6 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Montana
Despite the early disagreements in Congress, no name suits this stunning, majestic, and mountainous area better than its current name. The name Montana is an emblem of the state’s untamed and wondrous landscape, which is largely preserved to this day. Its most popular national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone, are remarkable examples of the region’s geological history.
But it is the small, whimsical towns that make Montana what it is today. These communities preserve the cultural heritage of the land, from the Blackfoot Native Americans to the early pioneers, Montana’s people cherish their history. Traveling to this state offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the early history of westward expansion in the United States and indulge in the rolling mountains outside their windows.
Whitefish
The town of Whitefish is one of Montana’s most magical communities. Its position along Whitefish Lake makes it an ideal choice for outdoor lovers and those seeking an escape from the city. The city traces its roots back to its founding at the turn of the century, with its official date of incorporation being 1905. The community sprung up in the 1800s as trappers and traders started moving into the area, and the town originally bore the name of Stumptown thanks to the massive amounts of trees in the region.
Those hoping to see the early days of town for themselves should start their journey by visiting the Stumptown Historical Society at the local museum. Admission to the museum is free, allowing anyone and everyone to visit, view the displays and artifacts, and learn all about the town’s history. Although Whitefish is not just a historic town, it’s also an exciting place with skiing opportunities at the nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort and camping at Whitefish Lake State Park.
Whitefish Mountain Resort, which sits just a few minutes north of the town’s borders, has gorgeous cabins available for rent. These cabins include townhouses and condos that afford fantastic views of the surrounding wilderness. Although well-known for its ski opportunities, this resort is also a wonderful spot to visit in the fall and summer, since they also have tons of other outdoor activities. Whitefish Lake State Park is a little less glamorous for those who choose to camp under the stars, but the site has boating, hiking, cycling, and sightseeing of local flora and fauna. There is also the nearby City Beach, which is perfect for those visiting in the summer and is only a few minutes away from the Park.
Hamilton
Hamilton is one of Montana’s best locations for travelers seeking a combination of rustic, rugged charm and a more refined, relaxing environment. The community offers guests ample opportunities to trek in the woods and sightsee the stunning surrounding mountains, all while having access to more luxurious options. The city has a fascinating history that includes its exploration by the famous Lewis and Clark in 1805-1806 and its official establishment in 1890 by its founder, Marcus Daly.
The city is centrally located, approximately three and a half hours south of Whitefish along the Bitterroot River. Folks visiting the town can experience some of the community’s early days by checking out the Ravalli County Courthouse, built in 1900, and touring the Daly Mansion, which was renovated by the town’s founder in 1889. The site of the mansion was originally a charming farmstead owned by Anthony Chaffin until Marcus Daly purchased it in 1886. A few years later, he renovated the homestead and built the modern-day mansion, complete with 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and seven well-maintained fireplaces. Guests can schedule a guided tour of the three-story building on the Daly Mansion website.
Less than an hour outside of town are some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the region at the Blodgett Overlook Trail. This trail is approximately 2.8 miles long and takes hikers on a beautiful tour of the region’s mountainous landscape. Around ten minutes south of the town’s main borders is ABC Acres, which is a unique farmstead focused on growing healthier food for the future through a more sustainable system. People can book a stay at the charming farm and enjoy exciting farm and town activities, all while appreciating the beauty of the farmland and the company of farm animals.
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is best known for being the ideal starting point for exploring Yellowstone National Park. The city of West Yellowstone began when Frank J. Haynes and E.H. Harriman, both prominent men in the railroad industry, paid a visit to the area in 1905. The town initially served to connect St. Anthony, Idaho, with the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Today, the community is the perfect resort town to indulge in a little luxury before diving into the rugged terrain of Yellowstone National Park.
West Yellowstone sits nearly five hours southeast of Hamilton, making it just a couple miles west of the Wyoming border. Old Faithful is less than an hour away from town, meaning staying in town puts you right on the doorstep of one of America’s greatest national parks. But there are also lots of fun and exciting things to see in town, including historical landmarks, nature sites, and small-town shopping and dining.
Check out the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, the Buffalo Bar, and the West Yellowstone Historic Walking Tour. Folks can travel the trail by following the Grizzly Bear Paw signs or by picking up a map at the Chamber of Commerce. The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, located in the southern part of town, is a wonderful wildlife sanctuary where visitors can real, live bears and wolves.
For accommodations, check in to Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone, or for those who desire a more authentic Western experience, book a few nights at the Golden Stone Inn. The Holiday Inn West Yellowstone is home to the Oregon Short Line 1903 Railroad Car, a piece of the town’s past, and a memorial to the community’s origins as a stopping point between states.
