

7 Towns Perfect for Retirement on the Atlantic Coast

6 Most Inviting Towns in South Carolina

7 Most Inviting Towns in Tennessee

• MUS Choices Employee Benefits Programs

2024-2025 Choices Retiree Workbook

Retiree benefits 2024-2025 montana university system.

• If you want to make changes to your Montana University System (MUS) Choices Retiree Benefit Plan (MUS Plan) coverage for the upcoming Plan Year, contact your campus Benefits Representative for a Retiree Enrollment Form and submit the completed form to your campus HR/Benefits office by May 15, 2024 . • If you are not making any changes to your MUS Plan coverage for the upcoming Plan Year, you do not need to submit a Retiree Enrollment Form and will automatically be re-enrolled in your current benefit elections and coverage levels. MUS retirees who pay their monthly premium payments via Direct Bill will continue to submit their payments directly to Businessolver for the upcoming Plan Year. Businessolver offers online payments (accessed from the MUS Choices home page ), scheduled automated clearing house (ACH) transactions, or monthly billing statements. MUS retirees who pay their monthly premium payments via the Montana Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) or the Montana Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) will continue to have their monthly premiums automatically deducted from their pension plan for the upcoming Plan Year. If you need to change your premium payments from a pension plan deduction to Direct Bill as of July 1, 2024, please contact your Campus Benefits Representative to assist you with this change.

Table of Contents

• Campus Human Resources/Benefit Office Contacts
• Enrolling as a Retiree
• Retiree Rates
• Medical Plan Costs

Schedule of Medical Benefits

Preventive Services

Prescription Drug Plan

• Dental Plan
• Vision Hardware Plan
• MUS Wellness Program

Additional Benefit Plan Information

Insurance card examples, campus human resources/benefits office contacts.

MSU - Bozeman 920 Technology Blvd, Ste. A Bozeman, MT  59717 406-994-3651

MSU - Billings 1500 University Dr. Billings, MT 59101 406-657-2278

MSU - Northern 300 West 11th Street Havre, MT 59501 406-265-3568

Great Falls College - MSU 2100 16th Ave. S. Great Falls, MT 59405 406-268-3701

UM - Missoula 32 Campus Drive Lommasson, Room 252 Missoula, MT 59812 406-243-6766

Helena College - UM 1115 N. Roberts Helena MT 59601 406-447-6925

UM - Western 710 S. Atlantic St. Dillon, MT 59725 406-683-7010

MT Tech - UM 1300 W. Park St. Butte, MT 59701 406-496-4380

OCHE, MUS Benefits Office 560 N. Park Ave Helena, MT 59620 877-501-1722

Dawson Community College 300 College Dr. Glendive, MT 59330 406-377-9430

Flathead Valley Community College 777 Grandview Dr. Kalispell, MT 59901 406-756-3981

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Choices Enrollment for a Retiree

Benefit Plan Year July 1 - June 30

To enroll in MUS Plan coverages as a Retiree, you must complete and return a Retiree Enrollment Form to your campus HR/Benefits office :

• within 63 days of retirement and becoming eligible for Retiree benefits. If you do not enroll within the 63-day enrollment period, you will permanently forfeit your eligibility for all MUS Retiree Plan coverages.
• during Annual Enrollment by the stated deadline. If you do not make any benefit changes, you will automatically be enrolled in your current benefit elections and coverage levels or to the stated default coverage if your existing plan(s) is/are changing.
• when you have a mid-year qualifying event (marriage, birth or adoption of a child, loss or gain of eligibility for other health insurance coverage) and want to make an allowed mid-year change in benefit elections. This change must be made within 63 days of the event.  Documentation to support the change will be required. 

Voluntarily canceling other health insurance does not constitute loss of eligibility.

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT:  Retirees and/or their covered dependents who are or become Medicare-eligible (age 65) at retirement or after, must  be enrolled in BOTH  Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. If Medicare enrollment is not completed within 63 days from the date of retirement or the retiree’s and/or covered dependent’s Medicare eligibility date, the individual(s) will be disenrolled from the MUS Medical and Prescription Drug Plans. Enrollment in the Select Dental Plan and/or Vision Hardware Plan may be continued if the Medicare-eligible Retiree and/or covered dependent is enrolled in those plans at retirement or date of Medicare eligibility, even if they are disenrolled from the MUS Medical and Prescription Drug Plans due to not enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B.

No Retreat Rights:

If you waive MUS Retiree Medical, Dental, and/or Vision Hardware Plan coverage(s), you and your eligible dependents will permanently forfeit your coverage(s) and will NOT be allowed to enroll in the future.

If you are waiving coverage for your eligible dependents because they are currently covered by another health insurance plan, you may be able to enroll your eligible dependents for coverage under the MUS Plan in the future, provided you request such coverage within 63 days after their other coverage ends due to a qualifying event (as defined by the MUS SPD).

If you acquire an eligible dependent due to a qualifying event (as defined by the MUS SPD), you may enroll your newly acquired eligible dependent for coverage under the MUS Plan, provided that such enrollment occurs within 63 days of the event.

Reminder:  MUS has Closed Enrollment for a legal spouse, unless there is a qualifying event (see SPD for qualifying events).

Step-by-Step Process for Completing Your Choices Retiree Enrollment Form

Step 1:  Review this workbook carefully and read the back of the Retiree Enrollment Form

• Discuss this information with your legal spouse and/or other family members.
• Determine your benefit needs for the coming benefit Plan Year if you are making benefit changes for Annual Enrollment or for the remainder of the current benefit Plan Year if a new Retiree.
• This enrollment workbook is not a guarantee of benefits.

Enrollment in Retiree coverage is a one-time opportunity.

Step 2:  Complete your Retiree Enrollment Form.

Submit your completed enrollment form to your campus HR/Benefits Office .

Medical Plan Coverage (includes Prescription Drug Plan)

For Medical Plan coverage, you must be qualified to enroll (see back of enrollment form). If you do not make an election to continue your Medical Plan coverage when you first retire, you will permanently forfeit your Medical Plan coverage.

