Sunburst MontanaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sunburst, Montana.
1. Sweetgrass Hills
SACRED MOUNTAINS WITH HISTORY
The Sweetgrass Hills are a significant natural landmark near Sunburst, comprised of 6,983 foot West Butte, Gold Butte, Mount Royal, and Mount Brown. These hills maintain religious and cultural significance to the Blackfeet people and other tribes, with a rich history of different names including 'Three Paps' by Hudson's Bay Company in 1802 and 'Tower Mountains' by Meriwether Lewis in 1806. The area also has a mining history, with small gold mines operating in the 1890s and 1930s, some of which remain viable today.
2. Sunburst Cannon
HISTORIC MILITARY MONUMENT
The Sunburst Cannon is a historic military artifact prominently displayed in Sunburst Town. This impressive gun serves as a memorial and reminder of the sacrifices made by service members. Visitors can view this piece of history while exploring the town center.
3. Sunburst Walking Trail
SCENIC COMMUNITY PATHWAY
The Sunburst Walking Trail is a quaint path just under half a mile in length that surrounds the baseball complex in town. Built in 2013 through community fundraising and a land donation from a local rancher, the trail provides a safe place for people to walk without worrying about traffic. Visitors can enjoy walks of varying distances including quarter-mile, half-mile, and one-mile routes.
4. Mint Bar
UNIQUE CHURCH-TURNED-BAR
The Mint Bar in Sunburst occupies a unique 1930s church building that has been newly restored. This distinctive establishment is known locally as a place 'Where You Can Sin and Repent at the Same Time.' The charming historical venue offers visitors a one-of-a-kind drinking experience in a converted place of worship.
5. Sunburst Town Parks
RELAXING COMMUNITY SPACES
Sunburst Town Parks offer visitors a chance to relax at picnic tables under a gazebo alongside the community swimming pool. Nearby Spark Park features swings and other recreational amenities for families to enjoy. These well-maintained green spaces serve as gathering places for both locals and visitors.
6. Park Lake Provincial Park
TRANQUIL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Park Lake Provincial Park is a highly-rated natural area not far from Sunburst. The park offers various outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors appreciate the tranquil setting and well-maintained facilities.
7. Writing On Stone Provincial Park
ANCIENT ROCK ART SITE
Writing On Stone Provincial Park features remarkable Indigenous petroglyphs and pictographs carved and painted on sandstone cliffs. The site preserves thousands of years of Indigenous history and culture in its dramatic landscape. Visitors can view these ancient artworks while exploring hiking trails through the unique badlands terrain.
8. Kevin-Sunburst Oil Fields
HISTORIC ENERGY LANDMARK
The Kevin-Sunburst Oil Fields represent the historic site that transformed Sunburst into a boom town in the 1920s. These oil fields were a major economic driver for the region until production declined during the 1970s. Today, visitors can learn about this important chapter in local history that shaped the development of the town.
9. Sweetgrass Port of Entry
US-CANADA BORDER CROSSING
The Sweetgrass Port of Entry is the international border crossing between the United States and Canada, located just eight miles from Sunburst. This 24-hour port of entry serves as a gateway for travelers and commerce between the two countries. Visitors passing through can observe the operations of this important border facility.
10. Jerusalem Rocks
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Jerusalem Rocks is a distinctive geological formation in the Sunburst area that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers. The unusual rock formations create an otherworldly landscape that contrasts with the surrounding plains. Visitors can explore these natural sculptures and enjoy panoramic views of the Montana countryside.
11. Glacier National Park
CROWN OF THE CONTINENT
Glacier National Park is a spectacular wilderness area located about an hour's drive from Sunburst. The park encompasses over one million acres of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. Visitors can explore over 700 miles of hiking trails, drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, and observe diverse wildlife including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and eagles.
12. Wind Farms
RENEWABLE ENERGY LANDSCAPE
The Wind Farms near Sunburst showcase Montana's commitment to renewable energy with impressive turbines dotting the landscape. These modern installations harness the region's abundant wind resources to generate clean electricity. Visitors can observe these towering structures that have become an iconic part of the area's contemporary visual identity.
13. Sunburst Community Foundation
LOCAL CULTURAL HUB
The Sunburst Community Foundation serves as a cultural and philanthropic center that supports various local initiatives and community projects. The foundation was instrumental in developing community assets like the Walking Trail through fundraising and coordination efforts. Visitors interested in local culture and community development can learn about the foundation's ongoing work and contributions to Sunburst's quality of life.
14. Sunburst Baseball Complex
LOCAL SPORTS VENUE
The Sunburst Baseball Complex is a recreational facility that hosts local sporting events and community gatherings. The complex is surrounded by the town's Walking Trail, making it a central hub for outdoor activities. Visitors can watch local baseball games during the season or enjoy the well-maintained grounds year-round.
15. Rocky Mountain Front
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN SCENERY
The Rocky Mountain Front offers breathtaking views where the plains meet the dramatic eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This spectacular landscape is home to diverse wildlife and provides numerous outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors from Sunburst can reach this natural wonder within an hour's drive, making it a perfect day trip destination.