7 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Montana This Summer
In the Big Sky Country, size is relative, where even Bozeman, home to under 59,000, and Missoula, the state capital with a population of some 79,500, are considered the big cities, respectively. Yet, between these urban metropolises lie lovely small towns offering similar amenities without all of the crowds. Discover Libby, the best trout and sturgeon fishing destination, and Kootenay River strolls and relaxation along the wildlife-ridden banks. Look no further for the best hiking trails in the state than the Bitterroot National Forest in Hamilton, or enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding.
If your ideal summer consists of waterfront pursuits, why not spend it by the largest freshwater body west of Mississippi? Polson, perched perfectly on the southern end of Flathead Lake, offers endless shores, a reserved swimming area, a fishing pier, a boating dock, a museum, and art. No matter which of the following small towns in Montana you choose to visit, you will not be disappointed.
Choteau
This lovely town may be off-the-beaten and difficult to point out on a map as it can often be confused with nearby Chouteau. Choteau, however, nestled in Montana’s heartland, is between the skinny Teton River and Spring Creek north of downtown. Just south, the fossil site of Egg Mountain, deposited over 70 million years ago, was discovered in 1977, containing young dinosaur skeletons and 14 dinosaur nests, strong evidence that dinosaurs fed and cared for their young. Choteau offers stunning scenery and one-of-a-kind recreational opportunities at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front.
This authentic, friendly agrarian town lacks crowds but bursts with hospitality options, shopping, and dining. It is easy to explore at your pace with the best views and uncompromised photo ops, like the nearby lakes and streams, including Freezout Lake, a dream for wildlife sights or just chilling by the cool waters. The Old Trail Museum, with a dinosaur statue at the front, offers interesting replicas, actual skeletons, and paleontological tidbits accessible to every age. Adjacent, the highly-rated Trail Ice Cream Parlor is unmissable in the summer. Whether you're in for the fascinating ancient site or this unique side of the beautiful mountain range—just 20 miles west to the forested foothills past plains and ranches—it is also about 100 miles northwest to Glacier and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Ennis
Welcoming thousands of tourists each year, there is no better time than this summer to escape the city heat and experience Ennis's charms. What's behind the popularity of this little riverside town hovering at slightly above 1,000 full-round residents, you may ask? Well, from the vast Madison River banks to its old-timey Main Street with half a dozen taverns and saloons and a retro soda fountain for kids, visitors can cross the river and enjoy fly-fishing with conveniences at hand's reach. Ennis Downtown has a stunning landscape located against three different mountain ranges with 360° views. Home to various outfitters for fishing and a sporting goods store, the Madison and Gravelly Ranges attract mountain climbers and bikers.
Full of thrilling adventures for this summer, like the Ennis State Park/Fishing Access, options for kayaking and boating expand along the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers. Looking to relax and unwind? The popular, dog-friendly Ennis Lions Club Park is unmissable along the waterfront, near Willie's Distillery Inc. Don't miss the unique Pic-A-Nic Basket for a delicious lunch, and after, the wearied adventurers always have loads to look forward to through wooden-faced downtown, an evocative Wild West affair like Tavern 287. On the way to the Madison Valley Lookout, stop at the Madison Valley History Museum, while others can stay for a round at the scenic Madison Meadows Golf Course with mountain views.
Fort Benton
Dating back 43 years before Montana became a state, the establishment of Fort Benton in 1846, thanks to its advantageous riverside location, was important for westward expansion. Today, Benton is a summertime paradise with so much history to dig through away from the water, like the Old Fort Benton. Historical, naturally bountiful, and "one of the prettiest in America," according to Forbes' list of fifteen, sightseeing starts on your way into Benton through a vast open country with miles of wheat fields. The views in every direction make it hard to keep your eye on the road, but do, as there are herds of elk and antelope roaming around these areas. Visit Shep, a world-famous faithful dog, at the Shep Memorial in town.
Home to one of the bloodiest blocks in the West and rich in trail-blazing history, visitors can walk across the first bridge to span the Missouri River, see Stewart Island, and enjoy art downtown. The preserved downtown feels like walking through the "fort" among statues like the Lewis & Clark Memorial and Keelboat MANDAN, as well as World War I Memorial Park and museums, including the Northern Great Plains. From the hilltop Signal Point Golf Club to the Missouri River Overlook, spend a lovely morning at Wake Cup Coffee House, while the Canoe Launch Campground is a popular place to set up a summertime base and enjoy it all. After a stroll along the old steamboat levee, unwind by the "Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri River," with soaring bald eagles in the big blue sky.
Hamilton
Hamilton, in the heart of Bitterroot Valley, promises an unforgettable summer escape along the Bitterroot River, a fly-fishers paradise against gorgeous scenery. Home to the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, the nearby Bitterroot National Forest offers some of the best hiking trails in Montana, perfect for mountain biking and horseback riding. From the River Park to serene Skalkaho Bend Park, don't miss Nap's Grill's generous burgers and nostalgic bites in enduring digs, and see what's playing at HAMILTON PLAYERS. Founded near the end of the 1800s, Hamilton is a postcard example of small-town historic charm.
