10 Best Small Towns In Montana To Visit In 2024

Sometimes flat and unassuming, other times showcasing dramatic mountainscapes, Montana is loved for its rustic charm, austere beauty, and warm communities. One can come to explore the two national parks hosted in the state: Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The latter is known for its geothermal features, including the world-famous Old Faithful. While big towns such as Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman have their enticing appeals, small towns like the ten described below often give a more intimate and authentic experience.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge has been declared “the most charming town” in the United States. Someone may counter that this is just some word on the streets. No, there is a little bit of science into it. InsureMyTrip, the leading travel insurance comparison website, evaluated small towns based on characteristics such as peacefulness, quality of hotels, safety, number of cafes, and the number of festivals. Red Lodge topped the list, followed by Cannon Beach, Oregon. Red Lodge is loved for its cool vibes, idyllic mountain scenery, and for being close to arguably the best-known national park in the United States.

Of course, one can get lost in the adventures that Yellowstone National Park provides, but that does not mean Red Lodge has nothing else to offer. There is the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course, the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, where one can lock eyes with wolves, eyeball-to-eyeball — and one of the most scenic drives in the United States — Beartooth Scenic Byway. Plus, there is the Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort, which opens the day after Thanksgiving through to the second Sunday in April.

Dillon

Backdropped by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana, Dillon’s setting makes it enticingly travel-worthy. The town is also beautiful, but in a strange, nostalgic way. Think of Old-school, rural outdoorsman Montana. A first-time visitor will revel in Dillon’s small-town charm amid cattle ranches and several fly-fishing opportunities, especially at spots such as Clark Canyon Reservoir, Bloody Dick Creek, and Grasshopper Creek. Plus, there is the cold and narrow Beaverhead River, one of the most productive trout fisheries in the United States. The trick is to first have everything set at the Frontier Anglers fly shop. Other highlights include The Beaverhead County Museum, Bannack State Park ( It is the best-preserved ghost town in the nation), and the trails that overlook the Beaverhead River. Pioneer Range, just outside town — has many undiscovered alpine lakes.

Butte

"This Butte is capriciously decorated,” wrote Mary MacLane over a century ago, “with sweet brilliant metallic orgies of color at any time, all times, as if by whims of pagan gods lightly drunk and lightly mad." Welcome to old-school industrial Montana, complete with surprisingly great restaurants and warm and friendly locals. Nestled on the Continental Divide, Butte can effortlessly steal a weekend. The geography of the area is captured by the town’s name: Butte, defined as ‘tall, flat-topped, steep-sided towers of rock.” Attractions, therefore, include the iconic “Big Butte,” which juts above the Montana Tech campus. There is “Our Lady of the Rockies” as well, the fourth most prominent statue in the United States. Other highlights include Thompson Park, with its multiple tunnels; the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, loved for its yummy vistas, and Berkeley Pit, from which the town got its nickname: The Richest Hill on Earth.

Whitefish

Whitefish is a heartbeat away from Glacier National Park. Therefore, it is often the perfect basecamp for those exploring Glacier’s unmatched natural beauty. However, even if one does not have the time to explore the alpine meadows and spectacular lakes within the highly acclaimed national park, there will still be a lot to keep one engaged in Whitefish. There is Whitefish Lake, for example, where one can swim or paddle about; Whitefish Lake Golf Club, whose greens are firm and fast; and Whitefish Lake State Park, where one can sit, swing, and just enjoy the outdoors. Moreover, Beaver Lake is skirted with beautiful trails — as are many other lakes in the area, including LostLoon Lake and Blanchard Lake. Crown the day with delicious huckleberry peach pies at Loula's Cafe, located close to the Whitefish River.

Anaconda

Framed by the expansive Anaconda Range, also called “Pintlers,” — a constellation of imposing peaks that saddle the Continental Divide — Anaconda boasts a setting that will make any movie director salivate. It is a cool small town with warm people and lots of recreational opportunities. Washoe Theatre, opened in 1936, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There is the Hearst Free Library as well, which predates the iconic theatre by over 30 years. It is Phoebe Apperson Hearst’s labor of love. Phoebe Hearst, just so you know, was the mother of American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Want to stretch a bit? Check out the Old Works Golf Course, Lost Creek State Park, and Washoe Park, loved for its well-paved footpaths, amazing stream, and huge playground.

