7 Small Towns In Montana With The Best Downtowns
In Montana, it’s easy to go from a Yellowstone day trip to Red Lodge’s old-school Main Street, or from Glacier’s trailheads to Whitefish’s lively downtown blocks packed with local shops and cafés. What makes these towns stand out is the mix of history you can step right into, like Livingston’s railroad roots and Virginia City’s Old West streets, along with modern reasons to hang out, such as microbrews and the occasional huckleberry treat. This list spotlights seven Montana downtowns worth building a road trip around, from Philipsburg’s quirky mining-town charm to Anaconda’s landmark-packed streets beneath the towering smelter stack. Pick a town and spend the day hopping between shops, bites, and landmarks with the Rockies as your backdrop.
Red Lodge
Sitting approximately 60 miles away from Montana's Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge contains a downtown that provides the perfect respite after a long day of hiking, fishing, or even visiting the world-famous Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1884 and converted from a mining town to a local tourist destination, the city maintains both aspects of its past and present to entice locals and passers-by alike. Travelers looking to embrace the town's history and indulge their sweet tooth can visit the Montana Candy Emporium, where they can choose from homemade s'mores, taffies, or fudge while admiring the vintage posters and signage that cover the emporium's walls.
After enjoying an array of treats, a trip to the 109-year-old Roman Theater will fully satisfy any craving for an old-town feel. Take a break and watch either a Hollywood blockbuster or the premiere of a local, independently-produced film while basking in the beauty of an Art Moderne-style theater. If you leave the theater feeling inspired, take a detour to the Red Lodge Clay Center to walk through local artist exhibitions, or even take a pottery class yourself. End the day and enjoy one of the many seasonal, home-made brews at the local Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company.
Anaconda
Home to the 585-feet-tall Anaconda Smelter Smack, one of the largest standing brick structures in the world, the town of Anaconda boasts a downtown with a host of mom-and-pop restaurants, various historic sites, and a breathtaking view of the gorgeous Deer Lodge National Forest. Touring foodies can partake in a delicious, classic Pork John Chop's sandwich at Peppermint Paddy's. History buffs, on the other hand, may be charmed by the Hearst Free Library, opened by Phoebe Hearst, philanthropist and wife of mining tycoon George Hearst, in 1898.
With an elevation of 5,266 feet, Anaconda also makes the most of its winter months. The annual Anaconda Winter Festival is the perfect opportunity for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to enjoy wintertime activities such as ice sculpture exhibitions, figure skating, and Christmas markets hosted by local artisans. With its mix of landmarks, refreshments, and year-round outdoor activities, downtown Anaconda is a must-visit for those exploring the best of southwestern Montana.
Whitefish
Despite its reputation as a skiing destination, Whitefish offers more than its famed Whitefish Mountain Resort. Heading down and off the beaten mountain path will reveal a lively coffee scene with the likes of Montana Coffee Traders, a locally owned roastery working out of a real, vintage farmhouse. After getting your caffeine fix, head to the Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum to learn about the town's 120-year-old logging and railroad history. Lucky visitors may even come across its nostalgic, old-fashioned hot chocolate vending machine and partake in a childhood delicacy.
Whitefish maintains tradition in other ways, too. Whitefish Gift & Gear is downtown's one-stop shop for all things Whitefish, honoring their state's national fruit, the huckleberry, through their wide variety of huckleberry-flavored products like jams, baking mixes, and even milkshakes. Location-specific souvenirs and gifts, like T-shirts and handmade crafts, are also available.
Virginia City
Stepping into Virginia City is like walking into the past. When Alder Gulch discovered gold in the town in 1863, the population boomed as mining camps proliferated, eventually transforming Virginia City into Montana's territorial capital from 1865 to 1875. Today, while 150 original, historic buildings remain, the population has not, transforming the city into the popular "ghost town" attraction it is today.
Strolling downtown will show you the town's wealth of Old West-style shops and buildings, such as Cousins Candy Shop and Rank's Mercantile, the oldest continually operating general store in Montana. Tourists are welcome to purchase old-fashioned cowboy outfits and Victorian-era clothing to connect their present with the past. After dressing for the occasion, see the surrounding scenery with a 15-minute ride along the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad. Or, if you're staying late, take a Ghost Walk to learn about the town's previous inhabitants.
Kalispell
Located approximately 33 miles away from Glacier National Park, Kalispell is a town in northwestern Montana that has captivated public attention since the late 1890s. Kalispell's original designation as a railroad town connecting Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington, helps explain the charming, old-fashioned vibe it retains to this day. The Conrad Mansion Museum, the former family home of the town's founder, is a short walk from downtown and offers daily tours, as well as special events a few times a year.
The Northwest Montana History Museum, built out of the city's restored Central School building, also offers exhibitions on Kalispell's history, including a 20-foot-long model of Kalispell’s 1892 Great Northern Railway depot. A must-go for locals, Moose's Saloon, provides a place to relax after a long day of museums, as well as some of the most delicious pizza in town. Fun western wear and a collection of 3,500+ boots can be shopped for at Western Outdoor for visitors looking to remember the town with something a little more special.
Philipsburg
Philipsburg is a gem of a town nestled nearly halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Created originally as a mining town in the 1890s, Philipsburg has maintained its quirk and spark that has kept the public intrigued for over a century. Downtown Philipsburg boasts a collection of charming shops, like Bickerstaff Book Sellers, offering a variety of books about Montana, the West, and a large children's collection. Alternatively, the Sapphire Gallery and the Granite County Museum and Mine Exhibit provide one-of-a-kind experiences for those interested in the town's mining history. At the Gallery, learn how to prospect for gems yourself, and at the Museum and Mine Exhibit, embark on an exciting underground mining tour.
Only a block away from downtown is the Winninghoff Park Ice Rink and Arena. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to skate on the NHL-sized natural ice rink. In the summer, the arena's adjacent hillside is transformed into an outdoor amphitheater, creating a picture-perfect venue for travelers looking to attend a concert while in the Rockies.
Livingston
When the Northern Pacific Railroad was built in 1882 to bridge Livingston with Yellowstone National Park, the town emerged as a major local cultural hub, attracting hordes of settlers, tourists, and industry that shaped the downtown you see today. The streets are lined with acclaimed restaurants and local favorites, like Pinky's for an all-day breakfast or Murray Bar for a selection of award-winning microbrews and a classic burger.
After getting a delicious bite to eat, passers-by looking to visit the original train station can do so at the Livingston Depot Center. In addition to historical exhibits open from May to September, the Depot Center offers a range of alternating, seasonal community events, including winter markets, railroad swap meets, and an annual Festival of the Arts. Before you leave, don't miss the Depot Center's array of local shops to commemorate your special trip with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Montana, split between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains regions, is primarily known for its natural beauty, national parks, and easy access to skiing and mountain hiking. Less discussed, however, is the state's charming collection of downtowns, often just a short car ride from the closest national park. Whether you're captivated by Montana's history, are itching to try a genuine huckleberry, or want to rest after a day in the mountains, these 7 downtowns in small-town Montana are worth a visit.
