If Montana was ever a secret, it’s safe to say the secret is out. The Treasure State sees thousands and thousands of visitors every year, most of them head straight for our most popular places like Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake or Whitefish Mountain Resort.
But those who live here full-time know that it’s the under-the-radar towns that are often the most fun spots to visit. The places on this list might not get the publicity they deserve, but they’re definitely worth checking out.
- Havre
Jasperdo / Flickr Most people who venture up to Havre agree that it’s an underrated place. Between the delicious burgers at Rod’s Drive Inn, the Triple Dog Brewing Company and the amazing Havre Beneath the Streets tour, you won’t be hungry or bored here.
- Libby
Richard Bauer / Flickr Libby is close to some gorgeous outdoor recreation options: Kootenai Falls, Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai National Forest, just to name a few. But the city itself is lovely, the people are friendly, and the downtown area has some great restaurants and specialty shops.
- Big Timber
Jasperdo / Flickr What’s not to love about Big Timber? The town sits in the valley formed by the junction of the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka-Beartooth Ranges, an area that is breathtakingly beautiful. Big Timber might not have hundreds of tourist attractions or restaurants, but what they do have—places like the Thirsty Turtle Tavern & Grill—is phenomenal.
- Anaconda
Tim Gage / Flickr Located just 24 miles from the more populated city of Butte, Anaconda has a rich culture and provides quick access to all kinds of Montana adventures. For a fairly small town, you can have a pretty urban experience here. Explore the Old City Hall Copper Village Museum and Art Center, catch a show at the Washoe Theater, have a steak at Barclay II and then relax and unwind at Fairmont Hot Springs.
- Eureka
Town of Eureka Montana / Facebook This little town by the Canadian border stays out of the spotlight, but it’s home to some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Annual events like Rendezvous Days tend to draw in the tourists, but it never seems to be too crowded here—and that’s just how locals like it.
- Cut Bank
mr_t_77 / Flickr Perhaps winter isn’t the best season to visit Cut Bank—the talking penguin statue is there to remind people that it’s allegedly the coldest spot in the nation. But if you don’t mind frigid temperatures or you head that way during summer, you’ll enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountain Front, relaxing guest ranches and fishing spots.
- Shelby
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr To some, Shelby is a mere pit stop on the long drive to or from Glacier National Park. And while it’s true that this small town doesn’t see a lot of excitement, it’s still a likeable place with a lot to offer. The Prairie Peddler is one of the most unique shops in the area, the Marias Museum of History & Art is surprisingly wonderful (and hosts ice cream socials all summer), and the Frontier Bar & Supper Club a few miles up the road will serve you one of the best steaks of your life.
- Hardin
Don Barrett / Flickr Located in Big Horn County, this small city of 3,600 people is a peaceful, laid back place. The Big Horn County Historical Museum, Yellowtail Reservoir and 3 Brothers Bistro and Casino will earn this spot a place in your heart.
- Three Forks
Tim Evanson / Flickr Let’s see… it’s home to the original Wheat Montana, at least one haunted hotel (Sacajawea Hotel), Missouri Headwaters State Park, and local artist Jim Dolan’s Bleu Horses sculptures. In short, Three Forks is awesome.
- Lolo
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr It may be a mere 20 minutes from the heart of Missoula, but Lolo definitely has its own character. If the alluring Lolo Hot Springs and Lolo Creek Steakhouse don’t win you over, the Lolo Creek Brewing Company definitely will.
- Dillon
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Dillon is close to Bannack State Park, so if fascinating history and ghost towns interest you, it makes a great place to rest when you’re not exploring. But allow yourself plenty of time to check out the area. The Beaverhead River is beautiful and the Pioneer Mountain Wilderness Area is pristine. And when you venture into town, eat at Sparky’s Garage, where the decor is as fun as the food.
