8 Coziest Mountain Towns In Montana
For the adventurous who love exploring dramatic landscapes and then retreating to a quaint town for a quiet evening, a mountain town might be your ideal destination. The Rocky Mountains, the Pioneer Mountains, and the Bighorn Mountains are just a very few of the idyllic mountain ranges running through the state of Montana. Spend the day adventuring to the peak of the snowcapped mountains and end the day warm by a fireside under a blanket in these eight coziest mountain towns in Montana.
Kalispell
Considered a Gateway to Glacier National Park, Kalispell is loaded with plenty of outdoor activities. Follow the gateway into Glacier National Park for daring adventure and breathtaking views. Featuring sites of melting glaciers, mountainous meadows, rugged valleys, and crystal-clear lakes, Glacier has over 700 miles of trails for visitors to take in an assortment of landscapes. Attractions also include Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile road that runs through the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. For a smaller-scale park with unmatched beauty, visit Lone Pine State Park. With 7.5 miles of trails open for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding, the 279-acre park also provides views of Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin, and Glacier National Park.
Switch up the landscapes and enjoy some time indoors at The Conrad Mansion Museum. The former home of Montana pioneer and businessman Charles E. Conrad and his family is open for tours for its visitors to learn more about the Conrad Family’s history, including facts about the estate’s nooks and crannies as well as the family’s impact on state history.
Whitefish
Enjoy some true Montana hospitality with a stay at The Bar W Guest Ranch, located in Whitefish. Settled between two pine-covered ridges in a tranquil setting at the foothills of Spencer Mountain, the ranch offers horseback riding, cattle driving, hatchet throwing, skeet shooting, archery, and so much more. Another peaceful spot that shows the true character of the state is Whitefish Mountain Resort. The resort is open to visitors in summer and winter and offers a wide range of activities for all seasons. Ziplines, Alpine Slides, and Lift Rides are open in the summer, while winter provides skiing and ski lessons, and accessible terrain parks.
For an ultra-relaxing stay, book a visit to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Relax or get as daring as you want to be by participating in one of its activities, of chair lift rides, trails for hiking, downhill mountain biking, cross-country mountain biking, zip-line tours, alpine slide rides, and more. After a thrilling day in the outdoors, enjoy the amenities at the lodge that include private patios, fireplaces, and lakefront views.
Anaconda
Not to be confused with the 20-foot reptile with the same name, but the town of Anaconda is sure to provide more entertainment and excitement than the snake might. Enjoy some time in this historic mining town at Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park. The park is home to some of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world. One of them, the smelter stack, represented Anaconda Copper Company. View this 585-foot-tall construction that was established in 1919 and marvel at its size. Appreciate the calming landscapes while learning about the history and heritage of a company that conquered the area's economic way of life. For a more tranquil nature experience, saunter through Lost Creek State Park and be mesmerized by the 50-foot Lost Creek Falls. Let the rushing sounds of water calm you as you hike through several miles of trails that wind along Lost Creek. The trails will take visitors through forests and meadows, all while providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
For a less exhausting and more stationary adventure, immerse yourself in a mineral bath at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Four pools, both indoors and outdoors, are continuously fed by 155-degree natural hot spring water, which is cooled to various temperatures depending on which pool you soak in. Grab a book, or put on your headphones and let the heat take you away. For the more adventurous, coast down the 350-foot water slide that ends in the hot springs.
Polson
The town of Polson is laden with overwhelming natural beauty and picturesque landscapes, so you won't want to miss a chance to stop at this tiny town. Located where the Snake River and the Columbia River intersect is the Sacajawea Historical State Park. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddling on the peaceful waters, or partake in a hike, bike, or run on the trails winding through the 267-acre park. Montana is known for its mountains, lakes, and forests, and more beautiful lakes can be found in Point Salish Park. Enjoy the views along the rocky beach or spend some time in the water, swimming, fishing, or boating.
Arguably, one of the most prevalent lakes in Montana is Flathead Lake. With its crystal-clear waters and colorful rock floor, the attraction of Flathead Lake lives up to the hype. Enjoy tranquil views of the lake at Finley Point. Set up a tent in the secluded ponderosa pine forest, and spend a quiet night by a campfire, listening to the sounds of nature.
