9 Timeless Towns In Montana

Known for its Wild West roots, Montana is home to a series of timeless towns that capture the essence of cowboy culture and pioneer persistence. From the lively streets of Helena, where gold miners made their fortunes, to the once fur-trading mecca of Fort Benton, now recognized as the "birthplace of Montana," you're in for a treat.

Get ready to discover nine of Montana's most captivating towns, each providing a fascinating glimpse into a past marked by bravery and determination.

Helena

Helena, the capital of Montana since 1875, boasts a rich history dating back to 1864 when miners struck gold at Last Chance Gulch, transforming it from a quiet settlement into a bustling (and affluent) gold mining hot spot. The main street is lined with 19th-century buildings reflecting the vibrant past of this once "nowheresville."

One of the town's highlights is the Pioneer Cabin, where early gold miner Wilson Butts and his family established a home in 1864. Take a tour of the humble one-room cabin before visiting the Original Governor's Mansion. This building served as the residence for Montana's governors and their families from 1913-1959 and has been beautifully restored. The Cathedral of St. Helena is also worth a visit and stands as a testament to the town's architectural beauty.

Leap forward in time with a visit to the People's House (or Montana State Capitol). With sprawling grounds and impressive artwork (including the famous painting "Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross' Hole"), it's a fantastic place to get acquainted with Helena's past and present goings-on.

Butte

Butte, often referred to as the "Richest Hill on Earth," is a town steeped in mining history. Discover this storied locale on foot or via trolley. Butte's 2-hour trolley tours take visitors through the more notable stops and spare them the steep ups and downs of the town's hilly streets. Make sure to check out the World Museum of Mining, where you can delve deeper into the town's mining heritage.

For those seeking a spookier escapade, consider signing up with Spook & Spirits for a tour of Butte's most haunted places, including the infamous Dumas Brothel. And don't miss the iconic Our Lady of the Rockies, a breathtaking 90-foot tall statue set on the continental divide. This statue is the realization of a sentimental widower's dream and served as a symbol of hope for the town during the challenging times following the mining boom.

Virginia City

When miners discovered gold at Alder Gulch in 1863, Virginia City (which sits right on the Gulch) became a gold rush hot spot. Two years later, the town was designated the capital of Montana and served as such for a decade. Today, Virginia City is considered a ghost town.

So what does "ghost town" mean? Here, it means that as the gold slowly ran out after the town's peak, there was no more money to remodel the buildings that comprise the town. Walking into Virginia City feels like stepping straight back into the Victorian era. The town is still operational, though, and is home to just around 250 residences and a multitude of historic attractions.

Start your journey with a stagecoach ride of downtown, admiring its frozen-in-time streets and storefronts, before checking out the Thompson-Hickman Museum, where you'll discover photo collections and artifacts detailing the town's evolution.

Continue your exploration with a ride on the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad. This decades-old railroad operates seasonally, offering regular services between Virginia City and Nevada City from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Spend some time in Nevada City before heading back to town. This ghost town-turned-living history museum hosts fascinating live interpretations of impactful events on weekends. Finally, just outside of town, try your hand at gold panning at the River of Gold Mining — a great way to cap off your trip.

Fort Benton

Established in 1846 on the Missouri River, Fort Benton is a timeless town in Montana that holds the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark. Often referred to as the "birthplace of Montana," it is also recognized as the world's most inland port. Originally founded as an American Fur Company trading post, Fort Benton quickly evolved into a bustling hub for steamboats, facilitating the shipment of fur and serving as a gateway for eager settlers during America's gold rush era.

Wander through Old Fort Benton and take a stroll down Front Street. Once bustling with brothels, saloons, and gambling dens, this riverfront street was notorious for its lively atmosphere and violent crime during the gold rush era. Afterward, stop by the Museum of Upper Missouri, which guides visitors through the town's evolution from a fur trading post to a lawless river port to a thriving mini-metropolis.

Another must-visit is the Museum of the Northern Great Plains, which chronicles the lives of three generations of homesteaders on the Great Plains. Keep the fun going at Homestead Village, where you can walk through a life-sized model of a 1900s homestead community.

Miles City

Established in 1876 as "Old Milestown," Miles City was originally built to support soldiers during the Nez Perce War. Today, the town has transformed into a lively community that celebrates its rich heritage, providing visitors with an authentic window into the past.

A self-guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Miles City is essential for delving into its storied past. Highlights include the Montana Bar, the second oldest bar in Montana, and notable historic homes like the Dan Hurt and Elizabeth Nickens Residences. Another notable stop is Dr. Redd's Brick Building, a testament to the town's development during the late 19th century.