Kalispell

Kalispell makes for an awesome weekend getaway — and it is not just because it provides convenient access to Glacier National Park. Think of mouthwatering culinary offerings featuring bison, elk, and yak flavors. The Desoto Grill, for example, with its collard greens sides, is often the go-to culinary spot. Plus, one can come to see the cherry blossoms, an early May spectacle, cruise the largest natural body of freshwater (by surface area) in the western U.S., and ignite your cowboy side with a horse ride with Montana Horse Works. Alternatively, rent a bike at Wheaton’s Cycle and zip along the nicely paved Parkline Trail, which winds through downtown Kalispell. Something else: Kalispell is home to the Northwest Montana History Museum. So brace yourself for fascinating tidbits regarding the region’s history and heritage.

Scobey

There is a reason some call Scobey “the Montana Riviera.” The area is beautiful, with the Poplar River running along the western edge amid Daniels County's rolling prairies and farmland. Start at Four Buttes Supper Club, loved for its home-cooked, Grandma-style vibes. After sampling their delicious tomahawk steak, the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town should be next on the line. What’s the draw? More than 30 historic buildings have been restored here, a true-to-life depiction of a town in the early part of the 20th century. If the heat becomes too much, the Scobey Swimming Pool is handy. But there is the Scobey Golf & Country Club as well, which serves great views and delicious food.

Havre

Havre — and the area around it — is where nature has woven a kaleidoscope of mountains and plains, offering nature lovers a delicious range of recreational activities. Milk River runs along the northern periphery of town, giving the environment a layer of rustic charm and allure. Catch a great show at Montana Actors' Theatre; explore the well-maintained Devlin Walking Trail day or night (It is a loop); linger a bit at Kuhr Memorial Park, float on Sands Lake, and indulge your taste buds with delicious cookies and scones at Infinity Bake Shop. For burgers or chicken sandwiches, Boxcars Restaurant and Bar easily steal the show. Just don't miss Fresno Reservoir, located a short drive from downtown Havre.

Cut Bank

With the Glacier National Park in its backdrop, Cut Bank is a fantastic base for a world of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. Besides being a convenient jumping-off point to “The Crown of the Continent,” the town’s cream of the crop, Cut Bank has its own attractions. There is the Glacier County Museum, which provides a sneak-peak into the area’s past through interesting stories and exhibits. One can amble through the downtown area, admiring the eye-catching murals, many of which reveal different aspects of the town’s heritage, whether the Lewis and Clark Expedition or the area’s homesteading roots. Also, the Cut Bank Golf & Country Club is a diamond in the rough with a 9-hole course, a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, and great views. Finally, the Cut Bank Creek, which meanders through the town, is flanked by trails perfect for hiking or strolling.

Glendive

Glendive is in the far-eastern part of Montana, close to North Dakota. It sits on Interstate 94 and is sandwiched between the Yellowstone River and the badlands. So, what should bring one this far? First, there is the Makoshika State Park, a massive repository of prehistoric fossils. The experience here is like a giant step back in time. Frontier Gateway Museum, directly off the highway, houses fascinating historical knick-knacks, including taxidermy, an iron lung, period firearms, and different toys through the ages. Historic Bell Street Bridge, one of the longest of its kind in the state, has a history that goes back over 120 years. Glendive celebrates this architectural marvel every September during its Historic Bell Street Bridge Day. Looking for a photo-op? It has to be the Glendisaurus (Triceratops) Statue.

The Takeaway

Whether you want to visit Red Lodge, perhaps to experience one of the most scenic drives in the United States; Dillon, the rural outdoorsman Montana; or Butte, “capriciously decorated by the whims of pagan gods lightly drunk and lightly mad." — Montana is unlike anywhere else in the United States. From Kalispell to Cut Bank, one will find a lot to love, a lot to do, and a lot to see. From wide-open skies to Grizzly bears and white-tailed deer, there are many opportunities for winding down and getting intimate with nature. Just make your basecamp small, cute, and convenient.