Considering the largest city in Montana (Billings, in case you were wondering!) has a population of under 120,000 people, it’s safe to say that the Treasure State has its share of small towns. And while each of them has its own unique appeal, there are certain sparsely populated spots that are especially charming. If you need a quiet getaway, check out this list of the best small towns in Montana!
- Whitefish
Kris McGuire/Flickr Nestled on the shores of Whitefish Lake in Flathead County, Whitefish is an outdoor adventure hub. The people who call this small town home can enjoy hiking, fishing, snow sports, and numerous festivals throughout the year. Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
- Big Timber
Jasperdo/Flickr This small mountain town in Montana, where the Rocky Mountains and the plains meet, sits in between Bozeman and Billings. With hotels dating back to the 1800s and an old-fashioned soda fountain, a visit here is like a trip back in time. Big Timber, MT 59011, USA
- Choteau
greaterfalls/Flickr The Front Porch of the Rockies is home to around 1,900 people and visited by tourists exploring the Dinosaur Trail. Choteau, Montana, gained national attention when David Letterman bought a ranch nearby in 1999 and spoke fondly of the town after 9/11. Choteau, MT 59422, USA
- Stevensville
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr This small town in Montana was the first permanent settlement in the state, when Jesuit Missionaries arrived at the request of the Bitterroot Salish tribe. Between the friendly population of 1,800, quiet community, and views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, Stevensville is a wonderful break from loud city life. Stevensville, MT 59870, USA
- Lewistown
Spend a Day Touring/Flickr This charming Montana town is called the Heart of Montana because of its central location and gold rush history. Around 6,000 people call it home as well as the many animals on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Lewistown, MT 59457, USA
- Libby
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Montana close to the Idaho border, Libby is a town of 2,800 that was once a mecca for mining. These days, tourists and locals alike enjoy the pristine lakes, rivers, numerous campgrounds, and abundant skiing options. Libby, MT 59923, USA
- Columbia Falls
Mel Green/Flickr Columbia Falls, AKA The Gateway to Glacier Park, is home to 5,600 people and welcomes plenty of visitors every year, most of which are on their way to outdoor adventures at Glacier. This little town can hold its own when it comes to tourism, though—between the golf resort, water park, and Flathead Lake Winery, there’s plenty to do. Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
- Hamilton
Cameron Birse/Flickr Drive an hour south of Missoula and you’ll see Hamilton, a charming little town with a population of 4,800. Come for the stunning scenery, stay for the antique shopping. Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
- Eureka
JP Pendleton/Flickr Eureka is a little town of 1,500 that sits near the Canadian border and has a true small-town atmosphere. Tourism has come to play a large role in the local economy, with people flocking in to enjoy the beauty of the Tobacco Valley. Eureka, MT, USA
- Augusta
Robert Lz/Flickr Though there’s not much to this tiny town of just over 200 residents, it had to make the list. Known as the “Last Original Cow Town in the West,” Augusta is a sleepy little town and is the perfect place to visit for anyone who wants a taste of the Old West lifestyle. Augusta, MT 59410, USA
Do you live in any of these small towns? What others would you add to the list of the best small towns in Montana? Share them with us in the comments below — we have love for all of the charming towns in the Treasure State!
Kris McGuire/Flickr
Nestled on the shores of Whitefish Lake in Flathead County, Whitefish is an outdoor adventure hub. The people who call this small town home can enjoy hiking, fishing, snow sports, and numerous festivals throughout the year.
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
This small mountain town in Montana, where the Rocky Mountains and the plains meet, sits in between Bozeman and Billings. With hotels dating back to the 1800s and an old-fashioned soda fountain, a visit here is like a trip back in time.
Big Timber, MT 59011, USA
greaterfalls/Flickr
The Front Porch of the Rockies is home to around 1,900 people and visited by tourists exploring the Dinosaur Trail. Choteau, Montana, gained national attention when David Letterman bought a ranch nearby in 1999 and spoke fondly of the town after 9/11.
Choteau, MT 59422, USA
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
This small town in Montana was the first permanent settlement in the state, when Jesuit Missionaries arrived at the request of the Bitterroot Salish tribe. Between the friendly population of 1,800, quiet community, and views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, Stevensville is a wonderful break from loud city life.
Stevensville, MT 59870, USA
Spend a Day Touring/Flickr
This charming Montana town is called the Heart of Montana because of its central location and gold rush history. Around 6,000 people call it home as well as the many animals on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
Lewistown, MT 59457, USA
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Montana close to the Idaho border, Libby is a town of 2,800 that was once a mecca for mining. These days, tourists and locals alike enjoy the pristine lakes, rivers, numerous campgrounds, and abundant skiing options.
Libby, MT 59923, USA
Mel Green/Flickr
Columbia Falls, AKA The Gateway to Glacier Park, is home to 5,600 people and welcomes plenty of visitors every year, most of which are on their way to outdoor adventures at Glacier. This little town can hold its own when it comes to tourism, though—between the golf resort, water park, and Flathead Lake Winery, there’s plenty to do.
Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Cameron Birse/Flickr
Drive an hour south of Missoula and you’ll see Hamilton, a charming little town with a population of 4,800. Come for the stunning scenery, stay for the antique shopping.
Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
JP Pendleton/Flickr
Eureka is a little town of 1,500 that sits near the Canadian border and has a true small-town atmosphere. Tourism has come to play a large role in the local economy, with people flocking in to enjoy the beauty of the Tobacco Valley.
Eureka, MT, USA
Robert Lz/Flickr
Though there’s not much to this tiny town of just over 200 residents, it had to make the list. Known as the “Last Original Cow Town in the West,” Augusta is a sleepy little town and is the perfect place to visit for anyone who wants a taste of the Old West lifestyle.
Augusta, MT 59410, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best small towns in Montana September 27, 2022 Sarah M. What’s the best small town to visit in Montana? We alluded to it above, but Whitefish, Montana, deserves a larger platform! Located in the Montana Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with the soul of a small town. This charming town is situated near Glacier National Park, so it’s the perfect home base for those wanting to explore the area’s glaciers, lakes, meadows, and mountains. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and during the summer, visitors can hike, bike, zipline, and race down the mountain on an alpine slide. Back in town, Whitefish is not lacking in personality; its streets are filled with local shops, quaint restaurants, and cozy little accommodations, all of which are at their peak beauty in the winter. Whitefish gets around 300 inches of snowfall each year, and seeing the downtown covered in a blanket of white will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life snow globe! What are some walkable small towns in Montana? While the Treasure State is known for its wide open spaces, its small towns manage to offer peace and quiet and a sense of community, especially these small towns in Montana with great downtown districts. One of our favorite downtowns in Montana is Philipsburg. This little locale certainly isn’t the only 19th-century mining town that you can find in Montana, but it’s definitely one of the best. There’s so much to do here and you’ll be absolutely smitten with this great little place. Whether you’re mining for sapphires, hiking all the nearby nature trails, or savoring sweets at the local old-fashioned soda fountain, there’s a ton to love about Philipsburg. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Montana. Anaconda is another super-walkable town in Montana; its Main Street is a pretty place to wander, complete with plenty of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. Finally, Ennis is a teeny-tiny town whose downtown area here is the very definition of small-town charm. This is one of the most adorable and walkable small towns in Montana!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best small towns in Montana
September 27, 2022
Sarah M.
What’s the best small town to visit in Montana? We alluded to it above, but Whitefish, Montana, deserves a larger platform! Located in the Montana Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with the soul of a small town. This charming town is situated near Glacier National Park, so it’s the perfect home base for those wanting to explore the area’s glaciers, lakes, meadows, and mountains. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and during the summer, visitors can hike, bike, zipline, and race down the mountain on an alpine slide. Back in town, Whitefish is not lacking in personality; its streets are filled with local shops, quaint restaurants, and cozy little accommodations, all of which are at their peak beauty in the winter. Whitefish gets around 300 inches of snowfall each year, and seeing the downtown covered in a blanket of white will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life snow globe! What are some walkable small towns in Montana? While the Treasure State is known for its wide open spaces, its small towns manage to offer peace and quiet and a sense of community, especially these small towns in Montana with great downtown districts. One of our favorite downtowns in Montana is Philipsburg. This little locale certainly isn’t the only 19th-century mining town that you can find in Montana, but it’s definitely one of the best. There’s so much to do here and you’ll be absolutely smitten with this great little place. Whether you’re mining for sapphires, hiking all the nearby nature trails, or savoring sweets at the local old-fashioned soda fountain, there’s a ton to love about Philipsburg. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Montana. Anaconda is another super-walkable town in Montana; its Main Street is a pretty place to wander, complete with plenty of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. Finally, Ennis is a teeny-tiny town whose downtown area here is the very definition of small-town charm. This is one of the most adorable and walkable small towns in Montana!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We alluded to it above, but Whitefish, Montana, deserves a larger platform! Located in the Montana Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with the soul of a small town. This charming town is situated near Glacier National Park, so it’s the perfect home base for those wanting to explore the area’s glaciers, lakes, meadows, and mountains. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, and during the summer, visitors can hike, bike, zipline, and race down the mountain on an alpine slide. Back in town, Whitefish is not lacking in personality; its streets are filled with local shops, quaint restaurants, and cozy little accommodations, all of which are at their peak beauty in the winter. Whitefish gets around 300 inches of snowfall each year, and seeing the downtown covered in a blanket of white will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life snow globe!
What are some walkable small towns in Montana?
While the Treasure State is known for its wide open spaces, its small towns manage to offer peace and quiet and a sense of community, especially these small towns in Montana with great downtown districts. One of our favorite downtowns in Montana is Philipsburg. This little locale certainly isn’t the only 19th-century mining town that you can find in Montana, but it’s definitely one of the best. There’s so much to do here and you’ll be absolutely smitten with this great little place. Whether you’re mining for sapphires, hiking all the nearby nature trails, or savoring sweets at the local old-fashioned soda fountain, there’s a ton to love about Philipsburg. It’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Montana. Anaconda is another super-walkable town in Montana; its Main Street is a pretty place to wander, complete with plenty of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. Finally, Ennis is a teeny-tiny town whose downtown area here is the very definition of small-town charm. This is one of the most adorable and walkable small towns in Montana!
