Are you thinking about visiting Montana National Parks but are not really sure about which ones should you visit while you are there? Well, there is no need for you to worry. I have you covered!
There are a number of national parks that are located in the United States. Whether you want to check out the national parks in Wyoming or Zion, the list is endless. But if you want to try out a new place, Montana might just be the right one for you!
In this article, I will be focusing extensively on the best national parks in Montana that you must visit when you are in the states. So, if that is something that you want to know, keep reading the article till the end…
Best Montana National Parks That You Must Visit!
The fourth-largest state in the US, Montana, lies in the northwest of the country on the border with Canada. It is pretty sparsely populated. It boasts delightfully diverse landscapes. The west is very mountainous. While the east’s endless plains and prairies are only occasionally punctuated by breathtaking badlands and bluffs.
Hidden away among its wild and remote realms are incredible wildlife species. There are moose, grizzly bears, and mountain lions all inhabiting its numerous national parks and state parks.
Are you planning to travel to the States and Montana, to be specific? You need to check out this list of the best Montana National Parks that you need to visit in 2023:
1. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area sprawls over a vast zone and straddles both Montana and Wyoming. It is home to stunning scenery and landscapes. The area is made up of two delightfully distinct districts. It is a treat to explore, with a wealth of recreational activities to try out.
The main feature of the park is the breathtaking Bighorn Canyon. It towers over the large lake and roaring river of the same name. Its craggy cliffs form a formidable backdrop to the tranquil waters below, which offer fantastic fishing, kayaking, and boating.
Hiking and camping are very popular. However, the area also has a range of archaeological and cultural treasures to check out. As well as being home to historic ranches, a third of its area is located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Part of the park is a range for wild horses. Visitors can learn all about its history, geology, and nature at one of the site’s two centers.
2. Big Hole National Battlefield
The Big Hole National Battlefield is the location of the battle that took place on August 9th and 10th during Nez Perce Flight of 1877. By early August, over 800 nimí·pu· (Nez Perce) and over 2,000 horses were passing peacefully through the Bitterroot Valley after crossing Lolo Pass into Montana. Their leaders believed the military would not pursue them even though many had premonitions warning otherwise. When the nimí·pu· arrived at ?ıckumcılé.lıkpe (known today as Big Hole National Battlefield) on August 7th, they did not know the military was close behind them. On the morning of August 9, 1877, U.S. troops surprised the sleeping nimí·pu· with a dawn attack on the encampment. And that is where and when everything happened that made this area a national historic place.
The park’s visitor center offers museum exhibits, a film, and a book sales area. The award-winning film Weet’uciklitukt: There’s No Turning Back, Battle at Big Hole provides an introduction to the Nez Perce Flight of 1877 and the battle that took place at this site. The film is shown throughout the day and is close-captioned. Audio and braille guides are available upon request.
Big Hole National Battlefield is one of the 38 sites that make up the Nez Perce National Historical Park. Together they tell the story of the nimí·pu· (Nez Perce). These sites are spread over much of the traditional homeland of the nimí·pu· in present-day Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Staff are located here at the Big Hole National Battlefield, as well as at the visitor center in Spalding, ID, and at the Bear Paw Battlefield. To visit all of the park sites could take a substantial amount of time and cover many hundreds of miles.
3. Glacier National Park
Home to stunning scenery, landscapes, and nature, the gorgeous Glacier National Park can be found in the northwest of Montana on the border with Canada. Founded in 1910, it protects a vast swathe of unspoiled wilderness and fully deserves its nickname, the ‘Crown of the Continent’.
Very mountainous, it is home to two rugged ranges, with vast valleys and rocky ravines left behind by the gigantic glaciers after which the park is named. Dotted about these damaged yet delightful landscapes are over 130 twinkling turquoise lakes, with gorgeous waterfalls and sparkling streams found here and there.
As over half of the park is coated in verdant forests, it is a great place to go wildlife watching with moose, mountain goats and grizzly bears inhabiting its isolated areas. With scenic trails weaving their way amidst the towering trees and mountains and cozy campsites to stay at, Glacier National Park really is one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in the whole of the States.
4. Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
Next on the list of the best Montana National Parks is Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Between 1828 and 1867, Fort Union was the most important fur trade post on the Upper Missouri River. Here, the Assiniboine and six other Northern Plains Tribes exchanged buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world, including cloth, guns, blankets, and beads. A bastion of peaceful coexistence, the post annually traded over 25,000 buffalo robes and $100,000 in merchandise.
