9 Towns in Montana That Transport You to the Past

Montana is filled with many stunning attractions, such as the Old Fort Benton Bridge in Fort Benton and the Copper King Mansion in Butte, but these attractions are just one side of the story. The cultural heritage is among the reasons tourist enthusiasts are attracted to certain towns and cities. The mining and railroad operations in communities like Butte and Livingston and ancient structures like the Montana State Capitol and Grand Union Hotel are of significance to visitors. The state is also fondly called "The Big Sky Country" because of its vast landscape and natural reserve of coal, timber, copper, and silver. Adventurers can enjoy a surreal experience that will last a lifetime in these nine towns in Montana that transport you to the past.

Polson

Polson was founded in the early 1880s as a trading post and named after David Polson, a stockman from Mission Valley. Polson is filled with historic and cultural attractions like the Polson-Flathead Lake Museum, which has photographs and artifacts that tell a story of the area's pioneer days. You may also visit the Miracle of America Museum for a more visual representation of its past. You will find an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles, military artifacts, and outdoor sculptures.

You may visit the Polson Bay Golf Course and the National Bison Range to interact with locals and enjoy the scenery. The National Bison Range is a wildlife conservation area with 18,500 acres of space for housing roughly 350 bison and spaces to explore the outdoor environment.

Big Timber

Big Timber is a small area in Sweet Grass County of Montana with a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Founded by explorers led by William Clark, its name originated from Big Timber Creek. Its historic significance is still evident in its well-preserved buildings and landmarks. The Crazy Mountain Museum offers a glimpse into the village's past with exhibits and historical displays that discuss its early days.

Lodging or dining at the Grand Hotel, built in 1890, gives you a firsthand encounter with Big Timber’s past stories. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the rich art heritage with a visit to the Two Rivers Gallery and Hodges Fine Art Gallery. The town's scenic location at the confluence of the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers also presents plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and boating.

Butte

Butte is famous for its copper mining past, which dates back to the 1860s copper mining boom. Founded as a mining camp in the 1860s, Butte evolved into Montana's first major industrial city and the largest copper boom town in the American West. Today, its ancient charm is still very much alive, with attractions like the Copper King Mansion, built in 1884 by Copper King William Clark, and the Clark Chateau Museum and Gallery, a stunning mansion built in 1898.

Learn more about Butte's copper mining past at the Mineral Museum and World Museum of Mining, which are hosted in the city and feature exhibits of the area's rich mining heritage. Beyond its historical allure, Butte also has standout attractions like the 90-foot-tall statue of the Virgin Mary, which was Bob O’Bill’s brainchild to commemorate his wife's recovery from cancer.

Fort Benton

With a reputation as the Birthplace of Montana and the state's oldest continually occupied settlement, Fort Benton feels like you are sliding back to the early days of Montana. This historic village located along the Missouri River was founded in 1846 as a fur trading post and commercial port. Today, its waterfront is a designated National Historic Landmark District with an array of preserved buildings that tell tales of the past.

Explore the district's treasures, including the 1856 blockhouse, the Old Fort Benton Bridge, and the Grand Union Hotel, which is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. Learn about the town at the Fort Benton Montana Museums and Heritage Complex, where you will find an impressive collection of museums and exhibits.

Livingston

If you are looking to get the best of Montana’s past and also connect with its culture, then you have to visit Livingston. Set along the Yellowstone River and founded in 1882, Livingston started as a railroad town for the Northern Pacific Railway. While the railroad heritage is now more of a tale for storybooks, there are historical landmarks that remind tourists of this legacy.

The 1902 Livingston Depot is a spectacle to behold as it has now become a beautifully restored train station. It also serves as a museum and a testament to the railroad roots. The Yellowstone Gateway Museum is another must-visit site, and it is known as the first gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Visitors can also stroll along the downtown area, admiring the age-old buildings and soaking up the old-time charm. As you wander through the community, you will discover antique shops and galleries, such as the Livingston Center for Art and Culture, that tell a story of its early days and culture.

Lewistown

Lewistown is one of Montana's oldest cities, and its location in the center of Montana makes it even more scenic to visit. Founded in 1874, Lewistown is renowned for its significance in the gold rush era of the 1880s. It first started out as a fort town, but after a while, it became known as the eastern terminal of the Montana railway.

For those looking to find out more about its prominence, you will find value with a trip to the Central Montana Museum and also by taking a look at the various exhibits and photos on display. Enjoy more of the old-town vibe with a visit to the Veteran's Memorial Park, which honors both past and present veterans, before visiting Reed's Post Office. Reed's Post Office was erected in 1880, and it was the first post office to be built in the area. Close out the day by venturing outdoors or visiting the Lewistown Art Center, where you can find a vast collection of paintings and pottery. Take evening strolls at Crystal Lake and spend quality time alone or with loved ones.

Stevensville

Stevensville was established in 1841 as a Jesuit mission, and it is known as the earliest community in Montana. The village has a tranquil atmosphere, and it is really calming for both visitors and residents. A walk around the area will bring you closer to its well-preserved sites and structures that give you a peek into the community’s historic past.

Sites such as the St. Mary's Mission and Museum are a testament to the influence of the missionaries on their development. You can find much more information about its development when you check out the relics and exhibits at the museum. Here, you can learn about the interactions between the earliest inhabitants of the village and the Native Americans and European settlers. Other popular spots to check out include the Lee Metcalf National Species Refuge, which houses diverse species and natural ecosystems and provides an opportunity to soak in the beauty of Bitterroot Valley.

Helena

Helena is famous for being Montana's state capital, but that does not take its shine as a city reminiscent of the gold rush era. Founded in 1864 as a gold mining camp, Helena quickly became a hub for those seeking wealth. By 1888, the city was home to around 50 millionaires, and its wealth was still reflected in the stunning Victorian and Renaissance architecture that lined its streets. The Montana State Capitol, built between 1896 and 1902, is a stunning historic landmark that speaks of Neoclassical Renaissance architecture.

For more information about Helena, visit the Original Governor's Mansion, built in 1888 in the Queen Anne style, and the Montana Historical Society Museum, which features local artifacts and Charles Russell's art.

Hamilton

Hamilton is a charming town in Montana with a rich tale, natural beauty, and nostalgic vibe that takes you back to its early days. Founded in 1890, Hamilton is home to the 50-room Daly Mansion, which is a must-visit attraction. The Ravalli County Museum gives you a glimpse into the region's past by showcasing local artifacts that tell its cultural stories. The surrounding Bitterroot Valley is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and fishing. Visit the scenic River Park close to the Bitterroot River, where you can enjoy a picnic and take a boat ride across the river. On weekends, check out the weekly Farmer's Market for local produce, crafts, and food.

Apart from scenic attractions, historic landmarks are the other reasons why people troop to various destinations for vacations. In Montana, people can visit not only for the stunning scenery but also for the historic sites that signify the development of its areas. Some places have been made permanent settlements since 1880, and from that period till date, these towns have witnessed significant development. However, the traditions and history of these communities have been preserved in museums and artifacts. A visit to these cities is a window to the past, and they present an experience that you won't forget in a hurry.