7 Rockies Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
Adventuring in the Rockies knows no season; there is something to do outdoors all year. But there are also plenty of thriving downtowns, many with historic Main Streets and generations-long businesses ready to welcome guests for a slower pace and a chance to relax. Check out these towns with unforgettable Main Streets for food, history, art — to experience or take home — and community festivals that might bring you back again and again.
Breckenridge, Colorado
The beautiful mountain town of Breckenridge is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, but it shines all year. Home to one of the largest historic districts in Colorado, it offers plenty to explore. Start any Main Street adventure at the Breckenridge Welcome Center, where you can schedule a Walk Through History tour. Ready to shop? Main Street probably has what you need, including outdoor gear for all seasons, gifts at DonLo Mercantile, and local specialty items, like shirts and artisan goods from Ohana. The Arts District starts on Main and includes the nearby Riverwalk Center on the Blue River, with space for indoor and outdoor concerts and other performances.
Butte, Montana
Downtown is called uptown in Butte, located halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The natural beauty attracts artists who gain inspiration from this former gold mining town. Main Street’s M&M Bar and Café opened as a “saloon, eatery, and gambling house” in 1890. The original location was destroyed by a fire in 2021, but it has reopened next door with breakfast (served all day), lunch, and dinner available. Named among America’s Classics in 2023 by the James Beard Foundation, Pekin Noodle Parlor is also billed as the oldest continuously operating family-owned Chinese restaurant in the United States, open since 1909.
Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
Fernie’s historic downtown is set against a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop, so don’t forget to look up as you stroll. Start with the self-guided Heritage Walking Tour, which highlights 16 historic downtown locations. The Fernie Museum is home to a permanent exhibition about the community and a second-floor gallery with changing exhibits featuring local artists and regional and touring exhibitions. For the chocolate lover, Beanpod is the place to be. The store features chocolates made from sustainably farmed cacao with beans ground on-site on vintage machines.
Laramie, Wyoming
Laramie is a railroad city of just over 30,000 residents and, according to the 2020 census, has its entire downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Start with a historic walking tour that highlights railroad history and much more. An extensive downtown revitalization campaign means art, including more than 20 murals, is a priority here. Shop for outdoor and Western gear, but don’t miss unique stops like The Green Oasis, an indoor plant store. Laramie’s proximity to the University of Wyoming is celebrated in community events like the Laramie International Flavor Festival, featuring dishes at downtown restaurants. Summer means Friday evenings can be spent buying local food, handmade goods, and art at the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market.
Park City, Utah
Park City visitors thrive on outdoor adventures, from winter skiing to summer cycling and hiking. Still, the historic Main Street welcomes visitors to linger at restaurants and shops worth a visit on their own. Welcome summer at the annual Savor the Summit al fresco dining event held in June, with tables stretched down Main Street for an outdoor feast. Stop by the Park City Museum to look at local history, see a concert at The Marquis Park City, a new live music venue, and shop for art to take home from one of the many Main Street galleries.
Payson, Utah
Payson’s historic Main Street and downtown district have a fresh new look following a 2024 revitalization project that is continuing in phases. Main Street is an ideal spot to catch your breath between outdoor adventures. The city is hosting the inaugural Gran Fondo Utah bike ride in 2025, along with several festivals, including the Here Comes the Sun music festival at Main Street’s Payson Memorial Park and Labor Day weekend’s Payson City Golden Onion Days, a harvest tradition with fireworks, food, live music, a carnival, car show, parade, and more.
Whitefish, Montana
Adjacent to Glacier National Park, Whitefish offers an excellent home base for visitors, no matter the season. Central Avenue and Second Street are the places to be, with dining, drinks, and shopping for everything from outdoor gear to something special to take home. Thirty Eight is a seasonal food truck park with live music and something for every taste, including gluten and dairy-free options. For French pastries, try Fleur Bake Shop. Swift Creek Café offers a full menu, including homemade sourdough bread, and it doubles as a gallery featuring local artists.
Planning to explore the Rockies? Don’t limit your adventures to the slopes. Visit the small towns with unique community personalities, creative chefs, talented artists, and abundant enthusiasm. Explore thriving, revitalized Main Streets and those hidden gems that residents are delighted to share with newcomers. You will likely go home talking about that great meal, that small, memorable museum, or a walking tour you will never forget. And then spread the word: for Main Streets to endure, they need their local communities and new friends far and wide.
