7 Little-Known Towns In Montana

Admitted to the Union in 1889, Montana is a beautiful and important component of the Northwestern United States no traveler will want to miss. Lovingly known as “Big Sky Country”, Montana is the fourth largest state in the nation with loads of stunning natural surroundings and fascinating cultural history. Although major urban centers like Helena and Billings may come to mind first, there are a number of smaller yet equally captivating towns in “The Treasure State”, that too are worthy of a direct visit.

Whether you're seeking opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, learn more about the western growth of America, or soak up unique cowboy and ranching culture, these hidden treasures are sure to leave you enchanted. Let’s take a journey through seven of Montana’s best-kept secrets.

Ennis

Madison County’s largest town, Ennis was founded in the 1860s and today is a quiet and charming community with just over 1,000 residents. Once a gold mining center and later a popular spot for ranching and farming, Ennis is scenically located along a stretch of the Madison River. In modern times, the town is simply a nice locale to unwind away from the business of big city life. Featuring hot summers and cool winters, spending time here is always a delight while the picturesque framing of the Madison Range, as well as the Tobacco Root and Gravelly Mountains create a postcard perfect holiday outing. A prime place for fishing and hunting, professional and amateur anglers alike descend on the Madison River (which is a blue ribbon trout stream), while hunting for big game in the Mountains is a unique challenge.

But outside of Ennis's quiet natural allure, guests can also find plenty of fun cultural events too that give the town a special character. Take in the bustling Madison Valley Arts Festival in the summer, while an elaborate Parade on the Fourth of July really gets the patriotic juices flowing. And with inviting local eateries like Tavern 287 or the Longbranch Saloon, a true taste of Americana can be sampled in this cute Montana town.

Libby

The seat of Lincoln County in Montana’s northwestern corner, Libby is a pretty and humble town that is situated at the confluence of the Kootenay River and Libby Creek. Long home to indigenous peoples, through the 19th century the area that would become Libby, saw many activities ranging from fur trapping to gold mining. Finally with the arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the 1890s, Libby was formally established creating a quaint community full of some of Montana's best natural vistas.

Home to a population of just under 3,000, Libby enjoys warm summers, and cool winters. Its scenic landscape allows chances to go mountain biking and trail hiking, while fishing remains ever popular activty. Visit the inviting Rivers Edge Community Park, or take a short drive to the splendid Kootenai Falls. Meanwhile keep an eye open for wildlife sightings including big horn sheep and black bears.

From there take a trek across the historic Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge from the 1930s, where truly breathtaking forest panoramas and waterfall views leave an impression like no other. Finally, finish the day with a delicious meal at locally run businesses like 4Bs Antlers Libby and Smoking Gun BBQ to get an authentic Western Cowboy-style like experience.

Fort Benton

The oldest continuously occupied settlement in Montana (with the exception of Native Americans), the town of Fort Benton was established in the 1840s and today serves as the seat of Chouteau County. With a population of just under 1,500 residents, this historic community remains a great place to learn about Montana’s past. Once a fur trading post, visiting Fort Benton is like travelling into a time machine to the late 1800s and a number of fascinating landmarks continue to delight guests. Explore the Fort Benton Historic District and marvel at such sites like the Chouteau County Courthouse (1883) and the Grand Union Hotel amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile an afternoon at the Old Fort Benton brings to life the daily goings on of a 19^th century trading post and the important role it played in Westward expansion.

Finally as a river town, Fort Benton is simply a nice place to spend time outdoors. Located along the banks of the Missouri River and with a climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters, cycling, picnicking, and a casual stroll along the water’s edge are always popular. Add in cute local businesses like the Rustic Mug Boutique and eateries like the Union Grille, and a most positive sampling of small town USA can be truly appreciated.

Anaconda

Located at the foot of the Anaconda mountain range, the town of Anaconda was established in the 1880s and today just over 9,000 residents call it home. Founded as a copper mining center, in the 1890s Anaconda was even in the running to be Montana's capital city before it joined the Union in 1889. Ultimately losing to Helena, the town continued its modest growth and today it serves as the seat of Deer Lodge County in southwestern Montana.

