8 Top-Rated Small Towns In Montana
Montana is one of America's most mysterious and majestic states, featuring breathtaking terrain as profoundly beautiful and diverse as it is vast and rugged. Each community that populates Montana's landscapes is unique and attractive; visitors will not be disappointed no matter which one they choose to visit. Offering unlimited outdoor adventure and community-based events throughout the year, this State is sure to delight. Here is a list of eight top-rated small towns in Montana.
Livingston
Rugged, romantic, and rowdy describe Livingston, Montana perfectly, and it's at the head of the class when it comes to being one of the top-rated towns in Montana. Positioned along the banks of the Yellowstone River, Livingston basks in mountain-range views all around and offers all-season adventures to entice any outdoor enthusiast. However, the adventure to top the list is the region's white-water rafting. The Paradise Adventure Company is fully equipped to give you an experience of a lifetime on the rapids. If fishing is more your preference, the Armstrong Creek Fishing Outfitters offers fishing experiences in the region's Spring Creek, where anglers from all over the world have cast their line into the waters fishing for trout from the 1.5 miles of fishable waters.
Located between Livingston and Yellowstone National Park, a short 27-minute drive will take you to The Old Saloon, where their motto states the establishment has been serving Outlaws and Cowgirls since 1902. This one-of-a-kind entertainment venue is a must-see in the region as it features a Western-style atmosphere with an outdoor stage, a dance floor, and a grandstand. Serving hearty meals and cold drinks, patrons will not be disappointed.
Whitefish
Located near the Canadian border, Whitefish, Montana, is found in the Northern Rockies region of Glacier National Park, and as a result, this small town enjoys winter fun like no other. It does not matter what type of outdoor adventure travelers crave; they will be more than satisfied with what is offered in Whitefish. Whether it is snowshoeing, downhill skiing, or snowboarding, Whitefish has it all in spades. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is the place to be when visiting this region, as it offers 3,000 acres of outdoor recreation amidst the Rocky Mountains, where the snow is abundant and fluffy. Visitors can enjoy skiing in the daytime and nighttime as the slopes are well-lit in the evening, offering hours upon hours of fun. This locale is a top-rated ski resort offering 113 trails, depending on weather conditions. Whitefish Outfitters and Tours provide year-round excursions to local breweries and wineries and offer winter gear rentals, too.
E-bike rentals are a unique method for guests to experience the natural splendor in Whitefish, offering an environmentally friendly option for touring around while saving a bit of energy by letting the motorized bikes do the heavy lifting. All these things combine to make Whitefish one of the top-rated towns to visit in the beautiful State of Montana.
Anaconda
Look up and you'll be thrilled to see Anaconda, Montana. Situated high up in the Deer Lodge National Forest in the Pintlers mountain range, this attractive small town is considered a recreational paradise, which is why it is a top-rated small town in Montana. Famous for its former life as a smelting town, the heritage of the region is preserved and highlighted in a variety of ways, including the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park, featuring a 585 feet tall smoke stack from the former glory days when the smelter was in full operation, making it the world's largest freestanding brick structure. This impressive sight is on the National Register of Historic Places and can only be viewed from afar, but don't let that stop you from putting this on your must-see list, as it lends itself to stunning photo opportunities. Another remarkable example of the preserved heritage of Anaconda's smelting past is the Old Works Golf Course, which has been carefully designed to incorporate features from the smelter site throughout the course, making this one of the most unique golfing experiences in the State.
Anaconda is also home to the famous Washoe Theatre, initially opened in 1936. Construction was completed on the building in 1931, but the opening day was delayed for several years due to the Great Depression. Surviving that difficult time in American history, the Washoe Theatre is now a real treat to visit and its art deco style makes it great place to catch a movie. Carrying on with the theme of the town's heritage is the Smelter City Brewing, which is located in a restored Electric Light Building, offering an entire rainbow of craft beer flavours, making it a great choice to grab a cold one after a film.
Choteau
Known as the little town close to everything, Choteau, Montana offers unforgettable scenery within a backdrop of shortgrass prairies and the Rocky Mountains. Amidst all the natural splendor Choteau provides, it is also a hiker's paradise, which makes it one of Montana's top-rated small towns. This region offers a plethora of options for hiking enthusiasts including the Forest Service Lands, Headquarters Creek Pass, Our Lake, and Reardon Gulch, to name a few. Birdwatching is a thrill in this locale as geese, swans, ducks, and many more make this area their home, sure to please any birdwatching hobbyist. Located within the State's heartland, Choteau enjoys proximity to the Marshal Wilderness Complex, which is part of a 1.5-million-acre complex in this part of the State and represents one of the most preserved eco-systems in the world. Guests will be delighted with the river valleys, alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and cascading waterfalls on full display within the complex.
