9 Secluded Towns in Montana

Covering over 147,000 square miles, Montana is the fourth largest state in the US by area. The Treasure State really defines the moniker through its secluded little towns, for they are like gems, dotting the shores of massive lakes and hiding in the creases of the Rockies. Aside from being downright stunning, Montana is great to live and visit, with friendly locals, natural experiences, and unique attractions.

Montana’s secluded towns, far from the bustle of Helena, Missoula, and Bozeman, offer a peaceful escape into nature. With populations often under 1,000, these towns showcase the state's raw beauty. Fort Peck, with its vast lake and massive dam, Choteau’s birdwatching haven at Freezeout Lake, and Bigfork, nestled by Flathead Lake and surrounded by the Swan Mountains, are just a few of the charming towns where outdoor adventures and serenity await. Perfect for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Montana experience.

Anaconda

Despite a menacing name, Anaconda is a friendly town of under 10,000 along Interstate 90. Defined by a skinny smokestack towering above the skyline, you already witnessed one of the world's tallest free-standing masonry structures prior to arriving! This 585-foot brick tower was once part of the copper boom in the town that Copper King Marcus Daly established as the main base of operations for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. Having struggled through the mine closures in the 1980s, recent revitalization, played up by a catchy name and beautiful environs, the hills of western Montana make for an enticingly remote corner. Hid by the nearby Georgetown Lake, which offers campsites, a marina, and the Flint Creek Off Pintlers Scenic Memorial Highway on the northern edge.

There's plenty to relax mind and body, like a scenic round at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Works Golf Course. Many enjoy trailing through the serene state park around the smokestack, while Warm Springs Creek houses quarries and relics of Daly’s copper "empire." A morning stroll through Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest can turn into an immersive hike along the nature trails. The Copper Village Museum and Art Center shed unique light on Copper King’s enterprises, while the Copperhead Lodge, Forge Hotel, and Hickory House Inn can vouch for your soundless sleep. Getting a tad livelier in the summer, ride the Anaconda Vintage Bus Tour Monday through Friday, and imbibe the local vibe over a pint with live music at Smelter City Brewing on the weekends.

Bigfork

Among the many small towns dotting the shores of the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, Bigfork stands out as one of the state's prettiest. Boasting a teeny population of under 5,000 surrounded by water bodies, everything nods at seclusion where the Swan River flows into Flathead Lake in the shadow of the Swan Mountains. There's also the Flathead River coursing through the town, plus Swan Lake just east of it, and life, as translucent as waters, ranges from the stillness of the lakes to the timid river flow. At the heart, Grand and Electric Avenues just off Bigfork Bay invite you to shop, stay, and dine local, encircled by the spellbinding beauty of Flathead Lake and its sparkling bay.

Hit the trails at the scenic Wayfarers State Park and enjoy the setting sun reflecting off the water from Eagle Bend Yacht Harbor or your room at the Inn on Bigfork Bay. Just north, Mt. Aeneas offers a day hike in seclusion with few animals, like large mountain goats, plus a couple lakes to break for a picnic. Secreted in the northwest corner of Montana, close to Kalispell, this charming resort town is also the gateway into Glacier National Park. Getting livelier during holiday preparations, browse fine art galleries and boutiques like Agate Shop and MyREALmontana for Montana-made art and gifts, admiring decorated streets in lights and evergreen boughs.

Choteau

Flanked by the Rocky Mountains to the west, this little town with Spring Creek flowing through and Log Cabin Cafe, a family restaurant as one of its biggest establishments, abounds in the natural beauty of Montana's heartland. Christened after a French merchant, explorer, and fur trader, Pierre Chouteau Junior, there's plenty of history to soak up in views of the peaks at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front. The Old Trail Museum boasts a workstation by Pulitzer Prize-winning author A.B. Guthrie Junior among its early relics. Framed by mountainous scenery just southwest, Egg Mountain Historical Site offers absolutely stunning views down the valley as a favorite stop when traveling to or from Wyoming.

