The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Montana
Montana’s name comes from the Spanish word montaña, meaning mountain, which perfectly describes the state’s features and beauty. Those who have visited this Western state know that it is a natural hidden gem, boasting rugged mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine forests, and blue lakes. Due to its Western pioneer past, it is also filled with charming culture and fascinating historic landmarks. Six of its towns, in particular, encompass all of this beauty and more, making them some of the state’s most picturesque locations and perfect for a memorable getaway.
Anaconda
Anaconda is a gorgeous small town in southwest Montana, with panoramic views of mountains in the surrounding areas. The town has wonderfully preserved its charm, which visitors can appreciate through buildings in the historic district, such as the Hearst Free Library, the Washoe Theater, and the Deer-Lodge County Courthouse, all on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The town’s walkable downtown area is home to a wide array of cafes, boutiques, home-good stores, restaurants, a brewery, and more, making it the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Nearby, Georgetown Lake, a 3,000-acre mountain lake, is perfect for recreational activities like fishing, boating, camping, and windsurfing. In the winter, skiers can drive about a half hour from town to reach Ski Discovery Area, which boasts a scenic, snowy hill for great skiing!
Butte
Butte is home to one of the country’s largest National Historic Districts, with many buildings possessing stunning 20th-century architecture. One of the best ways to explore Butte’s elaborate past is by hopping on a trolley tour, which explains the town’s rich mining history and passes by many historic landmark buildings, such as Copper King Mansion, Clark Chateau, Dumas Brothel, and more. Those seeking a truly immersive historical experience can even lodge at Copper King Mansion, which today functions as a cozy and luxurious bed and breakfast!
In addition to its history, Butte is also a great base for several nearby natural attractions due to its excellent position in the Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, and Thompson Park is for fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Polson
Polson is a serene lakeside town nestled on the shores of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the Western Continental US. It is a prominent cherry-growing region, with the town celebrating its annual Cherry Festival, this year taking place at the end of July! The event features artist talent, lots of cherries and cherry pies, and local vendors selling goods and crafts.
May through October, visitors can also stop by Polson’s vibrant farmers market, which takes place every Friday morning and offers fresh food, baked goods, soaps, jewelry, art, and more for sale. More adventurous travelers can embark on an exciting whitewater rafting excursion down the Flathead River. The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam (formerly the Kerr Dam) is also a beautiful landmark to visit, towering a little over 200 feet and dating back to the 1930’s.
Choteau
The small town of Choteau is nestled in the heart of the Rockies and has a rustic, cozy charm that makes it the perfect place for an escape. Visitors can start the day off right by stopping by the cozy Copper Creek Coffee for a breakfast burrito, hot chocolate, or warm coffee.
Afterward, those wanting a truly unforgettable experience can hike the nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which is one of the world’s best-preserved mountain ecosystems, consisting of pristine waterfalls, alpine lakes, wide river valleys, and rugged peaks. To Choteau’s south, the Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area offers prime bird watching, with over 200 species of birds recorded on the premises. History lovers can check out Old Trail Museum, which portrays the experience that many early Western settlers had through immersive exhibits and authentic artifacts.
Hamilton
Nestled near the Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway and the Sapphire Mountains, Hamilton is a fantastic destination for mountain excursions. Travelers driving along the scenic byway can enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas, with highlights including the stunning Skalkaho Falls. The Bitterroot River, which passes through Hamilton, is a great point for water activities such as fishing and white water rafting.
Within town, travelers can grab a meal at one of its tasty restaurants, such as Higherground Brewing Co., which serves delicious pizza with dough made fresh daily and an impressive array of craft brews. Afterward, travelers must stop by the Ravalli County Museum, which houses fascinating art, history, and fishing exhibits! The museum’s building is a historic landmark as well, dating back to 1900, originally the Ravalli County Courthouse.
Big Sky
With all kinds of recreational activities to do year-round, Big Sky is always a good option regardless of the season. In the summer, Big Sky has a network of scenic trails perfect for avid hikers, boasting fields of wildflowers and gentle streams. The Gallatin River is also an ideal location for white water rafting, which has stretches for beginners through advanced rafters!
Those looking for a memorable dining experience have several options in Big Sky to choose from. Everett’s 8800, for example, opened seasonally, is an elegant restaurant on top of Lone Peak that requires taking a chairlift to reach it! However, it is not necessary to leave Big Sky’s center to have fun. The town’s shopping district is home to many diverse stores, many offering local and artisanal products, such as jewelry, art, gifts, clothes, and more.
Although Montana is sometimes overshadowed by its other Rocky Mountains neighbors, such as Colorado and Wyoming, it has plenty of towns filled with vibrant culture and natural beauty that should not be overlooked. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, historical insights, or simply a tranquil escape, Montana’s picturesque towns like Anaconda, Butte, Polson, Choteau, Hamilton, and Big Sky provide the perfect setting. These towns not only showcase the state's breathtaking landscapes but also embody the spirit of the West, making them ideal destinations for an unforgettable getaway.
