These 8 Towns In Montana Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2025

Montana is an aesthetically appealing landlocked state in the American West that has been a popular holiday retreat for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts who yearn for the wilderness of the Rockies, the Northern Great Plains, the Badlands, and the many river systems that make up Big Sky Country. While the landscape is clearly a significant draw for many, the innumerable towns that dot the peaks and valleys have earned a special place in the hearts of domestic and international tourists alike. As 2025 draws to a close, a vacation in each of these Montana communities guarantees one-of-a-kind experiences you’ll never forget.

Philipsburg

Philipsburg, named after the eminent mining engineer Philip Deidesheimer, is placed roughly equidistant between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. In line with the town’s silver mining roots and the boom of the late 19th century, visitors should take note of the well-kept Victorian-era buildings in the historic district, such as the ornate Sayr’s Building, which housed the First National Bank and is currently home to the Philipsburg Brewing Company, offering prize-winning beers.

In town, you can also shop for unique Montana sapphires from the Montana Gems and Sapphire Jewelry store. The Granite Mountain Mining exhibit at the Granite County Museum & Cultural Center displays a marvelous mural of the Granite ghost town, as well as early mining equipment and the Ghost Town Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, those looking for a taste of Montana's wilder side can explore the trails of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. It is the largest national forest in the state, spanning more than 3 million acres across southwest Montana.

Livingston

A historic railroad and ranching community in south-central Montana, Livingston, sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River between the Crazy and Absaroka Mountain ranges. Adrenaline junkies flock to this gateway town to Yellowstone National Park and, in the process, get charmed by antique stores like Out of the Blue Antiques; local art galleries like the one at the Livingston Center for Art & Culture, which also hosts art workshops and rotating exhibitions all year-round; and unique restaurants like Neptune's Taphouse and Eatery, serving a full-range and eclectic menu in a casual, funky space.

Moreover, visitors can explore the permanent and temporary exhibits in the Yellowstone Gateway Museum that highlight the wildlife, geology, and history of the region, including its role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. For aspiring and seasoned anglers, Mayor's Landing Park offers a boat launch and fishing opportunities on the Yellowstone River.

Whitefish

Whitefish, a picture-perfect mountain town in Flathead County, sits just a short distance from Glacier National Park along the western edge of the Continental Divide. Mixing small-town charm and modern amenities set against the stunning backdrop of the Northern Rockies, Whitefish captivates visitors from near and far with notable art galleries like FoR Fine Art - Whitefish Gallery, and a diverse range of local eateries, like Tupelo Grille, serving Southern-style dishes.

Discover more about the area’s logging and railroad heritage at the Stumptown Historical Society & Whitefish Museum, housed inside the historic train depot. For outdoor adventure enthusiasts, the surrounding wilderness beckons. Whitefish Lake State Park provides a nice warm-up before heading into Glacier National Park, with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, camping, fishing, and swimming in the warm weather months, and Whitefish Mountain Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge is a photographic town in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, surrounded by the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Take a saunter through the redeveloped Commercial Historic District downtown and check out landmarks such as the Pollard Hotel, which once hosted Wild West legends Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, and the Carbon County Courthouse, standing as a reminder of the town’s role as the region's political and economic center.

Although once said to have a saloon on every corner during its heyday, Broadway Avenue is now lined with boutiques like the Village Shoppe and art galleries like Beartooth Gallery Fine Art. Sightseers must enjoy a scenic drive on the 68.7-mile Beartooth Highway, highlighting jaw-dropping mountain panoramas, tundra landscape, and alpine lakes, and connecting Red Lodge with the northeastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. In the winter months, powder hounds and outdoor enthusiasts can get their fill at the neighboring Red Lodge Mountain ski area.

Anaconda

This upland settlement in the shadow of the Anaconda Range in southwestern Montana is located approximately 23 miles northwest of Butte. Newcomers and history buffs will want to start their visit with a trip to Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park and behold the Anaconda Smelter Shack, one of the world’s tallest surviving brick structures with a full height of 585 feet, constructed in 1918 as part of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company’s Washoe Smelter.

Furthermore, stop by the Copper Village Museum and Art Center in Anaconda City Hall and tour a historical museum, art center, retail shop, and local historical society all in one. For a bit of recreation and leisure, hit the links at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Works Golf Course, and then catch cult classics and the newest blockbusters at the historic Washoe Theater on Main Street. The Art Deco theater is one of the best-preserved in the country and is rightfully listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is a lively, all-season outdoor recreation hub, named for its prime position at the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife-watching is a year-round activity here, and visitors can get a close-up view of gray wolves, grizzly bears, otters, ground squirrels, and birds of prey at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.

You can also sign up for a guided equestrian ride on fine mountain trails with the Diamond P Ranch through Gallatin National Forest and get a bird’s-eye view at the Yellowstone Zipline and Canopy Tours. Downtown, you'll find souvenirs such as local huckleberry products at Yellowstone Park Village, and gourmet restaurants like Bullwinkle’s Saloon & Eatery that cater to a wide variety of tastes.

Hamilton

This Ravalli County seat is a beloved outdoor adventure haven in the Bitterroot Valley. Begin your trip to Hamilton by touring the Daly Mansion, the former residence of the town's founder, nowadays managed by the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust and host of many community events throughout the year. The Bitter Root Valley Historical Society operates the Ravalli County Museum in the former county courthouse, which preserves and shares the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

Beyond historic landmarks, downtown is home to local cafes and eateries like Ember, where the food is wood-fired and made from locally-sourced ingredients, and gift shops like the family-owned Big Sky Candy, selling handmade chocolates, toffees, brittles, and truffles. Meanwhile, the 700-seat Hamilton Performing Arts Center presents various live productions through the Bitterroot Performing Arts Series.

Ennis

Flanked by three imposing mountain ranges, Ennis is a serene community on the banks of the Madison River, one of the Missouri River’s headwater tributaries. Established in 1863 following the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch and named for the early homesteader William Ennis, the town is a popular ranching hub, with the abutting mountains being an ideal habitat for big game animals, and the river a blue-ribbon trout stream providing abundant fly fishing opportunities.

Get an authentic frontier town feel while strolling Main Street, stopping by classic old west saloons like Longbranch Saloon and art galleries like RiverStone Gallery. The Madison Valley History Museum, just west of town, displays artifacts related to the initial settlers of Madison Valley. For a bit of friendly competition, play a quick round at the challenging 9-hole par-36 golf course at Madison Meadows, then sample award-winning Bighorn Bourbon Whiskey and Montana Moonshine at the renowned Willie’s Distillery.

Montana’s towns may be scattered across vast mountains, valleys, and plains, but each offers its own distinct charm, history, and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to historic streets, unique and creative downtowns, wildlife encounters, or rugged outdoor escapes, these communities showcase the best of Big Sky Country’s spirit. As you plan your next getaway, let these destinations inspire a journey that captures Montana’s beauty, culture, and unforgettable sense of place.