7 Coolest Montana Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025

Sunny skies over stoic, snow-kissed mountains, alpine meadows reverberating with uptempo folk music, and paddlers peppering pure glacial lakes — such is the summer scene in much of Montana. The Big Sky Country prides itself on four full seasons of adventures, but since the last of those spring snows will soon melt, let's hone in on its fair-weather attributes. These are eight of Montana's coolest summer towns to offer 2025 vacationers.

Whitefish

It doesn't get much cooler than Whitefish. Yes, it is well-known as a ski town, thanks to its proximity to the namesake mountain resort, but in the summer, Whitefish morphs into a vibrant lake town. With its beach, boat launch, and kayak rental station, Whitefish Lake State Park awaits just a short drive up the western shore. Or if you prefer, the local City Beach is just as compelling and is connected to downtown by scenic bike and walking paths.

Speaking of downtown, the few square blocks leading up to Depot Park are full of brew pubs, coffee shops, and ice cream shacks, tons of shopping prospects, and multiple performing arts centers. Follow your nose, and your ears, to the outdoor stage, bar, and food truck venue known as Thirty Eight (which operates daily during the summer season), and if you're lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday, be sure to swing by the well-trafficked farmers' market, which set ups all around the train station.

Bigfork

Speaking of social lake towns, the community of Bigfork is ideal for summer vacationers. Book a room at one of its harborside inns, or hurry to claim a site at Wayfarers State Park on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake, i.e., the largest natural body of freshwater in the western United States and one of the cleanest lakes anywhere in the world. Start with a standup paddleboard session; establish your balance in Bigfork Harbor and then use the Swan River to connect to the lake, or test your nerves with a few cannonballs off Wayfarers' cliffs.

Next, refuel at one of the unique cafes along Electric and Osborn Avenues before logging some miles on the Swan River Nature Trail (on a bike or on foot). Finally, double back to civilization for a patio pint at Flathead Lake Brewing Co., or if you happen to roll through the weekend, check out the Bigfork Monday Market (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) for some live music, drinks, and artisanal pop-up vendors.

Big Sky

Montana's identity seems based on alliteration: mountains, music, and markets. All three can again be found at Big Sky's Meadow Village. Every Thursday evening from late June to early September, the free outdoor concert series, "Music in the Mountains," gathers locals, vacationers, and pop-up vendors around Len Hill Park for feel-good tunes in a spectacular environment. While waiting for 6 p.m. to roll around, why not hike to Ousel Falls on a modest, well-trodden forest trail just up the road? Alternatively, bring your clubs and play a low-key round at the Big Sky Resort Golf Course, where the thinner air helps each drive fly a bit further.

Apgar

Apgar isn't just a cool summer hangout spot; it is the central basecamp for Glacier National Park and the southern terminus of the incomparable Going-to-the-Sun Road. Here, friends and families can choose between various cabins and lodges, or sink further into nature by booking a site at Apgar Campground. The Apgar Bike Path connects the campground (where rangers and local tribal members give informative talks) with the Apgar Visitor Center (where kids can pick up their Junior Ranger Activity Booklet), to the gift shops in the heart of Apgar, to the broader trail networks surrounding McDonald Creek. However, the best aspect of Apgar may be its stunning views from the beach on the southern shore of Lake McDonald, where paddle boats can be rented.

West Yellowstone

While we're on the subject of epic national park basecamps, West Yellowstone certainly deserves a nod. As the name suggests, this highway town sits right outside Yellowstone's West Entrance, where some of the best attractions from America's oldest national park await. A short drive over the Wyoming border brings summer tourists to the Old Faithful Geyser, the picturesque Grand Prismatic Spring, and the otherworldly Norris Geyser Basin.

Along the way, you're likely to see a solid share of iconic North American mammals, but for guaranteed viewings in a safe environment, consider stopping by West Yellowstone's Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, where injured and habituated animals are given a second lease on life. Listening to the frisky wolf pack howl or watching large brown bears dig up rocks and logs is astonishing.

Red Lodge

Another gateway to Yellowstone National Park (this time from the North) is that of Red Lodge. This quintessential Western town, with its Main Street shops housed within two-story red brick buildings, is backdropped by the Beartooth Mountains — not only the highest peaks in Montana, but the ultimate playground for backpackers and anglers. Yellowstone's North Entrance provides quick access to Mammoth Hot Springs and a return to the Norris Geyser Basin. However, heading in on Beartooth Highway is an attraction unto itself as it is considered one of America's most scenic drives. For some local action, time your stay for the Red Lodge Music Festival beginning in mid-June, or strap in for the Home of Champions Rodeo in early July.

Butte

Dubbed "the richest hill on Earth," "Montana's most historic city," and "Festival City," Butte has a lot going for it, especially come summer. Walking the National Historic Landmark District (with almost 6,000 structures, the largest such district in the country), you can feel the grit of Butte's mining history and ongoing potential. The Montana Folk Festival pops off in July. In August, the Silver Bow County Fair and the An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival (which celebrates the state's immigrant roots) add their unique flair to the mix. And every Saturday morning across the entire season, the extensive community farmers market takes over Park Street. Should the weather worsen, you can seek refuge in one of the old school pubs or breweries, or delve deep into the Orphan Girl Mine at the World Museum of Mining.

Action-packed national parks, local swim spots, watering holes, and compelling community events put Montana high on the summer vacation rankings. These eight towns are somehow chill and energetic simultaneously— a balance only fun-loving mountain folks can pull off. So if you're struggling to fill up your 2025 holiday calendar, check out some of The Treasure State's treasures!