6 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Montana

When many people consider states like Montana, it is often too easy to get caught up in the images of rugged mountains, open prairies, or the expansive national parks known worldwide. In this untamed environment, there are weeks of exploration to be had in Big Sky Country. While this is an accurate description, there is much more to the state than just its terrain; one of its biggest gems is some of the small towns that seem as if they were pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Life here is less hectic, and often too beautiful to seem real.

Whitefish

If you were to travel to the northwest corner of Montana in your quest to visit Glacier National Park, you are sure to encounter the resort town of Whitefish. Thanks to the Whitefish Mountain Resort, winter is one of the busiest seasons for this small town, where skiers and snowboarders come from all over the country to show off their skills on multiple slopes down the mountainside.

The resort-style architecture also exists in town, with chalet-style buildings that now house coffee shops and restaurants, such as Loula's Cafe. This spot is one of the most famous in the region of Montana for breakfast, with huckleberry pancakes being the star of the show. Similarly, the nightlife is just as active, with long-running hangout spots like the Great Northern Bar and Grill, which has been serving dishes and drinks since 1919

Even in the summer, Whitefish is a popular destination due to its proximity to Whitefish Lake. The area is alive with outdoor recreation, offering activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, or lounging on the beach at City Beach Park. No matter what time of year you visit, there is outdoor fun to be experienced in this community.

Bigfork

While the name of the community might seem like an oversized utensil, it is much more than that to describe the layout of the land at the northeastern tip of Flathead Lake, where the Swan River enters the bay. For most people, the lake is the main attraction of this small town, and you can gear up at several outfitters around the shoreline, like Base Camp Bigfork.

Another draw to coming to Bigfork is that it often feels like it's plucked from a scene in a Hollywood movie. This is especially true during the transition from late fall to early winter, when holiday decorations are prevalent throughout the community, from the tree lighting in November to the Parade of Lights in the first week of December. Even the entertainment feels larger than life, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the Broadway-quality productions at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, a community staple that has been running for nearly 70 years.

Choteau

Choteau is a small town, but its reputation has been well preserved, you might say. Just outside of town to the South is the most famous fossil site in all of North America, Egg Mountain. Here, paleontologists have discovered eggs, bones, and complete nests that once belonged to prehistoric creatures. The Old Trail Museum in town still displays many of these ancient treasures and findings, as well as life-sized dinosaur statues for the science buff in your group.

There's much more to Choteau than just fossils. Because it is located on the Rocky Mountain Front, visitors can enjoy natural wonders such as overhanging cliffs and steep trails that attract hikers and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country. One of the best places to experience this is the Bob Marshall Wilderness, also known as the Bob, which offers excellent opportunities for in-depth exploration.

When you get hungry, John Henry's on Main Ave. is the place that the community loves to go. It has been operating for decades and continues to serve classic comfort dishes that cater to every taste.

Livingston

While it may have been a gritty railroad town centuries ago, Livingston is now known as a hub of art, literature, and fly fishing. The town's unique character has made it a must-visit destination for travelers of all types, whether they are seeking local art or active fishing spots on the incredible Yellowstone River. A prime example of this is the Murray Hotel and its Murray’s Bar. This historic building has served as a temporary home for celebrities ranging from Calamity Jane to Anthony Bourdain. Today, it stands as the iconic centerpiece of historic Livingston.

Much like the rest of the town, the dining options here in Livingston range dramatically to suit every taste of visitors and locals enjoying the community. For example, you can have mouth-watering cuts of steak with heaping portions at the Montana Ribs & Chop House, or you can have upscale dining at Campione on Main Street.

Fort Benton

This is considered the oldest settlement in Montana, and as such, it still retains some of its historic charm today. Most of this is the remnants of the active port the town once was on the Missouri River, as it was the final stop for upstream steamboats in the 1800s. You can even walk along the levee by the river and see where these boats may have stopped. More historical exploration is available at the Museum of the Upper Missouri and the reconstructed Old Fort, where you can learn about the town's active and industrious past.

Part of what makes Fort Benton seem as though it was plucked from a fairy tale is the natural wonders surrounding the town. Visitors come from all over the country to experience the Missouri River Breaks National Monument, where countless canoe and kayak trips begin through the White Cliffs section.

When you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind eating experience that embodies the local atmosphere and attitude of the residents here, check out the locally famous Public House. This renowned BBQ spot has low costs and heaping plates.

Seeley Lake

With a town named after the lake it surrounds, you would expect it to be an impressive natural wonder. Seeley Lake does not disappoint. Located squarely in the Swan Valley, it is framed by towering mountain peaks and dense cedar forests that highlight the majestic lake, which serves as the centerpiece of outdoor recreation during the warmer months, including fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can access the Clearwater Canoe Trail through this lake, which offers a gentle paddle experience through wetlands where you can observe much of the area's wildlife in its natural habitat.

Inside the town, the community operates much like a resort, offering memorable dining experiences, such as the hearty meals at the locally famous Filling Station, or the cozy cabins available for rent at the Tamaracks Resort.

Even the winter season has drawn people to the region, and many visit Seeley Lake for Winterfest in January. Whether it's the initial lighting of the torch at the parade, the dinner theater, the live entertainment, the fishing tournaments, or countless other events, these two long weekends should be appreciated if possible.

Montana will never run out of small towns and unique experiences for travelers, whether you're coming to see the Badlands firsthand or to stand on a mountain top. However, it is each of these small towns throughout Big Sky Country that create the truly memorable moments you can find, breathing in fresh mountain air or dining at one-of-a-kind venues. Places like Big Fork, Whitefish, and Livingston all seem, in their own way, to be pulled from the pages of bedtime stories. The beautiful backdrops of these communities are worth exploring and appreciating the next time you find yourself in Montana.