• Choose the coverage level you want.
• Once you have selected a coverage level, fill in the corresponding monthly premium amount in the space provided on the enrollment form, by “Medical Premium”.
• or check the box that declines Medical Plan coverage entirely.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Coverage

• Medicare primary Retiree Medical Plan enrollees will automatically be enrolled in the Navitus MedicareRx (Part D) Plan .
• If you opt out of the Navitus MedicareRx Plan or get another Medicare Part D plan, you will forfeit your Medical Plan coverage.

Dental Plan Coverage

For Dental Plan coverage, you must be qualified to enroll (see back of enrollment form). Retirees are offered enrollment in the Select Dental Plan only.  If you do not make an election to continue your Dental Plan coverage when you first retire, you will permanently forfeit your Dental Plan coverage.

• Once you have selected a coverage level, fill in the corresponding monthly premium amount in the space provided on the enrollment form, by “Dental Premium”.
• or check the box that declines Dental Plan coverage entirely.

Vision Hardware Plan Coverage

For Vision Hardware Plan coverage, you must be qualified to enroll (see back of enrollment form).  You cannot enroll in Vision Hardware Plan coverage as a retiree if you were not enrolled in coverage prior to retirement.  If you do not make an election to continue your Vision Hardware Plan coverage when you first retire, you will permanently forfeit your Vision Hardware Plan coverage.

• Once you have selected a coverage level, fill in the corresponding monthly premium amount in the space provided on the enrollment form, by “Vision Premium”.
• or check the box that declines Vision Hardware Plan coverage entirely.

Step 3:  Total Your Costs:

• Add up the total monthly premium amounts and fill in the corresponding monthly premium amount in the space provided on the enrollment form, by “Total Monthly Premium”.
• Arrange with your campus Benefits Representative for automatic payment of your premiums through your pension plan or a direct bill payment account.

Step 4:  Demographic and Dependent Coverage.

Please complete these sections each time you fill out the Retiree Enrollment Form. If you have questions, consult your Choices workbook, SPD, or contact your campus Benefits Representative .

How the Choices Medical Plan Works

When a Plan member receives covered medical services from an In-Network Provider , the provider will submit a claim to the Plan claims administrator for the member. The Plan claims administrator will process the claim and send an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to the member and the provider, showing the member’s payment responsibility (deductible, copayments, and/or coinsurance costs). The Plan then pays the remaining allowed amount for covered services. The provider will not balance bill the member the difference between the billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services.

When a Plan member receives covered medical services from an Out-of-Network Provider , the member must verify if the provider will submit the claim to the Plan claims administrator or if the member must submit the claim. The Plan claims administrator will process the claim and send an EOB to the member showing the member’s payment responsibility (deductible, coinsurance, and any difference between the allowed amount (balance billing)). The Plan pays the remaining allowed amount for covered services. The Out-of-Network Provider may balance bill the member the difference between the billed charge and the allowed amount.

Members may self-refer to any health care provider, however, there is a cost savings for covered medical services received by an In-Network Provider.

Definition of Terms

In-Network Providers – Providers who have contracted with the Plan claims administrator to manage and deliver care at agreed upon allowed amounts. You pay a $30 copayment for Primary Care Physician (PCP) office visits and a $50 copayment for Specialist office visits to In-Network Providers (no deductible) and 30% coinsurance (after deductible) for covered In-Network outpatient/inpatient services. 

Out-of-Network Providers – Providers who do not have a contract with the Plan claims administrator.  You pay 40% of the allowed amount (after a separate deductible) for covered services received from an Out-of-Network Provider.

Out-of-Network Providers may balance bill you for any difference between their billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services.

Emergency Services –  Emergency services are covered everywhere; however, Out-of-Network Providers may balance bill the difference between the allowed amount and the billed charge for covered services.

Deductible – The amount you pay each benefit Plan Year before the Plan begins to pay for covered services.

Copayment  - A fixed dollar amount the member pays for a covered service, usually at the time the member receives the service.  The Plan pays the remaining allowed amount for covered services.  

Coinsurance – A percentage of the allowed amount for covered services you pay, after paying any applicable deductible.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum - The maximum amount you pay toward the cost of covered services. Out-of-Pocket expenses for covered services include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Important:  Verify the network status of your providers.  This is an integral cost savings component of each of your plan choices.

Medical Plan ( optional )

Administered by BlueCross BlueShield of Montana   1-800-820-1674 or 1-406-447-8747

Choices offers a Medical Plan for Retirees and their eligible dependents.

Continuation of enrollment in the Medical Plan is a one-time opportunity for Retirees (and their eligible dependents) at retirement. Coverage is permanently forfeited if the Retiree fails to continue enrollment, cancels Medical coverage, or fails to pay premiums. Note: A legal spouse reaching age 65 is not a qualifying event for re-enrolling in Medical coverage.

*Services from an Out-of-Network Provider have separate deductibles, % coinsurance, and Out-of-Pocket maximums.

An Out-of-Network Provider may balance bill the difference between their billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services.

Examples of Medical Costs to Plan and Member - Primary Care Physician Visit

Benefit plan year july 1 – june 30, (in-network)  .

Jack’s Plan deductible is $1,250, coinsurance is 30%, and out-of-pocket max is $4,350.

Jack has not reached his deductible yet and he visits the doctor and has lab work.  He pays $30 for the office visit and 100% of the allowed amount for covered lab charges.   For example, Jack’s doctor visit totals $1,000.  The office visit is $150 and lab work is $850.  The Plan allows $100 for the office visit and $400 for the lab work.  Jack pays $30 for the office visit and $400 for the lab work.  The Plan pays $70 for the office visit and $0 for the lab work.  The In-Network Provider writes off $500.

