8 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Montana
Pack your flip flops, a decent camera, and a nice wide-brimmed cap, then jump behind the wheel for a trip that will make you feel reborn, renewed, and refreshed. Montana has several small, charming towns that look peaceful, rustic, and undisturbed, the image of bliss that you dream of when pressed and hemmed by the mounting cares of everyday life. From West Yellowstone, which you may have passed on your way to one of America's most famous national parks, to the small, laid-back town of Deer Lodge, discover below 8 undisturbed towns to visit in Montana.
West Yellowstone
It may seem like a slight distraction on your way to the park, but West Yellowstone has a sense of peace and rustic charm that makes it look beautifully undisturbed. You can spend a relaxed morning ambling through cute, family-owned souvenir shops, including Eagle's Store, a fantastic location on Canyon Street and the go-to spot for souvenirs in town. That said, if you want to snap up-close photos of majestic grizzly bears or watch wolves roam through their habitat, the nationally famous Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is the ultimate destination. Their work on behalf of bears and wolves has been recognized worldwide. Drop by the Running Bear Pancake House for some killer pancakes before checking if the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre has lined up an afternoon show.
Virginia City
Once Montana’s gold capital, Virginia City is today a beautiful National Historic Landmark that looks like nothing you have ever seen. At its pinnacle, Virginia City was the largest settlement in the area, a fact partly attributed to Alder Gulch, once one of the richest placer gold strikes in the world. Today, the town represents the true and original Old West and is one of the most intact gold rush era towns in the West. Jump aboard the Alder Gulch Shortline Train for a memorable ride to Nevada City, a mile-and-a-half trip filled with awesome scenery and a rich dose of history. Alternatively, pass by the Thompson-Hickman Museum, a cute little space with minerals, old tools, and interesting historic artifacts, then drive down to Alder Gulch, about 10 minutes to the west, and see the remnants of the historic gold rush.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is breathtaking as usual, partly because of its location in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, which features the state’s highest point, and the lush scenery of another mind-bending outdoor gem: Custer Gallatin National Forest. Another exciting thing about visiting Red Lodge is that you will experience a portion of the Beartooth Highway, often referred to as the “most beautiful drive in America.” It winds through peaceful alpine lakes, hanging valleys, and several other photo-worthy features and landmarks. Start your adventure at the Red Lodge Pizza, and enjoy pizzas with light crust, flavorful toppings, and robust sauce. After this, you can hit up Lake Fork Trailhead, where a singing creek and awesome scenery often mesmerize the senses. There is the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery as well, a mind-rousing space with lots of Native American art and sculptures, along with an interesting exhibit on songs that inspired some of the artists.
Philipsburg
Secreted in the heart of Montana's sapphire country, Philipsburg has a remarkably intact brick Main Street dotted with well-preserved 19th-century buildings that once served silver miners, hardy ranchers, and frontier families. Sapphire Gallery is on Broadway Street and is the only all-sapphire and ruby store in the United States. Of course, such a high-sounding claim is worth verifying. From here, the highly rated Sweet Palace is right next door; you don’t need to take a step. This adorable candy store is all about delicious fudge, taffy, Jelly beans, and other sugar-free options. After packing enough of these, cross the street to Philipsburg Brewing Company, a former bank that has been repurposed into a fantastic brewery serving great craft beer in a beautiful building with a nice gift shop. It is in the historic Sayrs Building, originally built in the 1880s.
Fort Benton
With its history, a tale that spans scandal and enterprise in almost equal measure, Fort Benton has tons of things to see and enjoy. It lays claim to the oldest settlement in the state, and that alone makes it deserve an unhurried day trip. In its heyday, especially in the boom period after the Civil War, Fort Benton had become significantly prosperous. Unsurprisingly, this growth came with more than a dozen saloons, dance halls, gambling parlors, and brothels—a combination that brewed violence and made it almost the order of the day. A stretch on Front Street, between the cross streets of 15th and 16th Streets, came to be known as the “bloodiest block in the West.” Today, you can enjoy views of the Missouri River, a waterway that played a huge role in the town’s growth and history, snap a pic of the Lewis and Clark Memorial on the banks of the river, or catch a glimpse into the lives of Montana’s early 20th century homesteaders at the Museum of the Northern Great Plains. The 143-year-old Grand Union Hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once billed as the finest hotel between St. Louis and Seattle.
Livingston
There is an undisturbed feel to Livingston, especially with its railroad-era storefronts and its location on the aptly-named Paradise Valley. This area is backdropped by the towering peaks of the Absaroka and Crazy mountains, a setting that gives Livingstone a sombre and majestic feel. Not to be outdone, eye-catching murals give Livingston a mist of color and character and brighten the town with a cheery ambiance. Kickstart your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Pinky’s, a family-owned establishment on Main Street that blends small-town warmth with big flavor. Keep in mind that the Yellowstone River runs right through town and offers a delicious range of recreational offerings. Also, several nearby trails offer access to leaping cascades, including Pine Creek Falls, a short round trip over moderate terrain. When back in town, check out the Yellowstone Gateway Museum, which features a caboose and a one-room schoolhouse as part of its outdoor exhibits.
Lewistown
With the Judith Mountains as its photogenic backdrop, Lewistown is in a location that many town planners can salivate over. The area around Lewistown is considered to be the center of the entire state. It has a nice, rustic element that blends nicely with its laid-back posture, making it an ideal place to unwind. Avid hikers should be thrilled that Lewistown's trail system spans over 20 miles of paved and graveled trails, most of which are punctuated with incredible scenery, especially considering the town is encircled by three mountain ranges. There is Limekiln Trail, a recreation site hidden in the Judith Mountains maintained by the BLM, and the iconic Big Spring Creek, where you can float down on a cheery summer afternoon. Don't miss the Lewistown Community Labyrinth Garden, a neat space with beautiful flowers perfect for an hour of calm and clarity.
Deer Lodge
Even if Deer Lodge did not have the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, a time capsule that showcases the history of cattle ranching in the area and the rough and hardy years of early frontier life, Deer Lodge would still look uniquely unruffled and undisturbed. The location features beautiful landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and is pockmarked by a decent number of historical landmarks, including the Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex. The museum looks like a castle, although the old prison can make your hair stand on end. That said, the car section is phenomenal, especially for its fascinating collection of cars from different eras. For a slightly different experience, the Rialto Theater is a lovely place to go see a movie, play, or concert. The theatre was constructed in the 1920s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Montana's quiet little towns are some of the nation's best-kept secrets. Tucked between rugged mountains and raging rivers, they often feel worlds away from everyday life and its hectic, frenzied pace. Think of gold-rush era storefronts, saloons with scandalous history, and fields of swaying wildflowers. Many of these spots are pristine and undisturbed, just what you need to live again, dream again, and hope again.
