Every city and town in the Treasure State has its own special charms, and a year spent exploring them is a good year indeed. In 2016, we called out many of our most charming and fascinating places, and we’re recommending that you visit a few of them this year.
- Lewistown
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Lewistown made our list of must-visit historic towns. Its prime location of the Carroll Trail (the shortest route between Helena and the Missouri River) made it a popular place in Montana’s early days, and there’s still quite a bit to do here, including the incredible Charlie Russell Chew Choo dinner train.
- Scobey
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Just over 1,000 people call this quiet little Eastern Montana Pioneer town home. The best time to visit is during spring or summer when the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town is open.
- Stevensville
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Last year, we suggested taking an amazing two-day getaway to Stevensville. Even if you did, we suggest repeating the trip and trying some new restaurants and attractions.
- Havre
Jasperdo / Flickr Many of our readers were surprised to learn that the Havre Beneath the Streets tour exists. If you’ve never been, make this the year you learn more about the area’s fascinating history.
- Fort Benton
Daimon Eklund / Flickr Even if you’ve been to the Birthplace of Montana , it’s always fun to go back and explore. And if you have yet to go, try and make a trip happen in 2017.
- Philipsburg
USDARD LAPAS / Flickr It may have seemed like a stretch when we called Philipsburg the Most Unique Town in the World last year. But where else can you mine your own sapphires and order a treat at an old school soda fountain in the same day?
- Missoula
Micah Sheldon / Flickr We talked about some good reasons to move to Missoula last year, which people had some pretty strong opinions on. But even if you have no desire to call it home, you should visit. It has all the amenities of a big city but the charm of a small town.
- Miles City
Tim Evanson / Flickr Miles City made our 2016 list of charming river towns , and they’re best known for the Mile City Bucking Horse Sale. But no matter what time of year you go, you’ll find it’s a great place to relax and enjoy yourself.
- Anaconda
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr In 2016, we said that the beautiful industrial town of Anaconda was perfect for an autumn day trip. We stand by that opinion.
- Bigfork
Ron Kroetz / Flickr Every December (actually, late November if you want to get technical about it) Bigfork transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. We recommend going anytime—it’s gorgeous—but if you can make it at Christmastime, it’s especially magical.
These might be our top suggestions, but really, there’s no bad place to explore in Montana. Here are a few of our most underrated cities.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Lewistown made our list of must-visit historic towns. Its prime location of the Carroll Trail (the shortest route between Helena and the Missouri River) made it a popular place in Montana’s early days, and there’s still quite a bit to do here, including the incredible Charlie Russell Chew Choo dinner train.
Just over 1,000 people call this quiet little Eastern Montana Pioneer town home. The best time to visit is during spring or summer when the Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town is open.
Last year, we suggested taking an amazing two-day getaway to Stevensville. Even if you did, we suggest repeating the trip and trying some new restaurants and attractions.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Many of our readers were surprised to learn that the Havre Beneath the Streets tour exists. If you’ve never been, make this the year you learn more about the area’s fascinating history.
Daimon Eklund / Flickr
Even if you’ve been to the Birthplace of Montana , it’s always fun to go back and explore. And if you have yet to go, try and make a trip happen in 2017.
USDARD LAPAS / Flickr
It may have seemed like a stretch when we called Philipsburg the Most Unique Town in the World last year. But where else can you mine your own sapphires and order a treat at an old school soda fountain in the same day?
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
We talked about some good reasons to move to Missoula last year, which people had some pretty strong opinions on. But even if you have no desire to call it home, you should visit. It has all the amenities of a big city but the charm of a small town.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
Miles City made our 2016 list of charming river towns , and they’re best known for the Mile City Bucking Horse Sale. But no matter what time of year you go, you’ll find it’s a great place to relax and enjoy yourself.
In 2016, we said that the beautiful industrial town of Anaconda was perfect for an autumn day trip. We stand by that opinion.
Ron Kroetz / Flickr
Every December (actually, late November if you want to get technical about it) Bigfork transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. We recommend going anytime—it’s gorgeous—but if you can make it at Christmastime, it’s especially magical.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