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and its visitor center in the Bourgeois House are open daily throughout the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Days. The Trade House, including the trade room and the clerk’s office, is open seasonally.
There are a number of things that you can do here. One of them is visiting the Fort Union’s Trade House, which was one of the most important buildings at Fort Union. It was in the Reception Room where Tribal leaders met with the American Fur Company Traders to discuss the terms of the trade and also where stories were told, and small feasts were held.
Apart from that, you can also plan a great trip with your kids as they can become a Jr. Ranger and Jr. Trader at this historic National Park.
5. Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
Located almost equidistant between Missoula and Bozeman is the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, which commemorates the cattle industry and cowboy culture of the American West. Lying on the banks of the charming Cottonwood Creek, this colossal living history ranch now offers a fascinating look into the frontier cattle era that shaped the nation.
Founded in 1862 by the Canadian fur trader Johnny Grant, the ranch was later bought as well as expanded by the successful cattle baron Conrad Kohrs. At its zenith, over 50,000 head of cattle roamed about his ranch, which sprawled as far as the eye could see.
Nowadays, visitors can tour around its historic buildings and see the ranch in operation. Blacksmiths as well as cowboys use techniques that would have been used in the 19th century.
6. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Lying about an hour’s drive to the east of Billings, this moving national monument and memorial commemorates the famous Battle of Little Bighorn. It was here on June 25 and 26, 1876, that General Custer made his ‘last stand’ and lost his life alongside many of his cavalry at the hands of the local Native Americans.
At the sprawling battle site, visitors can learn all about the epic encounter that came to symbolize the clash of cultures. The Native Americans fought to protect their nomadic way of life and stop themselves from being forced onto reservations. It was a short but momentary victory for the Native Americans against the ever-expanding advances of the US Army.
Through interesting and informative tours, you’ll learn all about the battle as well as its aftermath. Moreover, you will also learn about the legendary Lakota leaders Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull as well. In addition, you can visit the numerous markers and memorials scattered about what is now part of the Crow Indian Reservation.
7. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Also considered to be one of the best national parks in Oregon, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
Boasting lots of large limestone caverns and stunning stalactites as well as stalagmites, Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park makes for a spectacular sight. Located just under an hour’s drive to the northwest of Bozeman, it is one of the most popular parks to visit in the state.
First documented by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, after which it is named, the caves cover a substantial underground area. It has illuminating tours that take you around its most fascinating features. Lit up by flickering candles and fairy lights, its subterranean sculptures and formations are a treat to explore.
Above ground is equally delightful. The state park’s lovely woods and shimmering streams lend themselves perfectly to hiking. It also offers mountain biking, and camping, with fishing and canoeing also on offer.
8. Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
Glacial Lake Missoula, a 3,000 square-mile body of water encircling Missoula, Montana, was a result of an ice dam in northern Idaho. It happened at the conclusion of the last Ice Age, between 18,000 and 15,000 years ago. Floodwater came out when the dam burst, traveling across Washington, Oregon, and the Columbia River before reaching the Pacific Ocean. The Ice Age Floods affected the people and terrain of the Pacific Northwest, profoundly.
The majority of geologists thought that glaciers and streams slowly eroded rock formations to create Washington’s Channelled Scabland. Geologist J Harlen Bretz postulated that cataclysmic floods were responsible for the formation of the Channelled Scabland after finding geologic data that contradicted this theory.
Bretz’s theory was initially mocked, but it was later proven correct thanks to new technology like satellite photography. By the 1970s, everyone agreed that the Ice Age Floods were to blame for the ravaged terrain of the northwest United States.
Today, the terrain is littered with remnants of these Ice Age Floods. It includes massive basalt coulees, dry falls, and big boulders. They have traveled hundreds of miles, high water lines, as well as tremendous current ripples. The Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail includes spectacular examples of cataclysmic flood geology, breathtaking landscapes, and locations for scientific study.
9. Lone Pine State Park
Lying just to the southwest of Kalispell is the lovely Lone Pine State Park. It looms over the city and Flathead Valley. As it is home to wonderful nature and scenic trails, it is very popular with locals and tourists. It also has plenty of recreational activities on offer.
