Gateway to the Rockies - Montana

Montana, one of the largest states in the US, is dominated by the Rocky Mountains in the west and prairies to the east. Helena, the Queen City of the Rockies, serves as the state capital. Last Chance Gulch remains Helena's main street today reflecting the city's historic and colorful western heritage. Glacier National Park in the Northwest and Yellowstone National Park in the Southwest showcase the best of the Rocky Mountains. Summers in the rolling prairies east of Great Falls means adventures on the Missouri River and fishing for walleye in Fort Peck Lake – all beneath the blue umbrella of Montana's famous Big Sky.

Glacier National Park celebrates it's centennial in 2010. Columbia Falls Heritage Days celebration will be coordinated with centennial for a week long event running July 19th through the 25th. This fun family event features a parade, Rodeo, wild horse drive, the Boogie-to-the-Bank 5K and 10K run and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. With many more events and entertainment Heritage Days make a great family getaway. Best Western has two hotels close to the festivities. The Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge in Whitefish and the Best Western White Oak Grand in Kalispell make convenient accommodations for visitors to the Glacier National Park area. Make sure to plan time to enjoy the amazing outdoor activities in the area!

River City Roots Fest 2010 is Missoula's signature summer event showcasing the city and celebrating the community. The festival, August 28th and 29th, is free. Scheduled event feature a juried art show, live entertainment, a four mile run and special children's activities. The Best Western Grant Creek Inn in Missoula is conveniently located of I-90 for travelers in the area. With quality accommodations and amenities, make it your lodging choice in the Missoula area.

Billings hosts MontanaFair, the state's biggest event, August 13th through the 21st. The 2010 fair is better than ever. The areas best livestock, agriculture, arts and crafts are exhibited along with a full schedule of top notch entertainment for the entire family. Demolition Day will feature two rounds of automobile demolition derbies, and for the first time, a combine demolition derby. There will be non-stop action with the carnival, midway, exhibitions and shows. Book a room at Billing's Best Western Kelly Inn & Suites or the Best Western ClockTower Inn and make it a long weekend getaway for the family.

Havre in the plains of North-central Montana, celebrates the local 2010 fall harvest with the 30th Annual Havre Festival Days. A wonderful community celebration with residents and visitors joining together for some good old fashioned fun. Highlights of the festival are the 48-hour softball tournament, a parade with a pet and doll section for kids to participate, and a pancake breakfast to kick-off the weekend. Competitions include a soap box derby, softball and a 5K and 1 mile run. There is a lot to do for everyone at Havre's Festival Days. Visitors can enjoy Montana hospitality at its best at the Best Western Great Northern Inn in Havre.