11 Most Scenic Montana Towns
Montana, affectionately nicknamed "Big Sky Country," is known for its majestic mountains, expansive wilderness, and endless blue horizons calling those that seek adventure.
While Montana might be known for its outdoor landscapes, many of its towns complement the wilderness beauty with unique personality and culture. After the discovery of gold in the 1860s, a steady migration of miners, cattle ranchers, and others poured into Montana looking for a place of land to call home. These eleven towns are some of the most breathtaking and scenic towns that Montana has to offer the intrepid adventurer.
Anaconda
Anaconda is situated in a scenic area within Deer Lodge County, surrounded by lakes that are ideal for fishing and offers excellent hiking opportunities in the nearby mountain ranges. The town is full of history from the old copper industry that made its home in the region in the late 19th century.
Washoe Theatre, built in 1931, is on the National Register of Historic Places. As well, Anaconda houses the historic Hearst Free Library, which opened in 1898. Lost Creek State Park, north of Anaconda, features limestone canyons and plenty of wildlife to see while camping. Fishing enthusiasts will love Georgetown Lake, found where the Anaconda Pintlers, the Sapphires, and Flint Creek mountains meet. The lake teems with an abundance of fish and is one of the best fishing spots in all of Montana, so grab your fishing rod and get ready for a challenge.
Stevensville
This town lies in a beautiful spot, nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains. Not only does this town have a scenic view on all sides, but it also has a remarkable place in Montana’s history. Stevensville was the first permanent pioneer settlement in Montana back in 1841. The bold white front of the Historic St. Mary's Mission still stands against the blue backdrop of the Montana sky.
Stevensville is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and bird lovers are in heaven at the interpretive trails of the 3,000-acre Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Osprey and bald eagles are just some of the highlights. Hiking fans will be happy with the nearby Kootenai Creek Trailhead, which gives visitors a beautiful view of the nearby roaring waterway.
Butte
Butte features enduring brick structures, a Victorian-style uptown area, and elegant mansions. These historic buildings make up one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts.
The region is renowned for its copper deposits and at one point in history was known as the "richest hill on earth." Only minutes from the city core visitors can find fishing and wildlife watching, and the nearby Granite Mountain Mine Memorial gives a breathtaking view of the town and the nearby mountains. The nearby Continental Divide National Scenic Trail offers a challenge for hikers and features thirteen trails that open to beautiful views.
Whitefish
Whitefish is a perfect destination for those with a passion for the great outdoors. Situated along the shores of Whitefish Lake and near Glacier National Park, this town provides opportunities for adventure year-round.
The rustic main street core of Whitefish, exuding small-town charm, greets visitors against the backdrop of the nearby mountains. Visitors can get once-in-a-lifetime views at Glacier National Park, only a 30-minute drive away from the town.
The area is also renowned for its skiing. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a world-class skiing location, full of challenging runs and gorgeous views of the mountain valley. The summertime also has opportunities to see the pristine views of nature. Visitors can partake in kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and more, all a stone’s throw from Whitefish.
Choteau
This charming location lies in the north of Montana, where the Rockies meet the plains. Choteau is a great combination of stunning views, cultural sites, and outdoor opportunities.
Choteau is located on the road between both Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, making it a great stop between the two famous parks. Great camping opportunities reside in nearby Lewis and Clark National Forest. In the wintertime, exceptional skiing lies at Choteau’s doorstep.
The Old Trail Museum is a perfect stop to learn all about the local history, and an expansive paleontology experience awaits at the Montana Dinosaur Center. Just south of Choteau, sits one of the world's best bird-watching spots, the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Big Timber
Big Timber lies in the southwestern corner of Montana, with the Yellowstone River rolling alongside the quaint town. Big Timber boasts stunning scenic outlooks, with expansive prairie vistas to the north and east, complemented by the mountain ranges in the south and west. The Crazy Mountains border the town, giving the town an astonishing view. Big Timber is known as the entryway into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and has world-class trout fishing.
The timeless views of the terrain have appeared in the movies, including ‘A River Runs Through It’ and ‘The Horse Whisperer.' History buffs will find some preserved old buildings in Big Timber, including Big Timber’s Grand Hotel Bed & Breakfast, featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
Livingston
Located in Park County in southwestern Montana, Livingston has a special place in the history of Montana. In the past, the town was known as the “Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park." The downtown core is full of classic brick buildings, including Livingston Dept, a testament to the long history of the train industry that helped build Montana.
The town offers galleries, theatre, and music, to complement the nearby mountain views. After eating at the local restaurants and enjoying the local art scene, explore the bountiful nature at the town's doorstep. Stunning scenery surrounds the town, set between four mountain ranges, offering year-round activities. Dogsledding, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding are only some of the things to be enjoyed over the course of the year.
Polson
This town is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, on the south side of Flathead Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States.
The down-to-earth lakeside residents make up one of Montana's most fertile farming regions. The area is famous for its cherry trees, and the town holds an annual Cherry Festival.
The nearby National Bison Range boasts significant populations of bison, elk, deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep. Several enchanting lakes are in the area, mirroring the majestic mountain ranges and vibrant blue skies. The legendary "Flathead Monster" which is rumored to live in the nearby lakes, so visitors with an eye for mystery should keep their cameras ready.
Ennis
Three mountain ranges pierce the blue skies around Ennis, giving this cowboy town countless enduring views. Ennis, a town with a cowboy charm, is embraced by three stunning mountain ranges, giving it a wealth of scenic beauty beneath the endless blue skies.
The Madison Range, the Gravelly Range, and the Tobacco Root Mountains surround Ennis, and supply some of the best river fishing in the state. Explore the old west saloons and dine at the multitude of restaurants available. Anyone wanting an easygoing day, can float down the Madison River, or spend a day along the peaceful Ennis Lake.
Libby
Settled back in the 1880s, a popular story says the town was named after a local miner's daughter. Located in northwest Montana, the Kootenai River flows through the area, and the nearby Cabinet Mountains cast a piercing view over the town. The town is known as the "City of Eagles" and features a collection of sculptures in town reflecting this nickname.
Three 60-foot eagles are found at each end of town, and one that perches over the downtown area. Do not forget to look up, you might see a real-life bald eagle. The Libby Dam, an architectural marvel and one of the biggest dams of modern times, is a great way to spend half a day. The Kootenai Falls Suspension Bridge offers a glimpse of powerful waterfalls, and is located only 12 minutes away by car.
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone is one of the closest towns to Yellowstone National Park, leaving the vast park at your fingertips. Visit the non-profit Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center and see the beauty of live grizzlies, wolves, otters, and more all in person. Adventures can raft the Gallatin River, all while basking in stunning mountain views as you roar down the rapids.
With the help of knowledgeable locals, head out on a tour of nearby Yellowstone Park to discover the best wildlife viewing spots and top sightseeing destinations. The winter season is a perfect time to return for a sublime cross-country skiing experience, featuring trails that wind through picturesque forests and meadows.
In Conclusion
Montana is full of towns with beautiful views, picturesque mountains, and peaceful winding rivers. These beautiful towns offer travelers a great destination as a gateway into the outdoors, and also an opportunity to sit and relax in the quaintness of a small town. Whether it is birdwatching, whitewater rafting, skiing, hiking, or simply relaxing, "Big Sky Country” has something to offer everyone.
