7 Quirkiest Montana Towns You Didn't Know Existed

With a legacy of pioneers, cowboys, and gold miners, Montana has some of the most fascinating and well-preserved history in the West. The nature is just as impressive, with there being over 3,800 named mountains, 3,200 named lakes, and nearly 170,000 miles of river. Because Montana is on the smaller side, the small towns are largely the backbone of the state, home to some of the most iconic cultural landmarks, such as alpaca farms, historic mercantiles, and quirky life performance theaters. If you are looking to explore the quirkiest and most exciting corners of Montana, these tiny towns will leave you seriously impressed.

Bigfork

Situated near the Flathead River and Flathead Lake, Bigfork is particularly popular for water sports. One of the town's most well-known annual events is the Whitewater Festival, which will take place from May 23rd to the 25th this year. Events during the festival include kayak races and SUP races, along with celebratory activities like a dance party and award ceremony. Year-round, travelers can arrange a rental with Base Camp Big Fork, which offers kayak, SUP, and bike rentals. After spending the day on the water, travelers can catch a show at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, which will be celebrating its 66th season of professional theater this year. Make sure to grab a meal at Echo Lake Cafe while in town, which serves homestyle American dishes in a rustic-style restaurant, operating in the community since 1960.

Virginia City

Once a major gold strike site in the 19th and 20th centuries, Virginia City today offers an authentic Old West experience. Brewery Follies is a great place to enjoy some live entertainment, a brewery that offers two hilarious comedy shows a day in the summer. On the Alder Gulch Shortline Train, travelers can appreciate the town's surrounding scenery on a 15-minute train ride while aboard the historic train that was built in 1964. The Road Agents' Roost is a favorite restaurant in town, serving German grub, burgers, and sandwiches. Grab a souvenir at the historic Rank's Mercantile, which began selling goods to cowboys and miners in 1864.

Red Lodge

Between its 20th-century theaters and alpaca farms, Red Lodge has all sorts of surprising attractions. In the heart of the town, travelers will find the Roman Theater, first opened in 1914 and remodeled in 1935 with an art moderne style. The theater continues to screen films to the public today. Just a few minutes north of Red Lodge lies AlpacaLand, a 300-alpaca operating farm that offers free guided tours and has a ranch store with plenty of alpaca-woven garments. After exploring the farm, visitors can grab a beer at the Red Lodge Ales taproom, which also offers periodic tours of the facilities. If you are looking for a local inn to spend the night, consider booking a stay at the Irish Rose Bed and Breakfast, which is set in a historic home from 1910 and serves a full homestyle breakfast every morning.

Livingston

The small community of Livingston is perhaps most famous for the Livingston Roundup Rodeo in town. Established in 1924, this rodeo is a true Montana tradition, consisting of barrel racing, horseman competitions, fireworks shows, and more. Travelers who enjoy golfing will love the Livingston Golf Course, a nine-hole public access course with a chipping green, practice chipping green, putting green, and driving range. If you are searching for your next read, make sure to check out some of Livingston's cozy bookstores! In addition to carrying new and used books from regional authors, Elk River Books has an extensive rare and collectible book collection. Wheatgrass Books, meanwhile, has an art gallery and souvenir shop in addition to the books it sells.

Philipsburg

With over 75 named lakes and reservoirs nearby, Philipsburg is a nature lover's paradise. Georgetown Lake is the perfect starting place for travelers hoping to head outdoors, spanning 3,000 acres and offering opportunities to fish, boat, windsurf, and camp. Also consider visiting Copper Lake Trail, a moderately challenging trail in the wilderness that often attracts campers, backpackers, and hikers. Heading downtown, you'll find The Sweet Palace, a candy shop that sells fudge, saltwater taffy, and nostalgic candies, among many other varieties. Near the end of July, the town hosts its annual Flint Creek Valley Days festival, which celebrates its mining, timber, and ranching heritage through a pancake breakfast, parade, live music, and car show.

Choteau

Travelers hoping to spot some of Montana's native wildlife will love Choteau, which has several wildlife-rich areas nearby. Freezeout Lake is a popular spot for birdwatching, home to species like swans, geese, ducks, shorebirds, and songbirds. The AB Guthrie Hiking trail is another great option, offering views of the Pine Butte Swamp Preserve to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west, and featuring animals like moose, grizzly bears, and elk. To view some of the area's fossils or learn about the history and geology of the Rocky Mountains, spend an afternoon at the Old Trail Museum, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After appreciating the area's nature and history, travelers can stop by the Roxy Theater to enjoy a show, which has been operating in Choteau since its opening in 1946.

Anaconda

In addition to hiking and mountain biking, Anaconda offers a range of more adventurous sports, like ziplining, rock climbing, and off-roading. Travelers can soar above the Pintler Wilderness via zipline with Montana Zipline Adventures, which features the state's longest ziplining course at more than 9,300 feet. If you are hoping to rent some equipment, Pintler Adventures is a great option, offering paddleboards, ATVs, and snowmobiles. To hike or rock climb, plan a day at Lost Creek State Park, which features a 50-foot waterfall and towering granite formations that rise 1,200 feet. After a long day, you will certainly be hungry. Barclay II, family-owned since 1981, offers signature sandwiches, pasta, steaks, and seafood to help you refuel.

Final Thoughts

Although many travelers stop through Montana for its national parks, there are countless attractions beyond the park limits to explore. Those who are more adventurous have options like ziplining in Anaconda, or white water rafting in Big Fork. If you prefer to stay within town, destinations like Philipsburg offer impressive candy stores and annual city celebrations to partake in. So let your creativity run free and get ready to experience the quirkiness of these seven towns!