Montana's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
With a nickname like Big Sky Country and a reputation for dramatic mountain landscapes, Montana has no shortage of scenic spots for a weekend escape. However, amid the state’s wide open spaces are plenty of tiny towns with bustling energy and rugged western charm. From picture-perfect places on the doorstep of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks to quaint downtown areas brimming with museums, state parks, restaurants, and unique lodgings, Montana’s beautiful small towns have it all.
Choteau
Also known as the “Front Porch of the Rockies,” the scenic town of Choteau is the ideal mix of mountain scenery and beautiful big sky country landscapes. Conveniently located between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, Choteau is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing layover that is free from too many tourists. However, its idyllic natural beauty also makes it a great place to enjoy a laidback weekend exploring. Town treasures like the Old Trail Museum, the Roxy Theatre, and Egg Mountain are must-visits, while those looking to spend the night will find the Stage Stop Inn a charming rustic retreat. Additionally, Choteau’s proximity to scenic spots like Ear Mountain, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Park, and the Rocky Mountain Front offers plenty of outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Full of small-town charm, Choteau revels in its off-the-beaten-track status. A scenic stop on the road that visitors can “enjoy at their own pace,” the Rocky Mountain town boasts plenty of recreational activities, cultural attractions, and unforgettable views of the Montana heartland.
Glendive
Located in eastern Montana, Glendive may have less dramatic mountain scenery than its western counterparts. However, what the former railroad town lacks in mountains, it makes up for in rocks—fossils and rock formations, that is. On display at the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum, explore the area’s prehistoric past through exhibits, interactive activities, and an immersive look into the fascinating world of paleontology. Looking for another way to explore the area’s paleontological history and stark, scenic beauty? Then visit Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park. Surrounded by some of the area’s most distinctive badland formations, Makoshika also has its share of interpretive exhibits, as well as hiking trails and plenty of fossils (including a T-Rex).
Glendive's proximity to the Yellowstone River also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing, floating, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, those looking to spend a weekend in Glendive will find the Yellowstone River Inn a welcoming stay home to a popular local restaurant.
Hamilton
In Montana’s beautiful Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton is more than just a scenic stop along picturesque Highway 93. The largest town in the Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton, is popular among outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to Bitterroot National Forest and Lake Como, where there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. The nearby Teller Wildlife Refuge is also a great place to visit for those who want to learn more about the area’s past, present, and future conservation efforts.
However, Hamilton isn’t just for enjoying the great outdoors, it is also home to plenty of cultural and historic attractions. Tour the sprawling 24,000 square-foot Daly Mansion, or learn about the area’s history and art with a visit to the Ravalli County Museum. Hamilton’s bustling Main Street is also known for its local art scene, music venues, and community events like the annual Daly Days. Whether it’s sipping a pint at local favorite Bitter Root Brewing or soaking up the homey vibes with a stay at scenic Bitterroot River Lodge, the small-town charm, breathtaking natural scenery, and outdoor recreation in Hamilton make it a Montana must-visit.
Libby
The northwestern Montana town of Libby is the ideal mix of picture-perfect scenery and outdoor recreation. The Kootenai National Forest boasts over two million acres of woodland with everything from miles of hiking trails to lakes and streams and is a popular spot for backpackers and campers alike. Fans of water sports will love fishing the Kootenai River or boating on Lake Koocanusa while soaking up the scenic views of the nearby Cabinet Mountain Range. For even more Instagram-worthy photo ops, visit the Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge for stunning views of the gorge and the surrounding forest.
Libby’s downtown also has its share of historic charm. Explore the small town’s mining roots with a visit to Historic Hotel Libby or a tour of The Heritage Museum and its grounds, or go local with a visit to “Libby’s Living Room,” Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. Those looking to stay the weekend will also find plenty of camping spots and even cozier accommodations at places like Dumont’s Creekside Bed & Breakfast.
Lewistown
Lewistown is an off-the-beaten-track oasis deep in the heart of Big Sky Country. Built around the historic Big Spring Creek and surrounded by five mountain ranges, Lewistown has no shortage of scenic beauty. However, it’s the small town’s outdoor recreation that makes it worth a weekend visit. While fishing, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities on Big Spring Creek, nearby Crystal Lake is also a scenic spot for hiking or swimming. Crystal Lake is also home to plenty of scenic trails, so be sure to check out the nearby Ice Caves Trail with its starkly beautiful, year-round ice formations.
