7 Towns in Montana With Thriving Local Businesses

Home to stunning national parks like Glacier National Park and a portion of Yellowstone National Park, as well as massive, snowcapped mountain ranges, vast prairies, and magnificent lakes, the state of Montana is also home to dozens of adorable small towns. From tourist hotspots to hidden treasures, these towns offer some of the best locally-owned cafes, shops, restaurants, and markets. With lakefront patios, boutiques with mountain backdrops, and grocery stores stocked full of fresh produce, these local businesses appreciate your business, and in return, promise great customer service, and a thriving community.

Shelby

Enjoy the thriving business scene in Shelby, with an adorable boutique atmosphere and candy-stocked shelves at Prairie Peddler, a fun cafe right in the town. Cass's Perky Perks offers dozens of flavors to customize your drink, including sugar-free options. Whistle Stop Bakery and Coffeeshop serves up fantastic espresso-based drinks as well as cakes, brownies, and loaves.

Shelby Floral and Gift has you covered for any event, whether it's an anniversary, wedding, birthday party, or Mother's Day present. Smile Shop is a favorite amongst those in the community who love to knit, crochet, and sew, with dozens of yarns, beads, and accessories for sale. Cedar Closet Thrift Store gives gently used clothes a new life while giving back to the community.

Griddle is one of the best breakfast spots in town, with delicious plates full of eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, and all your other favorites. Shelby Wok n Roll satisfies your cravings with both Chinese and Japanese options, including sushi.

Miles City

Discover the local scene in Miles City by grabbing your morning coffee at The Ruby, a little walk-up coffee shop shaped like a barn. In addition, Unique Creations has dozens of yummy drink options, as well as a large gift shop where you can find the perfect present or piece of decor for your home. The Ugly Mug brings together mismatched decor in a fun, aesthetically pleasing way, with lots of seating, and options to buy mugs and take-home coffee beans.

Girl Ran Away With the Spoon is a cute boutique with stunning jewelry, art pieces, and decor perfect for home. King of Games has all the Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and other RPG collectibles and game pieces you could ask for. Miles City Saddlery sells premium Western ware, from boots to hats, shirts, pants, and accessories.

Grab the essentials at Reynolds Market, a supermarket offering a meat department, produce section, bakery, take-home meal fridge, and even a floral section. Want to meet members of the community while supporting local? Check out the Miles City Farmer's Market for hand-crafted and hand-made goods such as home decor, fresh fruit and veggies, meats, baked goods, and more.

Meet with friends or family for brunch at The Farmhouse Cafe and sit down to something delicious, as well as early afternoon drinks. Craving tacos? Head to Mexico Lindo, a colorful restaurant serving fantastic Mexican cuisine as well as margaritas.

Helena

At The Driftwood, don't worry about not having time for your daily coffee pitstop with their convenient, drive-thru-only location situated inside a tiny house. Scenic Brew is the perfect spot to relax in an armchair by the fireplace and sip on a latte. Firetower Coffee has tons of seating so you can come by to study, chat with friends, or meet with clients while enjoying delectable pastries and fresh sandwiches.

Mae and June Vintage Market carries candles, accessories, and decor to fit any style and compliment any room. White Knights Games and Hobbies is your one-stop shop for card games, board games, comic books, graphic novels, and collectibles. And Parrot Confectionary satisfies your sweet tooth with aisles full of both current and retro candy, as well as chocolates.

The Uphill Grill brings together Latin American cuisine and classic lunch fare with a menu offering burritos, sandwiches, and tacos. Brewhouse is a great pub with a welcoming patio, and delicious bar favorites like pizza, burgers, and draft beer.

Kalispell

Support the businesses in downtown Kalispell. At Cowgirl Coffee, simply walk up to the window and place your order then be on your way. It's a great way to save time in the morning, as well as quickly grab a refreshment on a hot day. Colter Coffee offers all the cafe favorites as well as dedicated study areas, so you can work on that important assignment. Black Rifle Coffee has plenty of outdoor seating, as well as a market and gift shop inside where you can find locally made goods and fun home items.

Modern Pastime is a gift shop where you can check everyone off your list, or pick out something for yourself. Swappers is an antique store full of hidden gems, so you can find the missing piece of your collection or a piece of decor or furniture for your home. Wendy's Rainbow is a great spot to find crystals, gems, and spiritual items, as well as accessories, clothing, incense burners, and tarot.