Many landmarks harken to the Wild West, like Blackfeet and Buffalo Historical Sign northwest. Driving onwards, discover the wonders of the prehistoric world at The Montana Dinosaur Center, a paleontology museum with unique exhibits and experiences for families and bone enthusiasts, including fossil dig expeditions and a skeletal model of Seismosaurus Halli, the “earth-shaker” dinosaur. Secluded southeast, Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, offers songful sights of the region's avian species, like when snow geese come in to rest and the takeoff all together. After a scenic hike along the Soroptimist Walking Path, unwind at dinner on an outdoor patio.

Dillon

This small town nestles along the train tracks in the southwest corner of Montana, where the Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead rivers flow in to drain. While some come to shop at one of the nation’s few Patagonia outlet stores, many enjoy the blue-ribbon trout Beaverhead River, and all get sweeped off their feet by the picturesque Beaverhead Valley. Take in Dillon’s beautiful scenery on an adventurous trek at the nearby Clark’s Lookout State Park; a short climb to the top overlooks the expansive river from the very spot that Captain William Clark scoped out the region. Just southwest, Bannack State Park is a registered historic landmark, the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862.

The walkable downtown with numerous paved paths is easy to discover on a stroll or bike ride along Main Street, which recalls Montana's formative years with over 50 antiquated buildings. Play a morning round at one of the golf courses and browse old storefronts and businesses for treasures and food, plus several museums preserving history. Next to Rolla, a popular antiques and holiday shopping destination, Dillon feels particularly guarded against commercialism. Stop if you must at The Don't Miss Outlet in former red barn digs for a second-love item, but score a stay at the historic Andrus Hotel in the heart of a quiet downtown. You'll feel like in a cocoon in one of its 12 exquisitely decorated rooms with full kitchens and king-sized mattresses.

Fort Benton

The historic town of Fort Benton invites you to take a stroll back in time, through the birthplace of the Treasure State. You can learn about how it all began at the Museum of the Upper Missouri and the State of Montana’s Museum of the Northern Great Plains. The discovery of gold in Montana sealed the fate of this former fur trading post, a rough and bustling town in the 1860s. Fort Benton, the termination point for steamboats heading west along the Missouri River, brought fortunes for those who made the trip. Having calmed since, take a stroll through the Bloodiest Block in the West, where dance halls, saloons, and brothels thrived—imagine the sheninigans that unraveled in "the wildest business district in the West!"

Keeping much of the riches in the legacy, the less than a mile-long Steamboat Levee Walk houses a vast array of historical sites and museums. Strolling through the Historic Landmark District, the Missouri River is your constant companion. Among infamous landmarks, interpretive signs, and sculptures, stop to ponder at the Decision Point and onward to Montana's Lewis & Clark Memorial. Many enjoy the charming story behind the riverfront Shep Memorial, about the forever-faithful sheepdog. The Historic Old Fort Benton offers paid access to the fort and three of the museums. Next-door, the Old Fort Benton Bridge is a great place to take a relaxing stroll overlooking the fort and the peaceful riverflow from a picnic table.

Fort Peck

One of the state's most naturally endowed, this tiny town, like a peck, is defined by Fort Peck Lake, the Missouri River, and the dam between the two, the highest of six major dams along the Missouri River. Boasting a unique location, there's plenty of space to chase serenity, like the lake's 1,500 miles of shoreline. Just north, Roundhouse Point is a scenic camping spot on its own peninsula into the massive lake. Alternatively, the historic Fort Peck Hotel accentuates comfort through rooms and a wide porch to soothe a drink and taste the sweet prairie air over expansive views. Home to the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery, many come for boating and fishing, including walleye, northern pike, and even the prehistoric paddlefish!

Staying crowdfree outside of the summer months, explore the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge around the lake, with drivable footpaths perfect to spy on wildlife via a hike or from your car window, including elk, pronghorn antelope, and sage grouse. Take a short hike uphill to Lewis & Clark Observation Point and catch an evening play at the delightful 1930s Fort Peck Theatre, presenting well-known musicals by local thespians in a barnlike interior. Surrounded by natural areas like Coleman Wildlife Park, the lonely Duck Creek Recreation Area offers seclusion down the shore along an unspoiled waterfront. Nearby, Fort Peck Marina and RV Park is a secluded spot south of town to park your RV or simply catch the sunset.