Lewistown also has its own City Trail System that winds throughout the downtown area and along Big Spring Creek. Another fun downtown attraction is the Charlie Russell Chew Choo. This 56-mile round-trip train ride takes riders through the historic Hoosac Tunnel and showcases some of central Montana’s most picturesque scenery. Visitors can extend their stay in Lewistown at The Calvert Hotel, a historic gem just minutes from downtown.
Livingston
Though less than 30 miles from Bozeman, Livingston is a cozier small-town alternative to its big-city neighbor. Situated along the Yellowstone River and surrounded by rugged mountain scenery, Livingston has a charming downtown area with plenty of things to see and do. Explore the town’s bustling art scene with a visit to the Livingston Depot Center or the Banovich Art Center, or explore the area’s historical side with a visit to the Fly Fishers International Museum or the Yellowstone Gateway Museum.
Livingston also has its share of outdoor recreation. Raft, kayak, paddleboard, or take a boat ride on the Yellowstone River, check out one of the town’s exciting rodeo events, or stroll through the weekly farmer’s market. Livingston is also just an hour away from Yellowstone National Park. A great place to stop and relax before a visit to the popular park, the small town has plenty of vacation rentals, including an Airbnb in the historic Grabow Hotel.
Stevensville
Located on the banks of the scenic Bitterroot River, Stevensville is a tiny town with plenty of history. Established in 1841, Stevensville is generally considered to be the oldest non-Indigenous settlement in the state of Montana. Visitors can learn all about its history with a visit to St. Mary’s Mission or the Stevensville Museum. Nearby Fort Owen State Park, the site of Montana’s first Catholic church, is also worth a look.
Stevensville’s picturesque location between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains makes it a great spot to catch some of the area’s most breathtaking views. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for hiking, photography, and wildlife watching, while the Bitterroot River is ideal for water sports. After a long day outdoors, head downtown to relax with a visit to Blacksmith Brewing Company, before spending the night at The Stevensville Hotel.
West Yellowstone
Often called the “Gateway to Yellowstone,” West Yellowstone is the closest town to the popular national park. Despite its small-town status, the Madison River gem tends to be a bustling tourist destination, especially in summer. However, its charm makes it more than just a typical Wild West town. An exciting downtown area with plenty of shops, art museums, and eateries, West Yellowstone is also home to the historic Playmill Theatre, where visitors can catch a show in the summer.
West Yellowstone also has its share of outdoor activities, from kayaking and whitewater rafting in the summer to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is also a popular place to visit and is known for its interpretive exhibits and complex wildlife habitats. With so much to do (and Yellowstone right next door), West Yellowstone is a great place to spend a weekend—try the 1872 Inn for a sophisticated yet rustic experience.
Whitefish
About an hour away from Glacier National Park, Whitefish has long been considered the park’s unofficial gateway. However, the small town’s Rocky Mountain backdrop and lively downtown make it a must-visit destination in its own right. Beautiful lakes and rivers combine with sprawling forests and mountains to make Whitefish the perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts—from hiking and cycling to kayaking and fishing—and everything in between. For those looking for something other than a visit to Glacier National Park, Whitefish Lake State Park offers a more secluded alternative to the bustling tourist destination. Winter sports lovers will also want to hit the slopes at Whitefish Mountain for some of Big Sky Country’s best skiing.
Whitefish’s downtown also offers the ideal mix of small-town charm and bustling, eclectic appeal. Stunning architecture and panoramic mountain views make for stunning photo ops. Check out attractions like the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, or great restaurants such as Tupelo Grille. Want to stay the night? The Firebrand Hotel is an elegant stay with a rugged charm all its own.
Anyone looking for an adventurous weekend escape should look no further than Montana's many small-town getaways. While breathtaking mountain scenery is the perfect backdrop for these picturesque places, their bustling downtown areas offer visitors plenty of restaurants, history, and culture to explore. From tiny towns adjacent to famed national parks to scenic havens tucked away amid towering mountains, Montana's best small towns have something for any traveler.