Don't miss the Oliver Hotel, famously known as the place where the character Captain "Gus" McCrae died in the award-winning western Lonesome Dove. Finally, the Range Rider Museum celebrates the struggles and successes of Native Americans, pioneers, cowboys, and military men, such as General Miles, the town's namesake.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge, once a significant area for the Crow Indians, was officially founded in 1884. Shortly thereafter, the Rocky Fork Coal Company established the first mine, which attracted a wave of immigrants from around the globe. The town boomed into a thriving hive full of miners and cowboys, and the downtown area holds remnants of the era to this day.

The best way to uncover Red Lodge is by walking through the Carbon County Historical Society (you can print out various tour maps on their website). Stroll down the main drag, once packed with saloons and all sorts of characters, including Buffalo Bill and John "Liver Eatin'" Johnston, the town's infamous deputy sheriff, whose cabin you can still visit. The Carbon County Historical Society's museum building houses exhibits showcasing various chapters in the town's past—from coal mining to the Great Depression to Red Lodge's bootleg liquor phase to the present day.

Other attractions include the Buses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust. Here, you can check out well-preserved vintage buses that once served the Yellowstone National Park area. You'll also want to peek into the Pollard Hotel. In 18197, guests of the hotel witnessed the Sundance Kid attempt to rob Red Lodge Bank across the street. As years went on, the hotel became a place of rest and gathering for influential politicians, cowboys, and businessmen alike.

Dillon

Once a railroad and cattle town, Dillon is a lovely little locale whose downtown area features early 20th-century red brick buildings that exude old-school charm. Not only is the town itself a delight, but it serves as an excellent base for discovering nearby landmarks and attractions.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Dillon, you can visit Bannack State Park, a remarkably preserved ghost town that once served as the first territorial capital of Montana and was the site of the state's first gold discovery. This site allows visitors to wander through the remnants of a once-thriving mining community, providing a window into the past.

Additionally, the Lewis and Clark Trail at Beaverhead Rock State Park is only about 20 minutes from town. Beaverhead Rock marks a crucial point in the Lewis and Clark expedition. It's where the explorers were able to acquire horses that facilitated their journey across the formidable Rocky Mountains.

In town, the Beaverhead County Museum is a must-visit. Here, you can find a variety of exhibits, including Dillon's first flush-toilet outhouse, showcasing the town's unique heritage and evolution over the years.

Stevensville

Stevensville, the oldest town in Montana, is a treasure trove of historic homes and buildings, many of which are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The town has successfully maintained its Wild West attitude while welcoming new businesses that infuse vitality into the community.

Take a tour of downtown and look out for the Stevensville Historic Mill Complex, a reminder of the town's industrious past. Nearby, Odd Fellows Hall (now the Stevensville Historical Society) has served as a venue for various events and gatherings over the decades and, today, reflects the town's rich heritage and community spirit.

Then, there's St. Mary's Mission. Established in 1841, this was the first church established in Montana and played a significant role in the formation of Fort Owen and, shortly thereafter Stevensville. The mission was built, in part, to convert and establish a relationship between the Salish Native Americans and Jesuit missionaries.

Shortly after the mission was founded, Fort Owen became Montana's first permanent pioneer settlement. At Fort Owen State Park, visitors can appreciate the settlement's remnants, where the stories of long-gone fur traders, missionaries, and Native Americans converge.

Kalispell

In the heart of the Flathead Valley sits Kalispell, a charming town that will make you feel as though you've stepped back in time to the height of the railroad era, and for a good reason; Kalispell was, in fact, a major railroad hub since its establishment in the early 1890s.

That railroad past can be most intimately appreciated at the Great Northern Railway Depot (or "Depot Park"). Built in 1892, this significant building has gone through a number of remodels and restorations but still maintains its historic allure. The Northwest Montana History Museum nearby is a great place to learn a bit more about the impact of the railroad on the development of Kalispell (and Northwest Montana in general).

Continue your journey by walking through the downtown area, where you'll find a multitude of 19th and 20th-century buildings that have since been filled by modern businesses but still maintain their old-school vibe. Others, such as the Conrad Mansion, have been more intentionally preserved. This stunning example of 1895 Victorian architecture now serves as a museum showcasing the life of the Conrad family and providing a fascinating perspective on the town's past.

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Montana

Exploring Montana's timeless towns provides a unique glimpse into the past. From the lively streets of Red Lodge, where infamous figures like the Sundance Kid once roamed, to the still-populated "ghost town" of Virginia City, each locale tells a story that contributes to the fabric of Montana's history.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic escape, Montana's small towns promise an unforgettable experience. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and embark on a journey to uncover the stories that shaped this remarkable state!