Havre
Over six hours north of West Yellowstone, situated approximately an hour south of the Canadian border, is the city of Havre. Havre, like many towns in Montana, began as a fort to safeguard US interests in the western parts of the country, with Havre starting off as Fort Assiniboine in 1879 after the Great Sioux War. The area attracted settlers over the years and was known as Bull Hook Bottoms, but was later renamed Havre.
With the building of James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railroad, the town’s population grew in 1890 until it became the magical little city it is today. Havre is home to Montana State University-Northern, meaning the town has plenty of local attractions, small shops, and other amenities tourists would expect from a college town. Travelers will find plenty of scrumptious spots to get a bite to eat, or a refreshing drink, including the Wild Fig and Jenny’s Kitchen. The Wild Fig is a whimsical little spot, with an excellent nighttime vibe, but they also serve up delicious brunches. Jenny’s Kitchen is a popular spot for locals to grab a nice, hot, home-cooked meal in a warm and welcoming environment.
But Havre is a lot more than just a cozy community that is an ideal spot to get brunch. Places like Havre Beneath the Streets display the resilience and innovation of the town’s folk. This location gives visitors a tour of the life beneath the streets of Havre, where business owners had to move their businesses after a fire destroyed much of the city over 100 years ago. The preserved locations give guests a front-row seat into the lives of these people, with locations like the Brother’s Bakery and the Sporting Eagle Saloon still demonstrating life over a century ago.
Big Timber
Big Timber was once a sort of crossroads location for the Native American tribes who lived in the region long before the arrival of settlers. The area is well-known even to this day for its blue-ribbon trout, making it the number one spot in Montana for anyone looking for exciting fishing opportunities. Surrounding Big Timber, which is located approximately four hours south of Havre, are the Crazy Mountains, which also makes it a great location for anyone visiting Montana to view its famous mountain ranges.
Those hoping to learn about the history of the Crazy Mountains and Big Timber should visit the Crazy Mountain Museum. The museum boasts several historically and culturally significant locations, like the Fjare homestead cabin, Norwegian stabbur, a tipi, and much more. The sites are designed to be historically accurate and tourists can get a glimpse into the town’s history and cultural past. The Bozeman Trail Historic Site is part of a trail through the region that marks the point that’s been used for millennia for travel by ancient animals, paleo-Native Americans, and settlers in later years.
Tourists looking for a good, long hike through the area can take a trip to Halfmoon Campground, near Crazy Peak, just an hour outside of town. Here, hikers can enjoy long trails through the wild mountains, with the Blue Lake trail stretching for over 7.5 miles. It is commonly considered an intense hike through the rugged terrain of the mountains. Anyone who does not fancy roughing it in a campground and climbing mountains can indulge in one of the town’s beautiful hotels. The Grand Hotel is a stunning little spot that has an excellent view of the surrounding mountains and offers comfortable accommodations for rest and relaxation after a long day outside.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which gives the community its rugged and enchanting environment. The forest itself stretches for over three million acres, but the surrounding areas of the town mainly consist of woodlands. In addition, the community of Red Lodge has several magnificent mountains and mountain trails surrounding its borders that make for an ideal wilderness escape.
Aside from hiking the nearby Silver Run Trailhead or scaling Mount Grizzly, the town is home to Red Lodge Powersport. This ATV rental company allows visitors and residents alike to plan their very own outdoor adventures utilizing their top-notch ATVs. They boast options for winter and summer outings, meaning guests can enjoy their outdoor fun no matter the time of year they choose to visit. Not far away from Red Lodge Powersport is the Beartooth Gallery Fine Arts. This gallery is a lovely monument to the history and culture of the community, with artists like Meadow Gist and Jennifer Johnson on display.
Those who want to stay a few days in the area and want a more rustic experience just outside of town should consider Palisades Campground. This stunning location is free to anyone hoping to camp out under the stars. It is conveniently located near the city of Red Lodge, Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort, Willow Creek, and Palisades Trail. Not far from the campground is a site known as “The Ovens, " a popular natural rock wall that attracts adventurous rock climbers. However, anyone who does not fancy the idea of roughing it in the wilderness should book a few nights at the Alpine Lodge, which offers guests a comfortable place to lay their heads in the mountains of Montana.
Whether travelers hope to kick back and relax with their fishing rod or spend a few weeks challenging themselves hiking through the mountains, Montana will not disappoint. Big Sky Country is home to nine total national parks and 3,223 named lakes, which is just an inkling of the spectacular landscape. Many of these parks are home to stunning forests and impressive mountains, meaning the wilderness of the state, although untamed, is accessible to those who prepare. Visiting the many whimsical small towns in the state is the ideal way to travel through the Wild West while also having access to welcoming communities and all the modern comforts tourists would expect.
