What Every Montanan Needs to Know Before the 4th of July

BUTTE, MT - As fireworks prep, BBQ shopping lists, and lake plans start stacking up, most Montanans are gearing up for one of the most cherished holidays of the year.

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Independence Day in the Treasure State often means family road trips, cabins in the woods, parades on Main Street, and small-town charm mixed with mountain air.

But before you pack the cooler and hit the road, there's one thing you need to know, and it might change how you plan the entire weekend.

Let’s be honest: Montana summers are short, and we pack in every ounce of fun we can.

From Flathead Lake to Yellowstone to backyard grill-outs in Butte, this is the weekend we don’t sit still. Pair that with the fact that the 4th of July falls on a Friday this year, and we’ve got ourselves the perfect storm of freedom-fueled frenzy.

For many, the celebrations will stretch across the entire week.

Gas prices are surprisingly cooperative, with regular unleaded averaging just $3.19 per gallon. That’s lower than some recent years and bound to encourage even more folks to load up the car.

If you were hoping for quiet roads and short lines at the airport, though, you might want to adjust your expectations.

TSA is already warning travelers to arrive extra early for flights, and not just by a few minutes.

So, what’s the one thing every Montanan should know this July 4th?

AAA is predicting the busiest 4th of July travel weekend ever recorded.

Over 72 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more. That includes nearly 62 million by car and 18.5 million by air.

Translation? If you're hitting the road, leave early. If you're flying, pack patience. And if you're staying home, congratulations, you might’ve just made the best travel decision of the year.