6 Unspoiled Small Towns in Montana
Montana is known for many things, including its rich mineral deposits, but perhaps it is most well-known for its many mountains. Many tourists know this northern state for its popular nickname, "The Big Sky State," due to the stunning panoramic views of the skyline. However, its lesser-known nickname, the "Treasure State", is no less applicable. While this name applies primarily to the state's rich abundance of natural resources, including gold, silver, coal, and other valuable minerals, it can also be applied to its vibrant history and breathtaking landscape. Montana is home to two of the most popular national parks in the United States, Glacier and Yellowstone National Park, plus 55 State Parks. Montana and its many untouched, unspoiled small towns are the ideal places to escape the hustle of life and enjoy nature in a pristine environment.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge traces its origins back to before European exploration when the Crow Native American tribe journeyed through its landscape during summer months for hunting and other activities. Settlers from Europe arrived and officially established the site of the modern-day Red Lodge, and many of the town’s early sites are still around for travelers to see and experience while visiting. There is the Pollard Hotel, where guests can see and stay at the town’s oldest brick building, dating to 1893, and the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum.
Not far from town is Grizzly Peak, an impressive mountain that is less than twenty minutes to the west of town. It stands at approximately 9,000 feet and is an especially popular spot for hiking and cycling, especially at Grizzly Loop, a trail with an excellent gradient and view. There is no need to leave town, though, to enjoy time in Red Lodge, although the local mountain ranges are worth exploring. Alpine Red Lodge is the best place to stay while touring the city, with motel rooms, RV spaces, and cabins to rent.
Red Lodge is home to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary where visitors can learn all about the wildlife in the region, including wild cats, foxes, bears, and much more. The guided tours make the experience all the better, teaching guests about animal welfare and care, as well as how to identify furry friends in the wild. The Buses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve pre-World War II buses and other modes of transportation utilized in the area. It is an excellent place to explore, especially for anyone who enjoys viewing historical vehicles.
Whitefish
Whitefish is the perfect small-town getaway, no matter the season. It sits over seven hours north of Red Lodge, with the border of Canada not far away. Whitefish Lake touches its borders and is one of the community’s main attractions, with City Beach being the perfect beachfront location to spend an afternoon soaking up the sunshine. There is also Whitefish State Park and much more to explore in town, by the lake, and in the surrounding areas.
While City Beach is ideal for summer months, it also serves as an excellent place to spend the fall, with plenty of trees changing colors along the banks and boat rentals available at Whitefish Outfitters and Tours. Just around ten minutes outside of town is the Clydesdale Outpost, an ideal place to spend the autumn months exploring the rural areas of Whitefish. Not only can guests choose to book a few nights at one of their stunning cabins, but they also offer horseback riding, carriage rides, and a haunted hayride.
Those planning to visit in the fall will enjoy checking out the massive skeleton that stands near Whitefish River and not far from River Trail Park. For winter travelers, the nearby Kandahar Lodge is a lovely spot to book a stay and plan a winter outing. It is especially suited for anyone who enjoys winter sports, but for those who prefer a quiet time indoors, their jacuzzi, fitness center, and other attractions are sure to keep them busy. Hikers and outdoor lovers who plan a trip in summer or spring can spend their days trekking Big Mountain Trailhead and exploring nearby Les Mason State Park.
Polson
Polson, much like Whitefish to the north, is another beautiful lakeside community with a rich culture and history going back to before European arrival in the 1820s. The town sits on the shores of Flathead Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in the American West, consisting of 185 square miles of shoreline and 200 square miles of water. Polson today stands on the Flathead Reservation, which is home to the Salish and the Pend d'Oreilles tribes.
Visitors hoping to explore Flathead Lake should start their journey at Point Salish Park, where guests can visit Sacajawea swimming. Access and traverse the ten miles of biking and walking trails crisscrossing the community. Tourists looking for the best place to take some breathtaking photos should travel down Route 93, just outside the town’s borders, to Flathead Lake Overlook Scenic Turnout, where visitors can get an excellent glimpse of the landscape. The Miracle of America Museum is not far from this location and is worth a visit, especially for anyone who enjoys US history and desires a better understanding of the nation’s early years.
Nearby the town are several natural wonders, including Swan Peak, which stands at just over 9,000 feet, and Flathead National Forest. Flathead National Forest is the ideal wilderness getaway, but it is not for the inexperienced explorer. The forest stretches for some 2.4 million acres and is a favorite spot for backpackers and hikers, with Mount Orvis Evans nearby. Anyone looking for a more laid-back and less rugged journey through Polson can walk the streets of downtown Polson, where there are plenty of restaurants to visit, like Glacier Brewing, Sweet Bliss, and the Hot Spot Thai Cafe.
