7 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in Montana
As anyone who has ever visited Montana can attest, this mountainous state is one of the most scenic parts of the United States. Home to the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park, the “Treasure State” is also where you’ll find some of the most welcoming small towns in the country, too.
From the stunning lakeside setting of Whitefish at the gateway to Glacier National Park to Bozeman, a bustling community that serves as a launchpad for explorations into Yellowstone, and culturally rich Bigfork to the continuing mining legacy of Philipsburg, these seven most hospitable small towns in Montana are waiting for an excuse to roll out the red carpet.
Whitefish
The residents of Whitefish near Glacier National Park are no strangers to visitors from out of town. One of the top 10 most visited national parks in the USA, many of the over two million yearly visitors to this stunning area spend at least a little time in Whitefish to sample local hospitality in the town’s restaurants and hotels. They’re also here for attractions like Whitefish Mountain Resort. This 3,000-acre resort is well-known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding terrain, not to mention its superb views over Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.
Visitors are also given a warm welcome in downtown Whitefish, too. In addition to its art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants, it’s here you’ll find the Whitefish Theatre Company which presents a variety of fun performances throughout the year.
Bozeman
Bozeman is a name that’s well-known to travelers visiting Yellowstone National Park and serves as a welcoming base from which to explore one of the top attractions in the USA. In addition to spending time in Yellowstone, visitors will want to include the Museum of the Rockies on their list of things to do in Bozeman, Highlights of this kid-friendly spot include a large collection of dinosaur fossils, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex named "Big Mike" that stands guard at the museum entrance, as well as a planetarium.
Bozeman also welcomes hikers and mountain bikers, too, along with fisherfolk here for some of the country’s best fly fishing in the Gallatin River. Film and fishing fans will remember this Bozeman area river as the setting for the hit movie, A River Runs Through It.
Livingston
Livingston is another friendly community known to throw out the welcome mat for sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts. For these folks, the big draw – in addition to the town’s friendly reputation – is the stunning natural beauty of Paradise Valley and the Yellowstone River and the Old West charm of Historic Livingston Main Street with its many elegant buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. A downtown highlight is the Livingston Depot Center, a restored former railroad building that now serves as a museum offering insights into the town's railway heritage.
Yellowstone River is another big draw and attracts fly-fishing fans from across the globe trying their hand at catching a trout or two. Better still, time a visit to coincide with the Livingston Roundup Rodeo, one of the largest and oldest such events in Montana.
Bigfork
Despite what locals may jokingly tell you, Bigfork gets its wonderful name not from the eating utensil, but rather from its location where the Swan River enters Flathead Lake… the river’s “big fork.” This charming lakeside village is located at the northeastern tip of Flathead Lake, famous as the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It’s a delightful place to experience a little of that old frontier spirit as you wander the wooden sidewalks and landscaped boulevards of Electric Avenue in the downtown core.
Pop into the stores here and there’s even a chance you’ll bump into the makers of the crafts and artwork on display, always willing to engage in a chat about their work. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is another must-visit and is a renowned repertory theater that has entertained audiences for decades with Broadway-caliber productions.
Hamilton
Surrounded by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, Hamilton is a great road trip destination for travelers wanting to combine Montana sightseeing with a trip to nearby Idaho. Highlights include the historic estate of 19th-century copper magnate Marcus Daly. Known as Daly Mansion, this beautiful sprawling mansion and its grounds can (and should) be toured. It also regularly hosts community events including outdoor concerts and historical celebrations.
Bitterroot River is another welcoming sight and is especially popular with anglers for its excellent fly-fishing, as are its many trout-teeming tributaries. Rafting, tubing, and wildlife spotting are also fun things to do in Hamilton, as are hiking and mountain biking. You can also mingle with the locals and friendly area vendors at the Saturday Hamilton Farmers Market.
Philipsburg
Its location relative to the I-90 (it’s just 27 miles away) in the Pintler Mountains makes Philipsburg an easy to get to destination for those wanting to experience some authentic Montana hospitality. One of Philipsburg's most welcoming attractions is the Sapphire Gallery where visitors can experience the thrill of sifting through gravel to find gems of their own.
The town's mining legacy can also be explored at the Granite County Museum, a great local museum with friendly staff and guides. It contains exhibits on local mining, area ghost towns, and the often harsh life of early settlers. Philipsburg's main street, Broadway, is a must-explore. This beautifully preserved strip of historic buildings is where you’ll find the warmest welcome of all: the Philipsburg Brewing Company, which offers a great selection of craft beers. Visit in December and you can also join local revelers during the town’s enchanting Christmas Stroll.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is located at the base of the Beartooth Mountains in southern Montana close to the border with Wyoming. Getting there is half the fun thanks to the spectacular Beartooth Highway. Considered one of the prettiest scenic drives in the USA, this mountain road winds its way between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park, offering breathtaking views of alpine plateaus, glacial lakes, and rugged wilderness pretty much the whole way.
Those who enjoy hitting the slopes in winter will want to include Red Lodge Mountain on their travel itinerary. In addition to its excellent skiing and snowboarding trails and runs, the après-ski scene here is a great deal of fun, too. Come summer, the trails are busy with hikers and mountain bikers heading into Custer Gallatin National Forest. Fun annual events like the Red Lodge Music Festival and the Home of Champions Rodeo also draw crowds.
The Final Word
Montana's best small towns are much more than just pretty places to visit in the USA. Dig a little deeper and experience their events and visit their attractions and cultural centers, and there’s a whole world of friendly locals willing to show off their hometowns. Whether you’re here for sightseeing or some mountain adventure, these seven most hospitable small towns in Montana are guaranteed to make you feel more than welcome.
