8 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in Montana
Those familiar with Montana know that it has some of the most close-knit towns in the state, where neighbors are always ready to lend a hand, and local restaurants buzz with laughter and conversation on Saturday mornings. From agricultural communities to mountain towns, each of these towns is filled with scenic views and community spirit that is sure to bring visitors back time and time again. Next time you find yourself yearning for an escape from the city to recharge in a welcoming atmosphere and immerse yourself in nature, look no further than these warm and friendly towns.
Livingston
Surrounded by four mountain ranges and only 55 miles from Yellowstone National Park, Livingston is popular among nature enthusiasts. With over 40 nearby trailheads leading past creeks, lakes, and canyons, as well as 16 campsites and 24 fishing spots, there's plenty to explore. In the winter, the Bridger Bowl ski resort becomes a popular attraction as well, less than 40 minutes from Livingston. Within town, residents are often found enjoying live music and a pint at one of the pubs or music venues, such as Fainting Goat Pub, an Irish pub, or the Mint Bar and Grill. Interested in the community's history and culture? The Livingston Depot Center and Danforth Museum of Art make excellent stops as well.
Red Lodge
Located near the Beartooth Mountains with around 2,600 residents, Red Lodge is a friendly mountain town where neighbors know each other by name and warmly welcome visitors. The downtown area is filled with unique and eclectic shops, such as antique malls, metalwork shops, bookstores, and jewelers, giving visitors the opportunity to find the perfect souvenir. Red Lodge also is home to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see rescued animals including bears, foxes, owls, and raptors up close. On any given day, locals of Red Lodge can also be found enjoying the nearby outdoor activities, including horseback riding through Custer National Forest, hiking along a Beartooth Trail, or whitewater rafting down the Absaroka River.
Big Timber
Big Timber is a tight-knit agricultural community with roughly 1,700 residents in south-central Montana, often seen as the gateway to outdoor recreation and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Nearby, Natural Bridge Falls is a must-visit, with steep cascades, hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites. Those wanting to observe native wildlife can head to Praire Dog Town State Park, featuring 98 acres of natural prairie dog habitat. To learn about Big Timber’s culture, heritage, and history, visitors can spend an afternoon at the Crazy Mountains Museum, which has a replica of a homestead cabin, schoolhouse, tipi, and more. After visiting the museum’s exhibits, visitors can also have a picnic in its renowned Lewis and Clark gardens.
Kalispell
Kalispell, home to nearly 30,000 residents, is located in scenic northwest Montana, close to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. Locals are often found on sunny afternoons sailing along Flathead Lake or stargazing in the nearby mountains. In Kalispell’s downtown district, neighbors congregate to enjoy a craft beer at Bias Brewing or a glass of wine at Montavino Winery. There are a number of shops in town to explore as well, ranging from jewelry to clothing shops, one of the most notable being Western Outdoor, which is housed in a historic Opera house dating back to 1896.
Anaconda
Anaconda, with a population of around 9,700, is a laid-back town surrounded by peaks and mountains, offering beautiful views and cozy cafes and bars. Residents often head out to Georgetown Lake and Big Hole River to fish, while Discovery Ski Area is a popular spot for skiing in the winter months. The community has also preserved its history, evident in its historic district, which houses its old Washoe Theater, Deer-Lodge County Courthouse, and US Post Office among other historic sites. Those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the town’s history can stay in one of its historic inns, such as Hickory House Inn, which is conveniently located in Anaconda’s historic district and was previously the parish house for St. Paul’s Church.
Philipsburg
Home to less than a thousand residents, Philipsburg is particularly close-knit and is only a 40-minute drive from Anaconda, making them perfect for a consecutive visit. Situated in Montana’s Mineral Country, Philipsburg is rich in mineral deposits, offering visitors the chance to pan for sapphires or explore mountain mines. With over 75 nearby lakes and reservoirs, the Philipsburg area is also ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. In addition to its nearby natural wonders, Philipsburg has a rich microbrewery scene, frequently hosting brewing events throughout the month that visitors can enjoy and home to the renowned Philipsburg Brewing Company, which features a tap room that serves hand-crafted beers.
Stevensville
Stevensville, a historic town of about 2,200 residents, is home to St. Mary’s Mission and lies between the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountains. St. Mary’s Mission and Museum wonderfully explains the origins of Montana, where the state’s first pioneer community once dwelled, where visitors can explore a number of historic buildings, tipis, and a gift store. The Stevensville Hotel, originally a hospital founded in 1910, is a prominent town landmark with eight rooms and suites where visitors can stay and imagine the history that unfolded around them. In the winter months, Bitterroot Valley nearby turns into a winter wonderland, perfect for snowmobiling, skiing, and even dog sledding!
Deer Lodge
Unlike many other southwestern Montana towns that were established for mining, Deer Lodge was originally settled by homesteaders and continues to be an important agricultural center, with a population of around 3,000. Those wanting to see modern-day cowboys and ranchers in action must visit Grant-Kohrs Ranch, which has been functioning since 1862 and offers both ranger and self-guided tours. Curious about the traditional foods and snacks of this region’s cowboys? Make sure to make the drive out to the Hi-Country Trading Post, which sells traditional jerky, cheeses, jams, and other foods that fuel this agricultural community. In downtown Deer Lodge, visitors can also stop by the Old Prison Museum Complex, established in 1871 and once the state’s main prison.
Final Thoughts
While many Americans have relocated to larger urban centers, residents of these small towns understand the value of community. Whether it be a get-together on the lake, a brewing festival, or a weekend skiing on the slopes, locals and tourists alike always find a way to appreciate their surroundings and companionship in these Montana towns. In a world that often prioritizes hustle and bustle, these towns remind us that true fulfillment often lies in simple connections and shared experiences.