Kalispell
Kalispell is not far from the little town of Polson, sitting approximately an hour north and not far from the northern end of Flathead Lake. The site of the modern town began in 1891 as a railroad town, and for a short while, it served as one of the major connecting points for the Great Northern Railway. Guests who hope to learn more about the town and its early history should start their journey at the Northwest Montana History Museum.
After checking out the museum’s displays, with “On a Passing Frontier” and “Flathead Valley History” being some of the best exhibits, consider paying a visit to the Hockaday Museum of Art. The museum has several displays on rotation, but the most famous is the “Crown of the Continent,” which includes pieces by several famous artists, including O.C. Seltzer, Gary Schultz, Jeanne Hamilton, Ace Powell, and others. While strolling the town’s culture and history, visitors can visit Black Rifle Coffee Company for a fresh bag of Joe or drop by Desoto Grill for a warm meal.
The outdoor adventurers will enjoy exploring the region just outside of the town, especially Foy’s Lake and Lone Pine State Park. The park has 7.5 miles of trails, which are great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even snowshoeing. Folks can rent snowshoes for $5 dollars during winter months to use at the park and enjoy the scenic landscape. Those who want an even more adventurous time should consider taking a trip to Glacier National Park, located around 45 minutes from Kalispell. Not only does the park boast stunning landscapes and trails, it is also home to several majestic glaciers.
Roundup
As the name suggests, Roundup began as one of the most notorious locations for cowboys and cattle ranching. The community began in 1883 when the first post office was established, although the region was already a popular spot for cattle ranching. Ranchers did not just tend to cattle; they were also an important part of the region’s economy and security, hunting dangerous animals and raising cattle to ship to the East.
The wild spirit of the past and rugged independence still permeates the city, which visitors can experience firsthand by visiting the nearby Runamuk Ranch. This is where visitors can experience a real, modern-day cattle roundup with the mountains as the backdrop. Visitors can engage in a round-up while riding about the ranch, join a cookout, or enjoy one of the many other farm activities. Musselshell County Historical Museum, located on 1st Street, is a great place to learn more about the town’s history, with displays showcasing the early days of the town, like the general store, antique rifles, and much more.
Anyone planning a trip during the warmer months or early fall will likely enjoy the Cow Belles Campground and the County Fairgrounds. The Roundup Riverfront Heritage Trail is not far from the campground and is the ideal location for a peaceful stroll along the river. Guests who want to know more about the town’s past will enjoy this pathway since it is designed to preserve the community’s culture and history, all while providing a peaceful immersion in nature. Busy Bee cafe is a favorite spot to chill and enjoy a warm cup of coffee along with the local townsfolk and is an emblem of the city’s self-sufficiency and perseverance since the site was hit hard by a flood not too long ago and recovered.
Choteau
Choteau gets its beautiful name from Pierre Choteau, a French fur trader who was an early influential explorer of the region. Although the community started small and is now home to less than 2,000 residents, it contains some of the best sites in the area, including the Old Trail Museum and the Choteau Walking Path. In addition to these wonderful sites right in town, several excellent nearby historic and nature sites are worth visiting while traveling through town.
Exploring within the town’s borders first, the Old Trail Museum is one of the town’s most popular locations, with the beautifully crafted dinosaur statues being the main attraction. However, that is not to say these dinos are the only things worth seeing; the Rocky Mountain Front Interpretive Center also hosts the Rocky Mountain Front Geo Tours. The site also has a replica of the impressive dinosaur bones and nests discovered at Egg Mountain. This is the perfect way to learn about the region’s impressive geography and history and the creatures who called the landscape home millions of years ago.
It is a great way for guests to immerse themselves in the ancient past before taking a trip ten minutes out of town to explore the actual location. This location was the site of the discovery of 14 nests of the Maiasaura peeblesorum, which is more commonly known as the duckbill dinosaur. Just over an hour west of town is the site of Rocky Mountain, one of the best places for hiking and exploring, with several wonderful trails. Some of the best include The Old Man of the Hills, Sun Canyon Trail, and several others. After a long day outside exploring the rocky hillsides, visitors can rest at the Coffey House and grab a drink at Log Cabin Cafe.
A getaway to Montana is the ideal way to unwind from the stresses of life, slow down, and take a deep breath. The open sky, the welcoming small towns, and the unspoiled landscape all add together to create the perfect natural escape. These small towns preserve the early history of Montana, with historical museums, old structures built by the settlers, and the preservation of the Pre-Euroean cultures like the Chippewa and Blackfeet Native American tribes. Whether visitors want quiet time at a local bed and breakfast with an impressive view of the mountains or a rugged experience camping in the hills, Montana has it all and will not disappoint.
