8 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Montana
Montana is a state famous for its diverse and dramatic scenery. From the majesty of the Rocky Mountains to the serenity of Flathead Lake, Montana has the market cornered on breathtaking views. And nestled within the sprawling mountain ranges and forest are some of the most friendly, laidback towns just waiting to be explored. Just imagine sipping on a cup of coffee in a charming downtown district with a mountain range towering in the background! No matter what your walk of life, these laid-back, friendly Montana towns will make you feel right at home.
Hamilton
Tucked away in the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains is the picturesque town of Hamilton. It offers visitors the perfect marriage of amazing views, small-town charm, and historical landmarks worth checking out. History buffs will love exploring the halls of the Daly Mansion, once owned by Hamilton’s founder Marcus Daly. Built-in 1910, it’s one of the oldest buildings still standing in the area. Walk the historic halls and learn a little more about the town's past.
To relax and unwind, spend the day wandering the beautiful Bitterroot National Forest. There, you can hike on a variety of accessible and challenging trails and take in the lush forest views. Or, take a short drive west to Lake Como for a day of swimming or kayaking. For those who adore fishing, the Bitterroot River is a great place to catch native cutthroat and bull trout.
Whitefish
Whitefish is a friendly little town with so much to see and discover. While it may be small, the cozy downtown area is a great place to spend the afternoon. Walk the scenic sidewalks to shop at locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. If you plan your visit at the right time, you can even catch one of the popular local festivals like the Whitefish Winter Carnival or Huckleberry Days.
However, you can't overlook Whitefish’s amazing views. This hidden gem is surrounded by the Whitefish Range, Flathead National Forest, and Whitefish Lake. To really take in the atmosphere, be sure to stay at the Whitefish Mountain Resort! In the summer, it is a fantastic spot for mountain biking and zip lining, but it comes alive during the winter as a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Bigfork
Nestled on the crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake is the charming, laid-back town of Bigfork. While the lake views are a sight to behold, Bigfork is famous for its thriving arts scene. It’s home to the “Broadway of the Rockies” (aka the Bigfork Summer Playhouse). The theater is the heart of Bigfork and hosts quality theater productions year-round. It’s located in Bigfork's quaint downtown area with a variety of shops, cafes, coffee shops, and locally-owned boutiques.
Outside of Flathead Lake, Bigfork is surrounded by natural beauty with plenty of opportunities to get lost in nature. Head to Swan River, Swan Range, and Jewel Basin Hiking Area. Visitors can hike, bike, camp fish, or watch native wildlife. Bigfork is also a short 45-minute drive from Glacier National Park, one of the most stunning National Parks in the country!
Eureka
History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike will fall in love with Eureka. Situated near the border of Canada, Eureka is famous for its Montana charm. The downtown area hosts a variety of shops and cafes in historic buildings that harken back to its logging and agriculture days. History buffs have to stop by Tobacco Valley Historical Village to explore perfectly preserved historical buildings from the town's early days, like its schoolhouse, general store, and church. Walking through Tobacco Valley Historical Village is like traveling back in time!
Outside of the cozy and friendly downtown district is a vast wilderness waiting to be explored. Tucked into the heart of the Tobacco Valley, Eureka sits in the heart of the Purcell and Whitefish mountain ranges. Visitors can hike the trails, mountain bike, or set up camp along the water at Riverside Park.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is minutes from Glacier National Park and is a small, laid-back Montana town with a lot of character! Walk the picturesque street in the downtown area for a day of shopping and dining at local cafes. Station 8 is a popular vintage store nestled in the heart of town. Be sure to plan your visit during the summer for their weekly farmer's market to buy fresh produce and one-of-a-kind crafts. For more family-oriented activities, stop by Big Sky Waterpark, Montana’s largest waterpark!
A must-see while in Columbia Falls is Columbia Mountain! Visitors can plan a day hike to the top to earn a panoramic view of the Flathead River, and Glacier National Park. The Columbia Mountain Trail is one of the most popular trails among the locals for a good reason!
Butte
The town of Butte is famous for its rich mining heritage. Known as the Richest Hill on Earth due to its mining of gold, silver, and copper. To learn more about Butte’s rich mining history, check out the Butte-Anaconda National Historic Landmark District. Making up a portion of Butte's downtown district, it hosts a variety of mining-era buildings and other historical sites. For a day of shopping, make sure to visit Historic Uptown Butte, which has amazing shops, cafes, and restaurants in a well-maintained historical setting.
The most popular landmark in Butte is the famous Berkeley Pit. It was once an open-pit copper mine that is now filled with water and is one of the largest man-made holes on the planet. The water in the pit may be toxic, but visitors can head to an observation deck to view the magnificent site. Other notable sites in the area include the Continental Divide of the Americas and the stunning Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
Polson
Located inside the Flathead Indian Reservation at the base of Flathead Lake is the scenic town of Polson. The downtown area is something out of a postcard, with splendid 19th-century buildings packed with locally owned shops and charming coffee shops. In the heart of downtown is the Polson Flathead Lake Museum, with exhibits that detail the early settlers of the area and a glimpse into its Native American heritage.
If you plan your visit around June, you can catch the annual Mission Valley Rodeo, which features barrel racing, bull riding, and roping. This event draws spectators from all across the state! For a little rest and relaxation, head to the crystal clear shores of Flathead Lake for fishing, kayaking, or swimming. While you are there, check out the Kerr Dam, which provides sweeping views of the Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains.
Philipsburg
When you imagine small-town Midwestern charm, you are likely imagining a town like Philipsburg. It boasts a charming downtown district with well-preserved Victorian-era architecture with adorable shops, cafes, and art galleries. There is no better representation of Philipsburg’s stunning architecture than the Philipsburg Opera House Theatre, the oldest running opera house in the entire state! And while you are in the area, you have to stop at The Sweet Palace, one of the oldest and most famous candy stores in the United States.
Aside from fun attractions and sites in town, Philipsburg is surrounded by natural beauty. One of the most popular attractions in Philipsburg outside of town is Granite Ghost Town State Park. Visitors can explore the ruins of the town's original buildings from its humble beginnings, such as abandoned houses, churches, and old mining buildings.
Blend in With the Locals in These Montana Towns
Whether you want to roam the historical streets of Philipsburg or cozy up with a good book along the banks of Flathead Lake in Bigfork, these laid-back Montana towns have something for everyone. Leave the noise of the big city behind, and explore the wonders of Montana without sacrificing the comforts of home. These towns may be small, but they have big hearts and friendly locals that will make you feel like you have lived here your whole life. So, pack a bag (and maybe a pair of hiking boots) and get ready to discover the best of Montana!
