The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Montana
Montana is a state known for mountains and cowboys. When it comes to vacationing in the state, most people immediately think of the National Parks as their destination. While these places are undoubtedly beautiful, the small towns in Montana are also worth exploring and are full of surprising attractions. Butte is a charming old Gold Rush town home to a unique Trolley Tour. Polson is another small Montana town that is home to a cherry festival every July. Many small towns in Montana have beautiful hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whitefish is a popular skiing destination. Whether you are looking for an outdoor escape or a relaxing small town to explore, these are eight small towns in Montana that cannot be missed.
Gardiner
Gardiner is popular as the town at the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. While this makes the town the perfect place to explore Yellowstone National Park, the town itself is worth exploring. The town is home to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. The center houses grizzly bears and wolves that are rescued and cannot survive on their own. The discovery center offers the chance for visitors to learn about these beautiful creatures. An iconic landmark to visit in town is the Roosevelt Arch. Built in 1903, this arch marks the entrance to Yellowstone Park. Near the town, check out the unique Mammoth Terraces. These displays of hydrothermal features are very unique. There is a boardwalk trail nearby to get close and explore this wonder.
Red Lodge
Red Lodge is a charming town at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. Enjoy a day exploring the outdoors in town. Hikers can hit the trails at the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Hell Roaring Plateau is a popular spot to hike. In the heart of Red Lodge's downtown, visitors can enjoy strolling past historic buildings and do some window shopping at the local shops, for example, stop in at the Red Lodge Clay Center to see some local artwork, with an emphasis on how art impacts our every day lives. Finish the day by enjoying a craft brew from Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company.
Stevensville
Stevensville has a unique history as Montana's first settlement. Originally, the town was settled by Jesuits who wanted to spread their message. Today, visitors can stop at St. Mary’s Mission to learn more about this period of the town's past. Nearby, check out Fort Owen State Park to see the remnants of the first white settlement in Montana. Outside the church and historic first settlement, Stevensville is a town with a rich history. Many antique shops and buildings downtown are on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby, the town is a popular wildlife attraction, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Here, visitors can go birdwatching and explore 2,800 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests.
Butte
Butte is another Montana must-visit town rich in history. Once a booming Gold Rush town, today Butte appeals to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the town's mining history at the famous World Museum of Mining. Here, visitors can see cool mining artifacts and take a tour of the Orphan Girl mine. Outside the town's mining history, Butte also has a Trolley Tour that goes through the town's rich history and architecture. Butte also has a lot of beautiful trails to explore, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This trailhead leads into several different trails perfect for a day hike or an overnight hiking adventure.
Whitefish
Whitefish, Montana, checks all the boxes of a charming town. From a quaint downtown to stunning natural scenery, the town has something that everyone can appreciate. In the winter, the town comes alive with people visiting to enjoy the unique skiing opportunities. At Whitefish Mountain Resort, there are 300 acres to ski through, with opportunities for alpine and telemark skiing. Turner Mountain Ski Area is another local spot in town for skiing. In the warmer months, enjoy hiking and biking on the trails throughout Whitefish. Whitefish Trail has different opportunities for hiking and biking, and has spectacular mountain views. Beyond the town's outdoor activities, experience Whitefish's unique culture by visiting the galleries and local town events. On Tuesday nights in the summertime, check out the local Farmer's Market, featuring local produce and crafts. To try your hand at making your own crafts, check out Stumptown Art Studio. The non-profit offers people the opportunity to make their own art.
Livingston
Livingston is another charming Montana town with a rich history and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. Learn about the town's history by paying a visit to the Livingston Depot Center. A lot of the town's history revolves around this red and yellow brick architectural marvel. At one point, the depot was a stop for rail travelers. Today, the depot operates as both a community center and a museum. To enjoy the beautiful mountains around Livingston, hit the trails in town. A popular, fairly easy hike is the Pine Creek Trail. The trail stretches around 5 miles from the East River Road and offers stunning views. For a calm afternoon along the Yellowstone River, visit the Sacajawea Park for a hike. At the end of a day of exploring, stay a the historic Murray Hotel downtown. The hotel is the only one in downtown Livingston and is located near restaurants and bars.
Polson
Polson is a small Montana town located in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake. This is a great town for slowing down, enjoying some fishing, and small-town living. At Point Salish Park, there is ample opportunity for fishing or spending time on the beach, swimming, or skipping stones. Polson also has an interesting museum that explores the history of Polson and the Flathead Lake region. The museum has some unique artifacts, including a stagecoach and examples of the home interiors of homesteaders. Every year in July, Polson also hosts an annual cherry festival that is worth visiting. The festival features live music, different food, competitions, and of course, cherries.
Hamilton
Surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, Hamilton is a stunning small town perfect for anyone who loves to hit the trails. Hamilton is home to the breathtaking Bitterroot Valley, an outdoor paradise full of lush forests, tranquil rivers, and vibrant wildflowers. This is a great spot for some hiking or a bike ride. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic at Kiwanis Park. The park has beautifully maintained lawns, trees, and picnic areas, making for a relaxing afternoon. Hamilton also has a rich history. Learn about the town's history by visiting the Daly Mansion. The beautiful estate was built in the 1900s and shows insight into the life of the wealthy Daly family. To learn about the history of the region, visit the Bitterroot Valley Museum. The museum has artifacts and art exhibits from the region.
Overall, Montana is home to several charming towns. Some of them, such as Hamilton, are full of scenic views surrounded by mountains and rivers, while others are more notable for their rich history, such as Livingston. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or to explore a town with a unique history and culture, these towns should not be missed. For your next road trip, consider visiting one of these eight towns. No matter the time of year you are visiting, the scenic views and small town charm will make for a memorable trip.