To further delight visitors, the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center offers an opportunity for guests to dig for real dinosaur bones. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the region and makes an excellent choice for family-friendly fun that kids are sure to remember for years to come.
White Sulphur Springs
White Sulphur Springs, Montana, is brimming with small-town values while maintaining large-scale appeal. The main attraction in this stunning region begins with the hot pools, which are best enjoyed at the famed Hot Springs Hotel. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools refreshed daily, stress melts away as visitors enjoy the mineral-rich waters, famous for their reputed healing capabilities. Situated in the heart of the Smith River Valley, those who want time on the river will be thrilled with the Smith River float (permits required) on a 59-mile-long river run through the unending wilderness and canyons. Careful planning is necessary when embarking on this adventure. Still, the rewards exist in some of the most exquisite natural splendor and enjoyable trout fishing to be found within the peaceful isolation of a remote location. For those who seek enjoyment in a community atmosphere, the Red Ants Pants Music Festival is tailor-made to bring people together during April in celebration of life in ranch and farm territory while also focusing on initiatives in support of the status of women within the community.
The Meagher County Museum is the pride of White Sulphur Springs as it focuses on preserving the region's heritage within the walls of an 1892 Victorian Mansion. Luxuriously appointed features serve as a backdrop to exhibits showcasing mineral samples from the area and artifacts such as clothing and furniture. With the museum, mineral spa, and outdoor pursuits in mind, it is easy to see why White Sulphur Springs has made the list of the top-rated small towns in Montana.
Bozeman
Bozeman has so much to offer; it deserves a spot on the list of top-rated small towns in Montana. It is home to two world-class ski resorts for those who enjoy hitting the slopes while also offering a vibrant Main Street in the heart of the town brimming with a variety of dining options for the foodies and live entertainment and ongoing events for socialites. This western mountain region offers a little something extra for residents of Montana as well by giving discounted rates to visitors who live in the State but are from out of town. It will be a visit to remember at the 320 Guest Ranch, between Big Sky and Yellowstone National Parks. This ranch celebrates the State's pioneering spirit in style by featuring modernized log cabins where guests can stay after a day of horseback riding, fly fishing, or one of the workshops provided for children.
As far as having fun indoors, look no further than the American Computer and Robotics Museum. The reviews are in, and some say this is the best museum in the world. It has also been in operation longer compared to any other museum in the world, making it a must-see on your list of things to do when visiting Bozeman. Starting with cuneiform tablets up to the advent of the personal computer, this museum highlights the evolution of human communications within the last 4,000 years. Sure to be an unforgettable experience, this museum is award-winning, and it has achieved a certificate of excellence by TripAdvisor.com.
Big Timber
With the Crazy Mountains providing the town's backdrop, Big Timber is one of the most picturesque regions in Montana. Made famous by being the location where the movies A River Runs Through It and The Horse Whisperer were filmed, the landscape is a primary attraction in Big Timber, with good reason. The north and east borders consist of pristine prairie lands. At the same time, the south and west portions of the region are mountainous, offering impossibly beautiful views no matter which direction you look, but that's not all there is on offer here. Big Timber is also home to the Big Timber Rodeo, which draws crowds from all over the State and beyond. This annual event features all that a rodeo lover could hope to see, including barrel racing, bareback riding, and steer wrestling, to name a few.
Big Timber is also considered to be the Gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This expanse of protected lands covers 943,648 acres of rugged landscapes, including coniferous forests, pristine lakes, and craggy mountain ranges. One of the intriguing aspects of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is that it is home to grasshopper glaciers, which were given that name because they contain millions of grasshoppers frozen within the ice.
Hamilton
Hamilton, Montana, is the last item on the list of top-rated small towns in Montana, but it is certainly not the least. Considered a central trade region, this small town enjoys proximity to the Sapphire Mountains and the Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway, which provides a 45 mile ascent within this mountain range. Closer to home, the Bitterroot River runs through the town itself and offers a variety of activities to choose from such as rainbow trout fishing, boating, and canoeing. This river is reputed to be one of the most scenic in Montana and it enjoys a vast and lush valley.
Another popular destination in this locale is Lake Como, a popular place to cool down on a warm summer day; visitors can relax on the beach or go boating on the water. A full-service campground is also available for a weekend of camping under the big night skies.
The top-rated towns offer so much adventure any visitor's itinerary is sure to be full to the brim with a variety of exciting activities. Whether skiing the fluffy snow in Whitefish or exploring river country in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, offers big outdoor fun. The Big Timber Rodeo is ideal for those wanting to experience an authentic Western experience. The American Computer and Robotics Museum in Bozeman provides one of the best museum experiences in the world. Montana is a gem of a State, and these small towns reflect its magnificence one adventure at a time.
