7 Best Montana Towns For A Weekend Trip
Montana beckons travelers from all over with its abundant scenery and historic charm. The state boasts a diverse landscape, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, opening up room for endless outdoor opportunities. Parks like the Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park shine, offering an insight into the state’s allure. In addition, historic communities like Red Lodge and Philipsburg are loaded with mining history and rustic landmarks. The best way to take it all in is with a weekend trip to one of Montana’s small towns. Whether a convenient base camp to launch your adventures or a place to get away from urban hustle and bustle, these seven towns are perfect for a two-day excursion.
Browning
Browning is a great outdoor destination thanks to its proximity to Glacier National Park. Located west of the town, the park will take up your whole Saturday, spanning over one million acres. Visitors can choose between a range of activities, from hiking along the Dragons Trail, skiing along the various mountains, or fishing for trout along Avalanche Lake. In addition to humans, you’ll also find plenty of animals, from the majestic bald eagle to the grizzly bear. For a more immersive experience, spend the night here at the Many Glacier Hotel along Swiftcurrent Lake. It has everything from scenic mountain views to deluxe rooms for a lovely night near town.
On Sunday, head back into town for a different side of Browning. History enthusiasts should start the day at the Museum of the Plains Indian, which details Native American culture through guided tours and exhibits. Or, plan your visit in July for the North American Indian Days, a celebration of Indigenous culture. The event has traditional dances, stick games, and a rodeo for a full day of festivities. As night falls, head to Glacier Grind, a quaint coffee shop with delicious blends and bites.
Gardiner
If Glacier National Park near Browning sounds interesting, you’ll love Gardiner, as it is the main entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Adventurous travelers should keep their Saturday free for this expansive 2.2 million acre stretch of wilderness. Plenty of landmarks abound, from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, over 1,000 feet deep, to the Grand Prismatic Spring, a rainbow-colored hot spring. Those interested in exploring will have no trouble thanks to the 1,100 miles of hiking trails and 2,000 campsites, ideal for a complete Saturday outing. If you don’t want to walk, there are 310 miles of paved roads leading to scenic areas like Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful.
While Yellowstone National Park may be the star of the show, Gardiner has a lot more to offer. Wake up bright and early on Sunday to soak in the Yellowstone Hot Springs. This relaxing abode has multiple pools with varying temperatures so you can relieve your body of all the pain from Saturday’s hikes. Once you feel fresh, head into town for a bit of shopping. Stores like Gardiner Gifts are full of unique trinkets that are perfect to take back home for friends and family.
Philipsburg
Those interested in the historic side of Montana should plan their weekend trip to Philipsburg. This quaint town in Granite County is intertwined with mining history, so much so that it was named after the mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer. He founded the town in the 1860s due to large deposits of silver, gold, and copper in the region. Since then, mining may have died down, but the heritage remains palpable throughout.
Visitors can spend their first day in town checking out rustic landmarks like the Granite County Museum, which details local mining tales. Similarly, the 1891 Opera House Theatre is another must-visit, as the oldest operating theater in the state. Before the day ends, make sure to visit the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine for a hands-on gem mining adventure where you can sift through gravel and find your own gemstones. The mine also has a gift shop, offering unique souvenirs to remember your visit.
After a historic start to your weekend, continue the vibe on Sunday with more unique experiences. Head over to the Granite Ghost Town State Park for an intriguing outing. Once a thriving silver boomtown, this ghost town showcases the community’s ruins, telling tales of the past. Or, opt for the Montana Law Enforcement Museum, an interesting destination full of cameras, newspaper clippings, and other items related to the state’s crime enforcement past. As the day comes to an end, grab a seat at the Philipsburg Brewing Company for a few drinks before hitting the hay. The Kaiser House Hotel is a great option nearby, offering affordable housing in a vintage brick building.
Whitefish
Whitefish offers a mix of nature and culture, ideal for a complete Montana experience in just two days. Saturdays here are for the events, and there are plenty of them. February visitors can attend the Whitefish Winter Carnival, one of the most popular in the state. This carnival has everything from scavenger hunts and delicious food to performances and plays. If you plan to visit in July, the Whitefish Arts Festival is an art lover’s dream. It is a wellspring of creativity, with local vendors selling metal sculptures, pottery, woodwork, and even home decorations. Even if you miss out on the events, there is still plenty of creativity on display at sites like Dick Idol Signature Gallery and the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.