Jack has seen the doctor several times and reaches his $1,250 deductible.  He pays $30 for the office visit and 30% of the allowed amount for lab work and the Plan pays the remainder of the office visit + 70% of the allowed amount.  For example, Jack’s doctor visit totals $1,000.  The office visit is $150 and lab work is $850.  The Plan allows $100 for the office visit and $400 for the lab work.  Jack pays $30 for the office visit and $120 for the lab work.  The Plan pays $70 for the office visit and $280 for the lab work.  The In-Network Provider writes off $500.

Jack reaches his $4,350 out-of-pocket maximum.  Jack has seen his doctor often and paid $4,350 total (deductible + coinsurance + copays).  The Plan pays 100% of the allowed amount for covered services for the remainder of the Plan Year.  For example , Jack’s doctor visit totals $1,000.  The office visit is $150 and lab work is $850.  The Plan allows $100 for the office visit and $400 for the lab work.  Jack pays $0 and the Plan pays $500.  The In-Network Provider writes off $500.

(Out-of-Network) 

Jack’s Plan deductible is $2,500, coinsurance is 40%, and out-of-pocket max is $6,000.

Jack hasn't reached his deductible yet and he visits the doctor.  He pays 100% of the provider charge.  Only allowed amounts apply to his deductible.  For example , the provider charges $1,000.  The Plan allowed amount is $500.  $500 applies to Jack’s Out-of-Network deductible.  Jack must pay the provider the full $1,000.

Jack has seen the doctor several times and reaches his $2,500 deductible.  His Plan pays some of the costs of his next visit.  He pays 40% of the allowed amount and any difference between the provider charge and the Plan allowed amount.  The Plan pays 60% of the allowed amount.  For example , the provider charges $1,000.  The Plan allowed amount is $500.  Jack pays 40% of the allowed amount ($200) + the difference between the provider charge and the Plan allowed amount ($500).  Jack’s total responsibility is $700.  The Plan pays 60% of the allowed amount ($300).

Jack reaches his $6,000 out-of-pocket maximum.  Jack has seen his doctor often and paid $6,000 total (deductible + coinsurance).  The Plan pays 100% of the allowed amount for covered services for the remainder of the Plan Year.  Jack pays the difference between the provider charge and the allowed amount.  For example ,  the provider charges $1,000.  The Plan allowed amount is $500.  Jack pays $500 and the Plan pays $500.

Reminder: Deductible applies to all covered services unless otherwise indicated or a copay applies.  Out-of-Network Providers may balance bill the difference between their billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services.   

1.    What Services are Preventive?

The MUS Medical Plan provides preventive care coverage that complies with the federal health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Services designated as preventive care include:

• covered periodic wellness visits
• covered certain screenings for symptom- free or disease-free individuals, and
• covered routine immunizations.  

Note :  When covered preventive care services are provided by In-Network Providers , the services are reimbursed at 100% of the allowed amount, without application of deductible, coinsurance, or copay. Preventive care services provided by an Out-of-Network Provider have a separate deductible, 40% coinsurance, and Out-of-Pocket maximum. An Out-of-Network Provider may balance bill the difference between their billed charge and the allowed amount.

The PPACA has used specific resources to identify the preventive services that require coverage:   U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) A and B recommendations and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations adopted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) . Guidelines for preventive care for infants, children, and adolescents, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), come from two sources: Bright Futures Recommendations for Pediatric Health Care and the Uniform Panel of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children.

2.    Important Tips

• Accurate coding for preventive services by your health care provider is the key to accurate reimbursement by the Medical Plan.  All standard correct medical coding practices should be observed.
• Also of importance is the difference between a “screening” test and a diagnostic, monitoring, or surveillance test.  A “screening” test done on an asymptomatic person is a preventive service and is considered preventive even if the test results are positive for disease, but future tests would be diagnostic, for monitoring the disease or the risk factors for the disease.  A test done because symptoms of disease are present is not a preventive screening and is considered diagnostic.
• Ancillary services directly associated with a “screening” colonoscopy are also considered preventive services. Therefore, the evaluation office visit with the doctor performing the colonoscopy, colonoscopy procedure, the ambulatory facility fee, anesthesiology (if necessary), and pathology will be reimbursed as preventive, provided they are submitted with accurate preventive coding.

Covered Preventive Services

Prescription drug plan (included in medical plan).

Administered by Navitus Health Solutions

Who is eligible?

All MUS Medical Plan enrollees and their eligible dependents will automatically be enrolled in the Navitus Health Solutions Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) coverage (non-Medicare enrollees (Commercial Plan)/Medicare primary enrollees (MedicareRx Plan (Part D)). There is no separate premium and no deductible for prescription drugs.

How do I access my PDP information?

To access more information about the Navitus PDPs, including the MUS-specific participating network pharmacy directory and the complete prescription drug formulary (preferred drug list), you will need to register on the Navitus Member Portal . If you have questions regarding the drug formulary or pharmacy directory, contact Navitus Customer Care .

To determine your MUS PDP drug tier level and copay amount before going to the pharmacy, consult the Drug Schedule of Benefits, log into the Navitus Member Portal , or contact Navitus Customer Care .

How do I fill my prescriptions?

Prescription drugs may be obtained through the Plan at either a local retail pharmacy (up to a 34 or 90-day supply) or through a mail order pharmacy (90-day supply). Members who use maintenance medications can experience a significant cost-savings when filling their prescriptions for a 90-day supply.

Retail Pharmacy Network

NOTE:   CVS/Target pharmacies are not part of the MUS PDP participating pharmacy network.  If you choose to use these pharmacies, you will be responsible for all charges.   This is not applicable to Navitus MedicareRx enrollees.

Mail Order Pharmacies

Ridgeway and Costco Pharmacies administer the mail order pharmacy program. If you are new to the mail order program, you can register online .

Specialty Pharmacy

The preferred Specialty Pharmacy is Lumicera Health Services .  Lumicera helps members who are taking prescription drugs that require special handling and/or administration to treat certain chronic illnesses or complex conditions by providing services that offer convenience and support.  Ordering prescriptions with the specialty pharmacy is simple, contact Lumicera Customer Care .

You can access the Lumicera specialty pharmacy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .

Medicare Part D Plan

The Medicare PDP, Navitus MedicareRx, is a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). Like all Medicare Part D plans, this Medicare PDP is approved by Medicare and run by a private company (Navitus). 

• Enrollment in another Medicare Part D drug plan is not permitted. 
• MUS Medicare primary Retiree Plan members cannot be covered on another MUS Medicare primary Retiree Plan as a legal spouse (dual enrollment). 
• Medicare-eligible Plan members must be enrolled in BOTH Medicare Part A and B to be eligible for this drug plan and to remain covered on the MUS Medical Plan

Navitus Customer Care call 24 Hours a Day | 7 Days a wk Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Commercial Plan (Non-Medicare) 1-866-333-2757 Member Portal

MedicareRx Plan (Medicare) 1-866-270-3877 Member Portal

Costco 1-800-607-6861  

Ridgeway 1-800-630-3214

Lumicera Customer Care 1-855-847-3553 Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. MST

Dental Plan ( optional )

Administered by Delta Dental:   1-866-579-5717     

Choices offers the Dental Select Plan option for Retirees and their eligible dependents.

Continuation of enrollment in the Dental Plan is a one-time opportunity for Retirees (and their eligible dependents) at retirement. Coverage is permanently forfeited if the Retiree fails to continue enrollment, cancels Dental coverage, or fails to pay premiums. Note : A legal spouse reaching age 65 is not a qualifying event for re-enrolling in Dental coverage.

Select Plan Benefit Highlights:

Diagnostic & preventive services.

The Choices Select Plan allows MUS Plan members to obtain diagnostic & preventive services without those costs applying to the annual $2,000 maximum.

Orthodontic Benefits

The Choices Select Plan provides a $1,500 lifetime orthodontic benefit per covered individual.  Benefits are paid at 50% of the allowed amount for covered services.  Treatment plans usually include an initial down payment and ongoing monthly fees.  If an initial down payment is required, the Plan will pay up to 50% of the initial payment, up to 1/3 of the total treatment charge.  In addition, Delta Dental will establish a monthly reimbursement based on your provider’s monthly fee and your prescribed treatment plan.

Dental Fee Schedule

MUS dental claims are reimbursed based on a fixed dental fee schedule.  The following subsets of the Choices Select Plan fee schedule includes the most common used procedure codes.  The fee schedule’s fixed dollar amount is the maximum reimbursement amount paid by the Plan for the specified procedure code, regardless of provider network.  Covered Dental Plan enrollees are responsible for the difference (if any) between the provider’s billed charge and the fee schedule’s maximum reimbursement amount.  

Dental Plan enrollees have the freedom of choice to visit any licensed dentist, however, Out-of-Pocket costs may be reduced if seeing a Delta Dental Premier or PPO network dentist.

*The dental procedure codes and nomenclature are copyright of the American Dental Association. The procedures described and maximum reimbursement amounts indicated in the fee schedule are subject to the terms of the MUS-Delta Dental contract and Delta Dental processing policies. These allowances may be further reduced due to maximums, limitations, and exclusions. Please refer to the SPD for complete benefit and fee schedule information.

Vision Hardware Plan ( optional )

Administered by BlueCross BlueShield of Montana - 1-800-820-1674 or 1-406-447-8747

Choices offers a Vision Hardware Plan for Retirees and their eligible dependents.

Continuation of enrollment in the Vision Hardware Plan is a one-time opportunity for Retirees (and their eligible dependents) at retirement. Coverage is permanently forfeited if the Retiree fails to continue enrollment, cancels Vision Hardware coverage, or fails to pay premiums. Note : A legal spouse reaching age 65 is not a qualifying event for re-enrolling in Vision Hardware coverage.

Using Your Vision Hardware Plan Benefit

Quality vision care is important to your eye wellness and overall health care.  Visit your vision provider, purchase hardware, and submit your claim form to BlueCross BlueShield of Montana (BCBSMT) for processing.   The optional Vision Hardware Plan coverage is for hardware only.  Eye Exams, whether preventive or medical, are covered under the Medical Plan (see Eye Exam -preventive & medical) in the Schedule of Medical Plan Benefits ). Please refer to the SPD for complete Vision Hardware Plan benefits, limitations, and exclusions.

Monthly Vision Hardware Plan Rates

Retiree/Survivor Only                               $10.70

Retiree & Spouse                                      $20.20

Retiree/Survivor & Child(ren)                 $21.26

Retiree & Family                                       $31.18

*Prescription contact lenses that are required to treat medical or abnormal visual conditions, including but not limited to eye surgery (i.e., cataract removal), visual perception in the better eye that cannot be corrected to 20/70 through the use of  eyeglasses, and certain corneal or other eye diseases (i.e., anisometropia, high ametropia, and keratoconus).

Filing a claim: 

The Plan member may be responsible for vision hardware charges at the time of purchase. If the Provider does not bill for vision hardware purchases, the Provider should provide the Plan member with a walk-out statement that can be submitted to BCBSMT for reimbursement, along with a BCBSMT Claim Form .

MUS Wellness Program ( optional )

The MUS Plan offers Wellness programs to covered Choices Medical Plan enrollees over the age of 18.

Wellness Health Screenings

WellChecks:   Each campus location offers two free wellness health screenings (WellChecks) per Plan Year (July 1 - June 30). A free basic blood panel and biometric screening are provided at WellCheck, with additional optional tests available at discounted prices. MUS Wellness staff are present at most WellChecks to answer wellness related questions.  Visit WellCheck for more information .

Online Registration:  Online registration is required for all participants for WellCheck appointments.  Register on It Starts With Me .

Lab Tests:  Log into your It Starts With Me account for a complete listing of lab tests available at WellCheck.

Flu Shots:  Flu shots are offered FREE in the fall, subject to national vaccine availability. Visit WellCheck for more information .

Wellness Incentive Program

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Retirees and their legal spouses who are covered on the Choices Medical Plan are eligible to participate in the Virgin Pulse Wellness Incentive Program!

