9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Montana

Ho-hum destinations that leave you feeling a little underwhelmed put a damper on any trip. Your travels should create memories that enhance your life and leave you better for having experienced them. Montana is a wondrous state where next-level destinations range from horseback riding in the Beartooth Ranger District to watching the night skies in Red Lodge, panning for sapphires and exploring ghost towns in Philipsburg, to rodeos and art in Livingston.

Here are nine unforgettable towns to visit in Montana to help you avoid the travel humdrums.

Whitefish

This mountain town and gateway to Glacier National Park is a year-round destination made for creating memories. There is always something to do in downtown Whitefish, where the perfect balance of laid-back relaxation and chic trendiness makes your visit feel exclusive.

Glacier National Park is the world's first International Peace Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 30 minutes from Whitefish. Although seasonal conditions impact access via Going-to-the-Sun Road, when the weather cooperates, you can explore over 700 miles of trails with spectacular Alpine views that change throughout the year.

In the summer, water sports enthusiasts will discover a charming 585-foot cobblestone beach and lakeshore at Les Mason State Park right in town. Paddle, swim, or kayak the calm waters or plant yourself at one of the picnic tables to have lunch, taking in the tranquil views. There is a bevy of cafes to stock up on picnic provisions, including flaky ham and Gruyère or spinach artichoke croissants and house-made cookies from Fleur Bake Shop.

The evening is ideal for downtown discoveries, joining the first Thursday Whitefish Gallery Night Walk. This summer-through-fall event is not just for art lovers. It is the perfect way to explore the town’s galleries, eateries, and shops through the eyes of local artists and happen upon hosting businesses offering food and beverages.

Red Lodge

Your introduction to Red Lodge is a breathtaking drive along the legendary Beartooth Highway, where the awe-inspiring alpine scenery and heart-pumping switchbacks are a road tripper's dream. Brace yourself for climbs reaching 10,947 feet above sea level and picturesque vistas that range from Alpine lakes and glacier cirques to carpets of wildflowers when tundra blossoms are in bloom.

Set against Montana’s highest peak in the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge offers unforgettable wildlife encounters at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife experts share educational info about animals viewed in safe enclosures, or you can take guided tours to learn about varied environments, habitats, and stories behind the sanctuary’s resident creatures.

Western experiences via horseback cover scenic areas in Red Lodge, the Beartooth Ranger District, and Custer National Forest, ranging from short jaunts to overnight pack trips. As dusk falls, stargazers head to Van Dyke Park’s Whistler Observatory on Friday nights to observe the night sky through powerful telescopes and chat with guides dedicated to protecting rural dark skies. The park’s short loop trail is an extension to the West Bench trail system, cutting a path through undeveloped land ideal for wildflower viewing and discovering the stories of the area along the trail’s interpretive panels.

Toast marshmallows around a fire at Alpine Lodge in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. This 2025 TripAdvisor award winner offers cozy, rustic rooms and serves a hearty breakfast cooked al fresco in the summer to complete your memorable Red Lodge experience.

West Yellowstone

The name of this town gives away its biggest attraction as the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The town's history is preserved in all its glory along the historic Painted Bear Paw Trail.

Rail fans can see how the Vice President of the Union Pacific Railroad traveled, stepping aboard the Oregon Short Line 1903 Railroad Car. Many regard it as one of the world’s most authentically preserved executive railcars, the preferred mode of transportation for the rich and famous during the height of the train travel era.

Nine plaques mark the Oregon Short Line Terminus District, where West Yellowstone’s oldest buildings served train passengers flocking to explore Yellowstone Park. Travelers stepped off the train into the Union Pacific Depot, which now serves as the Yellowstone Historic Center.

Spend the night at the same hotel that hosted celebrities, including silver screen stars Clark Gable and Gloria Swanson. Built in 1912, the Madison Hotel was nothing more than a two-story log building with six rooms heated by a main floor fireplace. Although many of the original character-filled features remain, including the beams, wood floors, and stone fireplace, you can enjoy modern comforts in rustic rooms suited to a noteworthy West Yellowstone getaway.

