13 Prettiest Towns In Montana
Travelers hoping for a rejuvenating vacation may not consider Montana at the top of their list. Although, this is unfortunate since Montana is one of the most beautiful regions of the U.S., with some surprisingly pretty towns. Much of the state remains natural and rugged, meaning tourists can experience a truly wild and wonderful adventure immersed in some of the country's best national and state parks.
Travelers who don't savor mountain climbing and wilderness hiking need not worry. These small towns are known for their warmth and hospitality, meaning guests can comfortably mingle with townsfolk in bars, restaurants, and local events. No matter what travelers hope to experience, a trip to Montana surely won't disappoint.
Helena
Helena is Montana's capital but not the most populous town in the state, allowing it to retain much of its natural charm. European presence in the area began when Lewis and Clark first explored the location in and around the future city in 1805. However, settlements did not begin in the town until 1864, after the discovery of gold and other precious metals.
Mount Helena, in the southwestern part of the town, is one of the most stunning natural sites in the area. The mountains are an excellent place for hiking, with the limestone cliffs and surrounding woodlands of Ponderosa Pines offering some of the best views in the area. The State Capital Building and the Mansion District are two of the loveliest walking regions of town.
This site housed several important historical buildings, including the City-County Building and 303 Clarke and 307 Clarke. Some of the structures no longer stand, but the location still has a lot of historic significance. Finally, Helena is a safe city, especially for visitors, and ranks low on its overall national crime rate.
Kalispell
Kalispell is a charming little town situated about three and a half miles north of Helana. It is best known as the gateway to Glacier National Park, which sits right around 45 minutes northeast of town. Several large lakes and rivers are nearby, including Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, and Flathead River. These make for some of the best fishing in the region, and the Flathead Waterfowl Production Area just south of town serves as an excellent place for bird watching.
Kalispell and the surrounding parks and nature sites aren’t all this little community has to offer visitors. For golfing enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities for some fun in town. Buffalo Hill Golf Club is one of the best, offering a 27-hole course with training, junior golf, and much more.
Butte
Butte-Silver Bow, commonly known as Butte, is a rural mountain town about an hour south of Helena. The city is nicknamed the richest hills on Earth thanks to the mineral-rich surrounding mountains that were influential in the city’s early years. In fact, Butte began as a mining camp when they found placer gold in 1864, and this industry persisted until a mining disaster in 1917 halted much of the town’s production of ores.
The region’s very rural and is best known for its many hiking trails through the mountains. Mount Fletcher, Granulated Mountain, and Table Mountain are the most prominent peaks. The trails around Table Mountain take travelers through the Highland Mountains and reach heights of 10,223 feet. Visitors can catch glimpses of Emerald Lake when traversing the two-mile stretch around Red Mountain.
Whitefish
Whitefish rests approximately four hours north of Butte near central Montana. To the east is the Blackfeet Indian reservation, and to the south is the Flathead Reservation. Long before European settlers came to the region, three tribes, the Bitterroot Salish, Kootenai, and the Pend d’Oreille, called Whitefish Lake their home. When trappers, fishers, and fur traders came to the area around 1850, they saw the tribes catching beautiful whitefish from the lake. To this day, the lake is home to a thriving whitefish population that locals and visitors alike love to capture.
However, fishing isn’t the only outdoor excursion that puts Whitefish on the map. It’s also home to many prominent ski resorts that make visiting in the winter a real treat (although travelers can visit any time during the year). Whitefish Mountain Resort, nestled in the mountains just north of the town, is one of the most popular resorts that offers skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels.
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is one of the most breathtaking towns in Southern Montana, not far from the borders of Wyoming and Idaho. Its history began when E.H. Harriman and Frank J. Haynes explored the region near Yellowstone National Park in 1905. Its proximity to this national wonder gave the town a position of prominence, with the railroad built in 1908 drawing in wealthy tourists.
West Yellowstone still retains this position and is often called the Gateway to Yellowstone. The town receives over 400 ml of snow yearly, making it one of the best locations for winter fun like skiing. However, spring and summer are also excellent times to visit, with fantastic hiking and cycling experiences available in the surrounding wilderness. The nearby Hebgen Lake is an excellent location for hiking, cycling, and fishing during the Spring and Summer.
Tourists who love wildlife should check out the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. This fascinating site has both mounted and alive wolves and bears that visitors can watch and observe up close.
Hamilton
Moving back up north, almost five hours northwest of West Yellowstone, is the lovely community of Hamilton. Hamilton is the county seat of Ravalli County and traces its roots back to the plentiful copper veins running through the nearby hills. In fact, Hamilton houses Daly Mansion, the home of Marcus Daly, who was once a very wealthy and influential individual. His association with copper earned him the name “Copper King.”
Visitors can still visit the majestic home of the Copper King and enjoy its many beautiful gardens and architecture. Curious tourists can check out the floor plan of the home three floors online before booking guided tours of the structure when visiting.