This charming community is an ideal spot for all those looking to immerse themselves in some of the state’s best natural offerings. Enjoy a warm summer and cool winter climate, while opportunities to go hiking, cycling, picnicking, camping, and rock climbing are delightful experiences for all ages and skill levels. Marvel at the scenic mountain landscapes, while a stroll through Anaconda’s Main Street is also a cultural gem.

Explore a number of unique Western style buildings and historic landmarks, some of which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amongst the places of note include the Washoe Theatre (1931) and the Club Moderne Bar (1937), while inviting local diners like The Hangout offer some of the best in Western cuisine in a friendly ambience.

Choteau

Named for a French fur trader, the scenic town of Choteau can trace its foundational roots to the 1880s, where today just under 1,800 reside. At one time a trading post, Choteau grew to be a reliable place for ranching and farming and it attracted residents for its small town values and peaceful setting. Today this seat of Teton County continues to be beautifully enclosed by wide areas of ranches, lush, forested hills, and of course the dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Situated adjacent to the Flathead National Forest and Egg Mountain, Montana’s nickname of “Big Sky Country” certainly applies here. Known for its hot summers, outdoor lovers will relish opportunities to go rock climbing, hiking, and biking in the area, while also getting up close to some of the state’s prehistoric days. Explore the Montana Dinosaur Trail and Egg Mountain, where paleontological fossils and excavation sites can be observed, creating a true sense of wonder in visitors of all ages. And do not forget about the Monana Dinosaur Center in the nearby community of Bynum.

Big Sky

Big Sky shares its name with Montana’s nickname, and anyone who visits will surely see what makes this scenic town an outdoor paradise. Founded as a small ranching community in the 1890s, it was not until some 80 years later that the town transformed into a prime destination for alpine mountain fun. Indeed there is never a shortage of fun or winter awe here. Don't miss the Big Sky Ski Resort (1973) and some of Montana's best alpine slopes.

Stop by the nearby Gallatin National Forest and River for a picturesque delight. Marvel at awesome Rocky Mountain panoramas and lush greenery, while chances to go hiking, biking, and even fly fishing create memories to last a lifetime. Meanwhile a visit to the historic Crail Ranch Buildings bring guests back in time to the late 1800s and early 20^th century, in a fascinating experience that highlights life on the homestead. Add in rustic eateries like the Montana Dinner Yurt and loads of local shopping outlets, and any time spent in Big Sky will definitely be a most charming outing.

Whitefish

Like many other Montana towns, Whitefish was founded in the late 19th century as a center for trade and commerce. Beginning as a logging town, the arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s also affected Whitefish's historic growth. Soon residents began to promote the town for its natural beauty and it began its story as one of Montana's most popular outdoor vacation spots.

Scenically situated along Whitefish Lake, enjoy fun opportunities to go swimming, fishing, cycling, and hiking in a hot climate, while in the winter cool temperatures invite guests to enjoy the slopes of the Whitefish Mountain Resort. But outside of its natural beauty, Whitefish can also be appreciated for its cultural attractions. Home to a number of exciting annual festivals, guests can enjoy the best of this town throughout the year. Amongst the events of note include the Under The Big Sky Music Festival, the Taste of Whitefish, and the Winter Carnival. Take in some of the region’s best seafood offerings, while listening to awesome live music along the banks of Whitefish Lake, there is certainly never a dull moment to be had when in this most delightful Montana community.

Whether you call it “The Treasure State” or “Big Sky Country”, it is certain that any guest to Montana will leave with a very special set of memories. An important part of the Northwestern United States, the splendid natural beauty and unique cultural character of Montana have made it a charming gem that all visitors of all ages can appreciate. While major cities are always popular, the smaller towns of Montana showcase another more intimate side of the state that can be overlooked in busier urban centers. From the scenic wonders of Choteau and Libby to historic communities like Fort Benton, these lesser known places are great ways to get better acquainted with Montana. Do not delay then and come see the great state of Montana, where natural splendor, cultural charm, and loads of American fun can be enjoyed by all!