12 Prettiest Small Towns In Montana
Montana's supreme natural scenery, punctuated by mountainous peaks, sprawling badlands, and thriving wildlife, sets the stage for exciting outdoor adventures. These storybook landscapes provide a backdrop for adorable little communities steeped in small-town charm that present the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Furthermore, a touch of Western hospitality ensures vacationers a remarkable time while discovering local attractions, whether you plan to explore the outdoors or stay indoors.
Away from the crowded scene in Billings, these prettiest small towns in Montana hold the true charm and character of Big Sky Country. From visiting a popular national park in Whitefish to learning about cowboy heritage in Ennis, these exciting destinations ought to be featured on your upcoming Montana itinerary.
Whitefish
This picturesque small town, set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, entices travelers with its dreamy landscapes and boundless outdoor opportunities. It is a gateway to Glacier National Park, where jagged peaks and sparkling lakes provide newcomers with a remarkable sightseeing experience. Whitefish is also home to Whitefish Lake State Park, a lovely recreation getaway for hikers, boaters, swimmers, and anglers. It also offers over two dozen campsites and an RV campground, promising the ultimate rural experience.
For those who feel more comfortable indoors, the Whitefish Theatre Company is an exciting alternative to the many adventures in the great outdoors. The venue stages an array of wonderful performances, from live cabarets to concerts and musicals, culminating in a popular cultural hub.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a historic village in Ravalli County, known for its rich heritage and quintessential small-town feel. Several museums and landmarks help preserve its enduring history, including the Ravalli County Museum. It harbors a curated library of artifacts focusing on art, human, and natural history in the Bitterroot Valley region. You can get a feel for the local art scene at Montana Bliss Artworks, home to a display of sculptures and other contemporary art forms by area artists.
The Hamilton Farmers Market livens up the downtown district every Saturday, bringing together makers, crafters, and farmers with their colorful assortments of merchandise for tourists to shop around. Also, don't leave without sampling refreshing craft beers at Bitter Root Brewing.
Ennis
This riverside village on the southwest corner of Montana boasts a longstanding Western heritage and fun fly fishing activities. Ennis lies on the banks of the Madison River, which attracts fishermen throughout the year, looking to catch rainbow and brown trout. Local outfitters like Madison River Fishing Company provide all the gear you need, as well as guided tours. Another great way to spend time outdoors is to play golf with friends on the lush fairways of Madison Meadows Golf Course. It is a 9-hole course that challenges all skill levels.
Back in downtown, a tour of the Madison Valley History Museum familiarizes guests with the town's past using a curated catalog of artifacts and memorabilia. Additionally, you can connect with the arts at RiverStone Gallery, which displays jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and more.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge blends a knack for outdoor adventures with a spirit of friendliness, promising tourists a remarkable experience in rural Montana. The town is surrounded by rugged terrain set against the scenic backdrop of Beartooth Mountain. Adventurers can charter an ATV from Red Lodge Powersports to navigate and discover the irregular backcountry. The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary presents a magnificent opportunity to encounter native wildlife species in their habitat, and houses foxes, bears, wild cats, and raptors.
Similar to the countryside, downtown Red Lodge is chock-full of attractions. If you embrace historical experience, you can stop by the Carbon County Museum for an idea of Red Lodge's history in an early 20th-century building. Elsewhere, art enthusiasts will feel at home browsing artistic creations by local artists at the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery.
Dillon
One of the prettiest small towns in Montana, Dillon complements its historic downtown area with a lush backcountry to offer travelers the best of both worlds. Walking through the town square feels like a trip to the bygone eras, thanks to a cluster of Victorian structures. Here, you will encounter the Beaverhead County Museum, which chronologically preserves the region's human, natural, and physical history. Art is also a big part of local culture, and first-timers can learn interesting cultural lessons at Tendoy Fine Art. Displayed inside the center is a collection of paintings, jewelry, wood, drawings, and metal artworks.
On the flip side, Clark's Lookout State Park thrusts adventurers into the outdoors. The eight-acre reserve sits on a hill overlooking the Beaverhead River and harbors fishing, picnicking, and hiking activities. Also, remember to visit Bannack State Park to witness the remains of a once-bustling mining town.
Livingston
Livingston boasts a prime location amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, making it one of the most scenic small towns in Montana. It is the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park and harbors the Yellowstone Gateway Museum to prepare visitors with valuable information about America's first national park before experiencing the iconic landmark. An escape to Mayor's Landing, which lies along the banks of the Yellowstone River, delivers sweeping panoramas of the waterway. The site is also a hub for hikers, fishermen, and nature photographers.
