8 Best Downtowns In Montana

People visit Montana for the mountains but stay longer because of the rich culture, history, and beauty in the state's small towns. Many towns in Montana have richly historic downtown areas with cool architecture and countless museums and galleries to explore. Towns such as Red Lodge and Whitefish have a rich history, as seen in the architecture of buildings downtown and the stunning backdrop of Montana's mountains. From art galleries to quaint shops and bike trails, Montana's downtowns are lively. This article explores the eight best downtowns for a trip to Montana.

Lewistown

The geographical center of Montana, Lewistown, has a vibrant downtown with the backdrop of the Judith Mountains. Walk along Main Street to admire storefronts of boutiques and do some window shopping. For history buffs, the downtown area features many buildings with interesting architecture, including the Judith Theatre, which dates back to the 1910s. One can also stop by the Lewistown Art Center to see the work of local artists and the Central Montana Museum to learn about Lewiston's past. Throughout town, 24 miles of paved and graveled trails connect to the downtown, making it accessible for those on foot or biking.

Hamilton

Hamilton is a quaint town in Ravalli County, Montana. The downtown is spotted with historical buildings, including the Daly Mansion. The mansion was built in the 1800s for one of Montana's colorful "Copper Kings.” For a further lesson on Hamilton's past, visitors should check out downtown’s Ravalli County Museum. The museum is set up in Ravalli County's original courthouse from the 1900s. Walking around downtown, stop for a refreshment at Bitter Root Brewing, or grab a proper meal at Bouilla. After exploring the downtown area, you’ll be glad to know that outdoor adventure is never far away. The Bitterroot River is only a few minutes from downtown and is a great place to admire stunning vistas.

Red Lodge

Resting in the Beartooth Mountains and surrounded by the lush Custer Gallatin National Forest is the sleepy town of Red Lodge. The town's historic downtown is lined with 19th-century architecture, cute shops, and farm-to-table eateries. Many head straight to the Roman Theater, a great entertainment place that has been around since 1917. Similarly, art lovers will love seeing local art at Beartooth Gallery of Fine Art, known for its engaging art events and exhibits like the Christine McKay Art Show. One can also spend some time at the Carbon County Historical Museum to learn about the area's local history. Those looking for some outdoor adventure on a winter visit to Red Lodge can stop in at Red Lodge Mountain for some skiing.

Livingston

Originally the gateway city to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston is a town of adventure. The historic train town will bring you back to the past with mountain views and historic sites. Most head downtown for the Yellowstone Gateway Museum to learn more about the town's history or the Livingston Center for Art and Culture to see work from local artists. Similarly, the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts is a riveting place that has live music performances. Later on, grab a refreshment at Katabatic Brewing Company, which boasts local craft beer.

Sitting on the edge of the Yellowstone River, Livingston has abundant natural beauty to admire and many opportunities for outdoor adventure throughout the year. Whether it's fly fishing, dogsledding, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, or river rafting, there is something for everyone. If all else fails, adventurers can always head out to explore the 2.2 million acres of Yellowstone National Park.

Whitefish

Whitefish is a town known for its stunning natural scenery, which includes a shimmering lake, high peaks, and countless trails. Set amongst this scenery, the downtown in Whitefish is a vibrant sight to behold. Start off with a meal along Central Avenue’s Great Northern Bar & Grill, known for its rustic ambiance, delicious drinks, and hearty meals. Now that you have the energy to explore, walk through downtown for one of many experiences. Art lovers can check out Sunti World Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts head to the area's old train station, Whitefish Depot, and admire a part of the past. Afterward, visit the Stumptown Historical Society Museum to learn about this important part of Whitefish's history. Being so close to the mountains, Whitefish is also full of opportunities to explore the outdoors. The town is only a short drive from Whitefish Lake and Glacier National Park.

Bigfork

Bigfork is a resort village teeming with cute eateries, galleries, entertainment, and stunning vistas. The local Old Town Center is a great shopping mall where one can spend an afternoon hunting for clothes, antiques, gifts, and more. It is home to plenty of eateries and stores, such as the Tall Pine Lounge & Liquor and the Stockman Bank, so visitors can grab some cash if needed. Further into downtown, visit the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center to learn about the history of Bigfork, Montana, and see unique art exhibits.

If you're visiting Bigfork during winter, try staying in an authentic mountain log cabin to experience the rustic joy of the village. Meanwhile, in the summer, stop at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse to see a play and connect with the locals amidst the bustling downtown area. The Bigfork Harbor and boat ramp are just a short walk away, perfect for some fun in the water.

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is an old mining town transformed into a bustling historic town. The downtown is full of cute shops. Stop in at Snookies Mercantile to grab some huckleberry jam or the Sweet Place for some unique treats. Those interested in the past can learn about the town's mining history at the Granite County Museum and Mine Exhibit on South Sansome Street. For a similar experience nearby, the Montana Law Enforcement Museum is a unique museum offering exhibits and history about the laws of Montana.

For some natural fun within reach of Philipsburg, Georgetown Lake is only 15 miles from the town and is a perfect getaway to enjoy the peace of the mountains. After a day of exploring, try a local brew at the town's craft brewery, Philipsburg Brewing Company.

Kalispell

Kalispell is a mountain town with an adventurous heart located in Montana's Flathead Valley. Meander around downtown to explore everything from cute shops to rustic landmarks. The town is home to unique museums and galleries, such as the famous Conrad Mansion Museum, one of the most well-preserved 19th-century homes. Furthermore, the Hockaday Museum of Art is located in the heart of Kalispell's downtown and shows unique exhibits. Music lovers will enjoy checking out the local Glacier Symphony and Chorale which puts on a yearly season of concerts. Before leaving, buy some souvenirs from local favorite shops, including The Toggery, Honey Home, Sage & Cedar, and True Water Fly Shop, all located within five minutes of Main Street.

Wrapping Up

Overall, these eight Montana towns have downtowns with unique beauty and attractions to make for an amazing vacation. Philipsburg brings you back to the mining days with its historic downtown. Meanwhile, Red Lodge is set in the stunning Beartooth Mountains, making it a scenic mountain town. Similarly, the resort village Bigfork is brimming with art galleries to explore local artists' work. Whether you are looking to spend a day touring art galleries or get lost learning about the history of a small Montana town, these towns have something for everyone.