These 9 Towns Are Montana's Best-Kept Secret
Montana has earned the moniker "Big Sky Country" for good reason. With its expansive landscapes, low population density, and vast open skies, it often feels like the horizon stretches endlessly. But beneath that boundless sky lie some of the state's best-kept secrets—small towns scattered across rugged terrain, each offering breathtaking views, local charm, and a deep connection to culture, nature, and art. Whether it's the resort town of Whitefish near Glacier National Park or the historic mining roots of Anaconda, these nine towns prove that Montana's quiet corners hold just as much magic as its famous landmarks.
Havre
When you think of best-kept secrets in Montana, you don't often think of France, but the French city is the inspiration for Havre, a town of 9,500. Located in north central Montana, not far from the Canadian border, Havre is where you'll find it. While it may not be the biggest, Havre does boast the Montana State University-Northern, which is in the middle of town.
A unique archaeological site nearby, the Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump, shows visitors a buffalo jump that Native American hunters would herd buffalo through in days gone by. History enthusiasts can visit Fort Assinniboine to glimpse 19th-century military life. For more of the past, the H. Earl Clack Museum showcases paleontology, archaeology, and iconic exhibits.
Anaconda
Probably the most unique name on this list is Anaconda. Sitting directly west of Butte, Anaconda has around 9,500 citizens who call the area home. Although the small town has a quaint vibe, it has an impressive blend of art and outdoor sports to entertain many. There is the Copper Village Museum and Art Center, built in 1896, where one can visit a museum, local historical society, art center, and retail shop all in one. Want to get to know the area better? Take advantage of the historic bus tour, mid-May through September, to appreciate the historic buildings and attractions this smelting community used in the early days.
The Washoe Theater is an Art Deco throwback listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, where you can still catch a movie or sometimes a play. For outdoor adventures, tourists can visit the Upper Works Trails or the Smoke Stack State Park to see one of the tallest free-standing brick structures in the world, the old Anaconda Copper Company smelter stack.
Miles City
Sitting in eastern Montana is a town of just under 9,000 people, Miles City. This under-the-radar town prides itself on being an authentic western town with vast stretches of plains and benefiting from the Yellowstone River running across the northern section. If you're in town during the right time of year, you can check out the Bucking Horse Sale Parade.
Take advantage of the big sky area by checking out the Dean's Reservoir, a B.L.M. recreation area ideal for recreation. You can also check out Signal Butte, the highest point in the vicinity, which Native Americans used for communication.
Whitefish
This next town on our list might be the most recognizable option. Whitefish is a resort town in the northwest part of Montana, located directly west of one of the most famous parks in the country, Glacier National Park. Although Whitefish is a resort town, mostly known for its skiing opportunities at Whitefish Mountain Resort, it still only has 7,700 year-round residents.
This small Northern Rocky Mountain town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. During the warmer months, have fun at the Aerial Adventure Park at Whitefish Mountain Resort or try the unique Alpine Slides on rolling sleds. Beware that both activities need reservations. Want an unforgettable view of Glacier National Park? Reserve a backcountry flight that will give you world-class views. Not everything needs to be for the thrill seekers, however. Check out the O'Shaughnessy Center for art shows, photography exhibits, and three-dimensional artworks.
Laurel
The next entry on this list is Laurel, a town only 15 miles southwest of Billings on Interstate 90. If you're a history buff, this small town has a surprising multitude of sites to check out. The Yellowstone National Cemetery is north of the city, or you can visit the Chief Joseph Monument, which remembers the Nez Perce Indians' battle against the U.S. Cavalry in 1877.
Northeast of town is the Triangle-Y Ranch, which is an underrated area for hikers in southern Montana. There are also several family parks and an 18-hole golf course for entertainment.
Sidney
Tucked away in the northeast part of Montana is the small town of Sidney, which is home to around 6,500 people and only a short 10-minute drive from the North Dakota border. This small town has the Yellowstone River tucked away on the eastern portion of town, and is a great fishing opportunity for the unique paddlefish.
You can visit the national historic Fort Union Trading Post between Sidney and the North Dakota border. The town also has the MonDak Heritage Center, which is a museum celebrating the history of the citizens of the area in both western Montana and eastern North Dakota. Also, enthusiasts can visit part of the Lewis and Clark Trail in the area.
Columbia Falls
Our next under-the-radar town is Columbia Falls. This town of 5,300 people is only a short drive southeast of another entry on our list, Whitefish. Because of this, it hugs the world-famous Glacier National Park east of town. It also has the benefit of being in the northeast part of the memorable Flathead Valley. In town, you can stop by River's Edge Park, which has over 900 feet of river frontage of the Flathead River.
Just northeast of town, you can hike Teakettle Mountain South, or for a more fast-paced adventure, stop by the Glacier Ziplines. You can also take advantage of the Columbia Mountain Trail #51, which overlooks Columbia Falls and the greater Flathead Valley.
Polson
Polson is a small town of 5,000 residents in the Flathead Valley on the southern shores of Flathead Lake. This northwestern Montana town is actually on the Flathead Reservation and has the advantage of being surrounded by the snow-capped Mission Mountains to the south of town. This area is known for being a cherry-growing region, so there are numerous cherry orchards to visit.
The area offers whitewater rafting on the Flathead River and access to the nearby National Bison Range in Moiese, where visitors can see large herds of bison, elk, and deer in their natural habitat. For those interested in culture, the town is home to two notable museums: the Miracle of America Museum, which features an eclectic collection of Americana, and the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum, which offers insight into the local heritage and early pioneer life.
Deer Lodge
Deer Lodge is a small town of just under 3,000 people in western Montana. This small town blends the importance of mining and ranch living throughout the area. Your first stop should be the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, which gives visitors a look into the development of the cattle industry through the 19th century.
Another must-see is the Old Prison Museum, since the town has been home to the Montana State Prison for decades, this retired building became a complex for a theater, antique, and automobile museums as well. If it's an outdoor activity you're after, you can check out Mt. Powell just west of town.
Finishing Thoughts
When travelers visit Montana, they expect to be immersed in the world of ranching, outdoor activities like fly-fishing, and everything that bleeds the culture of life "out west". But these smaller Montana towns surprise people with their versatility. Being able to learn the ways of cherry farmers, old copper towns, and a deep root in Native American history, highlights the non-traditional activities that you can find in this wide-open state. Learning and experiencing something new is a cornerstone of any location that is new to a visitor, and these nine best-kept secret Montana towns highlight that fact under this state's "Big Sky."