Ennis

It is no wonder the tranquil valleys and mountain ranges surrounding Ennis have inspired the work of local artists and provided hours of uninterrupted downtime for avid anglers. There are tons of lakes and rivers for fishing enthusiasts, including the town’s trout- and whitefish-rich Ennis Lake.

If your idea of relaxing does not include fishing, a short drive to Norris Hot Springs will have you soaking in soothing waters in no time. Two eateries serve up fresh, creative menus on site, or you can quench your thirst at Spring’s No Loose Dogs Saloon.

After a long soak, take a stroll through several town galleries, including the traditional and contemporary collections at Ennis’ oldest art gallery, RiverStone. From landscapes to western-inspired themes and Native American artists to paintings inspired by wildlife and fishing, the RiverStone Gallery welcomes browsers to admire the paintings and pottery and find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to mark their visit to Ennis.

Ennis is also a walkable outdoor gallery where you can discover 16 works, including bronze sculptures, murals, and a collection of leaping trout sculptures painted by local artists. The Mustang Herd is particularly moving and is an excellent representation of the renowned sculptor Douglas Van Howd's work.

Livingston

Creativity and cowboys are at the heart of Livingston, where the picturesque location on the Yellowstone River is made for quiet getaways, discovering local artists, and taking in the laid-back Western vibe. Once overrun by a mix of gunslingers and cowboys, the town’s characters have added to the diverse heritage that makes Livingston so memorable.

For over a century, Livingston has hosted Montana’s premier rodeo for sellout crowds year after year. The Livingston Roundup Rodeo takes place during “Cowboy Christmas” around July 4th, when rodeos around the country are in full swing. That means four days of roughstock events, fireworks, and calamity are guaranteed.

On the artsy side of town, you can explore several galleries starting at the Livingston Center for Art and Culture. The center’s permanent collection includes a mix of media from paintings to sculptures and drawings to wearable art, both on display and offered for sale. An ongoing call for artists provides a place for emerging talent to display their work and art lovers an opportunity to find unknown work to add to their collections. Get the full artsy experience at the town’s 4th Friday Night Art Walks when the town’s galleries open to showcase Livingston’s art and culture.

Fill up on good food and libations at The Mint Bar & Grill, where an upbeat ambiance and short but sweet menu offer the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Livingston.

Stevensville

Possibly the spot for history buffs, Stevensville is a quiet small town tucked away in the Bitterroot Valley where many Montana historic firsts unfolded.

St. Mary's Mission tells the story of the relationship between the Salish Native Americans and the Jesuit missionaries in 1841. The preserved Chapel, Jesuit cabin, and museum connect the history between the two cultures and capture the serenity of the mission that served as Montana’s first pioneer community.

You can also visit Montana’s first permanent European-style settlement, founded by John Owen in 1850. Adding to Stevensville’s bragging rights for historic firsts, Fort Owen State Park served as an Indian Agency and trading post and was the site for the first cattle herd, European-style school, sawmill, gristmill, and irrigation system.

Stevensville’s natural surroundings tempt even the most diehard city slicker to venture out and explore the majesty of the Bitterroot Valley. Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge covers over 2,800 acres of diverse ecosystems from grasslands and wetlands to forests, where you can spot deer and might be lucky enough to hear the call of a Bald Eagle.

There is more than one way to reward yourself after a long hike at the refuge, but you might find yourself gravitating towards The Montana Chocolate Company, where you can eat your fill of over 75 varieties of hand-dipped chocolates.

Butte

This Rocky Mountain town straddles the Continental Divide, where the spectacular vistas alone are sure to make this an unforgettable trip. Watched over by the 90-foot statue, Our Lady of the Rockies, and scattered with remnants of the town’s mining history, Butte's most prominent landmarks stand tall.

