These Small Towns in Montana Come Alive in Fall
One of the most beautiful times of year in Montana is autumn. The changing colors of the leaves make for dreamy landscapes. The weather is often still mild even into October, and crowds are usually less, making it a more peaceful time of year to visit. While Montana's big city's like Missoula and Billings often get the spotlight, the small towns in Montana shine in fall. Hamilton is a small Montana mountain town that looks like it is right off a postcard, with scenic mountain views and lush forests. Ronan is a charming small town with a unique harvest fest. For travelers looking to experience the beauty of fall, look no further than these small towns.
Whitefish
Whitefish Montana is a popular destination year-round. It serves as the unofficial gateway to Glacier National Park. The town's close location to the Northern Rockies gives scenic mountain views. Fall is a quieter time of year to visit Whitefish since most tourists visit the area in the summer or winter. However, tourists that skip out on the town in fall are missing out. Walking through downtown, the warm autumn colors transform the town. The golden yellow of the aspen and tamarack are spectacular. Whitefish is also home to the Great Northwest Oktoberfest, held annually at the end of September. The fest focuses on everything German from music to food and drinks.
Hamilton
If you are after fall photos, Hamilton Montana is the place to visit. Once the leaves change color, the small town looks like it is right off a postcard. The downtown of Hamilton is in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley, between the Bitterroot Range and Sapphire Mountains. It makes for a picturesque walk. The streets fill with golden and amber leaves, against the backdrop of the Rockies. Just outside the town, there are many hikes for the more adventurous souls to enjoy. One of the most popular trails is the Hike to Mill Creek Falls. The 6 mile out and back walk takes hikers to see stunning craggy mountain views. Whether you are walking downtown or strolling through the mountains, Hamilton has some gorgeous fall views.
Red Lodge
Another mountain town in Montana that thrives in fall is Red Lodge. The town is in Montana's Beartooth Mountains, surrounded by Custer Gallatin National Forest. In autumn, the views of foliage in the surrounding area are phenomenal. Besides stunning natural views, Red Lodge is home to Oktoberfest. The event is more than a two-decade old tradition that takes place at Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company. There is German food, live music, and a unique Oktoberfest Olympics. Some of the most popular fall foods at the celebration include bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and strudel. From stunning mountain views to Oktoberfest festivities, Red Lodge is an overlooked Montana town in the fall season.
Bigfork
Near Flathead Lake, Bigfork is a quaint Montana town. In autumn, the colorful leaves decorate the main street and suite the vibe of the street's artistic flair. Fall is apparent in the surrounding orchards around town. There are orchards specializing in different types of fruits, including cherries and apples. Two popular orchards to stop for a snack include Getman's Orchard and Vineyards and the Orchard at Flathead Lakes.
Bigfork is also a great town for fall hiking. The Wild Mile Trail is a scenic fall hike, taking you along the river rapids to see surreal surrounding vistas of the Swan River and Flathead Lake.
Manhattan
Unlike the other Manhattan, the Montana Manhattan is a charming small town in the warmth of the mountains. The town has several hiking opportunities to enjoy the serenity of fall. The Gallatin River Trail is a popular 1.8-mile hike along the Gallatin River. The reflection of the scarlet, golden and amber hues in the river make for stunning views on the hike. Besides stunning natural landscapes, Manhattan is home to the Montana Corn Maze. The maze is five acres with three different levels of difficulty.
Ronan
Fall is about more than spectacular natural views. It is also a time when people come together in celebration of harvest. The town that takes this to heart is Ronan. The small Montana town has an annual Harvest Fest with events such as a chili cook-off, and Dutch oven cook-off. There are several local vendors that come to the festival to sell baked goods such as pies and other food. With so much good food, make sure to go to the harvest celebration hungry.
Libby
A town you probably don't except to see on the list is the northwestern Montana town called Libby. While the town itself doesn't offer anything special in autumn, Libby is home to two gorgeous attractions, Kootenai Falls and the nearby Kootenai Swinging Bridge. The Kootenai falls are one of the largest in the state and look particularly stunning amongst the fall colors. If you are a thrill seeker, you will enjoy walking on the Kootenai Swinging Bridge. It is a suspension bridge that stretches over the Kootenai River. In fall, the vistas around the bridge transform from green to golden when the aspens change their leaves. Both attractions make the visit to Libby in autumn worth the trip.
Welcoming Fall
While Montana's small towns might not be at the top of your bucket list of places to visit, they showcase a scenic, charming side of Montana. Bigfork's scenic hike showcases spectacular foliage around Swan Lake. There is no better way to get in the fall spirit than by attending the Harvest Fest in Ronan. The baked goods at the festival are a fall treat everyone is sure to enjoy! Whether you want to go hiking, celebrate the fall harvest or enjoy the slow-paced charm of small-town life, these Montana small towns are some of the state's most idyllic in fall. You'll want to write them down, so you don't forget to add them to your bucket list!
