These Towns in the Rockies have the Best Main Streets
The Rocky Mountains, colloquially known as the "Rockies," are a popular spot amongst tourists and travelers alike for their breathtaking views of (and access to) blue-green lakes, expansive hiking trails, deep forests, snow-capped mountains, wildlife, and more. The mountain range covers much of western North America, passing through the US states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.
These charming towns merge the beauty of the natural landscape with the warmth and excitement of a welcoming main street, ideal for a well-rounded getaway, summer vacation, or romantic trip for two. Discover a plethora of unique shops, art galleries, museums, eateries, and more in these distinctive small towns.
Park City, Utah
An ideal destination for a three-day weekend in Utah, Park City is just east of the excitement of Salt Lake City and borders the Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resorts and the Wasatch Range. The town is especially popular in the winter because of its charming resorts, which offer snow-dressed hills for all types of winter sports, as well as cozy chalets, and plenty of hot cocoa. In spring, summer, and fall, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golfing are all popular activities. Of course, the downtown area is also worth writing home about. Buildings erected during the 19th-century silver mining boom line the main street, which is home to an endless collection of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Last Friday Gallery Stroll is a popular attraction, occurring on the last Friday of each month, where visitors can wander the 19 galleries in the area.
Hamilton, Montana
Hamilton is one of the most beautiful locations in Montana, home to endless opportunities for hiking and backpacking in the Bitterroot Mountains, as well as annual events such as Daly Days, Bitterroot Brewfest, and Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering. The hopping downtown area houses an abundance of interesting attractions, including a theater, live music, and local breweries, as well as a plethora of restaurants, locally owned shops, and antique stores. After wandering the downtown streets, visit the Daly Mansion, which offers daily tours of the historic 19th-century home of American industrialist Marcus Daly. For a day on the water, visit the glistening Lake Como, where there is a boat dock, beachfront, and hiker's cabin.
Silverton, Colorado
Located at the foothills of the San Juan Mountains, a range of the Rockies, Silverton is a picturesque small town in Colorado. The town boasts a unique history, having once been a mining town, and now sits on the list of National Historic Landmark Districts. The Alpine Loop scenic byway is the ideal scenic drive, sharing views of the Rockies, while the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a winding adventure through the canyons and wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. After a day of adventuring, whether visitors choose to drive, hike, horseback ride, or camp in the landscape, it is essential to enjoy some time downtown. The historic main street features a number of museums and historic sites, not to mention places to grab a bite to eat and shop.
Lander, Wyoming
Just south of the Wind River Indian Reservation, Lander is one of the coolest small towns in Wyoming. The town is home to a unique history of the wild west, “where the rails end and the trails begin.” It is an excellent location for outdoor adventurists, with opportunities including the scenic beauty of Sinks Canyon State Park, Wind River Mountains, and Red Canyon. Some of the most popular activities in the area include mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, fishing, and of course July Fourth celebrations. The downtown streets share a glimpse into the town's history, with unique spots such as the Fremont County Pioneer Museum and the Museum of the American West. There are also plenty of shops, microbreweries, art galleries, restaurants, and more.
Whitefish, Montana
Sitting on the edge of Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Montana boasts a diverse landscape, housing the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains, alongside glistening lakes, endless trails and hiking spots, and an exciting town center. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is a popular destination amongst skiers, snowboarders, and those in search of a charming winter getaway. Biking, hiking, boating, and swimming are all popular throughout the rest of the year. In the downtown core, there is a live theater, plenty of dining spots, shops, coffee houses, and more. For an extended stay, camp out in Glacier National Park, stay in one of the nearby cozy bed and breakfasts, or enjoy a rustic stay in Grouse Mountain Lodge.
Wallace, Idaho
One of the best small towns in Idaho, Wallace is central to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, with miles and miles of hiking trails, waterways, and lookout points to explore. For over 100 years, the town was the world’s largest silver producer, earning it a spot on the National Record of Historical Places. Once over 1,000 miles of mining and logging roads, there is now an intricate mountain biking, ATVing, and snowmobiling trail system, ideal for an exciting adventure. With its turn-of-the-century brick buildings, the main street of Wallace is a historical spot, home to a number of pawn shops and antique stores, as well as a train station, mine museum, plenty of shops, and lots of different restaurants.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge, Colorado, is one of the best mountain towns to visit. The town is well known for its skiing scene, Gold Rush history, and exciting nightlife, making for a rich and immersive trip. There are opportunities for adventure year-round, with options ranging from skiing trips to fly-fishing outings to mountain biking through scenic trails. The town also boasts one of the biggest historic districts in Colorado, home to a charming main street where the shops look like they were taken straight from the past because of their Old West-style architecture. There are plenty of pubs and breweries for an exciting night on the town, though a leisurely stroll, wandering through the collection of shops and restaurants, is also an ideal plan for the day.
Enjoy a Trip to the Rockies!
Alongside the mountain range itself, the small towns scattered throughout the area each offer their own delights and cozy places in which to stay. While visitors may spend days exploring the vast escape of the Rockies, these main streets offer exciting adventures, with new cuisine to discover, unique art galleries, locally owned shops, and plenty of unique and interesting stops. When planning a trip to the Rocky Mountains, these charming mountain towns and their main streets deserve a spot on every itinerary.