Founded in 1941, the park boasts delightful landscapes, with flower-filled meadows and lush forests coating its hilly confines. Reaching 1,110 meters in height, there are more than ten kilometers of trails to explore. It also has fabulous vistas visible from its upper reaches.
Besides hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding along its peaceful paths, visitors can go wildlife watching and birdwatching. In addition, there is an archery range and volleyball court to try out. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are on offer in the winter months.
10. Bannack State Park
Once a thriving mining town, Bannack became a ghost town as the seams of glittering gold ran out, and so did the prospectors moved on. Set in a scenic yet remote spot in the southwest of the state, the eerie yet enticing ghost town is now under protection as part of a state park.
Nestled away among Montana’s majestic mountains are more than 50 decaying buildings for visitors to explore, with log cabins lying alongside a school, hotel, and Methodist church. Although they have long been abandoned to the elements, most of them are in remarkably good condition. As such, it makes for an unsettling experience wandering around the empty streets.
One of the best times to visit is in July, during the ‘Bannack Days.’ Re-enactors transform the town into what it would have been like during the gold rush. The rest of the year, visitors can take tours of Bannack or rent bikes and set off hiking from the nearby campsite.
Giant Springs State Park lies just to the northeast of Great Falls on the banks of the Missouri River. It has sparkling springs all around, from which it derives its name. It is a top-rated place with many recreational activities on offer. That is mostly due to its proximity to the city and its peaceful and picturesque nature.
Blackfeet Nation has used Giant Springs for centuries. Moreover, it is one of the largest freshwater springs in the States. First described by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, its waters originate in the Little Belt Mountains. It took around 3,000 years to travel the 100 kilometers underground to surface again at the springs.
Besides visiting the springs, visitors can wander around the park’s gorgeous green spaces. They explore the scenic shoreline of the river. As well as its picnic areas and playgrounds, it also offers some great fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
12. Yellowstone National Park
Last but definitely not least, we have another immensely famous option. It is a very popular and widely visited Yellowstone National Park.
Most of Yellowstone lies within the wilds of Wyoming. Some picturesque parts of the popular park sprawl over into Idaho and Montana. An absolutely incredible place, it is awash with astounding natural sights. There are mighty mountain towers above sweeping valleys, verdant forests, and roaring rivers.
The oldest national park in the world came to be in 1872, delighting and dazzling countless generations ever since. Its diverse and dramatic scenery is spectacular. However, it is most known for its more than 10,000 geysers as well as hot springs. There are also thermal features dotting its craggy confines.
Of these, one of the most popular is the Grand Prismatic Spring due to its kaleidoscopic colors. Old Faithful never fails to amaze with the staggering size and scale of its spurting spring. Moreover, you cannot miss out on Yellowstone National Park. It has lots of wildlife residing within its remote realms and exquisite hiking, camping, and boating on offer.
Wrapping It Up!
In case you were searching for the best as well as must-visit Montana national parks, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your queries and suggestions in the box below.
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Olympic National Park covers an area of 922,650 acres. Also, 95 percent of this national park is designated wilderness.
Further, it is a rare coexistence of temperate rainforest and Alpine highlands. Also, you will find many lakeshores here. Moreover, when at the park, you can see the Pacific Coastline, which is pristine and wild.
In addition, the National Park is home to snow-capped mountains like Mount Olympus, Mount Deception, and Mount Constance.
It will be an endless discussion if I talk about the attractions in the Olympic National Park. So, I decided to write an account of how I spent my day here.
Entry Fee: $10 for Each PersonEntry Fee for Vehicles: $25Visitor Centers: Hoh Rain ForestHurricane RidgePort AngelesLake Quinault
A Day At The Olympic National Park: Exploring The Best Views And Trails
The Olympic National Park, with its designated wilderness, has many amazing viewpoints. Of course, the Hurricane Ridge is the best sport to cherish a 360-degree view of the park.
Further, if you are here for some serious adventure, you can trek to Mount Storm King for a panoramic view of the park and its surroundings.
Moreover, hiking through the steep trails and switchbacks is completely worth it. As you conquer the elevation of 609 meters, you will find the surreal Lake Crescent below. The water of the lake looks deep blue.
Also, if you want to visit the shores along the Pacific Coast, you can visit Kalaloch and Ruby Beach.
In addition, these are the places or hotspots in the Olympic National Park.
