One of the many, many wonderful things about living in Montana is getting to travel like a local. Our more tourist-oriented towns are amazing places to visit, especially now that summer is ending and things are slowing down. That being said, there are plenty of peaceful alternatives to our more well-known tourist spots like Whitefish, Missoula and Seeley Lake. If you want all the charm without the crowds, consider one of these 10 Montana towns for your next weekend getaway.
- Choteau
david / Flickr As a midway point between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, Choteau certainly sees its share of traffic in the summer. But once the traditional tourist season ends, you’ll find it to be a serene place with just enough amenities and events to keep you occupied.
- Fort Benton
Joseph Readdy / Flickr The birthplace of Montana is a wonderful place for a Montanan to visit. There are several museums worth exploring, not to mention snapping photos of the infamous bridge.
- Havre
Jasperdo / Flickr What is there to do in Havre, you might ask? How about eating delicious food at one of the many good restaurants like Pizza Pro, exploring the Railroad Museum and taking the underground tour, Havre Beneath the Streets. This old railway hub is a beautiful and fun place to visit.
- Glasgow
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Visit the Valley County Pioneer Museum (closed only in January) to learn about this area’s rich history, enjoy a pie at Eugene’s Pizza and taste beer at Busted Knuckle Brewery. The little city of Glasgow has a lot to offer.
- Thompson Falls
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Thompson Falls was named after fur trapper David Thompson, and the community is currently home to friendly bunch of people who enjoy the close proximity to Lolo and Kootenai forests. Some tourists definitely make their way here, but they’re mostly just other Montanans who need a change of scenery.
- Shelby
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Shelby is a popular place to stop during summer pilgrimages to Glacier National Park, but very rarely does anyone make it their final vacation destination. Decked out with old neon signs and charming little eateries, this town is easily accessible by Amtrak and enjoyed by locals craving a quiet escape.
- Hardin
Don Barrett / Flickr Located in Big Horn County, Hardin is close to the Beartooth Scenic Highway, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Every August the Crow Fair is held here, a gathering of Native Americans that includes pow wows, parades and rodeos. For the rest of the year, the area stays quiet and peaceful.
- Sheridan
Spend A Day Touring, LLC / Flickr Southwest Montana is home to plenty of gems, and Sheridan is no exception. Located on the banks of the Ruby River, this quiet community is nice and peaceful.
- Terry
David Schott / Flickr If you’ve ever wanted to explore Montana’s badlands, Terry is a great town to visit. They offer self-guided walking tours with pamphlets you pick up in the lobby of the Kempton Hotel. Along with learning about Montana’s history, Terry is a favorite place for outdoor enthusiasts who hunt and fish to stay.
- Three Forks
Tim Evanson / Flickr Located 30 minutes from Bozeman and home to Missouri Headwaters State Park, Three Forks is a popular place for tourists to stop, but not often where they choose to stay. But this charming little city of 2,000 people has a lot to offer, from the original Wheat Montana to the haunted Sacajawea Hotel.
The best part? Every place on this list qualifies as a small town. Here are 10 reasons why small town Montana is the best.
david / Flickr
As a midway point between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, Choteau certainly sees its share of traffic in the summer. But once the traditional tourist season ends, you’ll find it to be a serene place with just enough amenities and events to keep you occupied.
Joseph Readdy / Flickr
The birthplace of Montana is a wonderful place for a Montanan to visit. There are several museums worth exploring, not to mention snapping photos of the infamous bridge.
Jasperdo / Flickr
What is there to do in Havre, you might ask? How about eating delicious food at one of the many good restaurants like Pizza Pro, exploring the Railroad Museum and taking the underground tour, Havre Beneath the Streets. This old railway hub is a beautiful and fun place to visit.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Visit the Valley County Pioneer Museum (closed only in January) to learn about this area’s rich history, enjoy a pie at Eugene’s Pizza and taste beer at Busted Knuckle Brewery. The little city of Glasgow has a lot to offer.
Thompson Falls was named after fur trapper David Thompson, and the community is currently home to friendly bunch of people who enjoy the close proximity to Lolo and Kootenai forests. Some tourists definitely make their way here, but they’re mostly just other Montanans who need a change of scenery.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Shelby is a popular place to stop during summer pilgrimages to Glacier National Park, but very rarely does anyone make it their final vacation destination. Decked out with old neon signs and charming little eateries, this town is easily accessible by Amtrak and enjoyed by locals craving a quiet escape.
Don Barrett / Flickr
Located in Big Horn County, Hardin is close to the Beartooth Scenic Highway, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Every August the Crow Fair is held here, a gathering of Native Americans that includes pow wows, parades and rodeos. For the rest of the year, the area stays quiet and peaceful.
Spend A Day Touring, LLC / Flickr
Southwest Montana is home to plenty of gems, and Sheridan is no exception. Located on the banks of the Ruby River, this quiet community is nice and peaceful.
David Schott / Flickr
If you’ve ever wanted to explore Montana’s badlands, Terry is a great town to visit. They offer self-guided walking tours with pamphlets you pick up in the lobby of the Kempton Hotel. Along with learning about Montana’s history, Terry is a favorite place for outdoor enthusiasts who hunt and fish to stay.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
Located 30 minutes from Bozeman and home to Missouri Headwaters State Park, Three Forks is a popular place for tourists to stop, but not often where they choose to stay. But this charming little city of 2,000 people has a lot to offer, from the original Wheat Montana to the haunted Sacajawea Hotel.
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