Build healthy habits, have fun with family and friends, and experience the lifelong rewards of better wellbeing. Earn Pulse Cash by participating in wellness challenges and redeem for items in the Virgin Pulse Store.

Get started at Join VirginPulse .

Already registered? Visit the VirginPulse Member page .

For more information about the MUS Wellness incentive program, contact the MUS Wellness office at 406-994-6111

Healthy Lifestyle Education & Support

Wellbaby program:.

WellBaby  is a pregnancy program designed to help you achieve a healthier pregnancy.  Enroll during your first trimester to take advantage of all program benefits, including copay/coinsurance waivers.  For more information call 406-660-0082 or visit Wellbaby .

Take Control Lifestyle Management Program:  

Take Control is a health coaching program that believes living well is within everyone’s reach.  Take Control offers comprehensive and confidential education and support for the medical conditions listed below.  Their unique and convenient telephonic delivery method allows Plan members to participate from anywhere and receive individual attention specific to each Plan member's needs.  Plan members with any of the following conditions may enroll:

• Diabetes: Type I, Type II, Pre-diabetes, or Gestational (Fasting GLUC > 125)
• Weight Loss: High Body Mass Index (BMI > 24.99)
• High Blood Pressure: (Hypertension) (Systolic > 140 or Diastolic > 90)
• High Cholesterol: (Hyperlipidemia) (CHOL > 240 or TRIG > 200 or LDL > 150 or HDL < 40M/50F)
• WellBaby participants can join Take Control as part of the WellBaby program

Services provided include monthly health coaching and healthy lifestyle resources.

Benefits Pre-Authorized by your Health Coach may include:

• Visit with your In-Network primary health care provider ($0 copay).
• Sleep study (deductible/coinsurance waived).
• Additional counseling visits ($0 copay).
• Copay waivers for diabetic supplies.

For details, visit the MUS Take Control Program or contact Take Control MT at 1-800-746-2970 .

Available to Non-Medicare enrollees only.

Stay Connected For education and updates visit our Blog Visit the MUS Wellness Website Contact the MUS Wellness office at 406-994-6111

Self-Audit Award Program

Be sure to check all medical health care provider bills and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) from the Medical Plan claims administrator to ensure charges have not been duplicated or you have been billed for services you did not receive. When you detect billing errors that result in a claims adjustment, the Plan will share the savings with you! You may receive an award of 50% of the savings, up to a maximum of $1,000.

The Self-Audit Award Program is available to all MUS Medical Plan members who identify medical billing errors which:

• Have not already been detected by the Medical Plan claims administrator or reported by the health care provider.
• Include medical services which are allowable and covered by the MUS Medical Plan, and
• Total $50 or more in errant charges.

To receive the Self-Audit Award, the member must:

• Notify the Medical Plan claims administrator of the error before it is detected by the claims administrator or the health care provider.
• Contact the health care provider to verify the error and work out the correct billing, and
• Submit copies of the correct billing to the Medical Plan claims administrator for verification, claims adjustment and calculation of the Self-Audit Award.

Summary Plan Description (SPD)

All MUS Plan participants have the right to obtain a current copy of the SPD . Despite the use of “summary” in the title, this document contains the full legal description of the Plan’s medical, dental, vision hardware, and prescription drug benefits and should always be consulted when a specific question arises about the Plan.

Plan participants may request a hard copy of the SPD by contacting their campus HR/ Benefits office or the MUS Benefits office at 1-877-501-1722 . The SPD is also available online.

Eligibility and enrollment rules for coverage in the MUS Plan for participants and their eligible dependents (who are NOT active employees within MUS), are published in the MUS SPD in these sections:

• Eligibility
• Enrollment, Changes in Enrollment, and Effective Dates of Coverage
• Leave, Layoff, Coverage Termination, Re-Enrollment, Surviving Dependent, and Retirement Options
• Continuation of Coverage Rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

Each covered employee and retiree are responsible for understanding the rights and responsibilities for themselves and their eligible dependents for maintaining enrollment in the MUS Plan.

Retirees eligible for Medicare and paying Medicare Retiree monthly premium rates, as published in the Choices Retiree Workbook, are required to be continuously enrolled in BOTH Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

Coordination of Benefits (COB): Persons covered by a health care plan through the MUS AND by another non-liability health care coverage plan, whether private, employer-based, governmental (including Medicare and Medicaid), are subject to coordination of benefits rules as specified in the SPD , COB section. Rules vary from case to case by the circumstances surrounding the claim and by the active or retiree status of the member. No more than 100% of a claim’s allowed amount will be paid by the sum of all payments from all applicable coordinated insurance coverages.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

The SBC , required by PPACA, will outline what the MUS Medical Plan covers and what the cost share is for the member and the Plan for covered services. 

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) Notice

The MUS Plan has a duty to safeguard and protect the privacy of all Plan members’ personally identifiable health information that is created, maintained, sent, or received by the Plan.

View the HIPAA Notice

The MUS Plan contracts with individuals or entities, known as Business Associates, who perform various functions on the Plan’s behalf such as claims processing and other health-related services associated with the Plan, including claims administration or to provide support services, such as medical review or pharmacy benefit management services, etc.

The MUS Plan, in administering Plan benefits, shares and receives personally identifiable medical information concerning Plan members as required by law and for routine transactions concerning eligibility, treatment, payments, wellness programs (including WellChecks and lifestyle management programs), healthcare operations, and claims processing (including review of claims payments or denials, appeals, health care fraud and abuse detection, and compliance).  Information concerning these categories may be shared, without a Plan participant’s written consent, between authorized MUS Benefits office employees and MUS Business Associates, the participant’s providers, or legally authorized governmental entities.

Allowed Amount

A set dollar allowance for procedures/services that are covered by the Plan.

Balance Billing

This amount is the difference between the provider’s billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services provided by an Out-of-Network Provider or the billed amount for a non-covered service.

Benefit Plan Year

The period starting July 1 and ending June 30.

