11 Gorgeous Montana Towns To Visit In 2023
Montana is known for its rugged, mountainous beauty. The name Montana is actually even derived from the Latin word montanea, meaning mountain. Called the Treasure State, Montana is rich in natural wonder and wildlife. This splendor is best seen through the State's small towns, which are portals into the eye-catching wilderness that Montana is known for. See Montana the way it was meant to be seen and experience the small-town charm and hospitality of the frontier. To call the State breathtaking would be an understatement.
Whitefish
About an hour's drive from Glacier National Park lies the quiet town of Whitefish. Originally called "Stumptown," on behalf of all the trees that needed to be cleared, the town is inextricably linked to the park and is viewed as the unofficial gateway to Glacier. Over the years, however, enough people explored Whitefish and realized it had plenty to offer. The town lies at the edge of the gorgeous Whitefish Lake, which offers a campground, beach, and all the aquatic activities one would expect. For a delicious beer, look no further than the Great Northern Brewing Company. The town also hosts its Taste of Whitefish Festival, where you can try some tasty locally-made treats.
West Yellowstone
If Whitefish is the gateway to Glacier, the lovely Wild West town of West Yellowstone is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The town is less than a mile from the park's West Entrance and is an excellent base of operations for all exploration of the park's nearly 3,500 square miles. The park is the main attraction, but there is still plenty to see. The Grizzle & Wolf Discovery Center is the perfect place to see some live animals in town. Or, swing by the Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park for a high-flying adventure or catch a show at the Playmill Theatre. Like to shoot? Yellowstone Big Gun Fun speaks to the cowboy in all of us.
Hamilton
The town of Hamilton is found at the base of Montana's picturesque Bitterroot Mountains. Known as a rest stop between Missoula and Idaho, Hamilton has hiking, camping, and national forests galore. Some of the best hiking trails in the State can be found here, but there is plenty else to do in this southwest Montana town. Hamilton's historic streets have architectural marvels like the famed Daly Mansion. Hamilton's Farmers Market Co-Op has some of the region's most delicious local produce, perfect for a picnic and swim at Lake Como. If you can, try and time your visit to overlap with festivals like Art in the Park or the Bitterroot Microbrew Fest.
Choteau
The town of Choteau sits 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. Full of old-world charm, the town rests on the doorstep of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which offers more than a million acres of stunning natural expanse to explore. Hikers will love trekking through Glacier National Park. Choteau is near the gorgeous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers unmatched views of the mountain valley below. If that is not enough, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are nearby. Dinosaur lovers will want to see the Montana Dinosaur Center. Refuel by grabbing a slice of pie at Log Cabin Cafe. It is delicious!
Glendive
We would be remiss if we did not mention eastern Montana. Though less mountainous, nature lovers will be more than pleased with Makoshika State Park, home to eye-catching rock formations, the fossilized remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, and the mighty triceratops. Stop in at the Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum in the center of Glendive for more Jurassic entertainment. Thirsty? Grab a drink at the Gust Hauf, a beer hall with board games and an excellent ambiance. The Gallery showcases work by Glendive's local artists. CC's Family Cafe is best for a reasonably priced and delicious meal and is the perfect place to refuel.
Polson
The northern Montana town of Polson is known for having one of the best lakes in the State. Flathead Lake has incredibly clear water and is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S. outside of Alaska. The town harvests bushels of delicious cherries each summer, so be sure to visit during the Flathead Lake Cherry Festival in July. The Kerr Dam is seven miles south of Polson and stands over 200 feet tall. It offers incredible views of the lake, and the rushing water demonstrates the raw power of Mother Nature. For a more novel experience, the Miracle of America Museum is like a time machine into the early 20th century and is fun for all ages.
Philipsburg
The town of Philipsburg can be found along the Pintler Veteran's Memorial Scenic Highway in the State's southwest. Halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Philipsburg is a popular rest stop for travelers departing one park for the other. The Sweets Palace downtown has a charming old-west exterior like the general stores of yesteryear and some delicious confectionery. The Granite County Museum highlights the region's mining history, and you can even go sapphire mining if you wish. Georgetown Lake is scenic and about a 15-minute drive from Philipsburg if you are looking to stretch your legs and swim off the streets.
Anaconda
Anaconda is a lovely little town in Montana's southwest. Sky-scraping mountains rise up on all sides, emphasizing the vast and rugged beauty of the Montana landscape. The town was built around the copper smelting industry. The copper smelter closed in 1980 but the town of Anaconda still remembers its roots: Take a gander at the historic Smelter Stack, a 585-foot brick tower that happens to be one of the tallest of its kind, at Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park. A great way to spend the day is to walk the streets of Anaconda and explore its four historic districts. Antique Western facades and Art Deco stylings are immediately recognizable. The Washoe Theater is a local favorite for its architecture, while Smelter City Brewing is a highly-rated craft brewery you should definitely try.
Big Timber
Anglers will not want to miss Big Timber. The town has a reputation for being jam-packed with outdoor activities. Nearby, the scenic Crazy Mountains act as an eye-catching backdrop to Big Timber, itself a gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The backpacking and hiking in Natural Bridge State Park and Big Timber Falls are top-notch. If you bring your fly fishing rod, experience the unmatched solitude and magnificence of Montana's natural splendor. Mid-Yellowstone River and the Boulder River offer unmatched fishing cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish.
Butte
The entire town of Butte has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, one of only 12 such cases in the country. Butte's heritage is best explored through its uptown district: The historic district here is the largest of its kind in the U.S., with 6,000 properties. Explorers will be delighted by the Victorian, 19th century Copper King Mansion or tour the 19th century Dumas Brothel, which was open for nearly 100 years. You can visit the World Museum of Mining to learn about the town's mining history and see one of the coolest exhibits around a lovingly recreated 19th-century mining town.
Great Falls
The riverside of Great Falls is known as a cultural hub of central Montana. The town is absolutely packed with museums like the C.M. Russell Museum, the Montana Museum of Railroad History, and the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. Great Falls is only a two-hour drive from the Clark National Forest and Giant Springs State Park, which is the location of one of the largest freshwater springs in the U.S. Check the events page at The Newberry, one of the preeminent event venues in Central Montana. The venue hosts live shows, music, and more in the heart of Downtown Great Falls.
There is no shortage of parks, falls, and rivers in Montana. Outdoor enthusiasts and campers will have a literal field day with the opportunities to rough it in the Treasure State. Montana gracefully blends the rugged majesty of its natural features with the creature comforts and hospitality of its charming small towns. Visit Montana today for an unbelievable adventure and the best of both worlds.
