6 Must-See Historic Towns in Montana

Long before its official stamp as the 41st state in America in 1889, Montana had always held a reputation for being a territory filled with stunning natural wonders and fascinating history.

Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the region prior to its discovery by settlers. The 1860s saw an upsurge in newcomers lured here with aspirations of finding wealth after gold was discovered.

Today, Montana's landscape serves as a canvas that captures this history, merging the presence of Native American culture with the heritage of the pioneers who flocked to Montana during the gold rush.

If you are on the hunt to learn and explore all Montana has to offer, these are six must-see historic Towns in Montana.

Stevensville

Stevensville has the status of being Montana's oldest European settlement, tracing its roots back to 1841.

One key cornerstone of its formation was the St. Mary's Mission, established by Jesuit priests that same year. Today, the beautiful white church enjoys a spot on the National Register of Historic Places as a testament to Stevensville’s rich past and early developmental period within Montana.

Stevensville has a peaceful historic district that makes you feel right at home. Amongst the traditional brick structures of the late 1800s and early 1900s, you can sense decades of history while meandering around town.

Anybody visiting should try exploring Fort Owen State Park for a fascinating glimpse into local history. This stronghold played a key role in shaping the Bitterroot Valley and serves as an open window to history with age-old fort structures and artifacts.

Lewistown

In Lewistown, the calm weaving grassy hills contrast against the rising mountains on the horizon.

In the 19th century, the discovery of precious metals in the nearby Judith Mountains led to a boom of new residents. Miners with dreams of wealth, and families looking for a fresh start all rushed in. That is when Lewistown was born.

Nowadays, the Lewistown Downtown Historic District has gracefully aged buildings, reflecting its 20th-century architecture, including Art Deco and Romanesque styles. There is something nice about sitting outside on a bench surrounded by the aged, rustic feel of town.

The surrounding areas are home to something called a chokecherry, a small, tart fruit. The town holds a Chokecherry Festival every year in September celebrating this local treasure. Despite the name, eat up! You can find a variety of chokecherry products, from jams to wines, to chow down on.

Helena​​​​

The birth of Helena, Montana's current capital, can be traced back to the time of the Montana Gold Rush.

Due to the wealth generated by the gold rush, Helena became home to a remarkable collection of Victorian architecture. Even today gorgeous brick structures stretch out all over town.

One of the real treasures in town is the Saint Helena Cathedral.

It is known all over the state for its sublime facade. The cathedral's design takes a page from Vienna's Votivkirche, showcasing a dramatic Gothic revival style, and the play of light through its stained glass.

The town has long sought to keep its history intact.

The Montana Historical Society started way back in 1865, making it one of the very first historical groups in the Wild West. They keep and spread the stories of Montana's past with displays, studies, and learning which you can find at the Montana Historical Society Museum.

Butte

Take a look at the nearest lamp. You can thank Butte for helping connect the country to the electrical grid all those years ago. This town was important when America started using electricity everywhere because copper from towns like Butte was used to make all the necessary wires.

Now the town is dotted with grand old structures that show off its former wealth. Right in the heart of Butte stands the grand Copper King Mansion, a lavish mansion with 34 rooms.

It has ceilings covered in captivating paintings, colorful glass that glows when the sun shines through, and all the original furniture from that time.

Found in a spot that used to buzz with the vibrant life of Butte's Chinatown, the Mai Wah Museum now calls two beautiful red-brick buildings on West Mercury Street its home.

The gallery upholds and deciphers the past of Chinese settlers in the Rocky Mountains.

Nevada City

Nevada City has gone from a mining town to a ghost town all the way to a tourism town.

Like many towns birthed in the gold rush hysteria, Nevada City faced a downturn as its reserves started to dwindle. When the 20th century started, only a few people remained.

Due to the efforts of the Bovey family, they transformed Nevada City into a living history museum.

Numerous original structures in the town have been maintained or renovated, providing an authentic glimpse into the mining community's life during the 19th century.

When you wander through town, do not overlook the Nevada City Hotel. This treasure dating back to 1860 has been restored to its initial splendor and still runs as a captivating hotel.

Step right up to the charming Nevada City Music Hall, home to a huge trove of music machines from yesteryear. It is the biggest public collection of automated music machines in all of North America.

Deer Lodge

The area was originally known as "Lodge of the Deer" by Native American tribes, particularly the Salish, due to the abundant deer population.

A unique historical stop in town is the former Montana State Penitentiary, which served as the state prison from the late 1800s to the end of the 20th century.

Now it acts as an educational space that teaches visitors about Montana's correctional system history and chronicles how prisoners lived across different eras. This could be one of the few times being in prison will be enjoyable.

How do some classic cars sound? The Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge presents a huge collection of classic and vintage cars. 

It is not Montana without talking about the cattle industry. The National Park Service oversees the Grant-Kohrs Ranch, a place of dual significance as both an operational ranch and a recognized national historic landmark.

In Conclusion

Montana's story and its history are told through the towns that pepper its epic countryside.

From Helena’s gold rush beginnings to Butte's lavish copper wealth, many towns sprouted up from the incredible profits that came from lucrative mining discoveries.

Each of these Montana towns gives a look back at the state’s history while allowing you to explore the natural beauty and living history which make Montana such an incredible place to visit.

But come find out for yourself. Maybe if you are lucky, you can find some gold out there.