Montanans Say These Summer Spots Bring Back Childhood Memories

There's something about summertime in Montana that brings back a lot of memories. 

Outdoor Adventures of Childhood

For many of us, being a kid meant spending every possible minute outside. Whether it was riding a bike, skateboarding around town, swimming in the river, or simply exploring with friends, those long summer days seemed like they'd never end. 

I never traveled much as a kid because of my family's situation. Instead, my adventures happened close to home. My friends and I explored every corner of town, and looking back, those simple days are some of my favorite memories. 

Survey Reveals Favorite Montana Landmarks

A recent survey by Advanced Funds Network asked Americans ages 45 and older to name the local business or attraction that gives them the strongest nostalgic summer memories. Considering everything Montana has to offer, from lakes and rivers to mountains and small towns, narrowing it down couldn't have been easy. 

READ MORE: It’s Not Summer in Montana Until You Visit One of These 10 Places

Top Nostalgic Spots in Montana

Here are the three places that made the list for Montana. 

1. Big Dipper Ice Cream – Missoula

If you've spent a summer evening on Missoula's Hip Strip, this probably won't surprise you.. 

Big Dipper Ice Cream has been serving scoops in Missoula since 1995. Tasting their White Mint Oreo or Yellow Cake will bring back memories for most people. 

2. Mark's In & Out Beefburgers – Livingston

Open since 1954, Mark's In & Out Beefburgers is a seasonal drive-in that's become a tradition for families across Montana. 

Part of the nostalgia is knowing it's only open during the warmer months. The menu is everything you'd expect from a classic American drive-in: burgers, fries, onion rings, hot dogs, chili dogs, shakes, malts, cones, and sundaes. 

Sometimes, simple is exactly what makes a place memorable. 

3. Virginia City

Virginia City is one of those Montana destinations that feels like stepping back in time. 

READ MORE: The Ultimate Montana Ice Cream Road Trip: 5 Stops You Can’t Miss This Summer

Every summer, the historic mining town comes alive with wooden boardwalks, old storefronts, museums, train rides, live entertainment, and plenty of history. It's the kind of place where kids can create the same kinds of memories their parents and grandparents did decades earlier. 

I admit I still haven’t been to Virginia City or Mark's In & Out Beefburgers in Livingston. 

Big Dipper has been part of my summers ever since they opened in 1995, but now I think it's time to add a couple more Montana traditions to the list. 

Road Trip Ideas: Embracing Montana Traditions

Maybe it's time to take a road trip to Livingston and Virginia City and create a few new summer memories of my own.