Those feeling adventurous can book a trip with Yellowstone River Outfitters for a fly-fishing excursion down the whitewater. Livingston's railway heritage comes alive inside the Livingston Depot Center, whose exhibits focus on the colorful history of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
Choteau
Choteau's French-sounding name originates from a prominent explorer and fur trader, Pierre Chouteau. It is a four-season getaway with outdoor opportunities year-round. People venture into the Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area for a remarkable bird-watching experience, a habitat for thousands of snow geese and tundra swans. Choteau is surrounded by wide open spaces and picturesque mountain peaks, which provide a storybook backdrop for a relaxed golf session at the Choteau Country Club.
Archaeologists and paleontologists come to examine the remarkable fossil exhibits inside the Old Trail Museum. This interactive museum provides a glimpse of prehistoric times in Choteau with a collection of replicas, real dinosaur skeletons, displays, and more.
Stevensville
This pioneer settlement in Ravalli County is rooted in history and grew around Historic St. Mary's Mission. Established in 1841, it is one of the oldest churches in the state and symbolizes the community's resilience through the years. However, guests can delve deeper into the area's past at the Stevensville Historical Museum. This Main Street landmark provides a vivid look into the bygone eras, stretching back to when the first settlers arrived in the community.
Beer enthusiasts will relish sampling great-tasting local beers at Wildwood Brewery. It has a quiet neighborhood feel and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for passing idle time. Those who like outdoorsy escapades can visit Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge to stake out pelicans, hummingbirds, and other bird species.
Anaconda
About 80 miles from Helena, this copper boom town traces its history to the 1800s when it was founded as a smelting station. It is home to a rich network of park areas promising exciting outdoor adventures, including a hike through the secluded trails of Lost Creek State Park to admire imposing cliffs and escarpments. The site also attracts campers, paddlers, fishermen, mountain bikers, and other enthusiasts across its 500-acre expanse. But if you plan to take it easy in the open, you can spend the time playing golf at Old Works Golf Course.
The Copper Village Museum & Art Center displays Anaconda's cultural heritage. Inside, a collection of paintings, photographs, artifacts, and relics chronicles the region's colorful past.
Philipsburg
Although it feels empty and abandoned today, Philipsburg was once a thriving mining town in the 1800s and drew droves of speculators when silver was discovered in the area. You can enjoy a unique journey through time at the Granite Ghost Town State Park, home to old mines, rustic camps, and other relics from the mining heydays. Meanwhile, the Montana Law Enforcement Museum provides a feel for the history of policing in the state using a whimsical collection of guns, uniforms, badges, and other artifacts.
Downtown Philipsburg harbors a handful of interesting points of interest. If you have a taste for beer, consider stopping by Philipsburg Brewing Company to enjoy flavorful craft beers. But if you are visiting with children, allow them to indulge their sweet tooth with chocolate, fudge, and candy at the Sweet Place.
Big Timber
Big Timber is a fun outdoor escape, exposing holiday makers to the isolated Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness. It promises multiple adventures at Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area. This peaceful retreat houses scenic trails, picnic spots, and majestic panoramas of the surrounding landscapes, resulting in the ultimate outdoor getaway. Downtown Big Timber has a couple of galleries where you can connect with the arts. Two Rivers Gallery is a major stop for enthusiasts and promotes homegrown artists by exhibiting their works.
When discovering the area, you will also encounter a lively brewery scene. Crazy Peak Brewing Company serves a delicious selection of local beers in a relaxed setting. But if you need something to eat, Big Timber Bakery cooks up savory breads and snacks.
Eureka
Small-town charm meets outdoor adventure in this secluded small town in Montana. Exploring the modest downtown district exposes guests to a respectable variety of attractions, and history buffs can explore Eureka's early days at the Historical Village. The complex hosts a collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century structures for a vivid picture of the bygone era. Also, the Majestic Theater keeps tourists updated on the latest Hollywood films by screening them in a small yet modest community venue.
If you are a fan of craft beer, pop into Branding Iron Brewing Company for a pint or two while mingling with the locals. Lastly, guests who gravitate towards the open spaces can choose between hiking, picnicking, and biking to spend quality time at Riverside Park.
These prettiest small towns in Montana live up to the state nickname, "Treasure State." They house a diverse collection of outdoor treasures around which travelers can indulge in outdoor adventure. Besides, the rich backstories, unique cultures, and local dining scene promise an all-around tourist experience in the United States. There is no shortage of fun pursuits, whether investigating copper history in Anaconda or driving into the rich history of Stevensville.