Havre

Home to Montana State University-Northern, this historic north-central Montana town along the Milk River and US Highway 2 is defined by wide-open plains to the horizon on one side and rolling mountains on the other. Many come for the small town feel and find the most unique backstory and historical attractions—not just sites but experiences, like "Havre Beneath the Streets." What can feel more secluded than an underground tour of a perfectly preserved city after a raging 1904 fire forced residents to move below the sidewalks, pending the town's reconstruction? Set by three men after being kicked out of a bar, the flames destroyed 60 businesses, but the resilient community continued their trade while living in the steam tunnels.

Visitors can sightsee preserved barbershops, doctors offices, and even a brothel in a state as if the residents just went out for the day. And no wonder they didn't want to abandon the area with a backyard of expansive wilderness. The Bears Paw Mountains offer a playground for adventures through the 10,000-acre Beaver Creek Park. Play a round at the public Beaver Creek Golf course, take the Devlin Walking Trail, and unwind at Murphy's Pub. The youthful feel balanced by historic attractions makes for an enticingly vivacious weekend escape. Nearby, a paved path to the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump halts at the gaping ravine where the natives used an effective traditional hunting method in North America of herding buffalo over the steep cliff, two millenia back.

Kalispell

Home to roughly 31,500, Kalispell sprawls the north shore of Flathead Lake, between the mountains to the west and the Flathead River. The river branches into countless waterways to explore in the east. Secluded near the Canadian border, this larger town is the gateway to Glacier National Park. Just southwest, the scenic Lone Pine State Park offers pet-friendly trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking, and snowshoeing through the woodland to scenic overlooks. Transitioning into North Foy's Lake Park and Foy's Lake Park, the tranquil, translucent waters are mesmerizing, while Herron Park is often overlooked next-door south in the shadow of 4,000-foot mountains with turquoise lake views.

Boat out to the lonesome Wild Horse Island or take advantage of the town's State of Mind Fishing Charters LLC. Woodland Park is a green zone at the heart with a picnic shelter and playground, two duck ponds, and an adjacent seasonal water park. Hang out at Paws to Play Dog Park with your best friend and stop by the Northwest Montana History Museum. Afterwards, sit on a bar stool among BBQ lovers at the Desoto Grill over Montana craft brews with a rockabilly vibe. Built before 1900, the Historic Conrad Mansion is arguably PNW's most authentic mansion, while the Hockaday Museum of Art displays contemporary and historic works by Montana artists in a stately Carnegie Library building.

West Yellowstone

As a gateway to West Yellowstone, seclusion is in the name of this town of roughly 13,000 locals, with easy access to the popular Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Park your car and book a ride through the national park at one of the town's tour companies. Whether you're in for the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone or a summer day by Hebgen Lake, Giant Screen Theatre plays a film showcasing Yellowstone's spectacular scenery. West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, a rustic-style ranger hut, offers brochures and souvenirs. Many enjoy hunting for gems next door with Yellowstone Gemstone Mining Company.

Just south, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center offers close-up views of grizzly bears, gray wolves, and birds of prey. Take a stroll through West Yellowstone Pioneer City Park with a playground and imbibe local culture at a rustic tavern downtown or Bullwinkles Saloon & Eatery near Yellowstone's west gate. You can also fly right in town with the seasonal Yellowstone Aerial Adventures Zipline Adventure Park. Rendezvous Ski Trails offers beautiful grooming and extensive trails, even in a no-snow season, with some rolling hills and great flats to practice or enjoy family play in the snow. Wind down at the White Buffalo Hotel, the Brandin’ Iron Inn, or Brook Trout Inn.

Welcoming all the curious travelers, these towns are some of the sprawling state's many secluded places to hit a refresh in a hospitable, family-friendly environment. Each boasts unique culture and history, like Beneath the Streets in Havre. Secluded by the expansive wilderness to the northwest, West Yellowstone offers tours right into the heart of the national park.

Kalispell hugs the northern shores of the picturesque Flathead Lake with Glacier National Park at its backdoor—just imagine the expanse of incredible beauty. Fort Benton, once the rowdiest town, is often considered the birth of the state, where you can travel back in time to when gold was discovered in Montana. So pick a town and enjoy blissful seclusion.