The Ravalli Museum and Historical Society is another must-see historical site in town. It sits within the original County Courthouse, which dates back to 1900 and still retains much of its original charm.
Philipsburg
Philipsburg is about an hour and a half east of Hamilton in Granite County. European settlement of the town began in 1864 when they found silver in the surrounding region. The first mining camp started in the town in 1866. This led to the building of one of Montana’s first silver mills in Philipsburg and the region's continued economic success.
Today, Philipsburg is less of a mining town, with small shops and businesses downtown. Just a few miles outside the town is Granite Ghost Town State Park, the perfect place for outdoor and history enthusiasts. Travelers can view the remnants of the early silver mining encampment and learn about Montana’s early years. Folks who want an authentic taste of this small mountain town should drop by Philipsburg Brewing Company. They serve award-winning beer, which will likely be refreshing after a long day of hiking and exploring.
Fort Benton
Fort Benton is one of Montana's most beautiful river towns, sitting about three and a half hours northwest of Philipsburg. It sits right along the Missouri River, which runs on the city's eastern edge. Fort Benton holds the nickname of the birthplace of Montana, with its origins dating back to Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Before their arrival, the Black Foot tribe called this region home and aided in Lewis and Clark’s travels through the area.
This site is a goldmine for anyone who loves nature and history. The Fort Benton, Montana Museum and Heritage Complex offers a rare glimpse into the Wild West's early founding. The Homestead Village is one of the most exciting parts of this historic area, allowing guests to experience what the rustic town looked like close to 100 years ago. Dog lovers should stop by the Shep Memorial. Legend has it that a highly loyal sheepdog once lost its owner but returned every day for five years to the train station, waiting for its master’s return. The dog’s loyalty so touched people they commemorated it with the town’s memorial.
Glendive
One of Montana's most underrated cities, Glendive is a gorgeous eastern Montana community in Dawson County. The Yellowstone River flows to the west of town and separates the little oasis from the much more arid surrounding landscape. The main industry of the city is agriculture, meaning visitors will have a special treat available to them if they enjoy pristine country landscapes.
Just north of the city is a unique artistic location, Bridger Bronze, LLC. This charming family-owned company prides itself in its ability to make refined handcrafted bronze statues. One of the main attractions is the monument sculptures set up outside. For outdoor lovers, Makoshika State Park is a lovely spot for exploration. This site is best known for its many stunning dinosaur fossils, which include triceratops and t-rex. However, visitors can also partake in backcountry camping, hiking, and much more.
Miles City
Miles City is a charming town located just over an hour southwest of Glendive. Miles City began after the Battle of Little Big Horn, as troops poured into the state to secure the region. The U.S. established Fort Keogh, which led to the establishment of cities like Miles City as an outpost and supply chain. Several historic houses are worth checking out while traveling through town. The Dan Hurt House dates back to 1905 and is a cute little structure that exhibits the community's early years. The nearby Yellowstone River is another town attraction offering excellent fishing opportunities or hiking.
Dillon
Dillon is one of the best college towns in Montana and is one of the state’s most fascinating townships. Historic Downtown Dillon is one of the best spots for history lovers who want a taste of the city’s early years. Additionally, the Beaverhead County Museum has some spectacular exhibits, including ones honoring native heritage and Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Clark’s Lookout State Park is just north of town, located near the Beaverhead River. This site honors where William Clark, the famous explorer, stood to survey the stunning wilderness. Visitors may also glimpse bears, moose, and other wildlife while traversing the park grounds.
Lewistown
Lewistown is one of the most beautiful towns in Montana, situated near the center of the state, about four and a half hours from Dillon. The town dates back to 1879 when the gold rush drew settlers to the area, but today, the town is primarily agrarian. It’s a family-centered town but also very welcoming to newcomers looking to share their culture and heritage. Their annual city calendar contains many townwide events, including the Six Hundred Generations celebrating native heritage in the area. Or, travelers can join locals at the Lewistown Raceway and enjoy a day watching fast-paced cars and eating some delicious foods.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is not a very large town, although it does rank twenty-second in population for the state of Montana. This welcoming town is only a few miles from Whitefish and north of Kalispell in Flathead County. The Flathead River, which flows to the north and east of town, is one of the most beautiful sites in the area. Krek Riverside Park and Rivers Edge Park are excellent locations for exploring the river’s flow. Guests should visit the Glacier Park Collection, especially if they consider staying in town for a few days. There’s a lot to do at this beautiful location, including cycling and rafting along the Flathead River.
Montana is one of the most unique states in the U.S., with many untouched sites still waiting for exploration. Thanks to the area's low population, people hoping to escape the world's noise and turmoil will get a welcome break. Although, this doesn't mean visitors to Montana won't have plenty of exciting and entertaining experiences. From mountain climbing to enjoying local festivals, Montana is a rare Wild West gem that retains much of its authentic roots.
