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Quizzes > Geography

Montana trivia quiz: how well do you know the Big Sky State?

Quick, free Montana quiz. Instant results and fun facts.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Dejan KrunicUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of Montana mountains, bison, rivers on teal background for free trivia quiz

This Montana trivia quiz helps you check your knowledge of Big Sky State history, landmarks, and local lore. Answer quick questions, see your score instantly, and learn new facts along the way. If you enjoy it, try our US national parks quiz, explore more state trivia questions, or take a quick Michigan quiz.

What is the official nickname of Montana?
The Evergreen State
The Last Frontier
The Treasure State
The Big Sky State
Montana is officially known as "The Big Sky State" due to its vast, unobstructed skies and scenic landscapes. This nickname reflects the state's wide-open spaces and expansive horizons. The moniker was popularized by writer A.B. Guthrie Jr. in his novel of the same name.
Which city serves as the capital of Montana?
Billings
Bozeman
Missoula
Helena
Helena has been the capital of Montana since 1875, selected due to its booming gold rush economy and central location. It replaced Virginia City as the territorial capital. Today, Helena is known for its Victorian architecture and historic downtown.
What is Montana's official state animal?
Bison
Mountain goat
Elk
Grizzly bear
The grizzly bear was designated the state animal of Montana in 1963 because of its prominence in the state's wilderness and cultural heritage. Grizzlies are an iconic symbol of Montana's wild landscapes. Conservation efforts continue to protect this species.
Which major mountain range runs through western Montana?
Appalachian Mountains
Rocky Mountains
Cascade Range
Sierra Nevada
Montana's western region is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, which extend from Canada through the United States. These mountains are known for their high peaks, alpine meadows, and rich biodiversity. They offer numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking and skiing.
Which national park is entirely located within Montana's borders?
Grand Teton National Park
Glacier National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Glacier National Park lies entirely within Montana and is renowned for its glacial-carved terrain and pristine lakes. Although Yellowstone National Park extends into Montana, it also covers parts of Wyoming and Idaho. Glacier was established in 1910 and is known as the "Crown of the Continent."
In what year did Montana become the 41st state of the U.S.?
1889
1896
1901
1876
Montana was admitted to the Union on November 8, 1889, as the 41st state. Before statehood, it was a U.S. territory organized in 1864. Statehood marked the culmination of settlement driven by mining and ranching booms.
Which river flows through Great Falls, Montana?
Missouri River
Flathead River
Yellowstone River
Clark Fork River
The Missouri River runs through Great Falls, forming a series of waterfalls that gave the city its name. Lewis and Clark documented these falls during their expedition in 1805. The river is a key waterway for regional ecosystems and recreation.
What species is designated as Montana's state fish?
Rainbow trout
Walleye
Northern pike
Cutthroat trout
The cutthroat trout is Montana's state fish, named for the red slash marking under its throat. It was adopted in 1975 to highlight the importance of native trout species. Cutthroat trout are prized by anglers for their fighting spirit.
Which peak is the highest point in Montana?
Mount Cleveland
Lone Peak
Sacagawea Peak
Granite Peak
Granite Peak, at 12,807 feet, is the tallest mountain in Montana. Located in the Beartooth Range, it presents a challenging climb with technical routes. It was first summited in 1923.
Which Native American tribe is based primarily in northwestern Montana?
Cherokee
Seminole
Blackfeet
Pawnee
The Blackfeet Nation's reservation lies in northwestern Montana along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. They are one of the largest tribes in the state and have inhabited the plains for centuries. Their culture and history remain integral to regional identity.
What is the largest county by area in Montana?
Missoula County
Beaverhead County
Yellowstone County
Gallatin County
Beaverhead County covers over 5,500 square miles, making it the largest in Montana by area. It encompasses portions of the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers. The county's economy is rooted in agriculture and recreation.
Which natural freshwater lake is the largest within Montana's boundaries?
Whitefish Lake
Seeley Lake
Fort Peck Lake
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake spans about 197 square miles and is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. It's fed primarily by the Flathead River. The lake is renowned for its clear water and fishing.
What famous fossil-bearing formation in eastern Montana is known for yielding Tyrannosaurus rex specimens?
Hell Creek Formation
Morrison Formation
Green River Formation
Burgess Shale
The Hell Creek Formation spans eastern Montana and parts of the Dakotas and is renowned for its late Cretaceous dinosaur fossils, including T. rex. It dates to around 66 million years ago. Many significant paleontological discoveries have been made here.
Which hydroelectric dam on the Missouri River is located near Great Falls, Montana, and was completed in 1890?
Rainbow Dam
Garrison Dam
Hungry Horse Dam
Black Eagle Dam
Black Eagle Dam, completed in 1890, was one of the earliest hydroelectric projects on the Missouri River near Great Falls. It harnessed the river's power to supply electric light and power to the region. The dam is a National Historic Landmark.
Approximately what percentage of Montana's land is owned by the federal government?
10%
50%
35%
70%
About 35% of Montana's land is federally owned, managed by agencies like the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. This includes national forests, grasslands, and wildlife refuges. These lands are vital for conservation and recreation.
What dinosaur species is designated as the official state fossil of Montana?
Tyrannosaurus rex
Maiasaura peeblesorum
Triceratops horridus
Velociraptor mongoliensis
Maiasaura peeblesorum was designated as Montana's state fossil in 1985 due to its significant nesting site discoveries in the Two Medicine Formation. The species' name means "good mother lizard" because of evidence of parental care. Its fossils have provided insight into dinosaur behavior.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall key historical events -

