7 Best Small Towns To Visit In Montana
From the towering Rocky Mountains to the beautiful Yellowstone National Park, Montana is a treasure trove of natural sights. Located in Western United States, the state’s unique attractions make it a popular destination for tourists across the country. Boasting a large area and minimal population, there is ample space to enjoy “The Treasure State” in all its glory. However, while large cities such as Billings and Helena are home to many sights, many people tend to overlook some of Montana’s smaller towns. Offering a peaceful reprieve from urban living, Montana’s small towns offer everything from great food and culture to amazing outdoor sights and activities!
Livingston
A quaint town housing 8,000 people, Livingston is an abode for urban tourists. The county seat of Park County, this peaceful town is nestled along the Yellowstone River providing a stunning environment of both buildings and nature. To this end, most people enjoy their day roaming the streets which are riddled with amazing cultural attractions. For example, Livingston’s main street has a plethora of lovely art galleries such as the Livingston Center-Art Culture. Here, you can find amazing paintings, ceramics, and sculptures from local artists. Or, head on over to the Livingston Depot Center to learn about the town’s past. Once serving as a bustling station on the Northern Pacific Railroad, this center is now filled with a stunning museum and theater with unique exhibits. Moreover, it is a favorite for the locals so you can meet new people and have some enjoyable conversations!
After spending some time in town, head on over to the Yellowstone River for some outdoor fun. Making the most of its riverside location, you can spend your evening at the beautiful Sacajawea Park. This park features a stunning backdrop of mountains, forests, and the Yellowstone River which you can watch for hours without getting bored. For a more active evening, you can also play some sports at the park’s sports facility and play structures for some adrenaline-filled fun. If standing along the river isn’t enough, Mayor’s Landing is a spot you should check out. This scenic location provides direct access to the river so you’ll always find tourists out on the water with a raft, canoe, or small boat. So, set up camp along the shore and enjoy a whole day on the water! All in all, Livingston is the perfect example of Montana’s vibrant culture and beauty.
Whitefish
If you’re looking for the best winter town in Montana, Whitefish is the place to be. Home to a population of less than 8,000 this town in northwest Montana is a winter wonderland of attractions and activities. All you need to do is head over to Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain and you’ll understand the hype behind this town. Boasting a skiable area of more than 3,000 acres with 93 runs, Whitefish Mountain Resort is one of the best in the state. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, there are ample runs to choose from with stunning views and challenging routes. Some runs are even open at night so you can take in the clear skies and silent outdoors while skiing down thousands of feet! Apart from this stunning resort, non-skiers can also enjoy the nearby Glacier National Park. With an area of more than a million acres, this park features hundreds of lakes, animals, mountains, and outdoor activities!
While winters may be prime time for Whitefish, this doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic summer retreat. Enjoy a whole new appeal to the town by spending your summer in the downtown area. With tourist-filled streets and dozens of shops, cafes, and restaurants, there is no end to the amazing vibes. Buy some souvenirs for your friends, do some window shopping, or meet some of the locals for a fun time in town. If you get hungry after all this, head over to Amazing Crepes which serves the best crepes in the region! End the day with a relaxing time at Whitefish City Beach for the perfect small-town experience in Montana. With crystal clear waters, white sand, and a bustling environment, this beach is a great place to cool off and appreciate Whitefish!
Virginia City
Once a prominent hub in Montana’s 19th-century gold rush, Virginia City is now a peaceful small town in Madison County. The town has seen many ups and downs throughout the past century going from a gold hub to a ghost town and now a tourist spot. If you’re willing to do a bit of walking, head over to Alder Gulch which is a short distance from the town. Here, you can enjoy a panning experience with gold, precious stones, and other valuables that you can take home as souvenirs. Moreover, the local Gold Rush Adventures also offers tours covering the town's past and interesting gold rush sights.
Apart from its mining history, Virginia City has also been pivotal throughout many historic events To this end, the town boasts an array of historic establishments such as the Original Madison County Courthouse, Hangman’s Building, and the Thompson-Hickman Library and Museum. The Original Madison County Courthouse is more than 150 years old and served as the original courthouse from 1865 to 1875. Hangman’s Building is from the same era and preserves the site of a brutal hanging. Nestled within the Virginia City Historic District, these spots and many others are all within walking distance of one another.
While Virginia City’s history is a paramount reason people visit the small town, it also has entertaining and cultural spots. When it comes to food, you’ll find amazing establishments such as the Bale of Hay Saloon and Brewery Follies. Both spots offer a rustic ambience with some of the best cuisines and brews for a fun time out in town. End the day with some fishing at the nearby Madison River for a good time in this lovely small town.
