Montana truly lives up to its nickname, “The Treasure State.” Located in the northwestern part of the United States and bordering Canada to the north, this state is one of the largest states with an area of over 145,000 square miles. From Rocky Mountain peaks towering over lush pine forests to gentle windswept grasslands, Montana is home to eight of her national parks, including Glacier National Park and Yellowstone.
Many towns in the state have developed thriving tourism economies around their historic heritage of wilderness preservation and protection. The residents are not only directly connected to the land and each other, but also hospitable and kind to visitors. Whether you’re planning a visit or considering moving, these towns are rolling out a welcome mat for newcomers.
whitefish
Whitefish is a small resort town of 8,492 people located in Flathead County in the northwestern part of the state. Located just 90 miles south of the Canadian border and close to Glacier National Park and Whitefish Lake, the town makes a living from tourism, drawing visitors from all over the world. The community was formed as a lumber town (the abundance of tree stumps left throughout the area earned it the nickname “Stumptown”). Over the years, it has maintained a small-town feel while offering many of the amenities often found in larger cities.
Whitefish Mountain Resort offers rugged attractions, including the chance to fly above the pines on a zip line. Winters in Whitefish can be harsh, but the resort area provides a perfect environment for skiing and snowboarding. During the warm summer months, visitors to the area can enjoy backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing in some of the most pristine landscapes imaginable. A farmers market is held every Tuesday in the spring and summer, featuring new products from family farms and local artisans.
west yellowstone
![View of a sunny street in the town of West Yellowstone.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/7d/8b/7d/shutterstock-2178454417.jpg)
West Yellowstone (population 1,269) borders Yellowstone National Park and serves as a gateway for visitors and tourists to explore the region’s natural wonders. The park is home to many attractions, including the clocklike Old Faithful (a geyser erupts every 35 to 120 minutes) and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. (Many visitors stay here and drive through the park’s more than 370 miles of paved roads). Sharp-eyed adventurers often spot moose, bison, bears, and other animals, so keep your camera nearby and ready. (Many tourists get injured every year by getting too close to wild animals, so please keep your distance).
The Grizzly Bear and Wolf Discovery Center is open year-round and offers up-close views of grizzly bears, wolves, and other animals. Like many towns in Montana, West Yellowstone survives on tourist dollars that support the local economy and has a rich history of hospitality and warmth. Enjoy burgers and beers at Bullwinkles Saloon, or enjoy a hearty breakfast at Old Town Cafe. The History Center is located in a former railroad depot and is a great place to stay informed while learning about the history of the area.
dillon
![Downtown Dillon, Montana with storefronts and courthouse.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/14/26/3e/shutterstock-2174737837.jpg)
Located in the Beaverhead Valley in the southwestern part of the state, Dillion, population 3,976, was founded in the 1880s as a railroad stop to bring supplies to the region’s booming gold mines. Today, the Big Hole River, Beaverhead River, and Ruby River all flow into the valley, making the trout fishing destination a major attraction for tourists. One of his favorite hangouts is Sparky’s His Garage, which serves homemade burgers in a fun atmosphere filled with old car memorabilia. This area was part of Lewis and Clark’s iconic expedition through the Rocky Mountains, so you can enjoy a rich historical heritage. Bannack State Park was the site of Montana’s first gold mine and features a ghost town with living history exhibits.
lewistown
![Main Street in Lewistown, Montana](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/7d/1d/45/lewistownmontana.jpg)
Lewistown, with about 6,000 residents, is located right in the center of the state and served as a railroad settlement to bring settlers, supplies, and prospectors west. One of the unique features of this community is the Big Spring Creek artesian springs, which provide fresh water from one of the largest natural springs in the world. Originally a mining town, it has a unique rural feel and celebrates its heritage with numerous festivals, including the annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Collection and Western Music Rendezvous.
There are five historic districts for visitors who want to experience the great history. The excellent Central Montana History Museum houses many interesting artifacts (including specimens of large dinosaurs found in the area). Bear Gulch Pictographs, just east of town, offers guided tours of some of the best-preserved petroglyphs anywhere. The Big Springs Trout Hatchery and Charlie Russell Choo Choo Train are experiences worth visiting with the family. When you’re in town, Central Feed Grill Company is a great place to enjoy a burger and craft beer in the area.
polson
![Antique Ford automobile at restored gas station, Miracle of America Museum, Polson, Montana](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/bb/7a/f7/shutterstock-1837990441.jpg)
Located on the south shore of Flathead Lake, Polson (population 5,258) is on the Flathead Indian Reservation. This beautiful lakeside community offers excellent recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Surrounded by both the Mission and Salish Mountains, the unusually mild climate provides perfect conditions for farming, and the town has a tradition of honoring the region’s local farmers.