1. Hurricane Ridge
Hurricane Ridge, a famous spot in the Olympic National Park for beautiful views, is also home to Olympic marmots. It comes with an elevation of 2064 meters, and it is at the epicenter of many adventurous activities in the park.
Snowboarding and skiing are the most popular adventure activities here. Moreover, in the spring season, Hurricane Ridge gets filled with wildflowers.
2. Lake Crescent
The thousand-year-old lake at the Olympic National Park will take you on a time travel. You can have the most immersive experience her,e looking at the icy blue water of the lake. Further, if you are looking for something adventurous, you can try camping, boating, and hiking here.
Moreover, Lake Crescent is home to the Crescenti Trout. You will hardly find this species of fish anywhere else in the world. Beardslee is another species of fish only found in Lake Crescent.
You will find many hiking trails near Lake Crescent. I loved the walk to Marymere Falls.
3. Sol Duc Falls
The Sol Duc Valley in the Olympic National Park comes with many hiking trails. Among them, the path leading to the Sol Duc Falls is the most beautiful. You have to walk for around a mile to reach the waterfall.
You can even hike to Mink Lake or the Loverâs Lane to see Sol Duc Falls. However, these are longer routes in comparison to the trail starting from the Sol Duc Valley.
Moreover, as you reach the Sol Duc River here, you will find coho salmon in abundance. If you visit the place from late October to late November, you will find salmon leaping over the waterfall to reach the river. The place is famous as Salmon Cascades Overlook.
4. Peabody Creek Trail
The Peabody Creek Trail is a short nature trail near the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. The trail starts from the parking lot, and it is a path in the park that you can access year-round.
As you walk through the trail, you will find many picnic benches. So, it is a great place to explore with your family.
The trail loop with a moderate difficulty level will take you to Peabody Creek. Once you reach the destination, you can stick to the North and start hiking on the adjacent Aldwell Nature Trail to return to the Visitor Center.
Overall, it is a 5.2-mile hike and back journey.
5. Mora and Rialto Beach
When you are immersed in the beauty of Lake Crescent and make a further move, go to the southwest. At a distance of 40 miles, you will find Mora and Rialto Beach. Here, you will experience how powerful nature can be.
Also, the experience I had here is âdramaticâ or âintense.â Moreover, when you are at Mora and Rialto Beach, you will see the best marine animals, like whales, sea lions, otters, eagles, and different seabirds.
If you want to spend longer at this pristine place and soak in the energy here, you can plan camping. You can even hike through the James Pond Trail.
6. Staircase
The Olympic National Park has this staircase on its southeastern corner. As I visited this place, it felt like entering a kingdom of douglas fir. Further, here, you will find the Skokomish River. Many hiking trails run along this river to the forests.
You must take a walk through the trail over the bridge leading to the North Fork Skokomish River. Hiking through the old forest is the most serene experience you can expect.
The Shady Lane Trail is another path, and at the end of this trail, you will find the most beautiful Lake Cushman.
Moreover, if you are ready to walk those extra miles and take some serious challenges, you can plan a hike to Flapjack Lakes.
When you are tired of hiking or exploring the Staircase at Olympic National Park, you can enjoy a relaxing bath at the swimming spots.
7. Olympic National Park Main Visitor Center And Wilderness Information Center
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The Olympic National Park Main Visitor Center And Wilderness Information Center will be your first stop as you start exploring the national park. Here, you will see the âMosaic of Diversity.â It is an orientation film about the diversity and beauty of the park.
Further, if you are traveling with kids, they will have the most amazing time at the Discovery Room. After knowing about the cultural and natural history of the park, you can make your move to visit the other attractions.
The Visitor and Information Center remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day and the knowledgeable rangers and staff there will guide you in your journey to the park.
As you step out of the visitor center, you will find two short nature trails leading to different parts of the park.
Also read
Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary.
Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures.
From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.
Do you love exploring global cuisines? And do you reside in a global food hub like Los Angeles?
If you are nodding along, you've come to the right place. Because today, we will talk about the top Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles.
But if you are a little confused about Dominican cuisine, it's largely made up of Spanish dishes, with Middle Eastern, indigenous Taino, and African influences.
So if this sounds interesting, you'll want to stick around. We have something tasty in store for you. Stay tuned to find out more.
