11 Small Towns In Montana To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
As a Rocky Mountains state and home to two of America’s most famous national parks, Montana is chock full of sublime beauty. This is Big Sky country, with deep cerulean lakes, jagged snowcapped peaks, dense untouched forests, and endless golden plains. Hundreds of towns across the state’s varied landscape are gateways to the natural glory. However, a handful of these towns stand out for their spectacular vistas and world-class attractions. Whether you want to learn about the railroad and mining culture of a bygone era, indulge in a farm-fresh meal, or simply bask in the beauty, we’ve got you covered. Discover 11 of Montana’s best small towns to explore on your next weekend getaway in 2025.
Whitefish
Whitefish is a stellar place to start many nature adventures. From here, you can head to Flathead Lake, which is the biggest lake in the West, covering 191 square miles. There’s skiing at the pristine Whitefish Mountain Resort, and humongous Glacier National Park is 30 minutes to the east. Yet no one would blame you for sticking around town.
As winter approaches, warm lights and a blazing fire beckon from Grouse Mountain Lodge. Grouse Mountain is a well-appointed hotel with fabulous food at Logan’s Bar & Grill, plus an outdoor hot tub for those cool mountain evenings. Meanwhile, lively downtown Whitefish brings cheer and Western cultural appeal. For entertainment, be sure to check out Alpine Theatre Project, which was founded by three Broadway actors.
Livingston
Just 55 miles from Yellowstone, Livingston is a gorgeous location on the Yellowstone River, at the base of four mountain ranges. The town represents the confluence of the arts, rusticity, and Western dining at its best. At Livingston Depot Center, a museum and event center, learn about the history of the Northern Pacific Railroad, which opened the Livingston Depot in 1902 to service Yellowstone visitors.
For a great view of the scenic Yellowstone River, you can head to Myers’ River View Trail. The trail goes for one mile alongside the river and features wind pipe whistles, a lookout, and informational signs. For a taste of cozy hospitality, consider staying at A Stone’s Throw Bed & Breakfast, located in the heart of downtown and a short walk away from the beautiful Sacajawea Park.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is a classic Western town. InsureMyTrip named Red Lodge the most charming small town in America. It’s located northeast of Yellowstone, in the shadow of the mammoth Beartooth Mountains, which are Montana’s highest mountain range. In those mountains you can start your weekend retreat on the slopes of Red Lodge Mountain. The mountain boasts 2,400 feet of vertical, 70 runs, and 250 inches of snow a year.
Once you’re ready to warm up, check in at The Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge’s historic downtown. The Pollard has been there since 1893 and has hosted the likes of Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane. It has a pub where you can tuck in for dinner and watch live music on weekends.
Next, stroll down Broadway Avenue and take in the Old West storefronts. Head over to Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery to see incredible pieces from regional artists and artisans. You can finish your getaway with a drive on Beartooth Highway, a 60-mile stretch that author Charles Kurault called the most beautiful roadway in America.
Bigfork
On the banks of the great Flathead Lake, Bigfork is a village that bustles with all the Western appeal you could hope for on your weekend retreat. This town’s accolades go on and on. It’s been named one of the 50 Great Towns in the West and one of the 100 Best Small Arts Towns. Upon arrival, you can post up at Flathead Lake Lodge, an all-inclusive guest ranch that offers adventures like horseback riding, fishing trips, lake cruises, and a guided tour of Bigfork. On the lake, Wild Horse Island is an incredibly picturesque 2,165-acre park accessible only via boat, with chances to see wild horses and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Forty minutes from the ranch, you’ll find a Bison Range where you can view a herd of the West’s most iconic animal. In the village, you can see why Bigfork is a top arts town at Bigfork Art & Cultural Center, which features Montana artists exploring new, exciting ideas. The Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts offers year-round opportunities to see first-rate concerts, plays, music theater, and more.
Philipsburg
Ever wanted to pan for your own sapphire? In Philipsburg, you can do just that at Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine. While you’re at it, you’ll see why Philipsburg was once named one of the Prettiest Painted Places in America. The Broadway Hotel exemplifies Philipsburg’s flair, with its creamy yellow, green, sky-blue, and maroon façade. It’s also a great place to stay, with a cozy and comfortable guest lounge where you can snuggle up with a book by the fire.
The JM McLeod building is another painted highlight, festooned pink and blue. Stop in at Silver Mill Restaurant & Saloon for some refreshment—unexpectedly delicious fine dining fare and a glimpse of old-timey craftsmanship with a restored copper-beaten ceiling. Finish your weekend getaway at the Granite County Museum & Cultural Center. There, you’ll learn about the town’s mining past and see the Ghost Town Hall of Fame with its plethora of photos documenting Montana’s fascinating ghost towns.
