6 Montana Towns That Rival Europe's Best
The state of Montana has become synonymous with elements like a rugged landscape with breathtaking beauty, so it is not surprising it can so often be compared to the natural wonders from around the world. With charming small towns near stunning locations like Big Sky Country or the renowned Glacier National Park, visiting these communities can feel like traveling through Europe. From the Alpine feel of Whitefish or Livingston's arts and culture scene, the feel of life across the pond exists in key locations throughout the Treasure State.
Whitefish
Few places on earth can provide the unique feeling of the ski villages of the Swiss Alps quite like Whitefish and the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Here, guests experience world-class courses for skiing and snowboarding during the cold months and miles of maintained hiking trails in the warmer seasons. The mountains lead to Whitefish Lake, another attractive natural wonder for boating and paddleboarding. To improve your stay and experience the lake sights to the fullest, consider the popular and luxurious accommodations at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
In this rugged community, history blends with art, and few places better express this than the Great Northern Railway Depot. It is worth stopping and experiencing even if you didn’t arrive in town this way. Over several years, it was restored to its original chalet appearance and now houses a museum specific to the history of the station and Whitefish.
For those arriving in the winter months, it is worth checking out the unique Whitefish Winter Carnival, which celebrated its 66th year in 2025. Beyond traditional parades and entertainment, this festival offers many experiences paying homage to Viking roots, including the annual naming of King Ullr and the Snow Queens and the crowning of the season’s Frey and Freya.
Red Lodge
You can also experience the wonders of Germany while traveling through the Treasure State by stopping over for a while in Red Lodge. It is easy to mistake this community for a Bavarian village, as it is the gateway of the Beartooth Highway, commonly compared to the scenic roadways of the Alps. Nature is a big part of the experience here, as one would expect with its connection to its famed mountain region, and resorts like Red Lodge Mountain offer a whole experience for skiing enthusiasts, snowboarders, and explorers. Another attraction for nature enthusiasts is the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a unique chance to see the area’s native wildlife in an up-close experience.
The community heavily embraces its European vibes, with historic buildings that showcase a Wild West flair mixed with a European twist. While the commercial district is filled with such properties, a great example is the long-standing business of Hawkes & Son Photography Studio, which shares its well-maintained and colorful façade with The Wild Table. The connection with heritage is never more evident than at the annual Red Lodge Oktoberfest, which draws thousands of participants for beer, bratwursts, and one-of-a-kind entertainment.
Bigfork
Visitors to Bigfork can appreciate its locations, reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast in Italy, when they see the shores of Flathead Lake for the first time. Nature is the biggest draw to Bigfork, with spots like the Wayfarers State Park giving memorable views of Flathead Lake from overlooks and scenic trails. The location’s primary accommodations are at the Flathead Lake Lodge, which also offers some exceptional amenities for guests, like horseback riding and sailing expeditions.
Beauty is also found in other ways in Bigfork, such as its thriving art scene. The best example is the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, which offers yearly performances with near-Broadway quality. Every year, the streets come alive in support of the arts for the Bigfork Festival of the Arts, where the area’s best musicians, culinary specialists, and artisans converge to celebrate the wonders of their combined creations.
Exploring the city is as simple as setting out on foot, as the community is strollable through its attractive downtown thriving with galleries, bars, and dining. Some of the most popular stops include the delectable dishes of Schafer’s Restaurant and the hearty portions of The Eatery.
Livingston
Those traveling abroad often do so for artistic inspiration in some of the world’s most recognizable locations, like the Pisa Tower or the Rome Coliseum. Artistic inspiration also abounds in Livingston, Montana, pulling on this same energy to transport visitors to the creative hubs of France like Montmartre or Provence. This can first be felt in the pulsing downtown area with art galleries like Medicine Bird Gallery, independent bookstores like Wheatgrass Books, and countless cafes and dining options. For the literature lover in your group, Livingston is a place tied directly to famous authors like Jim Harrison and Thomas McGuane. Capping off the tour of the arts in Livingston is Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, which regularly hosts stage performances and concerts throughout the year.
However, the arts are not the only thing that draws people to Livingston's thriving community. In the summer, the town hosts its annual Livingston Roundup Rodeo and a few summer art walks to promote the culture of its artistic residents. Many also discover the city by attending concerts and entertainment at the Pine Creek Lodge, which is just outside the municipality.
Hamilton
Tuscany can come to mind when you begin to explore the Hamilton region of Montana. Its rolling hills, valley views, and abundance of wineries are paralleled to the popular Italian providence. Flowing through town is the Bitterroot River, providing on-site kayaking, fishing, swimming, and connected nature trails to explore. Nearby is the Blodgett Canyon, providing yet another feel of Italy with the massive rock formations reminiscent of the Apennine Mountains.
Even the architecture and its connected properties feel like they were plucked from the Italian countryside and placed in Hamilton, such as the Daly Mansion. This historic estate was once the home of a copper baron and is meticulously maintained to this day with landscaped gardens. Hamilton residents are proud of their region and heritage, so you see local flavors and traditions celebrated in the annual Ravalli County Fair, but European heritage and traditions are on display once a year for the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering.
Dillon
Those traveling to the Beaverhead Valley in the southwest corner of the state will likely find the biggest town in this region, Dillon. Seamlessly blending the American West's ruggedness with Europe's attractive natural wonders, Dillon has much to discover for those looking for a getaway that feels farther than a trip north to Montana. Natural wonders abound in and around Dillon, including the Bannack State Park. However, the sweeping meadows of Big Hole Valley nearby transport visitors to the picturesque landscapes of countries like Switzerland, with expansive fields lined with massive mountains in the distance.
Everything about the town points visitors to the deep-running European roots of the region, including the Metlen Hotel. This historic building from the 1800s leans into the popular architecture you might see in the grand lodges of Austria. The culinary scene in Dillon also gives the feel of eating abroad, like the Den Steakhouse feels like a British or Irish pub experience or the cozy French café feel of the pastries and sips at Sweetwater Coffee.
While Montana might be thousands of miles from some of the European areas and cities referenced, there is much about the small towns in The Treasure State that pay homage to the original settlers of the area and their heritage. Whether it is the feel of the Amalfi Coast in Bigfork or the feel of Tuscany in Hamilton, the state's small towns unlock untold charms through their attractions, architecture, and natural wonders. While much of Montana remains wild and unsettled, like Glacier National Park, its communities live among the gorgeous landscapes and carry the unique traditions that rival any place in Europe.