Top 12 Dominican Restaurants In Los Angeles: The Ultimate Guide
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Thereâs something so exotic about trying out new cuisine - if your taste buds have an adventurous streak, then you should definitely be ready for some Dominican delicacies.
Fortunately, today we have several options for Dominican eateries in Los Angeles.
Are you already doing an extensive âDominican restaurants near meâ search on Google? Then stop, because we have already completed the research for you.
So, without wasting any more time, scroll down and find out the best Dominican Restaurants in Los Angeles.
1. Mofongos:
Image Source: alexsseafood.com
Mofongos is one Dominican restaurant in Los Angeles we love visiting often.
Located on Lankershim Blvd, this casual eatery serves authentic Dominican dishes, including popular items such as Mofongo De Camarones, Flan De Queso, and Arroz Con Pastel Y Tostones.
2. El Colmao:
Image Source: www.mammaproof.org
The strangest thing about El Colmao is exactly how we found the place.
Did you know that while looking for Dominican restaurants in NYC, we first came across this hidden gem in LA?
Located on Pico Blvd, El Colmao is a Cuban restaurant known for its delicious sandwiches, rice and beans, Ropa Vieja, plantains, and other authentic dishes.
3. Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant:
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Another result of looking for âDominican restaurants New Yorkâ on Google was Coppelias Bakery & Restaurant, also in Los Angeles.
If you love cute bakeries specializing in different pastries and cakes, this place is a must-visit.
And thatâs not all. You will also get Peruvian and Cuban food like the delicious Rotisserie chicken.
4. Marioâs Peruvian Seafood:
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We were checking out Melrose Avenue when we found Marioâs Peruvian Seafood in Los Angeles.
If you are tired of typing âDominican Republic restaurants near meâ on Google, stop.
Instead, just visit this restaurant and try out popular items such as Chicken Lomo Saltado, Chicharron De Pollo, Ceviche Mixto, and Inca Kola.
5. El Florida Restaurant:
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El Florida is a festive restaurant that specializes in two things: mouth-watering Cuban dishes and lively Latin melodies.
Located on Vine Street, El Florida is one of our favorite Dominican restaurants in LA.
If you visit, try dishes like Ropa Vieja, Tostones, Bistec De Palomilla, Cuban sandwiches, and more.
6. Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant:
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While researching the best Dominican food LA has to offer, we stumbled upon Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant.
Of course, it all started with the famous âDominican food near meâ search, and soon we were hurrying all over Slauson Avenue looking for Little Kingston.
7. Otoño:
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While we love the Dominican restaurants in New York, there is no denying that LA has really upped its game when it comes to global cuisines.
Otoño is one place that's made a name for its delectable Dominican dishes.
But thereâs only one problem: although the food is great, the service is a little slow, and thatâs all right since the food quality is great.
8. Versailles Cuban Restaurant:
Image Source: infatuation.imgix.net
If you are looking for a kid-friendly, humble Dominican restaurant, head to Versailles Cuban Restaurant on Venice Blvd.
Plus, it has plenty of positive reviews online. This is exactly what most people, including us, check online before visiting a restaurant.
9. El Rincon Criollo:
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Located on Sepulveda Blvd, El Rincon Criollo is a relaxed, casual Cuban eatery that specializes in shredded beef and roasted pork.
The vibrant island decor adds to the charm of this cozy restaurant.
Plus, the menu is all about authentic Cuban dishes - if you love adventures, then this one will definitely become your favourite.
10. Colombia Exotic:
Image Source: digital.ihg.com
Located on Union Ave, Colombia Exotic is one of our favourite Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles.
We love their food - our favourites? Arepa de Pollo, Salchipapa regular, Monster burgers, Salchipollo, and Arepa Cuatro Sabores.
If your taste buds are looking for something exotic, then this is the restaurant you have to check out as soon as possible.
11. La Guanakita Mexicana:
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We found so many positive reviews on La Guanakita Mexicana online that we knew missing out on such an authentic, local eatery would be honesty our loss.
If you have been to Pico Blvd before, chances are you missed this local eatery on the side of the road. But this time, be attentive and visit this crazy local restaurant.
12. Mixto Comida Latina:
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Mixto Comida Latina is one of those Dominican restaurants in Los Angeles with both delivery and dining options.
And you can choose between dine-in and delivery.
Located on Hyperion Ave, Mixto Comida Latina is another of our favorite Dominican restaurants to visit whenever we crave Dominican cuisine.
