9 Most Quaint Small Towns in Montana

With vast landscapes and a rich history, Montana is ready for you to explore! Montana is home to Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park and many other state and national forests, trails and recreation areas for you to enjoy. To fully experience Big Sky Country, be sure to stop in these quaint towns. Learn how the West once was, explore some of the most unique geological formations in the country and enjoy the small town charm and hospitality. Escape the big city and begin your adventure through Montana. 

Fort Benton

Your adventure begins in the historic town of Fort Benton – the Birthplace of Montana. Tour the Historic Landmark District and Steamboat Levee Walk. You can stroll by the Thomas Francis Meagher Memorial, Montana's Lewis & Clark Memorial and the Whoop-Up Trail Monument. Be sure to also stop by Bloodiest Block in the West, where dance halls, saloons and brothels made up the wildest business district in the West. Explore Old Fort Benton, the Museum of the Upper Missouri and the State of Montana’s Museum of the Northern Great Plains and learn all about how this state began. Before you go, be sure to stop for a picture of the Shep Memorial and learn the story of the forever faithful sheep dog.

Whitefish

Just 60 miles south of the Canadian border, sitting on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain, is the town of Whitefish. With so much to do, this is one of the best small towns in Montana. Your first stop in town is the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center to take in a performance by the Whitefish Theatre Company. Next, walk through downtown to reach the Whitefish Trail, the perfect place to enjoy scenic overlooks.

Just outside of town is Glacier National Park. This park and the neighboring Canadian Waterton Lakes National Park were designated as the first International Peace Park. Glacier National Park was also named a World Heritage Site in 1995. Looking for some fun winter activities? Head to Big Mountain Nordic Trails or Whitefish Mountain Resort for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more. 

Arlee

When you leave Whitefish, take a 2 hour drive south on Highway 93 and reach the unique town of Arlee. This small town was named after the Salish Chief Alee and is located on the southern corner of the Flathead Reservation. The town of Arlee acts as a trading center for residents of the Jocko Valley and Flathead Reservation. A must-see event is the Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration Pow Wow that takes place annually on the Fourth of July.

Another fascinating feature of this town is the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. You can visit this garden and walk through over 1,000 statues and learn about their history. There’s even a 24 foot tall statue of Yum Chenmo, an important figure representing all Buddhas' birth.

Butte

Next, you will continue to travel south through Montana to Butte. This mining town attracted settlers in the late 1800s with its deposits of copper and the Butte Hill was once referred to the Richest Hill of Earth. Take a trip on the Butte Trolley and learn about the historic sites in town including the Berkley Pit, the World Museum of Mining, and Joe’s Pasty Shop. Also, be sure to stop at the Copper King Mansion, a gorgeous 34 room mansion that was built in the 1880s. Nestled in the Rockies, Butte has many stunning views for you to take in. Take a hike of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Dillon

Head an hour south from Butte and stop in the town of Dillon. Your first stop is the Beaverhead County Museum where you can learn all about local history. Look through exhibits on the Indigenous People of Southwest Montana as well as the history of railroad work, mining and geology in the area.

This area is also marked by the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. Just north of town is Clark’s Lookout, where you can take in an amazing view of Beaverhead Valley. Make sure you also head to Bannack State Park, the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862.

West Yellowstone

Continue traveling south and until you reach the southern tip of Montana and the town of West Yellowstone. Right on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, stop in at the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center and learn all about America’s first national park and other surrounding highlights. Travel just north of town and walk around Madison Bridge Day Use Area that features great views of the Madison River. A must-see stop in West Yellowstone is the Grizzley and Wolf Discovery Center. Check out different educational exhibits featuring bears, wolves, birds of prey, otters and more! If you visit in the winter, be sure to ski the Rendezvous Ski Trails or snowmobile the Two Top Trail.

Big Sky

As you are touring around Big Sky Country, you will need to plan a stop in Big Sky. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this adorable town is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Head to the Big Sky Resort, in the winter you can ski, snowboard and snowshoe through the mountains and in the summer you can mountain bike, golf, hike and zipline! For even more nature, spend some time in the Spanish Peaks Primitive Area and the Gallatin National Forest. You can also enjoy some whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River. While you are in Big Sky, make sure you head to the Historic Crail Ranch Museum and learn about the history of the area including the local Native Americans, fur trapping and early settlers.

Red Lodge

As you head east from Big Sky over the Beartooth Mountains, you will reach the cozy town of Red Lodge. Be sure to head over to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary that works to promote the protection of Montana’s wildlife and care for wildlife unable to return to the wild. If you visit Red Lodge in June check out the Red Lodge Music Festival, or for a unique view of the scenery you can participate in the Beartooth Run that runs through Montana’s famous Beartooth Pass. If you would rather take in the landscape from the comfort of your car, take a drive along the Beartooth Highway for some of the most scenic views in Montana.

Lewistown

For your next stop, you can head to the geographic center of Montana. Lewistown is a small town in the Judith Basin that has evolved from a small trading post to become the main merchandise distributing center in Central Montana. Because of this, Lewistown has some great historic stories about the fascinating people that traveled through here. This includes outlaws, businessmen, vigilante leaders, artists, circus performers, authors, and more! Learn about all of this and more at the Central Montana Museum.  The Lewistown area also features five stunning mountain ranges including the Judiths, the Snowies, the Belts, the Moccasins and the Highwoods.

Montana is the perfect place for your next road trip! These quaint towns will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, friendly atmosphere and rich history that makes up Montana. After your trip, you will understand why Montana is often called the Treasure State. Whether you are fascinated by mountains, outlaws, artists or even dinosaurs, this beautiful state has something for everyone who is ready for an adventure.