With slightly over a million residents, Montana is the fourth-largest state in the US, therefore towns and cities are more spread out. This stunning state, known as “The Last Best Place” or “Big Sky Country,” has hundreds of little villages over 100 years old.
For some, driving an hour or more to the grocery store (or Target!) is a deal-breaker, but after living in Montana for almost three years, I can say it’s worth it!
Small-town living is perfect for getting to know your neighbors, never locking your doors, being near the mountains, and relaxing!
Montana is mostly mountainous, although the east is plains, big skies, and deserts. The west side of Montana is known for its snow-capped peaks, skiing, mountain communities, forests, and national parks.
Want the authentic Montana experience? Visit one of Big Sky Country’s little towns.
1. West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone borders Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming and is near Yellowstone National Park’s western entrance. This proximity to America’s first national park is ideal for a few days visiting Yellowstone’s geysers and grandeur.
The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone is a great place to see bears and wolves if you don’t see them in the park. The Centre houses orphaned or injured animals that cannot be released and lets visitors observe them.
2. Livingston
One of the gates to Yellowstone National Park, Livingston is a charming town that resembles Bozeman. The north entrance to Yellowstone is 45 miles from Livingston, a charming town with many art galleries, restaurants, museums, breweries, and more.
Although the film takes place in Missoula, Robert Redford filmed “A River Runs Through It” in Livingston because Main Street and the Gallatin River had the old-time atmosphere he wanted. Livingston and Paradise Valley are home to many celebrities and notable persons.
Fly anglers from around the world visit Livingston’s world-class rivers and creeks, and Bozeman is a beautiful city with historic residences, modern eating, stores, and museums. Bozeman, one of Montana’s largest cities, has a small-town feel and should be included on your itinerary.
3. Stevensville
Stevensville, another small community in the Bitterroot Valley between Hamilton and Missoula, is in the shadow of St. Mary’s Peak, one of my favorite treks.
This was the first permanent colony by non-Indigenous people. Lewis and Clark went through here and neighboring Lolo on their voyage.
Walking trails along the Bitterroot River at the Lee Metcalf National Animal Refuge are wonderful for animal viewing and calm relaxation. In autumn, Kootenai Creek is another favorite hiking track with beautiful tree colors!
Stevensville’s Main Street includes charming stores, wonderful restaurants, and the best drugstore ice cream.
At Christmas, Main Street is lit up with lights crisscrossed overhead and a big Christmas tree, bringing Christmas cheer to all.
This small community of less than 2,000 people, known as “Stevi” by locals, is 30 minutes from Missoula and has a well-plowed highway year-round except during the worst snowstorms.
Even though Stevensville is milder than the rest of Montana, blizzards are common in winter! You can snowshoe any canyon nearby and reach Lost Trail Ski Resort an hour south.
4. Whitefish
Whitefish, one of these most lovely tiny towns, is north. Whitefish, Montana, attracts celebrities who want to enjoy small-town Montana and Big Mountain Ski Resort (the greatest powder I’ve ever skied!).
Downtown features high-end restaurants and lodging, as well as cheaper options.
You must enjoy the outdoors in Whitefish, and the options are unlimited. Experience the gorgeous paved mountain bike paths, the alpine slide at Whitefish Mountain Resort in summer, a light plane backcountry tour, skiing at the surrounding ski resorts, or Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on the Nordic trails.
5. Hamilton / Corvallis
One of the fastest-growing municipalities in the state is Hamilton and Corvallis, located in the southern Bitterroot Valley.
These two communities are charming and rich in Wild West history, nestled between the snow-capped Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains.
Both towns are close, yet they have different vibes, so I combined them for one list.
With 4,800 residents and increasing, Hamilton is larger than Corvallis at 1,800.
The main street of Hamilton offers amazing eateries and bakeries, while the hub of Corvallis is “The Merc,” a gas station/deli with the tastiest homemade food!
All residents of these towns and the nearby Bitterroot town to the north and south love the area because the Bitterroot Mountains have practically infinite paths through canyons and peaks and the temperature is milder than the rest of the state.
A heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. From Missoula, 40 miles away, you’re an hour from all the facilities.
6. Belt
My first Montana town was Belt, where I spent the 4th of July 2013 with a college roommate and her family. Only 500 people live in Belt, the smallest town on our list, in a ravine close to Belt Creek. You’ll miss it on Highway 89 if you don’t know where to look! It is truly concealed.
Belt has few “things to do” but makes up for its size with charm and serenity. The belt offers the real small-town Montana feel with all the convenience of Great Falls’ “big city” advantages, just 30 minutes east.
7. Libby
The northwest mountain village of Libby, on the Kootenai River, is closer to Canada. Libby has 2,700 residents, fewer than others on our list, but fewer people means more peace. The hanging suspension bridge offers a bird’s-eye view of nearby Kootenai Falls, which has appeared in The River Wild and The Revenant.
Book a stay at McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch to experience Montana’s famed cowboy life! You get the whole cowboy experience on a ranch with genuine cattle and horses! An all-inclusive resort with comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals, and daily horseback riding.
Grizzly bears, moose, deer, and mountain lions live in the Kootenai and Kaniksu National Forests east and west of Libby! Libby, a beautiful hamlet, is a fantastic base camp for weeks of hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other outdoor pleasures just a short drive away.
8. Bigfork
Drive north from Polson on Highway 35 to the upper end of Flathead Lake, passing cherry orchards, forests, lakefront views, and cabins and hotels. About 4,000 people live in Bigfork, a tourist town on Flathead Lake’s northeast shore.
Summer paddleboarding and kayaking are popular here because the Swan River meets Flathead Lake and creates Bigfork Harbor. The marina has daily boat traffic. Summers in Bigfork are party-packed, with lodges along the harbor and restaurants and bars along Highway 35.
Go dog sledding at Base Camp Bigfork in winter! Only a few localities provide dog sledding with experienced teams and guides. You can also hire cross-country skis or snowshoes and explore on foot! The little village of Bigfork is great for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
9. Polson
Driving into Polson from the south and seeing Flathead Lake for the first time is unparalleled. In southern Montana, Polson borders Flathead Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes. About 5,100 people live there on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Polson, halfway between Missoula and Kalispell, has more amenities (including huge chain grocery shops and restaurants) than adjacent smaller towns and offers stunning views of Flathead Lake from practically everywhere.
Visit Sacajawea Park on the water, Glacier Brewing Company, or Montana’s largest museum, the Miracle of America Museum. Amazing artifacts, antiques, ancient cars/aircraft, and historic relics from Montana fill the Miracle of America Museum, educating and entertaining young and old.
10. Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls, a gateway town to Glacier National Park, is a short drive from the country’s most stunning national park. Columbia Falls is routinely one of Montana’s safest and greatest places to live. Heritage Days, the last weekend of July, features a parade, festival, rodeo, basketball tournament, and wild horse races through Columbia Falls to commemorate their past.
If you don’t want to camp in Glacier National Park (15 minutes away), stay in Columbia Falls for hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. The Thursday summer farmers market is one of the best in the state, and there are several top-rated golf courses nearby if you need a day off from exploring the park.
The Nite Owl and Back Room restaurant and bar in Columbia Falls is packed with locals and one of my favorites. After exploring Glacier National Park, a giant platter of rotisserie chicken with all the sides is the finest way to close the day. Taking food? River’s Edge Park’s nighttime picnic overlooks the town’s powerful Flathead River.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are some must-visit small towns in Montana?
Explore Montana's lovely tiny towns including Whitefish, Livingston, Red Lodge, Virginia City, and Philipsburg.
Q2. What makes Whitefish unique among Montana small towns?
Whitefish, near Glacier National Park, offers outdoor adventures, a lively arts scene, and a welcoming community.
Q3. Can I find outdoor activities in these small towns?
Absolutely! Montana's little villages offer hiking, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor sports in beautiful scenery.
