Montana Ranks High In Latest Outdoor Recreation Report

It’s no secret that spending time outside does wonders for your physical and mental health. Fresh air, movement, and open space—it’s a simple recipe that works. And in Montana, we’ve got access to just about every kind of outdoor adventure you can imagine.

Honestly, sometimes it's overwhelming in the best way possible. I don’t know about you, but when the weekend rolls around, I find myself asking: should I go rock hounding? Fly-fishing? Hiking? Kayaking? Maybe take a long drive and do some sightseeing? The list goes on, and that’s part of why I love this state so much.

But when it comes to officially naming the best state for outdoor enthusiasts, that’s a tougher call. Every outdoor lover has their go-to spot, and they’ll likely defend it proudly. But what if you broke it down by real data—actual stats that measure how outdoor-friendly a state really is?

SmileHub did just that. They looked at all 50 states and ranked them using 18 key metrics—everything from air pollution levels to the number of outdoor gear stores per capita, the economic impact of outdoor recreation, and more.

So, where does Montana rank?

We’re proud to say: Number 1.

Montana’s Outdoor Stats Breakdown:

• Overall Rank: 1st
• 1st – Outdoor Gear Stores per Capita
• 19th – Sports & Recreation Charities per Capita
• 3rd – Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact
• 16th – Air Pollution
• 4th – Share of Adults Reporting No Leisure-Time Physical Activity
• 6th – National Parks per Capita
• 16th – Share of Land Designated for Parks and Wildlife

Other states rounding out the top 10 include Alaska, Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Vermont.

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We already knew Montana was special—but it’s always nice to see it backed by numbers.What’s your favorite outdoor activity to do in Montana? Let us know HERE!