Bon Appetit: Have A Good Meal!
And thatâs a wrap on the best Dominican restaurants located in Los Angeles. If you love exploring global food options, then you can definitely try out a few Dominican dishes.
But while doing so, itâs always best to keep an open mind and let your taste buds decide what works for you and what doesnât.
So, tell us what you think about trying Dominican cuisine. If you have prior experience with this cuisine, share it in the comments below.
AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines.
Furthermore, it was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines. These were Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines.
They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s.
It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years.
Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran?
AirTran: A Brief Look Back
Conquest Airlines' co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran?
In 1994, AirTran Corporation purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways.
It later exited AirTran Corporation's new holding company, Airways Corporation.
The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline.
Then, Airways Corporation's holding company acquired the struggling ValuJet Airlines in 1997.
ValuJet's holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines' AirTran Airways.
ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became "AirTran Airlines" before merging with AirTran Airways.
Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011.
It gradually integrated them, with AirTran's last revenue flight on December 28, 2014.
It operated nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States.
Moreover, its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport served nearly 200 daily departures.
AirTran's fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
AirTran History
This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines.
It went on to begin operations with an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando.
AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines.
The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear.
Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots.
This is because AirTran management later claimed it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees.
Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines.
In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit.
After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company.
The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando.
In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation.
It then placed it under the new subsidiary, AirTran Airways.
After that, it separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways.
After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways.
AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012.
Latest Developments
On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion.
The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs.
This included Atlanta (at the time the largest U.S. city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando.
With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as CancĂșn, Montego Bay, and Aruba.
Southwest integrated AirTran's Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design.
After that, Delta Air Lines leased the Boeing 717 fleet beginning in mid-2013.
The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim.
The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March  2012.
The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015.
On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran.
They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets.
As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets.
By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international).
Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014.
This is when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline's last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA).
The flight used the call sign "Critter" as a nod to ValuJet.
This route and flight number was Valujet's first flight.
Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel
Reviews From AirTran Flyers
Image Source: chestertravels.com
AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers.
Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTran.
1st Review
"I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time.
The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane - I did not have to wait like the people in coach.
I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first."
- SharonSaver
2nd Review
"I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous.
The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then.
Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you."
- mrsyoung1983
3rd Review
"I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I'll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport.
And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time.
Knock on wood here, but I've never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!"
- jenniandtonyx1
AirTran Reviews: From Legacy To The Evolution In 2026
While AirTran Airways formally vanished from the skies in 2014, its influence on the American aviation landscape remains palpable in 2026.
The merger with Southwest Airlines did more than just consolidate two low-cost carriers.
Moreover, it fundamentally shifted the competitive dynamics of major U.S. hubs, particularly in the Southeast.
Reshaping The Hub-and-Spoke Model
AirTranâs primary legacy is arguably its transformation of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Before the acquisition, AirTran served as the scrappy, low-fare challenger to Delta Air Linesâ dominance.
When Southwest absorbed AirTran, it inherited a massive "hub-and-spoke" operation, a stark departure from Southwestâs traditional "point-to-point" model.
By 2026, this integration has evolved into a hybrid network that allows Southwest to dominate corporate and leisure travel in the East, a strategy pioneered by AirTranâs aggressive expansion in the early 2000s.
The 717 Fleet: A Second Life At Delta
Perhaps the most unique chapter of the AirTran story is the fate of its specialized fleet.
AirTran was the launch customer and largest operator of the Boeing 717, a nimble, rear-engine jet perfect for high-frequency short-haul routes.
Because Southwest maintained a strict all-Boeing 737 fleet strategy, it chose to lease AirTranâs 88 Boeing 717s to Delta Air Lines.
Even today, many of these aircraft continue to fly under the Delta brand, serving as a "workhorse" for regional business routes.
For aviation enthusiasts, every Delta 717 flight is a subtle reminder of the "Critterâs" DNA.
Impact On Fare Competition
Aviation economists often cite the absorption of AirTran as a turning point in industry consolidation.Â
As of 2026, with the recent cessation of other ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, the historical importance of AirTran as a "fare stabilizer" has become even more apparent.
It proved that a low-cost carrier could offer a premium experience, including a legitimate business class, without losing its budget-friendly soul.
Wrapping Up
AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast.
The airline's history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation.
But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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