Big Sky
Just the name of the town alone is enough to make anyone feel cozy and calm. Imagine a relaxing night under the stars, looking up at the big sky in the town of Big Sky. Relish in a traditional mountain lodge stay at Big Sky Resort. Stay in a condo, cabin, or home as part of the resort, and appreciate the amenities with a soak in the hot tubs, mountain views, fireplaces, saunas, and access to the mountain.
Spend time at the resort or venture further out and take a hike to Ousel Falls Trail. Found along the Gallatin River in the heart of the town, the trail takes visitors over three bridges to the Ousel Falls. Feel the mist of the falls on your face after reaching your destination. For another hiking trail with spectacular views, don’t miss the opportunity to see Beehive Basin Trail. Taking visitors on a 6.6-mile loop, the trail climbs 1,500 feet to a remarkable view of Lone Peak. The basin is renowned for its wildflowers that blanket the fields, and its crystal-clear lake, which towers over Lone Peak.
Red Lodge
For a unique experience with local wildlife in the town of Red Lodge, visit the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. Partake in guided tours and animal encounters, and meet the animals up close and personal. Interact with and learn about bears, owls, birds, foxes, bison, wolves, and more. Besides exceptional wildlife, another traditional Montana staple is a mountain lodge, so pack up your skis and head over to Red Lodge Mountain. Ski in the winter and golf in the summer; there is no shortage of activity on the mountain. Multiple lakes, creek crossings, the occasional July snowstorm, and a native moose or deer crossing the fairway are just a few of the draws of the 160-acre golf course.
Between delightful animals and leisurely mountain activities, what else could one ask for in Red Lodge? Maybe some old-fashioned candies? Let the nostalgia of the Montana Candy Emporium delight you as your taste buds enjoy handmade treats and original huckleberry creations. Declared the official state fruit, the Huckleberry is a symbol of Montana’s wilderness and culture, so you won't want to pass up an opportunity to try one of the delightful creations made from its flavor.
Bigfork
Come to Bigfork and enjoy a traditional Montana pastime by booking a fishing trip with Bigfork Anglers Guide Service. Sit back, relax on the water, and throw a few casts out to see what you come up with. For over 20 years, they have been the only outfitter-owned fly-fishing shop in the Flathead Valley. Choose from Flathead River, Swan River, Clark Fork, and so many more bodies of water to have a fishing experience of a lifetime. Fish in the Swan River, or take the Swan River Trail running along the water, and marvel at the views provided. Just over four miles of trails take visitors on a magical tour with snowcapped mountain views.
To reconnect even further with nature, adventure through Wayfarers State Park. The stony cliffs along the shoreline give off beautiful images of Flathead Lake, so kick back, relax, and listen to the small waves bounce off the shore. Stay late enough to pitch a tent and fall asleep amongst the majestic wildflowers that overtake the shores in spring and fall.
West Yellowstone
The town of West Yellowstone leads to one of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S., Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park. Pack your bags for more than one day in this park because the sites to behold are wondrous. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Old Faithful. One of nearly 500 geysers located within park boundaries, and one of only six that park rangers can predict when it will erupt. Be sure not to miss the spouting of this trusted spring and see it shoot up to almost 180 feet. After the thrill of Yellowstone, make a stop at The Diamond P Ranch to meander down some trails via horseback. Take a group ride, private ride, or horseback ride through incredible landscapes and mountain terrain. The ranch has been preserved for over 70 years and is surrounded by iconic sites of trout waters, the Continental Divide, and Yellowstone National Park.
For more animal encounters, but in a much different capacity, visitors should make their way to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. Visit the sanctuary and take a behind-the-scenes tour for an up-close experience with grizzly bears and otters. Be sure to check out the other exhibits to meet more native wildlife, including the Western Tiger Salamander, the Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Columbia spotted frogs, and a rubber boa.
The Heart of Montana’s Mountain Comfort
Located on the U.S.-Canadian border, visiting Montana might feel like visiting a dystopian world. The vast lands, remarkable landmarks, unforgettable activities, and remarkable creatures are just a few of the attractions that draw visitors in. The other is the charm, the calmness, the tranquility of visiting this laid-back state. Don’t rush to get things done, embrace the serenity of the places around you, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in these eight coziest mountain towns in Montana.
