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Are you looking for the best small towns in Montana? You’ve come to the right place!
Although Montana is one of the largest states in the US, it’s home to some fantastic and beautiful small towns that you can explore.
Here, you get to experience the American West at its best. From the stunning Glacier National Park to the ski resorts, there are a lot of reasons to visit the Treasure state.
In this article, you will discover an incredible selection of cute small towns in Montana. Perfect for people who like to stay away from the crowds and want some more authentic experiences.
1. Big Timber
The Crazy Mountains give this town a reputation as a great outdoors gem.
People visit the town for outdoor adventures such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and bird watching.
The Big Timber falls is worth a visit when you are taking a hike here.
The atmosphere in the small town is that of the Wild West.
Few historic buildings remain including hotels that have withstood the test of time.
Pop into the Crazy Mountain museum to learn more about the small town and the inhabitants. Some of the hotels inside this town were built in the 1800s.
When you walk into one, you will feel as if you are walking into a relic and that speaks volumes about the historical significance of the small town.
2. Whitefish
Due to its strategic location at the Western entrance of the Glacier National Park, this town receives a lot of interest and visitors annually.
If you are not looking to venture into the Glacier National Park, you can always head over to Whitefish Lake for fishing or boating escapade.
Skiers will be at home here, especially at locations close to the Whitefish Mountain Resort where the terrain allows for a thrilling skiing adventure.
In the summer, you can enjoy a sensational horseback ride, hiking, or rock climbing in the town.
After a long day visiting various attractions within the town, you can settle down for an evening of relaxing music and festivities.
The locals here are hospitable and there are amazing dining spots to explore.
3. Polson
Polson is set on the shores of Flatbed Lake, giving outdoor lovers a variety of activities to choose from.
Flathead Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the US, covering over 8,000 square miles.
The town itself is located in one of the most fertile areas of Montana and you will have the chance to visit a cherry farm or a vineyard.
If you love hiking, you can head over to the Mission Mountains or the National Bison Range for an adventurous walk.
Inside the town, visit the museum and dining spots that will offer you a more immersive outlook into the culture of the people living in the town.
4. Butte
Butte is one of the towns that have been recognized by the National Trust for Historic preservation.
It cropped up as a mining town, growing rapidly during the gold rush by attracting miners from all walks of life.
This history has been well documented in the World Museum of Mining.
You will find all sorts of festivals and cuisines inside the town as well.
5. West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone borders the Yellowstone National Park alongside the Madison River, something that makes it easy for visitors to tour the park when residing in the town.
Exciting activities happen inside the town irrespective of the time of the year. In the summer, you can join a white water rafting excursion or head to Yellowstone National Park for a hike.
In the evening you can enjoy the local cuisines as you get entertained watching the numerous festivities that happen during the summer season.
In the winter season, snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding become the highlight of the town.
If you are not an outdoors person, visit the art galleries and fancy shops in the town.
6. Anaconda
Just a few miles from Butte lies another beautiful small town that offers the promise of stunning landscapes and does not disappoint.
Anaconda began as a mining town as miners camped here in search of copper.
The beautiful sceneries in this town stand out no matter which direction you look.
Fishing, hiking, hunting, skiing, and other outdoor sports are popular in this town. After a long day, you can stroll into the Washoe Theater to enjoy incredible performances from talented artists.
The Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park, Georgetown Lake, and the Discovery Ski Area are within a short distance from the town if you are looking for more adventure.
7. Livingston
In the northern section of the Yellowstone National Park lies this small town that acts as a gateway to the park.
The historic buildings in the town have a lot of historic significance and the museum inside the town contains a lot of information about the town and how it came to be.
If you want to learn more about the town, you can also opt for the local walking tour.
Outdoor lovers can explore the vast grounds around the town or head to the Yellowstone National Park for extra indulgence.
READ MORE: Beautiful American Small Towns: 26 Prettiest and Coolest Small Towns in the USA
8. Philipsburg
Looking for a cute mountain town in Montana? Look no further than this!
Philipsburg is located in the Southwest of Montana, in the heart of Granite County. It’s known for its mining background and is a great stop on a road trip.
It’s located on the Pintler Veteran’s Memorial Scenic Highway which is an alternative road that goes from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park.
If you are planning a road trip between the national parks, you should consider taking this route instead of the interstate. It’s much prettier and you get to stop here in Philipsburg!
The town is very cute and you will find loads of local shops and cafes where you can find souvenirs and grab a bite.
If you want to learn more about the mining industry, head to one of the local sapphire mines such as Gem Mountain where you can find your own gemstones!
If you want to do something a bit different, head to Granite Ghost Town. It’s only a few minutes from downtown and is a great place to visit.
9. Stevensville
Stevensville has a long history as the first recognized town in Montana.
It was established by Jesuit missionaries who had come to the town to spread the gospel to the Native Americans.
You can explore some of the houses these Jesuits called home as well as the St. Mary’s mission church to learn more about the town.
The Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains offer the curious outdoor lover the serenity to explore the wild with abandon. The Kootenai Creek Trail is the best hiking trail here.
If you love beer, you can get a tour to the Blacksmith Brewing Company or the Wildwood Brewery.
10. Red Lodge
Looking for authentic small towns in Montana? Set your navigation for Red Lodge. Located just 70 miles north of Yellowstone National Park it’s a favorite stop along the scenic Beartooth Highway.
In Red Lodge, you’ll find tons of history and outdoor adventure. Its historic Broadway is the picture-perfect scene when it comes to the best small towns in Montana.
Founded in the late 1800s with a post office for homesteaders, the town’s name was a nod to the Crow Indians who inhabited the area and had uniquely red-painted teepees.
Throughout the century it saw its share of historic figures like Buffalo Bill, Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy.
Don’t miss visiting the Pollard Hotel. As one of the oldest buildings in town (built in 1893), the hotel has had a number of impressive guests including Ernest Hemmingway.
With a year-round population of over 2,000, there are a bunch of places to eat, sleep, and have fun making it one of the best mountain towns in Montana.
11. Choteau
Choteau is a great haven for outdoor lovers because it is set at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
You can stay inside the town as you explore hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures inside the Rocky Mountains.
This quiet town is also home to some significant archaeological and paleontological findings and a visit to their museums will be an enlightening adventure.
The town is famous for dinosaurs and other fossil discoveries.
Its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the Glacier National Park opens a world of possibilities for any outdoors lover.
12. Hamilton
Compared to other towns on this list, Hamilton is unique in that it still offers that small-town charm with a pinch of big-town sophistication.
It is a fast-growing town but it still has a long history too.
There are vast lands to explore in Hamilton, something that makes this town attractive to tourists from all over the US.
Hamilton is located in Bitterroot Valley, nestled between two mountains that offer unlimited recreation opportunities.
Visit the shops, galleries, and museums inside the town to learn more about the way of life of the town’s inhabitants.
13. Fort Benton
Fort Benton is the second oldest settlement in Montana and the perfect destination for history lovers.
It’s strategically located on the Mississippi River which is one of the reasons why it was named National Historic Landmark.
If that’s something you are interested in and want to learn more about, head to the Missouri Breaks National Monument Interpretive Center. Here you will find loads of information about the history of Fort Benton.
Another great thing to do is to roam around the National Historic Landmark District. You will find some stunning buildings here, with a strong history.
You can then head to the Historic River Walk. The scenery is beautiful and you get to see beautiful displays along the way.
Finally, don’t forget to visit The Montana Agricultural Museum. It’s very interesting and you will get to learn plenty about the agricultural industry in Montana.
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