Nothing prepares you for the awe-inspiring sight of the 51-ton statue sitting atop a 3,500-foot summit. A husband’s promise to his wife led to a six-year project to build the gigantic monument dedicated to the loving guidance and sacrifices of mothers around the world. The breathtaking views make the journey up to the summit well worth it.

The massive statue is not the only striking landmark rising up from Butte’s skyline. The World Museum of Mining’s 100-foot steel headframe is a testament to the town’s success as a major silver, lead, and zinc producer. The Orphan Girl Mine site operated from 1875 until 1956 and now offers Underground Mine Tours. Visitors can also explore a whimsical 1890s mining town replica.

Butte’s picturesque landscape and endless sky will stay with you long after you head home. Hikers, riders, and peddlers can experience Butte’s splendor along several trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Pack a traditional miner’s lunch from The Pasty Place for scrumptious, savory, golden-crusted handheld pies stuffed with hearty fillings.

Helena

Finding Montana’s capital city on a list of unforgettable small towns might feel a little off, but with a population teetering at around 35,000, Helena is on America’s list of least populated state capitals. That makes it a small town with a whole lot of big city swagger.

Cultural experiences abound in Helena, with many galleries and museums located in the heart of downtown. Wander five galleries at the Holter Museum of Art, where rotating and permanent exhibits showcase varied media from paintings to photography and clay sculptures to intricate mosaics. The Bray is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience where brickmaker and supporter of the arts Archie Bray restored the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company’s 26-acre brickyard campus into an educational, arts, and studio site. The exhibition galleries feature a collection of ceramic pieces and a warehouse gallery showcasing the work of current resident artists.

Helena's cluster of crafty taprooms is made for raising a glass or two with friends. Craft houses specializing in local small-batch beers offer a unique ambiance reflecting the distinct personalities of each brand.

Wander the red-brick streets of Helena’s oldest territorial-period neighborhood at Reeder's Alley. The charming 1870s red brick buildings were built by Philadelphia mason Louis Reeder to house one-room apartments for miners. The heritage architecture is unique to the alley, combining the distinct row house designs of Philadelphia with the grand false fronts of the frontier.

Philipsburg

Visitors do not soon forget the thrill of discovering a precious gem while panning for sapphires in historic Philipsburg. Once a thriving silver mining town in the 1860s, sapphire mining continues to play a role in the town’s unraveling story.

Feel the anticipation mount as you pan for sapphires at Gem Mountain. The friendly staff provides everything you need to try your luck unearthing Montana’s brilliant blue treasures. They will grade your find and even mount your gems on charming settings as the ultimate souvenir of your panning triumph.

Remnants of Philipsburg's once-thriving silver mine sit abandoned at Granite Ghost Town State Park. A trip to the ghost town is a nail-biting drive rising 1,280 feet, where you can explore the Granite Mine Superintendent's house and the ruins of the old miners' Union Hall.

Philipsburg is a welcoming town where you can join in community events throughout the seasons at Winninghoff Park Ice Rink and Arena. Skating on the NHL-sized outdoor rink surrounded by century-old buildings blanketed with snow creates an idyllic setting, all the more charming when lit for chilly night skates. In the summer, the arena becomes an open-air venue for free concerts where you can spread your blanket on the hillside’s grassy “bleachers” with a picnic and listen to the music.

After a day of adventure, unwind with a cold beer at Philipsburg Brewing Company, where the unique taproom is located in the historic Sayrs Bank building, complete with the original vault.

Regardless of what piques your interests, Montana’s small towns are intriguing destinations built by a diverse group of characters, from miners to cowboys and Native Americans and Jesuits to gunslingers. Whether you are a rail fan intrigued by an authentic executive train car, ready to challenge yourself hiking Montana's highest peaks, looking for bragging rights for catching the biggest fish, or want a unique artsy experience at a restored brickyard, these nine unforgettable small towns to visit in Montana create memories to last a lifetime.