7 Coziest Towns to Visit in Montana in 2024

Featuring a diverse, breathtaking terrain due in part to the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, the great state of Montana is known for its abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The state is home to plenty of wide-open spaces ready to explore, and popular attractions such as Glacier National Park, all of which draw in visitors from around the world. Montana also has more than its fair share of small, cozy towns to call home throughout your stay in 2024.

Livingston

Surrounded by scenic mountains, the charming small town of Livingston is also situated on the Yellowstone River. Blessed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Livingston boasts a rich history, an eclectic downtown filled with boutiques and eateries, and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities as well. If you want to sleep out under the stars during your weekend getaway or family vacation, Livingston offers several campgrounds you can temporarily call home.

Outdoor adventure seekers won't want to miss the chance to whitewater rafting, tubing or boating on the picturesque river, and you can rent all of the gear you need at local outfitters such as Paradise Adventure Company, the Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Company, and Rowdy River Guides. Arts and culture enthusiasts can spend time exploring the Banovich Art Center, which displays artwork from internationally known artist John Banovich. The Fly Fishers International Museum is another must-see attraction when you are in town.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge is a quaint, cozy town nestled in both the Beartooth Mountains and the Custer Gallatin National Forest, making it the ideal vacation destination for outdoor lovers. If you have chosen to visit Red Lodge because you want to go mountain hiking in a serene, pristine setting, you can sign up for a guide service, such as the Beartooth Mountain Guides. The skilled and friendly guides also provide rock and ice climbing, as well as backpacking guidance, depending on the time of year.

If you love to golf on a course with scenic surroundings, you will love the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course, which features 160 acres, several lakes, and even occasional moose and deer sightings. The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the welcoming town's top attractions and is home to a variety of rescued amphibians, reptiles, cats, bison, birds, and other types of animals. Yellowstone National Park is a short road trip down Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge.

Whitefish

Wild and inviting, the small town of Whitefish is located at the edge of Glacier National Park in the Northern Rocky Mountains, making it a cozy nature retreat any time of the year. Although Whitefish can be a rustic destination, its also filled with eclectic shopping and dining options, for those who crave a more refined experience. Located just 20 miles from Whitefish, visiting Glacier National Park is a must-do when you are in the area. The famous park features over 1 million wilderness acres in the Rocky Mountains, and has over 700 miles of hiking trails to explore.

The Whitefish Trail is also available for those who want an outdoor adventure closer to town. It provides 47 miles of natural-surface trails for hikers of all skill levels. The friendly town also boasts the Alpine Theatre Project, which was founded by Broadway actors and offers professional-level concerts, plays, and musicals all year long. If you are visiting town during the summer months, spend a Tuesday evening shopping for local handmade goods and produce at the Whitefish Farmers Market.

Columbia Falls

Like the other towns in the state, stunning Columbia Falls is surrounded by rustic natural beauty that calls to visitors from all over. Situated in the scenic Flathead Valley just minutes from Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls beckons to those who want to be immersed in rustic surroundings while also feeling welcomed by the local community. Columbia Falls is home to a cozy downtown area filled with locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as an abundance of both luxury and simple accommodations.

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience during your visit, check out the Montana Vortex and House of Mystery, which describes itself as a "gravitational anomaly that defies the laws of physics and nature," and is a family-friendly attraction. You can also go hiking through Bad Rock Canyon, which is known as the gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Kalispell

Warm and welcoming Kalispell offers visitors the best of all worlds, from rustic trails meandering through the Glacier National Park, to a lively culinary and shopping scene downtown. Kalispell is also home to several wineries and breweries, including Bias Brewing, SunRift Beer Company, and the MontaVino Winery. The quaint mountain town makes the perfect vacation spot for those who want to get away from it all while still being treated to the finer things in life.

No trip to Kalispell would be complete without a stop at the Northwest Montana History Museum, which features several exhibits depicting early life in the Flathead Valley, as well as special programs and movie nights. The Hockaday Museum of Art is also worth checking out, as its housed in historic Carnegie library building. Summer visitors are treated to the Kalispell Farmers Market, a vibrant open-air marketplace featuring locally produced food, drinks, jewelry, artwork, and more.

Helena

Dedicated as Montana's state capital in 1875, charming Helena retains its cozy, small-town feel while offering world-class attractions, restaurants, and shopping options. For travelers who want to visit both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier Park during their stay, Helena is a convenient mid-point between the two natural attractions. The unique town also boasts one of the country's largest park systems with a combined total of 1,000 acres.

Helena is a Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community, and was recognized as a Silver-Level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bike Association. If you want to hit the trails, you can rent a mountain bike from several local outfitters, such as The Base Camp. The Flying Giant Adventure Park is fun for the whole family, and features trampolines, a suspended ropes course, an interactive climbing wall, and batting cages.

West Yellowstone

Although it's a tiny town with a population under 2,000, West Yellowstone is big on adventure and outdoor recreational opportunities. The friendly town is known as the gateway to Yellow National Park, a sprawling 2-million-acre wilderness area featuring hot springs, waterfalls, mudpots, and several geysers, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser. Another popular local attraction is the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, which allows visitors an up-close look at grizzlies, wolves, playful otters, and birds of prey.

Although West Yellowstone is an outdoor playground, it also offers several attractions for arts and culture lovers, such as The Playmill Theatre, which features live entertainment throughout the year. The Museum of the Yellowstone tells the interesting story of Yellowstone National Park through historic pictures, exhibits, films, and even a walking tour through the town's historic district.

If you are looking for a vacation destination in 2024 that will take your breath away with its beautiful natural scenery and action-packed outdoor experiences, and welcome you in with its cozy towns and communities, look no further than Montana. Home to several impressive national parks, mountain ranges, and pristine lakes, this western state is the perfect place to escape from your everyday life, whether you are taking a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.