Certification/Pre-Certification

A determination by the Medical Plan claims administrator that a specific service - such as an inpatient hospital stay - is medically necessary. Pre-Certification is done in advance of a non-emergency admission by contacting the Medical Plan claims administrator.

Coinsurance

A percentage of the allowed amount for covered services that a member is responsible for paying, after paying any applicable deductible.  For example, if Jack has met his deductible for In-Network medical costs ($1,250), he pays 30% of the allowed amount up to the Out-of-Pocket Maximum and the Plan pays 70%.

A fixed dollar amount the member pays for a covered service, usually at the time the member receives the service.  The Plan pays the remaining allowed amount.

Covered Service

Services that are determined to be medically necessary and are eligible for payment under the Plan.

A set dollar amount that a member must pay for covered services before the Medical Plan pays. The deductible applies to the benefit Plan Year (July 1 through June 30).  For example, Jack’s deductible is $1,250.  Jack pays 100% of the allowed amount for covered services until his deductible has been met.

A type of service that includes tests or exams usually performed for monitoring a disease or condition which you have signs, symptoms, or a prevailing medical history.

Emergency Services

Evaluation and treatment of a covered emergency medical condition (illness, injury, or serious condition).  Emergency Services are covered everywhere; however, Out-of-Network Providers may balance bill the difference between the billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services.

Fee Schedule

A fee schedule is a complete listing of fees used by the Plan to reimburse providers and suppliers for providing selected covered services.  The comprehensive listing of fee maximums is used to reimburse a provider on a fee-for-service or (fixed) flat-fee basis.

In-Network Provider

A provider who has a participating contract with the Plan claims administrator to provide services for Plan members and to accept the allowed amount as payment in full for covered services. Also called “Preferred Provider” or “Participating Provider”. Members will pay less Out-of-Pocket expenses for covered services if they see an In-Network Provider.

Out-of-Network Provider

A provider who provides services to a member but does not have a participating contract with the Plan claims administrator. Also called “Non-Preferred Provider” or "Non-Participating Provider”.   Members will pay more Out-of-Pocket expenses for covered services if they see an Out-of-Network Provider.  Out-of-Network Providers may balance bill the difference between the billed charge and the allowed amount for covered services.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The maximum amount of money a member pays toward the cost of covered services. Out-of-Pocket expenses include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.  For example, Jack reaches his $4,350 Out-of-Pocket Maximum. Jack has seen his doctor often and paid $4,350 total (deductible + coinsurance + copays). The Plan pays 100% of the allowed amount for covered services for the remainder of the benefit Plan Year (July 1 - June 30).  Balance billing amounts for covered services (the difference between Out-of-Network Provider billed charges and the allowed amount) do not apply to the Out-of-Pocket Maximum.

Healthcare benefits coverage offered to eligible members through the employer to assist with the cost of covered services.

Routine health care, including screenings and exams, to prevent or discover illnesses, disease, or other health problems.

Prior Authorization

A process that determines whether a proposed service, medication, supply, or ongoing treatment is considered medically necessary as a covered service.

Primary Care Physician

A physician (M.D. – Medical Doctor or D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant) who directly provides or coordinates a range of health care services for or helps access health care services for a patient.

A type of preventive service that includes tests or exams to detect the presence of something, usually performed when you have no symptoms, signs, or a prevailing medical history of a disease or condition.

A physician specialist who focuses on a specific area of medicine to diagnose, manage, prevent, or treat certain types of symptoms and conditions.    

Montana University System Benefits Office Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education 1-877-501-1722 * Fax (406) 449-9170

MEDICAL PLAN & VISION HARDWARE PLAN

BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF MONTANA 1-800-820-1674 or 1-406-447-8747

DENTAL PLAN

DELTA DENTAL 1-866-579-5717

PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS

NAVITUS COMMERCIAL PLAN (Non-Medicare) 1-866-333-2757

NAVITUS MEDICARE Rx PLAN (Medicare) 1-866-270-3877

LUMICERA HEALTH SERVICES 1-855-847-3553

COSTCO MAIL ORDER PHARMACY 1-800-607-6861 Fax:  1-888-545-4615

RIDGEWAY MAIL ORDER PHARMACY 1-800-630-3214 Fax:  406-642-6050

Montana University System Employee Benefits

560 North Park Ave. 4th Floor Helena, MT 59601 Mailing address: PO Box 203203 Helena, MT 59620 Fax: 406-449-9170 Toll free: 877-501-1722

Love Exploring

Marvelous Montana: The Best Places To Visit In The Treasure State

Posted: November 21, 2023 | Last updated: November 21, 2023

Top spots in the Treasure State

Big Sky Country. The Treasure State. The Last Best Place. Whichever of these nicknames you use for Montana, you won’t be wrong. America’s fourth largest state by area – which has just been named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 as one of the world’s top regions for travelers – is a real Western wonder. With endless beautiful and intriguing places to explore, from national parks and other natural attractions to small towns, slick cities, and historic landmarks, what are you waiting for?

Click through to discover the very best spots to see in Montana right now...

Swaddled by the spectacular landscapes of the Beartooth Mountains and Custer Gallatin National Forest, this charming enclave calls itself a town and has the quaint, community feel of one, but it’s actually a small city. A Native American trading post frequented by cowboys and outlaws back in the 19th century, Red Lodge has since retained its Western-style architecture and reputation for warm hospitality.

Head downtown to sample the fruits of its locally-owned independent stores and farm-to-table restaurants, or visit Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary to support animals from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem who are unable to live in the wild. 

Yellowstone National Park

While Wyoming is the state most synonymous with Yellowstone, Montana has two gateways into America’s oldest national park. The little tourist town of West Yellowstone is just a short drive from the West Entrance and will steer you right into the heart of this geothermal marvel.

West Yellowstone is fun to visit in its own right, with the must-see Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center promising close encounters with Greater Yellowstone animals who can’t live in the wild. Yellowstone’s North Entrance – the original way into the park – can be found in Gardiner and leads into the so-called ‘American Serengeti’ year-round, via the iconic Roosevelt Arch.

