9 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Montana
Montana is big sky country; it’s wide-open spaces and expansive landscapes. It’s a state with a rich mining history, proud generational residents, and agricultural land. When travelers seek out Montana, it is usually to seek out nature. Nature abounds all over the fourth largest state in America, but it also contains some incredible downtown areas worth spending some days in. These 9 towns in Montana offer small-town downtowns sure to please any kind of visitor.
Whitefish
Along the edge of Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a natural beauty with a postcard-worthy downtown. If you’re a live music fan, Whitefish has several venues that host live music throughout every season. The Great Northern Bar & Grill, The Boat Club, Craggy Range, and Thirty-Eight are all fun venues to grab a drink and listen to local and traveling artists. The Firebrand Hotel is a downtown favorite stay. It features a spa, bar, and restaurant and fantastic views from the rooftop hot tub. Travelers looking for a fine dining experience can head to Herb and Omni. The restaurant is dedicated to a warm ambiance and world-renowned dishes for both plant-based and carnivore-friendly diets. The second floor features a fun, vintage pop show.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is considered the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. It is 60 miles southwest of Billings and an outdoorsman’s paradise. Locally owned vendor shops like Market in the Mountains or C.C. Legends line Broadway Avenue, offering unique gift and clothing options. Black Canyon Bistro is an area favorite with menu items including elk and bison. History lovers can access a self-guided walking tour at the Red Lodge Visitor’s Center. The tour highlights the Sundance Kid’s bank robbery in 1897 and many of the Victorian homes. Curb a sweet tooth craving by stopping in at the Montana Candy Emporium. The building has been serving handmade chocolates and candies for generations. The shop is a vintage spectacle that everyone can appreciate.
Kalispell
Kalispell is an excellent town to base out of if you’re visiting Glacier National Park or heading to the nearby ski slopes in Whitefish. However, it also offers an entertaining downtown. The Kalispell Farmer’s Market brings in the freshest produce of Flathead Valley and runs from May through October. Guests can jump on the high-quality downtown walking tour, which highlights prominent characters and buildings throughout Kalispell’s history. July through August features a summer concert series in downtown Kalispell. A picnic in the park is a perfect way for visitors to spend an afternoon listening to an array of live music.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is centrally located in the Flathead Valley with nearby sites like Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. While there are countless outdoor adventures surrounding it, Columbia Falls also has a downtown worthy of travelers’ time. Uptown Hearth Bakery offers a spread of savory and sweet baked goods with a full breakfast and lunch menu and specialty coffee. It is a local and visitor favorite and houses a co-working space above the bakery for remote working professionals. Visitors wanting a fly-fishing experience can prepare with gear or schedule a guided trip through Lary’s Fly and Supply, located across the street from Uptown Hearth.
Dillon
The community of Dillon was founded as a railroad and cattle town in the 1800s. It has a well-preserved downtown with various architectural styles. History buffs will enjoy the Beaverhead County Museum in downtown with a collection of Native artifacts and fossils of the area. Travelers looking for a good book to relax with can head to The Bookstore. It’s an independently owned downtown staple that specializes in books about Montana and Western culture. The Patagonia Outlet is a great choice for gearing up for any outdoor adventures planned. They offer discounted prices of the famous Patagonia brand and local recommendations.
Hamilton
Located in the middle of Bitterroot Valley, Hamilton downtown offers various restaurants, shops, and sites for visitors. The Daly Mansion is a commonly visited site. Once the home of copper miner Marcus Daly, the 100-year-old building has 56 rooms, 25 bathrooms, and five Italian marble fireplaces. For more history, you can head to the Ravalli County Museum. Built in 1900, it was originally the Ravalli County Courthouse. It houses everything from Native American clothing to a Victorian-era room and a period-specific kitchen. Head to HigherGround Brewing for craft beer and wood-fired pizza to top off a day of exploring. ABC Acres is a fun place to stay with the family or make a day visit. It’s a permaculture preserve with areas for kids to play and learn about the animals. You can also purchase harvested fruits, veggies, farm-fresh eggs, and meat.
Helena
Downtown Helena contains a myriad of activities, eats, and things to do. Nosh Café offers healthy portions and inventive combinations of whole food. Visitors will find menu items like strawberry pistachio toast or apple ricotta Belgian waffles for a mesh of flavors not commonly found. For a unique boutique shopping experience, head to Sole Sisters for Montana-style apparel, footwear, and accessories. For a more artful experience in downtown, The Painted Pot hosts a studio where you can paint your own pottery or canvas. If you’re in the mood to feel rejuvenated, there are several wellness-geared businesses in downtown. Eclipse Yoga or Core Collective offer classes throughout the week, or wander over to Thrive Montana Massage Therapy for ultimate relaxation.
Philipsburg
Pan your own sapphires in Philipsburg! This little community is a 19th-century mining town with less than a thousand full-time residents year-round. It’s well known for its presence of sapphires. You can head to the historic main street and pick up locally mined sapphires for sale or pan for your own in the surrounding hills. Buy treated sapphires at shops like Montana Gems and Sapphire Jewelry or Gem Mountain. Get your candy fix at The Sweet Palace. Pick up a basket and choose candies, saltwater taffy, fudge, or handmade chocolates for purchase. If you’re in the mood for a performance, check out the Philipsburg Theatre. For dinners, the Silver Mill Restaurant serves up hearty steak and filling burgers.
Ennis
Ennis is a mountain town surrounded by three beautiful ranges: Gravelly, Madison, and Tobacco Root. It’s a small town with many outdoor recreational opportunities. Fishing is a huge pastime here for residents and visitors! Downtown is full of shops to outfit anglers and provide guided trips; check out Madison River Fishing Company and Trout Stalkers. For live music and a casual watering hole experience, visit Longbranch Saloon. There are many gift shops in downtown Ennis to gather unique Montana souvenirs; Briar and Sphinx, Ennis Trading Post, and Sagebrush Apothecary are all along Main Street. For a nostalgic feel, you can grab an old-fashioned soda and hearty home cooking at Yesterday’s Soda Fountain and Restaurant.
Montana’s small-town downtowns are a treasure. Each one of these towns preserves a way of life that is quintessentially unique to the state. Residents of Montana are proud of their Western culture, their hard work, and the preservation of both. You’ll find helpful recommendations and a plethora of locally owned businesses. Whether you’re looking to breathe in fresh mountain air, relax in a locally owned wellness retreat, or stroll the shops in Victorian architecture, you’ll find it in Montana.
