If you're looking for a state with wide open spaces, a slower pace of life, and spectacular natural scenery, there are few states better than Montana. Throughout this stunning state, there are plenty of beautiful small towns with easy national park access, cozy cabins, and friendly downtown vibes to enjoy. This makes it the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away.
Whether you're looking for a mountain town between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, or you want a more authentic Montana rodeo town, or you just want to sit in the middle of nature and stare out across the horizon, there are a whole host of small towns in Montana that are ideal for a weekend escape.
From the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains to the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana isn't short on spectacular sights. After a long day of exploring, you want to return to a home away from home in a small town with a walkable downtown, where you can find local food and drinks and ease into the evening. These five amazing small towns in Montana tick those boxes. Let's dive in and find out more.
The Best Relaxing Small Towns In Montana For A Weekend Retreat
Given just how large the state of Montana is, there are hundreds of amazing small towns, perfect for a relaxing weekend, that could be on this list. However, the list focuses on proximity to iconic sights, a range of amenities, and still having that classic small-town vibe. These five small towns in Montana have history, character, and a friendly atmosphere that make it easy to relax and unwind, surrounded by nature.
Whitefish
Known as one of the three gateway towns to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is one of the most popular small towns in Montana. This is in no small part due to the fact that you can get here by train. Away from Glacier National Park, you can wander the historic, wood-fronted shops and restaurants of Central Avenue in the downtown area, or you can head to the eponymous Whitefish Lake. This is a popular spot for boating, hiking, and camping, and there's a state park that shares the same name.
For more outdoorsy pursuits, head to Whitefish Mountain Resort. In winter, it's one of the best ski resorts in the state, and in summer, you can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and ziplining. Of course, the main draw for this four-season town is the proximity to Glacier National Park, just a 30-minute drive away, and a must-visit.
Red Lodge
From a gateway town of Glacier, to a gateway town of Yellowstone. Red Lodge is known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, being just 68 miles from the Northeast Gate. However, the key draw here is not the natural park, but the drive there. Connecting Red Lodge and Yellowstone is the iconic Beartooth Scenic Byway, known to be one of the most beautiful driving routes in America. Take in sweeping mountain panoramas, with waterfalls, switchbacks, and incredible views.
In the winter, check out Red Lodge Mountain ski resort for a snow vacation experience with a relaxed, local vibe. If the weather turns, head to the main street and visit some of the local galleries, or visit the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary to see some of the region's most iconic animals.
Livingston
Livingston is a classic Old Western small town in Montana. It's got the Yellowstone River flowing directly through the town, and it's surrounded by the majestic Absaroka Mountains, giving plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. It's popular for trout fishing in this region, so there are plenty of anglers heading to Livingston.
However, the true small-town charm of Livingston comes out in the downtown area. There are lots of creatives here, shown in the independent boutiques, galleries, and bookstores. Wander from store to store, call into a bar or two, and find a delicious local meal to warm you up in the notorious Montana weather.
Hamilton
If you're looking for a relaxing small town in Montana to refresh yourself, check out Hamilton. Located in the Bitterroot Valley, you're surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains, the Sapphire Range, and the Bitterroot River. That means you can fish, hike, and explore to your heart's content here.
However, Hamilton's historical prowess needs to be explored, too. The historic Daly Mansion is well worth a visit, home to the town's founder and copper baron, Marcus Daly. You might recognize this iconic Hamilton builder, as it doubled as the Governor's Residence in the hit show, Yellowstone. The late 1800s history stands toe to toe with the more modern influences, such as a popular farmer's market, eco-friendly breweries, and an incredible arts scene, inspired by the nature all around.
Philipsburg
If you love 1800s history, then you'll love the historic influences of Philipsburg. This quaint town used to be bustling with industry as a mining town in the mid-1800s. It was actually home to the first silver mill in the state, quickly turning it into a popular town with miners seeking their fortunes.
Nowadays, colorful downtown buildings sit alongside artisanal sweet shops. Even now, you can indulge in sapphire panning experiences in Philipsburg and see if you can make a fortune of your own. There's also a ghost town in the area, where you can see what life used to be like, complete with insightful audio tours. As this is Montana, there are also plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and skiing around Philipsburg, depending on the season.
Why Visit Montana For A Relaxing Getaway?
With 50 states to choose from, why should you choose Montana for a relaxing getaway? Well, there are a few key reasons. The expansive nature of Montana means that even touristy places rarely feel crowded. This helps with resetting and relaxing while still seeing world-class sights like Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks.
Another key reason is the natural wonders all around. Even outside the national parks, you'll find incredible mountain ranges, lakes, and far-reaching flatlands that seem to touch the horizon. Being in nature has been scientifically proven to help with stress and anxiety, so yet another reason why Montana is an ideal relaxing getaway.
The pace of life in small-town Montana tends to be a little slower than that of the city or other states. You can wander in the downtown area at your own pace, or even go off-grid in a rancher's cabin by the river for a few days. This ability to switch off and disconnect, while simultaneously connecting with your other half or friends, is a great way to spend a couple of days in Montana.
The Best Time To Visit Montana
The best time to visit Montana depends on what you want to do. If you want to ski and explore snow sports, then you need to be here in the winter. However, Montana winters are notoriously harsh, so come prepared. Many people opt for summer so they can hike and explore the national parks with the longer daylight hours. This is the most crowded and expensive time of year to visit.
Instead, opt for late spring or early fall. You'll see either wildflowers or fall foliage, and you have a much better chance of calmer trails, accommodation deals, and a more relaxing overall experience. You will also have a better chance of seeing wildlife, as it's a cooler time of year.