Beartooth Highway

Beginning just south of Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile All-American Road snaking through Montana’s highest mountain peaks and into the state of Wyoming. After crossing the border via Montana's Cooke City, the road climbs to reach Beartooth Pass (elevation: 10,947 feet) and enters Shoshone National Forest before arriving at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

The scenic route, with its hairpin bends and sharp switchbacks, is typically open between May and October. Allow at least three hours for the total drive (not including photo stops).

Gallatin River

Known to the Shoshone Tribe as Cut-tuh-o-gwa (swift water), the Gallatin River was renamed after the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in Montana during the early 1800s. Around a quarter of the river falls within the northern tip of Yellowstone National Park, attracting hikers, fly fisherfolk, and watersports nuts with its astonishing beauty, as well as local bears, deer, and moose.

Downstream, the river rushes through the Gallatin Canyon and the Gallatin Valley, where the scenery effortlessly shifts from pine forests to cottonwoods and hay fields.

Medicine Rocks State Park

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Medicine Rocks State Park is filled with unusual sandstone formations that look like lumps and shards of dusty honeycomb. Shaped by the elements over millions of years, these unique rocks were deemed sacred by some Native American groups (such as the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, and Sioux peoples), who convened in their shadows for ceremonial and religious gatherings.

Called “as fantastically beautiful a place as I have ever seen” by Theodore Roosevelt when he visited as a boy, Medicine Rocks is still a captivating haven for nature lovers.

Bannack State Park

Bannack, a former boomtown near the border with Idaho, was Montana’s first territorial capital and the site of its first major gold strike in 1862. Within a year, the settlement’s population had ballooned to over 3,000, which was then followed by a gradual decline as gold became less valuable.

Now labeled the best preserved of all the state’s ghost towns, Bannack is something of an open-air museum, showcasing more than 50 original Old West buildings seemingly frozen in time. There are 28 campsites (including a tipi to rent) open for year-round overnight stays in the park too.

Fort Peck Lake

Soaking a swathe of Montana’s Missouri River Country, Fort Peck Lake (really a reservoir) is the state’s largest body of water. Its 1,520 miles of shoreline outnumbers the length of the Californian coast and is home to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, populated by herds of mule deer, red foxes, mountain bluebirds, coyotes and so much more.

The lake was founded with a practical use in mind – to alleviate flooding, as well as post-Depression poverty by creating jobs – but has evolved into a hub of outdoor recreation.

Wrapped in blankets of trees on all sides, it’s no mystery how Missoula won its nickname. The ‘Garden City’ is uniquely situated within driving distance of five of Montana’s seven national forests; Lolo National Forest surrounds it entirely.

Within Lolo, visitors will find myriad walking and cycling trails sewn throughout the picturesque Rattlesnake and Blue Mountain National Recreation Areas – but there’s plenty to do indoors too. Missoula is a burgeoning university city; its downtown neighborhood and the so-called ‘Hip Strip’ are awash with music venues, cool art galleries, and coffee houses.

We can’t round up the most gorgeous places in Big Sky Country without mentioning Big Sky itself. Dramatic peaks crest all around this small town like rearing waves and wear whimsical names like Sphinx Mountain, Cinnamon Mountain, and Lone Mountain (pictured). Adrenaline-inducing winter sports and whitewater thrills are the main draws here, with the Big Sky Resort boasting some of the biggest skiing in the US.

While a sense of adventure is encouraged, it’s not mandatory to enjoy your time in Big Sky – just hit the Historic Crail Ranch Museum or the stores instead of the slopes.

Makoshika State Park

The name of Montana’s largest state park derives from the Lakota phrase meaning ‘bad earth’ or ‘bad spirit,’ relating to the harsh and inhospitable conditions of Montana’s eastern badlands. But life has been known to thrive in what is now Makoshika State Park; aside from the juniper and pine scrub that peppers its rocky landscape today, dinosaurs once roamed here.

At the park’s visitor center, you’ll find the fossilized remains of tyrannosaurus rex, triceratops, and even more prehistoric creatures. As well as archaeological wonders, Makoshika is laced with nature trails, scenic driving routes, and campsites. An open-air theater hosts an annual Shakespeare festival too.

Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild

This sculpture park in Lincoln features large-scale installations by Montana natives and international artists that celebrate Blackfoot Valley’s precious cultural, environmental, and industrial heritage. Carving through the western corner of the state, the Blackfoot Valley cradles a free-flowing river of the same name and has been inhabited by Native American peoples for at least 10,000 years.

One of the most striking pieces you can see at Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild is “Tree Circus” by Patrick Dougherty (pictured), created out of willow and alder wood.

Glacier National Park

Forming part of the Crown of the Continent – a Venn diagram of vast temperate ecosystems shared by Montana and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta – Glacier National Park is a wilderness of alpine meadows, gleaming lakes, majestic valleys, and vanishing glaciers. It is vast, but we think hiking in the Many Glacier area is a particularly jaw-dropping introduction to exploring this national park.

Tripping the Going-to-the-Sun Road can’t be missed either; take an interpretive tour with Blackfeet-owned tribal business Sun Tours to fully understand the national park’s complex history.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

Set within the High Plains, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is where Indigenous hunters used to kill herds of buffalo and bison by driving them over a sheer cliff. Believed to be the largest such jump in North America, this site was used for at least two thousand years and features a mile-long sandstone ledge where compacted bovid remains lie entombed beneath.

While this all might make you shudder, a single jump could feed, clothe and shelter the hunters’ people for a whole year, so they were necessary for survival.

Butte was once called the Richest Hill on Earth, owing to the abundant copper lodes that transformed it from a humble mining town on the slopes of the Continental Divide into Montana’s first major city. At the turn of the 20th century, Butte was the largest city west of the Mississippi and was also the biggest between San Francisco and Chicago for a considerable stretch of time.

Nowadays, while the copper boom has long since dwindled, the city remains a monument to its past – it contains one of the USA’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts and some fascinating museums that document its 1800s prime.