Gardiner
Gardiner is a gorgeous gateway to Yellowstone National Park. At the Roosevelt Hotel, many of the rooms provide fabulous views of the park and the Yellowstone River. Plus, it’s a great place to stay, with amenities galore. Gardiner is the only town from which you can access Yellowstone year-round.
The famous Roosevelt Arch is two miles north of town, a stone archway and entrance to the park, built in 1903, with the inscription “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.” Head a little farther north and you can soak in the mineral-rich thermal water at Yellowstone Hot Springs, surrounded by the absolute majesty of the river, Sheep Mountain, and Cinnabar Mountain. In town, the Heritage and Resource Center has exhibits from the National Park Service. Stroll around and you can grab a bite from Wanderland Café, which sources local, fresh ingredients.
Ennis
If you are looking for a nice, relaxing time in a country town, Ennis provides just that. Famed for its Madison River trout fishing, Ennis sits at the base of three mountain ranges: the Madison, Gravelly, and Tobacco Root Mountains. You can experience mountain cabin life at Lure Me Inn, a top-rated lodging option with well-appointed log cabins that are dog-friendly.
For good old-fashioned Montana hospitality, live music, and some shepherd’s pie, stop in at Gravel Bar. Stepping out of the bar, you are within walking distance of Ennis Lions Club Park, a riverside site for a refreshing picnic or some fly fishing on the river. If you are here in winter, try ice-fishing or snowshoeing on pristine Ennis Lake. Finish off your weekend getaway with a trip to Virginia City, which lies 17 minutes west of Ennis. There, you can get a snapshot of the Old West via a self-guided walking tour, a historic fire truck tour, or the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad.
West Yellowstone
As a gateway to Yellowstone’s west entrance, the town of West Yellowstone is a perfect place to get away for a weekend of park exploration. In town, start your weekend at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where you will glimpse the huge bears and a pack of beautiful wolves in their natural habitat. Next, check out the Museum of the Yellowstone and brush up on the history of the Union Pacific Railroad, Old Snaggletooth the grizzly, and natural disasters that have shaped the area. For thrilling outdoor fun, Yellowstone Aerial Adventures is a zipline and ropes course with over 1,000 feet of ziplines. When you’re ready to call it a day, Three Bear Lodge offers an authentic Western lodge experience plus free breakfast at Three Bear Restaurant next door.
Big Sky
For an elevated weekend, check out Big Sky. The town sits in an alpine valley at an elevation of 6,299 feet, below Lone Mountain, which tops out at 11,166. Big Sky Resort offers the opportunity to spend your weekend skiing in deep powder. Ride the gondola to the peak and survey the epic sweep of the Spanish Peaks Primitive Area—in a word, wow. For a luxurious, four-star stay after a long day skiing, check in at the Summit Hotel at the foot of the mountain. Or, the Powder Ridge Cabins are on the mountain waiting for you to ski to the front door and jump in the hot tub. During summer, try hiking Beehive Basin, a 6.6-mile round trip with stunning views of rocky crags and wildflower meadows.
Hamilton
The Bitterroot Valley community of Hamilton is a delight for anyone who wants a rustic Montana small town experience alongside the cultural offerings of a bigger town. Start your weekend walking picturesque Main Street, with its preserved Old West buildings and myriad shops and galleries. No weekend in Hamilton would be complete without a trip to the Ravalli County Museum, which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings. For another window on the past, visit the Daly Mansion, which was built by Copper King Marcus Daly in the late 1800s.
After you’re done exploring the picture-perfect town of Hamilton, there’s no better way to experience the Bitterroot backcountry than to stay at Downing Mountain Lodge, just west of town. Gaze out at the distant lights in the valley below from the lodge’s hot tub after a fulfilling day of backcountry skiing or hiking. Plus, the lodge has a sauna, a huge fireplace, an incredible kitchen, and guided adventures beneath Montana’s big sky.
Kalispell
Just south of Whitefish, Kalispell is a larger town of around 25,000 people. From here, you can access Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake in no time. The park and the lake are incredibly scenic, no matter what time of year you visit. What’s more, you will find superb Western art on display in downtown Kalispell at the Glacier Art Museum. If you’re looking for modern, groundbreaking art, look no further than Montana Modern Fine Art.
Your weekend getaway can go even further with an exploration of the Flathead Indian Reservation on the southern end of Flathead Lake. There, you can honor the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, who have been in the area for thousands of years, while taking in the breathtaking landscape. Upon your return to town, the Kalispell Grand Hotel is a fantastic choice for lodging. It’s been there since 1912 and provides a classy taste of Montana hospitality.
Discover Montana’s Gorgeous Small Towns
You will find a plethora of memorable sights and attractions in Montana. On your next weekend getaway, these small towns are bound to be a delight for all five of your senses. Immerse yourself in the grandeur, beauty, and culture. Whether you want to just relax or set off on an adventure, you cannot go wrong with experiencing Montana's small town life at its finest.