After a relaxing Saturday in town, wake up bright and early for some outdoor exploration on day two. Glacier National Park is the go-to spot, offering everything from hiking trails along steep mountains to views of wolves and lynx. Hikers should try out the Highline Trail, a scenic route that runs along areas like the Garden Wall and Logan Pass. If you get tired after a day of hiking, set up camp at one of the many campsites for a night spent under the stars. Meanwhile, if you still have energy, head to City Beach to relax along Whitefish Lake.
Lewistown
Take a step back in time during your weekend with a visit to Montana’s Lewistown. This community of less than 6,000 people was the site of an 1880s gold rush and now exudes historic charm. To this end, history enthusiasts should spend their Saturday exploring the many rustic landmarks in town. The Carnegie Public Library has to be at the top of your list. This building was built in 1905, and its grand architecture makes every book feel a little more special. Nearby, the Central Montana Historical Museum takes things a step further, with books, fossils, and all kinds of memorabilia retelling the town’s story. Afterward, stroll through Main Street, which is lined with vintage storefronts hiding lively businesses within. One can grab a bite at the Mint Bar & Grill before calling it a day at the Calvert Hotel, a peaceful accommodation.
On day two of your weekend trip, there are various options to choose from. Religious travelers won’t want to miss Sunday Mass at the First Baptist Church, which starts at 10:45 in the morning. The community is open to newcomers and has a friendly vibe, which is perfect for starting the day. On the other hand, adventurous travelers can also try their hand at various sports on Sunday. For example, golfers will adore the 9-hole Pine Meadows Golf Course just east of town, while swimmers can take a dip in the Lewistown Swimming Pool. If you don’t mind a bit of a journey, head over to the Upper Spring Creek Fishing Access for a relaxing day of fishing in Montana.
Bigfork
Bigfork draws travelers with its vibrant arts scene and lakefront views, perfect for a weekend of beauty. Those here for the art can take a slow pace on Saturday with a visit to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. Full of positive vibes, this iconic event venue hosts all sorts of events, from Broadway musicals to rock performances. For a different type of art, the Eric Thorsen Art Studio should be next on your itinerary. Spread over 6,500 square feet, Eric’s bronze wildlife sculptures are the main attraction here showcasing a mix of nature and creativity. Before ending the day, stop by The Barn Antiques, a lovely antique store full of vintage items that’ll make for a great keepsake.
On Sunday, Flathead Lake beckons, calling everyone for some fun under the sun. The lake spans nearly 200 square miles and is open for all kinds of activities. Fishing is among the most popular as the lake has a strong population of Lake Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout. Apart from fishing, the adjacent Wayfarers State Park has a boat ramp for boating, campsites for a night outdoors, and plenty of trails for an evening of hiking.
Red Lodge
Whether it is nature at Custer Gallatin National Forest or history at the Carbon County Museum, Red Lodge is a great two-day destination. Those here for the latter rejoice at the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum. Located in a 1909 building, it has all sorts of unique exhibits. For example, Farming The Foothills retells the tale of trapping, mining, and agriculture in the region, while The Apsaalooke is a testament to the crow tribes of the Beartooths and their culture. The museum is also set to host the Red Lodge Festival of Nations Tribute in June, a lively event with ethnic food, dance, and music.
If you still have time left on Saturday, the Carbon County Art Guild & Depot Gallery should be next. Whether you’re interested in local art or want to learn how to make some yourself, this is the place to be. Afterward, walk down Broadway Avenue and grab a bite at one of the many eateries before calling it a day at The Pollard Hotel.
On Sunday, there is no better option than a visit to the Custer Gallatin National Forest, a two-million-acre expanse of wilderness. Home to Granite Peak, Montana’s highest point at 12,799 feet, there are few places as scenic in the state. Enthusiasts can choose between various hiking trails, each opening up a new set of views. For example, the Stillwater Trailhead runs through the Beartooth Mountains, while the Sage Creek Trailhead offers a quaint waterside experience. Custer Gallatin also has over 200 recreation residences, so you can spend your last day amidst the wilderness.
Enjoy A Weekend In These Montana Towns
From the towering peaks of Glacier National Park to the historic charm of small mining towns, Montana offers the perfect weekend escape for every traveler. Whether you're exploring the cultural richness of Philipsburg, relaxing by the lakeside in Bigfork, or venturing into the wilderness near Gardiner, each town invites you to experience the state's diverse beauty. History buffs, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts alike will find something to cherish, whether it's hiking scenic trails, uncovering the state's mining past, or simply soaking in the serene landscapes. A weekend in Montana is more than just a trip; it's an adventure into the heart of Big Sky Country.
