Montana Ranked as Top State for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Montana has been named the best state in the country for outdoor enthusiasts, according to a new report from SmileHub, Governor Greg Gianforte announced today.

“Montana is best known around the world for our beautiful vistas and wide-open spaces,” Gianforte said. “This report confirms what Montanans already know: our outdoor recreational opportunities are the best in the country thanks to our work to boost public access, support our tourism industry, and protect our way of life.”

The report ranked Montana first in the nation based on three key factors: access to outdoor activities, the economic impact and job opportunities related to outdoor recreation, and environmental quality. Montana performed well across all three categories, ranking second for outdoor activity access and seventh for economic impact.

Since taking office, Gianforte has prioritized increasing public access to Montana’s public lands. Montanans have gained access to more than 100,000 acres of public lands, with new Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Big Snowy Mountains, Bad Rock Canyon, and along the Yellowstone River. Expanded access has also been provided at Mount Haggin, and a new state park has been established at Somers Beach.

In August, the state led the purchase of more than 50,000 acres of habitat conservation leases. This effort was aimed at increasing public access, keeping agricultural land in production, and conserving prairie habitats.

Gianforte has also worked with sportsmen, outfitters, and landowners to sign legislation promoting public access and expanding hunting opportunities for Montanans.

Outdoor activities provide a wide range of benefits for states and their citizens. For individuals, being in nature boosts their physical and mental health. For states, the presence of outdoor activities provides an economic benefit while also helping preserve natural areas through increased participation in conservation efforts..

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In order to highlight the best states for outdoor enthusiasts, SmileHub compared each of the 50 states based on 18 key metrics. The data set ranges from national parks per capita to the share of adults reporting no physical activity in their free time to the economic impact of outdoor recreation.