Driving through Montana can be a bit daunting for first time travelers. The biggest reason is just how BIG Montana is. It can take over 10 hours traverse our state east to west and over 5 hours north to south. Interstate travel might seem the best way to do that, but you'd be missing out on some truly scenic sights.

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Getting off the interstate and taking byways, while increasing your travel time, allows you to see some true Montana beauty you won't get from interstate travel. One of the most scenic in Montana is the Pintler Scenic Byway.

Thanks to takemytripdotcom you can see just why this is worth the extra time it takes getting off I-90.

Our trip starts in Anaconda

takemytripdotcom via YouTube
takemytripdotcom via YouTube
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From there you'll get on Montana Highway 1 for your 64 mile journey.

takemytripdotcom via YouTube
takemytripdotcom via YouTube
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One of the scenes you'll get to see taking this route is the Georgetown Lake.

Google Maps/Canva
Google Maps/Canva
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From there you'll enter into the Flint Creek Canyon.

Google Maps/Canva
Google Maps/Canva
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Halfway through our journey you'll come across the town of Philipsburg, MT.

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Google Maps
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Here you can stop and visit the Granite County Museum or see the Granite Ghost Town. Maybe you'll strike it rich by mining some Montana Sapphires at Montana Gem Stones. No matter what you do Philipsburg is great place to get out and stretch your legs before continuing our trip.

Google Maps/Canva
Google Maps/Canva
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Back on Highway 1 we suggest also stopping at the Ohrmann Museum & Gallery just before Drummond.

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Google Maps
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There you'll find plenty of paintings and sculptures from the artist Bill Ohrmann.

Finally we've reached the end of our scenic detour as we arrive in Drummond.

Google Maps/Canva
Google Maps/Canva
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While this little "detour" might add some time to your trip, taking these scenic back roads allows you to see Montana in a way that's just not possible from the interstate.

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