7 Coolest Towns in Montana for a Summer Vacation in 2024
Montana is a charming state for year-round vacations, especially as it is home to amazing attractions like Glacier National Park and parts of Yellowstone National Park. These prime attractions draw people to the state across all seasons, especially in summer, and somewhere around them are lovable small towns with so much to offer. While they serve as base camps for the state’s top attractions, these towns are also loaded with points of interest that will make a summer vacation exciting. From the enchanting West Yellowstone to the charming Whitefish, here are the seven coolest towns in Montana to visit for a spectacular summer vacation.
Ennis
Ennis is a small town of just over 1,000 people perfect for thrilling summer retreats. Once here, water sports lovers and fishing enthusiasts have a handful of options to explore both within and outside the town. Ennis Lake is a fantastic option to ward off the heat on a sunny day, while visitors can also kayak and boat on the water. The Madison River also runs through the town for fishing adventures, while Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers are nearby for more water adventures. Ennis is also surrounded by mountains such as Madison and Gravelly Ranges, where mountain climbers, bikers, and hikers can have a field day exploring areas several feet above sea level. Back in town, visitors can stop by Tavern 287 or Pic-A-Nic Basket for a delicious lunch.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is a scenic town within the Beartooth Mountains, with Rock Creek flowing on its eastern border. The town sets the perfect landscape for a summer vacation with nature as hikers can hit the many trails on the Beartooth Mountains to satiate outdoor longings. Some of the best trails in the mountain area include the 7.4-mile Basin Lake Trail, with an alpine lake and meadows as visual delights, and the 4.6-mile Glacier Lake Trail that leads to Glacier Lake. For fishing lovers, Rock Creek or Wild Bill Lake in nearby Custer Gallatin National Forest are prime destinations for great catches. More fishing and water activities are surplus at Stillwater River west of the town and Yellowstone River. Blend the experience with a wildlife tour at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, home to animals such as black bears, hawks, owls, and mountain lions. For a dose of history, stop by the Carbon County Historical Museum to learn about the county's iconic past through various educational programs, exhibits, and artifacts.
Polson
Polson is a charming town on the southern shore of Flathead Lake that makes for a cool summer vacation. The town’s lake is naturally the highlight attraction as it offers boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Next, visitors can enjoy more adventures at Sacajawea and Salish Point Parks, which are adjacent to each other and feature a reserved swimming area, a fishing pier, a boating dock, a sidewalk, and picnic areas. When it's time to relax, head to Riverside Park by the lake's shores to hold picnics on landscaped lawns, build sand castles with the soft sand, or even swing with a rope into the waters when the weather gets hotter. Before leaving town, be sure to go check out some local artworks at Sandpiper Gallery and then head to The Cove Deli and Pizza or Finely Point Grill for some delicious meals.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a quaint town in the heart of Bitterroot Valley that promises an unforgettable summer vacation. This town is home to the Bitterroot River, where visitors can enjoy fly-fishing while admiring the gorgeous scenery. Lake Como Recreational Area is another interesting destination in town where one can swim, boat, fish, kayak, canoe, watch the sunset, hold picnics, camp, and hike. Talking about hikes, the nearby Bitterroot National Forest, framed by the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, offers some of the best hiking trails in Montana. More activities offered in the forest include - mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. After the thrilling outdoor adventures, visitors are invited to take a trip to the past at the Ravalli County Museum, where the history of Bitterroot Valley is preserved and interpreted for all.
West Yellowstone
The charming town of West Yellowstone in Gallatin County has all the draw cards to keep summer visitors longer than planned. Firstly, it is one of the closest towns to the famous Yellowstone National Park, home to wonders like the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. In addition, the town is home to scenic water bodies like the Gallatin River (great for whitewater rafting) and Hebgen Lake, which is great for stillwater fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddling. For a mix of history and recreation, visit Earthquake Lake, which was formed by a massive landslide that barricaded the Madison River. Visitors can admire the lake, hold picnics on its banks, or learn more about its history at the Visitors Center. For more history, visitors are invited to browse through documents and interactive displays about the region’s history at Yellowstone Historic Center. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts can come up close with live wolves and grizzly bears at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center.
Whitefish
Whitefish is a summer vacation melting pot in Flathead County, filled with adventures and recreational activities for everyone. For just a sneak peek, the town's Whitefish Lake is one of its core attractions, featuring a seductive seven-mile beach on its shores with a swimming area. The lake and beach provide a haven for sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, boating, and fishing. Campers can spend the nights at the Whitefish Lake State Park, with unlimited access to the enchanting lake. The nearby Flathead Lake is an excellent alternative, as it is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, featuring crystal clear waters that will mesmerize every visitor. Step into its glistening waters for boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddling experiences, or kayak to Wild Horse Island to see wild horses. Elsewhere, hikers can explore the over 40-mile Whitefish Trail to savor views of the town's natural surroundings and then head to the Whitefish Theatre Company to enjoy prime entertainment.
Helena
Helena is the state capital and one of the most scenic and ideal destinations to enjoy a summer vacation in America. While here, visitors can head to the Montana State Capitol to wonder at its historical elegance and remarkable architecture. Next, enjoy some adventures at Mount Helena City Park, featuring miles of trails, like the 1906 Trail that leads to the mountain's summit for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. For even more adventures, visitors are welcome to the Spring Meadow Lake State Park to enjoy swimming, fishing, birdwatching, and kayaking. For something different, delve into the region’s history at the Montana Historical Society and appreciate artworks at the Holter Museum. For families with children, head to the Great Northern Carousel to enjoy thrilling rides.
Montana is lavish with many small beautiful towns where summer vacations are always exciting. These towns feature stunning natural beauty with their towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush greenery. Step into these small-town paradises this summer for a satisfying vacation. In these towns, there’s something for everybody from adventurers to laid-back visitors, and even history buffs.
