8 of the Most Walkable Towns in Montana
Montana is an incredible state known for its natural beauty and abundant outdoors. In search of hiking trails and cycling paths, many people overlook the many walkable towns in the state. These towns are well laid out and connected like a group of square boxes, making navigation seamless and access to highlight attractions easier. Along the streets, visitors can explore restaurants to taste varying delicious cuisines, grab gifts at souvenir stores, visit art galleries, and interact with friendly locals. Put on those shoes and prepare for an unforgettable experience in Montana's eight most walkable towns.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is a quaint, picturesque mountain town in Carbon County, serving as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, with the perfect landscape for scenic and thrilling walking adventures. A walking tour of this elegant town typically involves strolling along Broadway Avenue, the town’s main street, also known as Red Lodge Commercial Historic District. Here, visitors adore the many colorful storefronts, restaurants, and historic buildings abound.
Some notable historic buildings to see and explore on Broadway Avenue include the 1917 Roman Theatre, the 1925 Irish Theatre, the 1893 Pollard Hotel, and the Carbon Country Courthouse. Along the same Broadway, the Black Canyon Bistro offers sensational dining experiences with Mediterranean and local cuisines. Meanwhile, art lovers can kick back at the Beartooth Gallery, exploring various art pieces and exhibits.
Glendive
The small town of Glendive is a walker's haven and particularly alluring for history lovers, especially at the Merrill Avenue Historic District. A walk through this district ushers visitors into a prehistoric ambiance, with the visual pleasures of aged and iconic buildings. Some of these sights include the 1914 Glendive City Hall, 1922 Glendive Depot, and 1907 Krug Building.
While exploring the downtown, science enthusiasts can deflect to State Street, off N. Merrill Avenue, to visit the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum. This amazing site showcases life-sized dinosaur exhibits and fossils that the whole family will adore. Also on State Street, discover the Frontier Gateway Museum, featuring Native American artifacts, fossils, and railroad displays across seven buildings. Meanwhile, the Yellowstone River Inn, by its namesake, the Yellowstone River, is a charming dining spot with exceptional waterside views.
Livingston
Livingston is located in the Yellowstone Valley and is a gateway town to the Yellowstone National Park. But it is beyond a gateway to a famed park, thanks to its walkable and charming main street where culture, history, modernity, and delectable cuisines combine effortlessly across storefronts.
For history-minded travelers, the Livingston Depot Center on West Park Street and the Yellowstone Gateway Museum on W. Chinook Street offer insights into the town's past as a railway hub and gateway to Yellowstone Park. Art lovers can check in at the Livingston Center for Arts and Avery’s Art Work, both on S. Main Street. Feeling famished during the tour is normal, and the Livingston Bar and Grille on N. Main Street is a short walk away to quench tastes and hunger pangs.
Butte
Butte is one of Montana's more prominent mining towns, famed as the “Richest Hill on Earth.” The town is also unique, with a walkable uptown district instead of the popular downtowns. Visitors can stroll along this town’s historic uptown district to feast on several architectural masterpieces ranging from Queen Anne and Italianate to Victorian styles. The neighborhood is relatively compact, and navigation is easy to iconic buildings such as the historic Metals Bank, Hotel Finlen, and Copper King Mansion.
After a long tour, one can take a break at the Uptown Café on E. Broadway for lunch and dessert or Annie’s Café on Front Street for a delicious ham steak, eggs, and coffee. Before leaving, enjoy more adventures walking the South Butte neighborhood, featuring historic buildings such as the 1908 Burton K. Wheeler House and 1907 Bowen Block.
Kalispell
Kalispell is the largest town in the Flathead Valley, and despite having over 24,000 residents, the town remains one of the state’s most walkable destinations. As a result, foot traffic is predominant along its downtown main street, where a mix of historic, modern, and commercial buildings overlook the sidewalks. While walking in this town, visitors can spice things up with ice cream from Sweet Peaks or breakfast at the Sykes Diner & Market.
Next, walk around the interconnected First and Second Avenue and stop at the Northwest Montana History Museum on Second Avenue to learn about the town from its pioneers. Still on Second Avenue, one can check out the Hockaday Museum of Arts, which preserves the grand artistry of Montana and the Glacier National Park via permanent exhibits for art lovers.
Whitefish
Whitefish is a beautiful town in Flathead County, and driving through it is a sure way to miss out on a lot of great experiences. This magnetic town and gateway to the Glacier National Park is a walker’s paradise, with many paved interconnected streets flaunting an array of boutiques, restaurants, antique shops, historic storefronts, and art galleries to explore. For an unforgettable walking tour of this town, visitors can begin with a delectable breakfast at Loula’s Café on E. Second Street.
Art lovers can explore some creative works at the Going-to-the-Sun Gallery or FoR Fine Art Gallery, both on Central Avenue. While walking along the downtown, stop at 127 Spokane Avenue to catch a show at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Otherwise, keep walking to the Whitefish Downtown Farmer’s Market to shop for fresh produce, eat, and enjoy live music in summer.
Helena
Helena is a beautiful town framed by the iconic Mount Helena, which makes each walking path a scenic viewpoint. The town has a high concentration of historic and architecturally significant buildings for visitors to explore on guided and self-guided tours. One can find architectural and historic marvels flanking both sides of the alluring walkable Last Chance Gulch, the town’s most vibrant and flourishing district.
In addition, this unique district is home to the Helena Walking Mall, a walkable landscaped area featuring a small creek, the Holter Museum of Art, Ghost Art Gallery, among other attractions. While in the area, be sure to grab a tantalizing cup of ice cream at the Big Dipper Ice Cream Shop or take coffee at the Fire Tower Coffee House.
Bozeman
Bozeman prides itself on its walkable main street, which is full of things to see and do. Most visitors walk straight to Wild Joe’s Coffee Spot for a refreshing coffee before starting the day. After this, one can explore local artworks at Emerson Center for the Arts, Cello Gallery, or Old Main Gallery & Framing. When it’s time to refill your stomach, head to Co-op Downtown for delicious meals or Ted’s Montana Grill for their amazing chicken and seafood dishes.
History enthusiasts walking in town should check out attractions like the 1919 Ellen Theater and the Gallatin History Museum, which offer a trip to the past. If there’s still time, divert into Highland Boulevard for gorgeous views of the Bridger Mountain Range or walk Willson Avenue for sights of historic houses.
Wrapping Up
Sometimes, exploring a town on foot is the best way to soak in its sights, sounds, and culture. However, walking is only enjoyable if the town is indeed walkable, with interconnected streets, well-paved pedestrian lanes, and less traffic. These towns in Montana have all the features that make them walkable. Plus, they are generally uncrowded and laid back, making the experiences even more enjoyable. Visit these incredible towns today, wear comfortable shoes, and hit the streets for exciting adventures and to improve your health.