Nearby, the unique Lake Como Recreational Area promises a whole getaway worth of activities, from swimming, boating, and fishing to kayaking, canoeing, and relaxing at sunset, over a picnic, or right from your campsite, surrounded by hike-able trails. The Ravalli County Museum preserves Bitterroot Valley's history and local art, delivering it all in a comprehensive way for all ages to appreciate this place of diverse natural beauty. In downtown Hamilton, little has changed since the facades along Main Street. Suzette's Organics offers tasty, healthy fare, while for pub grub, Bitter Root Brewing serves it alongside 16 house-made beers on tap, shifting by season.
Libby
Combining authentic mountain town charm and experiences, the humble town of Libby steals the spotlight along the Kootenai River Valley at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range. Offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation against truly breathtaking scenery, visitors can enjoy hikes for every level to access the most relevant attractions, which makes for a convenient way to discover the town and area's deep history even on a short getaway. From Libby Dam to Ross Creek Cedar Grove, the Kootenai Falls are just as spectacular from below, but the swinging bridge offers thrills and top-down views.
After soaking in the scenery, soak up Libby's charm at the local brewery or museum, starting at the local Copper Mountain Coffee. Replete with town greens like the Riverfront Park and the J. Neils Memorial Park across the bridge, don't miss the Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company with elegant backyard seating to unwind. While most come to trout and sturgeon fishing in the river, there is also a golf course, and the Kootenay River strolls and relaxation along the wildlife-ridden banks are always there. Nestled in the northwest corner of Montana, Libby, a pretty springboard for rugged outdoor adventures points to the Kootenai National Forest with its backcountry hiking trails.
Polson
Perched perfectly on the southern end of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, the riverside town of Polson is the optimal equation for the best summer. Offering literally ample opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, and fishing as deep as you like, visitors can also enjoy lakeside strolls and hiking under clear skies along the endless shores strewn with places for scenic picnics and dips in the cool waters. The adjacent Sacajawea and Salish Point Parks feature a reserved swimming area, a fishing pier, a boating dock, and picnic areas, while Riverside Park offers access to the soft sands for building castles and a thrilling rope swing into the water.
Nearby, don't miss Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts, nor the fascinating Miracle of America Museum, just east. Polson, quite a name in the national cherry-growing department, is the most delightful town to visit for a healthy dose of this juicy berry, available through stands, overflowing markets, and right from the trees of the many surrounding orchards, lovingly drowning the town. Thanks to the water environment, the agriculturally bountiful region provides local products for the tasteful handful of local restaurants in town. You'll be starving for a filling meal at the Cove Deli and Pizza or Finely Point Grill after a day of boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Whitefish
Like a hyped-down Bozeman, Whitefish becomes a melting pot of culture and activity in the summer. Engulfing the lake, or the other way around, Whitefish offers unlimited access to the enchanting lake. Those who know boast its fly-fishing in the summer and Whitefish Mountain Resort in the winter. It is a perfect vacation spot full of cultural offerings without the smelting heat and swelter of the city crowds. Don't miss Loula's Cafe for breakfast near the river through the heart and Cawdrey Gallery to admire and buy from a fine collection of Glacier National Park posters, lithographs, and other art prints.
From prime entertainment at Whitefish Theatre Company to camping at Whitefish Lake State Park, there are seven seductive miles of sandy beaches, like the City Beach with a swimming area, summer kayak and paddleboard rentals, and picnic tables. At over, the 40-mile Whitefish Trail is a heaven for hikers, with unbeatable views of the town in its natural embrace—a postcard-worthy sight to savor. Just south, Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, features crystal-clear waters that never fail to mesmerize and glare daringly at boaters, fishermen, kayakers, canoers, and paddlers, while the most avid can visit a wild horse habitat via a kayak on Wild Horse Island.
The fourth largest, The Treasure State, packs the Rockies, the Great Plains, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Flathead Lake—vast swathes of untouched wilderness. These small towns offer outdoor activities like fly-fishing with conveniences within reach. If your ideal summer consists of waterfront pursuits, why not spend it by the largest freshwater body west of Mississippi? Polson, perched perfectly on the southern end of Flathead Lake, offers endless shores, a reserved swimming area, a fishing pier, a boating dock, and cultural attractions.
So whether you're looking for room to roam, rugged adventures, or an escape that entails peace and quiet with diverse scenery, Montana fits the bill. From cultural attractions in Whitefish to history in Fort Benton, established 43 years before Montana even became a state, bring back loads of lovely memories and something from Cawdrey Gallery, like a fine Glacier National Park poster, lithograph, or another art print.
