Montana is home to some of America’s most scenic drives. From our nationally known highways to the awe-inspiring Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Big Sky Country is the best place for going on a road trip. And if you’ve spent a lot of time exploring the Treasure State by vehicle, you know that the back roads are often worth taking.
The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Byway is a scenic alternative to I-90, full of breathtaking views and lakeside scenery.
The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Byway is a 64-mile drive that runs from Anaconda to Drummond.
Sirviendo a Cristo / YouTube It’s also known as the Pintler Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Highway.
Admittedly, this road will take you about an hour longer to reach your destination than if you’d stayed on I-90.
Sirviendo a Cristo / YouTube But if you’re not in a rush, there are a few pretty persuasive reasons to take it.
This route follows the northern shoreline of Georgetown Lake, a gorgeous mountain lake tucked away at the base of the Anaconda Range.
Idjpg / Flickr Georgetown Lake is another hidden gem that most Montanans aren’t aware of.
After you pass through Anaconda, you’ll follow along the shores of Georgetown Lake for several more miles. After that, you’ll lose elevation pretty quickly as you head into Flint Creek Canyon. Old mining relics can sometimes be spotted along this section of the drive.
Jasperdo / Flickr After the canyon, you’ll head to the sprawling Philipsburg Valley, where you’ll be able to see three different mountain ranges. If you have time, you’ll definitely want to stop in the charming town of Philipsburg.
When you pass through Philipsburg, you’ll head north, closely following Flint Creek…
Sirviendo a Cristo / YouTube
…and before you know it, you’ll be in the town of Drummond.
Melinda R. HImel / Wikipedia Fortunately, Drummond just happens to be home to Parker’s Restaurant, which has some of the best burgers in the state (and possibly the universe).
Some of the best routes in Montana can be discovered by taking the back roads. And if you’d like to get a better feel for this hidden gem of a drive, check out this YouTube video by Sirviendo a Cristo:
Sirviendo a Cristo / YouTube
It’s also known as the Pintler Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Highway.
But if you’re not in a rush, there are a few pretty persuasive reasons to take it.
Idjpg / Flickr
Georgetown Lake is another hidden gem that most Montanans aren’t aware of.
Jasperdo / Flickr
After the canyon, you’ll head to the sprawling Philipsburg Valley, where you’ll be able to see three different mountain ranges. If you have time, you’ll definitely want to stop in the charming town of Philipsburg.
Melinda R. HImel / Wikipedia
Fortunately, Drummond just happens to be home to Parker’s Restaurant, which has some of the best burgers in the state (and possibly the universe).
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Address: Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway, Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Hwy, Anaconda, MT, USA