- Laurel
jodene e / Flickr With a quaint and friendly downtown area, top rated accommodations, delicious places to dine and plenty of city parks, Laurel is truly a great place to visit or live. The fact that it’s close to the Beartooth Wilderness and less than two hours away from Yellowstone doesn’t hurt either.
If you live in Montana, you should really make it a point to visit as many of our charming cities and towns as you can. And if you’re looking to move to a new place and put down roots, here are some of the best spots in Montana to do just that.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Most people who venture up to Havre agree that it’s an underrated place. Between the delicious burgers at Rod’s Drive Inn, the Triple Dog Brewing Company and the amazing Havre Beneath the Streets tour, you won’t be hungry or bored here.
Richard Bauer / Flickr
Libby is close to some gorgeous outdoor recreation options: Kootenai Falls, Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai National Forest, just to name a few. But the city itself is lovely, the people are friendly, and the downtown area has some great restaurants and specialty shops.
What’s not to love about Big Timber? The town sits in the valley formed by the junction of the Crazy Mountains and the Absaroka-Beartooth Ranges, an area that is breathtakingly beautiful. Big Timber might not have hundreds of tourist attractions or restaurants, but what they do have—places like the Thirsty Turtle Tavern & Grill—is phenomenal.
Tim Gage / Flickr
Located just 24 miles from the more populated city of Butte, Anaconda has a rich culture and provides quick access to all kinds of Montana adventures. For a fairly small town, you can have a pretty urban experience here. Explore the Old City Hall Copper Village Museum and Art Center, catch a show at the Washoe Theater, have a steak at Barclay II and then relax and unwind at Fairmont Hot Springs.
Town of Eureka Montana / Facebook
This little town by the Canadian border stays out of the spotlight, but it’s home to some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Annual events like Rendezvous Days tend to draw in the tourists, but it never seems to be too crowded here—and that’s just how locals like it.
mr_t_77 / Flickr
Perhaps winter isn’t the best season to visit Cut Bank—the talking penguin statue is there to remind people that it’s allegedly the coldest spot in the nation. But if you don’t mind frigid temperatures or you head that way during summer, you’ll enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountain Front, relaxing guest ranches and fishing spots.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
To some, Shelby is a mere pit stop on the long drive to or from Glacier National Park. And while it’s true that this small town doesn’t see a lot of excitement, it’s still a likeable place with a lot to offer. The Prairie Peddler is one of the most unique shops in the area, the Marias Museum of History & Art is surprisingly wonderful (and hosts ice cream socials all summer), and the Frontier Bar & Supper Club a few miles up the road will serve you one of the best steaks of your life.
Don Barrett / Flickr
Located in Big Horn County, this small city of 3,600 people is a peaceful, laid back place. The Big Horn County Historical Museum, Yellowtail Reservoir and 3 Brothers Bistro and Casino will earn this spot a place in your heart.
Tim Evanson / Flickr
Let’s see… it’s home to the original Wheat Montana, at least one haunted hotel (Sacajawea Hotel), Missouri Headwaters State Park, and local artist Jim Dolan’s Bleu Horses sculptures. In short, Three Forks is awesome.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
It may be a mere 20 minutes from the heart of Missoula, but Lolo definitely has its own character. If the alluring Lolo Hot Springs and Lolo Creek Steakhouse don’t win you over, the Lolo Creek Brewing Company definitely will.
Dillon is close to Bannack State Park, so if fascinating history and ghost towns interest you, it makes a great place to rest when you’re not exploring. But allow yourself plenty of time to check out the area. The Beaverhead River is beautiful and the Pioneer Mountain Wilderness Area is pristine. And when you venture into town, eat at Sparky’s Garage, where the decor is as fun as the food.
jodene e / Flickr
With a quaint and friendly downtown area, top rated accommodations, delicious places to dine and plenty of city parks, Laurel is truly a great place to visit or live. The fact that it’s close to the Beartooth Wilderness and less than two hours away from Yellowstone doesn’t hurt either.
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