Only 3% of Yellowstone National Park resides in Montana, but the state is home to three of the park’s five entrances. Near the north entrance of the park, you’ll find Mammoth Hot Springs, which has been said to look like a cave that’s been turned inside out. The large terraces are formed by limestone that’s dissolved by the hot, acidic water that rises from the chambers below, then reforms after it’s above ground. If you decide to enter through the west entrance, located just across the Wyoming and Idaho borders in West Yellowstone, you’ll be a quick drive away from several geyser basins, which include both geysers and hot springs.

Some of the more popular attractions in this area include Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot and more. Finally, the northeast entrance, which is closed during the winter months, gives you the best access to the park’s famous Lamar Valley, which is where you’ll be able to observe grizzly bears, black bears, bison and wolves. Visitors to Yellowstone National Park have called it a piece of heaven on Earth, a breathtaking experience and nature at its best.

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are plenty of lodging options for each entrance. In West Yellowstone, the ClubHouse Inn West Yellowstone and the Alpine Motel are top-rated. If you’re coming from the north entrance in Gardiner, Montana, Yellowstone Village Inn and Yellowstone Riverside Cottages have great reviews. And if you’re coming from the northeast, consider the Elk Horn Lodge or Alpine Motel in Cooke City. If you’re interested in a guided experience, consider a private Yellowstone tour.

For an especially unique experience in Yellowstone National Park, get out on the water. You can go fly-fishing, kayaking and boating on Yellowstone Lake or take a half- or full-day whitewater rafting tour.

Soak in one of the state’s many hot springs