These 8 Towns In Montana Feel Like Home

Pull up a chair in Lewiston at Montana’s Longest Table, experience renowned theater in Big Fork and Sidney, or slow the pace at an evening community gathering in Belgrade. No matter which you choose, Montana boasts towns that feel right at home, whether for a weekend or even longer! For a place to settle into, relax, explore, and connect, these Montana towns offer visitors the chance to feel like locals under the Big Sky. Acclimate by embracing outdoor adventures, local food and art, and even a festival or two to create memories you won’t soon forget. The following eight small towns ooze charm and make you feel warm and welcome; they may be your new home-away-from-home.

Belgrade

Belgrade is a place to get away from it all, but do not worry, it's not too far from the action! With proximity to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort, this town has charm in abundance and quick access to the best natural amenities around. Slow the pace at Belgrade Summer Nights, held Wednesday evenings throughout the summer, with live music, food, artisans, and local delights like beer from Madison River Brewing Company. Belgrade is just minutes from Bozeman, where each season brings new opportunities for adventure. For some indoor delights, visit one of the art studios and galleries in town, like The Paul Harris and Marguerite Kirk Gallery, which hosts a variety of shows.

Livingston

Billed as the Original Gateway City to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston offers outdoor beauty, year-round activities, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the arts. The picturesque town is uniquely situated as a home base for exploration, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful main streets in the country, according to Architectural Digest. In town, the Murray Block includes the historic Murray Hotel, as well as elegant cuisine at 2nd Street Bistro. Book a wildlife tour of Yellowstone or plan a hike from Livingston on hundreds of miles of trails.

Whitefish

Settle in for a bit of fine dining, shopping, or stargazing in Whitefish, or choose your own adventure at nearby Glacier National Park. This town offers outdoor lovers a chance to be fully immersed in nature, without sacrificing the amenities of home. Herb and Omni Restaurant caters to, you guessed it, herbivores and omnivores in luxurious comfort at a historic location. Throughout Whitefish, one can easily find a place to rent bikes or ski equipment and all the outfitting you need to ease into any season. While you’re there, learn about the local history at the Stumptown Historical Society and the Whitefish Museum.

Bigfork

Indulge in locally grown Flathead cherries in Bigfork, located near Flathead Lake and its 185 miles of beautiful shoreline. Artists are right at home with a thriving community for visual, performing, and other arts. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse has a rich heritage, including famous alumni and a commitment to bringing national talent to the summer stage. The town is also ideal for nature lovers and adventurous spirits who crave water sports, including the Bigfork Whitewater Festival held each Memorial Day weekend, and those who want to be less than an hour from Glacier National Park.

Three Forks

Nature is key in Three Forks, with access to Missouri Headwaters State Park as well as opportunities for winter sports. The community hosts festivals throughout the year, like the Three Forks Christmas Stroll and summer’s Three Forks Rodeo Dayz. Downtown’s historic charm is on full display, and Main Street in Three Forks is home to the Headwaters Heritage Museum, which tells the community’s story including its connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. For a real taste of home, Iron Horse Café and Pie Shop offers decadent, made-from-scratch pies

Sidney

Near the North Dakota border in the Lower Yellowstone River Valley, Sidney is known as Montana’s “Sunrise City,” as it is where the sun first rises on the state. It offers the ease of nature access, the adventure of river sports, and even an 18-hole golf course and country club that offers public tee times. For arts lovers, the MonDak Heritage Center is a hub of events and programs, including the annual Northeastern Arts Network’s Big Sky Series of musical and theater performances. The site also offers unique arts classes where students can learn to spin yarn or paint the vibrant Montana sky.

Forsyth

Forsyth, in southeast Montana, is a small town with a rich history. Its charming downtown features a self-guided walking tour highlighted by a series of murals that depict the railroads and nature that are central to its growth. Plan a hike on Montana’s Trail to the Stars for superb stargazing and maybe, if you're one of the lucky ones, a view of the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, more commonly called the Northern Lights. Try a different kind of hunting with a guided trip from Montana Agate Shack for a rockhounding adventure on the Yellowstone River, or take to the trail for big sky hiking and biking with unparalleled views. For an indoor option, check out a flick at the Roxy Theatre.

Lewiston

Located in central Montana, Lewiston is a haven for outdoor adventurers and anyone who wants to truly embrace a quaint, small-town atmosphere. Events like the Chokecherry Festival, celebrating locally grown berries, or Montana’s Longest Table, offering a community meal featuring local foods, cultivate connection in this ranch-friendly town. Nearby Big Spring Creek is, as its name indicates, fed by a spring, and it attracts outdoor enthusiasts for fishing and more. Before heading out for a day on the water, why not make a pit stop at The Rising Trout Coffee & Cafe for homemade pastries, pies, and a cup of coffee roasted in the store?

Whether for a weekend, a stop along the way, or as a destination, visiting a vibrant small town can offer a change of pace from your typical vacation, even if outdoor adventure is still the centerpiece of the trip. Finding a place that feels like home can mean it becomes a tradition to return, or it might inspire more adventures that go off the beaten path to find towns like these all over the country!