West Yellowstone
As the name suggests, West Yellowstone is located right next to the immense Yellowstone National Park. Often referred to as a gateway to the park, this quaint town of 1,300 is the perfect natural retreat. So, the first thing most people do in West Yellowstone is take a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Housing an area of more than 2.2 million acres, this park is any nature lover’s dream. It boasts an endless array of natural sights such as geothermal geysers, mountains, forests, and more. Enjoy your day taking in the sights, hiking, boating, fishing, or even camping for a few days! If you’re an animal lover, wildlife watching is another ideal activity with animals such as the Grizzly bear, cougar, bison, etc. found here. All in all, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most stimulating outdoor locations on the globe.
Apart from this marvelous national park, West Yellowstone is home to some other stunning natural areas. For example, the peaceful Hebgen Lake is a prime location perfect for a relaxing evening under the sun. Spend the day having a picnic with family and you can catch the stunning orange sunset reflecting off the clear waters. On the other hand, if you visit the town during winter, you can opt to visit the Rendezvous Trail System instead. This massive trail system is a short walk away and provides many miles of rolling hills for enjoyable skiing. After all these outdoor activities, you might want to head back into town and take a breather. Lucky for you, the small town has a friendly vibe and is riddled with restaurants, shops, and joyous establishments for a great time in Montana.
Hamilton
The county seat of Ravalli County, Hamilton is home to a tight-knit community of 4,650 people. To this end, the town exudes a friendly aura that is palpable through the affable people and lively establishments. Head on over to Main Street which is loaded with local restaurants, great bars, and luxury diners. For example, Nap’s Grill is a top spot for quick bites offering some of the best fries and onion rings in the region. Or, make some new friends over a chilled beer at the Bitter Root Brewing bar! Apart from food, Hamilton is home to some amazing cultural and historic attractions. One of the premier spots in town is the historic Daly Mansion. Built in the late 1800s for Marcus Daly, one of Montana’s influential “Copper Kings,” this mansion is a repository of historical value. So, you can spend days roaming around town and still find amazing things to do in Hamilton.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful environment, you can check out one of the many natural areas surrounding Hamilton. For example, Bitterroot River is one of Montana’s best fly fishing spots where you can catch many species of trout. For a more immersive experience spend some time at Bitterroot National Forest. With an area of 1.5 million+ acres, this forest features two mountain ranges and multiple amazing wilderness areas. So, from small-town relaxation to outdoor tranquility, Hamilton is an ideal small town to visit in Montana.
Red Lodge
Situated right next to the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge is a lovely small town connected to the outdoors. These massive mountains and other natural areas provide the town with an abundance of sights popular with tourists. So, head on over to the Beartooth Highway to enjoy one of America’s most scenic drives. Spanning 68 miles, you’ll be encompassed by mountainous views, deep river valets, and stunning forests throughout. Or, take a first-hand look into these mountains by traversing along one of the many hiking trails. For intermediate hikers, the Suce Creek Trail is ideal to catch a panoramic glimpse of the scenery. End your outdoor excursion off with some wildlife watching at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to dozens of cute animals.
As Red Lodge is the county seat of Carbon County and home to 2,300 residents, the town itself also has some fun things to see and enjoy. For example, the Carbon County Historical Society & Museum provides a comprehensive insight into the county’s past. With exhibits, displays, antique items, and more, any history lover is sure to enjoy a few hours here. That being said, no trip is finished without trying the local snacks. So, give yourself a treat at the Montana Candy Emporium which offers taffy, jellybeans, jawbreakers, and all sorts of scrumptious candies!
Big Sky
For any skiing enthusiasts visiting Montana, Big Sky is the place to be. This secluded town of 2,300 is home to the amazing Big Sky Resort, America’s second-largest ski resort. With 5,800 acres of skiable area and more than 250 runs, there is no end to the skiing fun you can have in Big Sky. Moreover, the resort provides 36 lifts, meeting spaces, rooms, and eateries for an all-inclusive time out in the snow. If you’re here in the summer, opt for visiting the stunning Ousel Falls instead. A small hike away from town, this 100-foot waterfall offers impeccable views of the nearby areas and provides a peaceful environment in nature.
A fun fact about Big Sky is that the film, A River Runs Through It has many scenes from the nearby Gallatin River. So, check out this famous river where you can cast a line and spend the evening enjoying the flowing water! For adrenaline enthusiasts, book a full-day trip of whitewater rafting along the Gallatin with challenging waves, beautiful sights, and a unique outdoor experience. All in all, there is no end to mother nature’s beauty encompassing Big Sky.
Whether it is the snowy scenery of Whitefish or the expansive wildlife near West Yellowstone, Montana is any nature lover’s abode. In addition, with amazing small towns like Virginia City which boast vibrant culture, friendly people, and good vibes, you’ll always find something fun to do in Montana’s small towns. So, plan your trip now to visit one of these lovely small towns in the state.