At Mabuhay Oriental Market, browse the aisles full of Asian grocery items, including frozen goods, snacks, and kitchenware. Withey's Health Foods is an organic market with lots of fresh produce, bulk foods, nutritional supplements and vitamins, and non-perishables.

Stop in at Agave Bar and Grill for traditional Mexican dishes, as well as fun and colorful cocktails, and tequila. Bonelli's Bistro is an Italian restaurant with amazing lunch options, including paninis, soups, salads, and pasta.

Whitefish

Uncover the booming businesses in Whitefish. At Crema Specialty Coffee, enjoy your latte or iced coffee near the lake, as well as nearby trails, so you can continue your adventure after a quick pick-me-up. Folklore Coffee has an amazing lunch, as well as fresh-baked pies and juices. Swift Creek Cafe has hot coffee, dessert, and breakfast favorites like french toast and eggs benedict.

Chill Clothing Company has your new favorite outfit ready to go, with graphic tees, hats, and outdoor wear. The Bungalow is an adorable floral shop ready to help you with any event, offering stunning bouquets and flower arrangements. Trovare is a kitchen supply store where you can find anything you might need to make the perfect meal, such as pots and pans, cutting boards, and utensils as well as spices and charcuterie board items.

Stop by the farmers market for fresh fruit and veggies, art, herbs, baked goods, and more, and make sure to grab something to eat at one of the food trucks. If you happen to miss the date, head to The Farmer's Stand, an organic produce store also offering self-care items and non-perishables.

At Blackstar BrewPub, choose from two stories of floor space, including a 2nd-floor patio perfect for a night out. Boat Club Restaurant is right on the lake and features a large bar, and serves up dishes like mouthwatering steaks and fresh salads.

Belgrade

Dukes Cafe and Bakery has stellar breakfast sandwiches to go along with your coffee, as well as baked goods like croissants, which you can also customize. Cafe Havana is a Cuban-inspired coffee shop that brings in the flavors of Havana with your drinks and snacks. Revamped Coffee Co is a spooky, gothic-inspired cafe for anyone who wants to experience somewhere unique and enjoy their drink from a skull-shaped glass.

Game On Comics and Cards carries all the latest comics and graphic novels, as well as card packs, game pieces, and collectibles. Sisters Gluten Free Bakery makes it so you don't have to give up your favorites if you experience gluten allergies. And Belle Morn Boutique has great styles, including blouses, dresses, and accessories.

Pop's Country Store has the essentials covered, including snacks, drinks, and grocery items as well as ice cream for hot days. The Belgrade Community Farmer's Market has vendors selling everything from textiles, to fresh produce, herbs, and baked goods and features live performances from street performers.

Bone Broth Noodles is the place to go for delicious pho, as well as appetizers like spring rolls and egg rolls. Craving Mexican food on a hot summer day? Ramires Mexican Food is a food truck with outdoor seating, so you can grab a quick bite and enjoy the weather. There are plenty of thriving local businesses to explore in Belgrade.

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is a fantastic locale for those shoppers at heart. Head to Mountain Mama's Coffeehouse and Bakery for a huge selection of pastries, as well as hand-crafted drinks. Book Peddler and Coffee Cafe brings together a cafe and a bookstore, as well as a gift shop, so you can sit down with your new paperback and a latte. Euro Cafe is a popular breakfast spot serving crepes, French toast, fruit parfaits, and eggs benedict.

Dancing Moose Gifts is the perfect place to find a souvenir to remember the trip. They also have mugs, clothing, and novelty gifts. Big Sky Anglers is where you can find fishing gear like tackle box essentials, nets, and rods, as well as outdoor wear. The City Creamery keeps you refreshed with tons of handmade ice cream flavors, milkshakes, and floats.

At the Buffalo Bar, enjoy the rustic cabin decor while chowing down on burgers, steak, and more pub favorites. Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon serves appetizers, pasta, and salad and also features a stage for live music and bar games like pool tables.

So whether you are hoping to find a latte worth posting a picture of, or the perfect gift for someone back home, the small towns in Montana have you covered. With community farmers markets, bustling main streets, and beautifully thought-out decor and architecture, these stops are a great way to support local, find something unique, and experience Montana to the fullest.