Bozeman is Montana’s other university city, which has been called “the most liveable place.” Combining ample opportunities for backcountry exploring and adventure sports with diverse festivals, farmers’ markets, theaters, cafes, and craft breweries, the growing town is keen to show off its experimental and eclectic vibe.

Spare some time for the Museum of the Rockies, an affiliate of the illustrious Smithsonian Institution and home to one of the country’s largest dinosaur collections, as well as exhibits on regional Native American culture and Western art. If that wasn’t enough, the planetarium and outdoor living-history sections will leave you equally entertained and educated.

Paradise Valley

If you’re visiting Bozeman, supplement your trip with a gorgeous 90-minute drive through the heart of Paradise Valley to the North Entrance of Yellowstone – the only way into the national park during the winter months. With the Absaroka mountain range to its eastern flank and the Gallatin range to the west, Paradise Valley offers some amazing outdoor experiences, including cross-country skiing, dude ranches, dog-sledding, ziplining, and river rafting.

Head to Chico Hot Springs, a spa resort that’s been in operation for over a century, to toast yourself up.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

With one foot in Wyoming and the other in Montana, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area boasts 17 miles of designated trails and spans over 120,000 acres in its entirety. The park has been touted as the state’s best-kept secret; pontoon boats can be rented and steered between the rugged canyon walls, while the visitor center at Fort Smith overlooks Yellowtail Dam and tells its origin story.

Named after Robert Yellowtail, leader of the Crow Nation, the dam siphoned the once-volatile Bighorn River into a serene lake that now forms the centerpiece of the park.

Kootenai Falls

The largest undammed falls in Montana (and one of the largest free-flowing falls in the American northwest), Kootenai Falls is certainly impressive. The rushing cascade sits on the sacred lands of the Kootenai Tribe, to whom the falls represent the center of the world.

Community members come here for spiritual guidance and direction from their ancestors. For visitors, this is a place to feel grounded and close to nature. Follow the forest trail from the parking lot down to the Swinging Bridge, which promises a great perspective of the falls if you’ve got a head for heights (and aren’t put off by the wobble).

Ross Creek Cedars

Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area is a 100-acre grove of giant red cedar trees. Many tower above Kootenai National Forest as they have for the past thousand years, their striped trunks sentinels of the past.

Thriving in the shadows of the damp understory are mosses, mushrooms, hemlocks, and lichens, delighting nature lovers with their earthy perfume. For a gentle day hike through a closed canopy of ancient western cedars, follow the Ross Creek Trail 142; a shorter circular trail, lined with information boards and picnic benches, is ideal for families.

Swan Lake might be small in size compared to its neighbor Flathead Lake, but don't let that fool you – it belongs to a big-hearted community, softened and shaped by their connection to nature. The lake lends its name to a nearby town, established in the early 20th century to accommodate lumberjacks felling timber to build the Great Northern Railroad.

It has since grown around the lake, building a modest reputation for its sought-after fish stocks. Nestled among blue peaks and cozy forests, Swan Lake spawns a host of hiking trails and also holds its signature huckleberry festival annually, which has been going for over 40 years.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Also borne out of the railway, Whitefish (adjacent to Glacier National Park) in northwest Montana was incorporated in 1905 and frequented by loggers, miners, and railroad workers in its early days. Now, there’s one main reason that people come in their droves to this compact city.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is renowned as one of the biggest and best ski spots in North America, featuring over 3,000 skiable acres. But contrary to what you might expect, it’s something of an all-seasons destination – when the powder melts, zipline tours, downhill mountain biking, and treetop walkways become the signs of summer.

Gates of the Mountains

Just north of Helena, Montana’s capital city, you’ll find the magical Gates of the Mountains. Split by the Missouri River, this bewildering limestone canyon has more than 28,000 acres of designated wilderness area named after it, where airy forests, high-altitude meadows, and slender gorges give a different flavor in every season.

It caught mainstream attention after Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed through on their 8,000-mile journey across what was (in the early 19th century) an uncharted corner of the United States; those following the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail today will find this landmark a highlight of the route.

Humbug Spires

The wilderness study area of Humbug Spires relates to a swathe of peculiar rock formations that form part of the Boulder Batholith, where quartz monzonite shards have pushed up from beneath the surface of the Earth and calved jagged, shark-tooth-like peaks. Pristine and car-free, you’ll seldom see another soul on the trail here, which runs for three miles along Moose Creek and meanders through an old-growth forest.

A boon for rock climbers, the views of Big Sky Country from the spires are top tier.

Terry Badlands

The town of Terry in Montana’s Prairie County is your gateway to the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area and the stunning Big Sky Back Country Byway, which ends at Wolf Point on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Its stark badlands are a striking departure from the snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes that most would associate with the Treasure State, comprising weathered escarpments of neatly banded sedimentary rock, fairy chimneys, and sandstone buttes.

The Terry Badlands are remote, but definitely worth the adventure – follow the Natural Bridges Trail for a punchy introduction to the park’s unique geology.

Located on the shores of Flathead Lake, in the midst of Montana’s Glacier Country, Bigfork has been called one of the best small art towns in America. This idyllic enclave may seem sleepy to those just passing through, but stay a while and you’ll discover a thriving community with creativity and curiosity at its core.

From outstanding art galleries to artisanal stores, coffee stops, and markets, Bigfork has a lot to offer within its tiny footprint. Annual celebrations like Bigfork Whitewater Festival and Bigfork Brewfest give the town even more excuses to demonstrate its gregarious spirit.

Flathead Lake

With water so clear in summer that you can see 20 feet into its depths, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the contiguous US and one of Montana’s best places for aquatic activities. Look out for the mysterious Flathead Lake Monster though, which has reportedly been sighted several times in the past 130 years. Note that the southern half of Flathead Lake rests on tribal land, so you’ll need to secure a recreation permit from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai peoples if you’re planning to spend time here.

Now discover the most mysterious place in every US state

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