The flathead cherry festival is held every July (last weekend) and reaches its peak. Some local farms allow you to pick them in their orchards. For those interested in a unique diversion, the Miracle of America Museum has an extensive collection of cars, motorcycles, and airplanes. After enjoying the museum, enjoy a great selection of craft beers at Glacier Brewing His Company.
Red Lodge
![Street view of Red Lodge, Montana.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/87/20/cf/istock-1219252573.jpg)
These days, Red Lodge has become a thriving community of retirees and tourists. This small town of 2,217 people is located about 110 miles north of Yellowstone National Park and is home to the Yellowstone Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving species in the region. This community has an authentic Western feel, with plenty of romantic B&Bs and restaurants, but also a vibrant nightlife. Several local watering holes, such as Snow Creek Saloon, host live entertainment, allowing visitors to mingle with friendly locals.
During the winter, Red Lodge Mountain offers more than 70 trails to excite skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. During the warmer months, join the Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour and hike the miles of trails maintained by the Beartooth Recreational Trail Association.
livingston
![A view of downtown Livingston, the town and county seat of Parke County, Montana.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/0c/27/50/shutterstock-1186106446-4.jpg)
Livingston is a small, scenic community located just 40 miles east of Bozeman that has been home to many famous people over the years. Known as Montana’s windiest city, this town is located in Paradise Valley, where cold winds from the Yellowstone Plateau blow down to the lowlands. The downtown area, which stretches along the Yellowstone River, is filled with pubs, bars, and restaurants. TruNorth Cafe serves some of the best coffee in the area. Before heading to the national park, check out the Yellowstone Gateway Museum in town.
miles city
![Streets in downtown Miles City, Montana](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/aa/8c/b1/shutterstock-1196999881.jpg)
The town of Miles City (population 8,354) was formed as part of the U.S. response to the Battle of Little Bighorn. In the years following Custer’s Last Stand, the government built several forts and encouraged settlers and ranchers to move and work the land. When the railroad arrived in the 1880s, the city incorporated and established itself as a major commercial destination. Today, this community is a vibrant town with a strong tradition of celebrating the open range. Visitors can find one of his finest examples of cowboy museums at the Range Rider Museum.
east helena
![The day after the first snowstorm of the year outside Mount Helena Eagles Airy 4040, East Helena, Montana](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/a2/91/7a/shutterstock-1840688173.jpg)
The town is located just east of Helena (Montana’s capital). The city was formed when gold was discovered in a long stream that prospectors named “Last Chance Canyon.” While fortunes came and went, the region produced some of the best gold, silver, and precious metal mines in the country. The new wealth instantly created many millionaires, who saw an opportunity to bring the Victorian lifestyle of the East to the “wild” West.
Today, this town of 1,944 people has a rich historical heritage and offers a variety of recreational activities at nearby Canyon Ferry Lake and the Helena National Forest. The East Helena Rodeo is a great family-friendly activity held every July. One of the largest rodeos in the Northwest, the event attracts livestock and competitors from all over the country. Although its golden age has passed, the town continues to welcome visitors as it did more than 135 years ago.
Nevada City and Virginia City
![Abandoned wooden building in Nevada City, Montana](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/2a/5d/50/shutterstock-420309460.jpg)
This spot on Montana Highway 287 is popular with tourists interested in strolling through a living history museum and exploring the days of the Wild West. Both places were gold rush towns in their heyday. Today they are beautiful examples of pioneer/Western life. Nevada City has 108 buildings filled with historical memorabilia.
Visitors can stroll through an old log cabin, admire the largest collection of music boxes ever, and watch blacksmiths hammer horseshoes and other items. Check out the family-friendly comedy show presented by the Virginia City Players. Or, take a ride on an authentic stagecoach and tour a variety of boutiques and shops amidst historic landmarks.
ennis
![Main Street in Ennis, Montana.](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/e3/c3/b7/shutterstock-1177550455.jpg)
The town of Ennis is located on the banks of the Madison River and is home to excellent fly fishing. The town of about 900 people is known as the “drinking town with a fishing problem” because visitors can sample authentic Montana moonshine from Willie’s Distillery. There are several tackle shops for fishermen, and locals will be happy to point out the best spots to catch trout along the nearby rivers and streams. For those looking for a more Western feel, Madison Valley Ranch is a popular fly fishing lodge.
Montana offers some of the best outdoor experiences in the country, including hiking, fishing, and skiing. With sky-reaching mountain peaks and ice-cold rivers teeming with trout, this state is one of America’s greatest treasures. But as much as its scenery is spectacular, the state is also known for its hospitality and friendliness. Montanans have learned how important it is for the state to receive a steady flow of tourists each year, and their dedication to the land and each other is a refreshing reminder of the value of protecting the environment. Masu.