    Reinforce your knowledge of pivotal moments in Big Sky State history to tackle montana trivia questions with ease.

  2. Identify iconic landmarks -

    Recognize and name famous Montana sites, preparing you for the ultimate montana trivia quiz challenge.

  3. Analyze cultural highlights -

    Examine Montana's diverse traditions and heritage to confidently answer fun montana trivia questions.

  4. Apply quiz-taking strategies -

    Use effective techniques to boost your score on the montana state quiz and enhance your overall quiz performance.

  5. Differentiate regional facts -

    Distinguish between unique facts from Montana's various regions, deepening your mastery of the montana history quiz.

  6. Evaluate your results -

    Assess your quiz performance to pinpoint strengths and areas for further exploration of montana trivia.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Geography and the "Big Sky" -

    Montana trivia often highlights that the state ranks as the fourth-largest U.S. state by area and spans two time zones, sharing borders with Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canadian provinces. Remember "MT=Mountain times two" to recall its vast terrain and dual time zones - perfect prep for any montana trivia quiz.

  2. Historic Milestones & Statehood -

    Lewis and Clark traversed present-day Montana in 1805, paving the way for settlement, and Montana became the 41st state on November 8, 1889. Use the number phrase "1805×41=1889" as a playful way to link their expedition year with statehood order and date; mastering this fact will boost your confidence.

  3. Native American Heritage -

    Home to the Crow, Blackfeet, and Cheyenne tribes, Montana's rich Indigenous history includes the famous Bear Dance ceremony. A quick mnemonic - "CBC" for Crow, Blackfeet, Cheyenne - helps you recall three of the state's largest tribes and their cultural contributions, setting you up to ace any question on Indigenous heritage!

  4. Iconic Landmarks & Parks -

    Montana boasts parts of Yellowstone and all of Glacier National Park, divided by the Continental Divide. Remember "G-Y-D" (Glacier, Yellowstone, Divide) to quiz yourself on these world-class natural attractions and major tourist draws with ease.

  5. State Symbols & Fun Facts -

    Dubbed the "Treasure State," Montana's official emblems include the bitterroot flower, the western meadowlark, and the Maiasaura dinosaur fossil. Use "MMB" (Maiasaura, Meadowlark, Bitterroot) to remember a dinosaur, a bird, and a flower that showcase the state's diverse symbols, ensuring you breeze through fun montana trivia questions!

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