Montana is a treasure trove of scenic mountains, natural beauty, and impressive wildlife. Known as the Treasure State for its abundance of gold and silver mines, this western state is filled with many beautiful and diverse towns and villages. From geysers and hot springs to a skier’s paradise, Montana’s most beautiful towns offer an abundance of things to see and do during your trip.
Big Sky
Big Sky, best town to visit in Montana is the place for you to plan your next winter adventure. With consistent snowfall throughout the winter months, it’s the perfect place to relax and rewind after the holidays. Not only is it beautiful in the winter but in the summer as well. Between the towns of Bozeman and West Yellowstone, Big Sky is another beautiful town in Montana you will regret not visiting!
Big Sky is known for its impressive winters and with that comes winter sports. Big Sky offers skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even dogsledding. It’s the perfect place to go with family and try a new winter activity. In the summer, Big Sky offers scenic trails to hike, biking, and even riding on horseback along the Gallatin Canyon. You can take a hot air balloon ride and see what Big Sky has to offer.
The Cabin Bar and Grill is a great option to dine at with delicious meals using local and regional ingredients. By Word of Mouth is another great place to relax and eat, home to the best burger in Big Sky.
The Summit Hotel is a popular destination spot to stay in this little town. This hotel is the perfect place to stay during the winter and summer months. The Huntley Lodge, located in the center of Big Sky Resort, has beautiful rooms and suites perfect for a family vacation.
Bozeman
If you find yourself wanting to book a trip out west, fly into the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to explore beautiful Bozeman, Montana. Located in the scenic Rocky Mountains, Bozeman offers an array of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and attractions for your visit. Bozeman is home to the famous hot springs and impressive wildlife most people can only wish to see. Often referred to as “the most livable place”, Bozeman certainly lives up to its nickname.
One of Bozeman’s most popular attractions is its world-renowned fly-fishing expeditions. Book a trip with Bozeman Fishing Outfitters for this exciting experience. During the summer months, mountain bike or walk through Bangtail Trail to see the nature Bozeman has to offer. Located in the heart of Gallatin Valley, visit the famous Bozeman Hot Springs for a relaxing time.
The Western Cafe of Bozeman is the place to eat if you’re looking for a home-style cooked meal. Although it’s only open for breakfast and lunch, you won’t want to miss out on these delicious meals. Nova Café is another great option that supports regional and local farmers.
This beautiful town offers comforting hotels as well as unique places. Book a weekend at the Lewis and Clark Motel for a historic stay for your trip. After a long day of exploring, this is the perfect place to come back and be comfortable. For a scenic stay, book the Gallatin River Lodge located near the Gallatin River in Bozeman.
Butte
Hidden in the Southwest part of Montana is the charming town of Butte. Located in the Rocky Mountains, it’s known for its small-town charm and outdoor recreation. Whether its fishing and seeing the impressive wildlife, Butte is surely a sight to see.
The Little Black rivers and Georgetown Lake in Butte allow for fishing in the pristine water and seeing what kind of wildlife you can find. Bike the trails at Thompson Park for diverse scenery with 25 miles of trails. You can also hike the Copperway Trail for more scenic views from a different angle. To wind down and relax, check out Butte Trolley Tours for an hour and a half to learn about the history of Butte.
Located in downtown Butte is the Derby Steakhouse, which was voted the best steak in Montana. This fine dining restaurant serves dishes with the freshest ingredients in Montana. For more casual dining, BW Blacksmith is a great option. With both coffee and burgers, this restaurant has a variety of options to choose from.
Eddy’s Motel is a quaint place to stay and will make your trip to Butte comfortable and cozy. With walking distance to shops and restaurants, this dog-friendly motel is an easy getaway. The Miner’s Hotel is uptown Butte is a boutique hotel that sits in the main part of the town. It offers a unique and intimate stay while visiting the small town!
Livingston
Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River is the scenic town of Livingston, Montana. Known for its eye-catching mountain scenery and outdoor activities, Livingston is the perfect getaway location. From whitewater rafting to horseback riding, Livingston has all there is to offer for a midwest vacation.
If you’re interested in the outdoors, Livingston offers whitewater rafting and zipline with the Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Tours. It’s a locally owned company that allows for an amazing experience while enjoying the nature of Livingston. The Banovich Art Center offers exhibits of wildlife and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. The Livingston Depot Center is a historic rail station built in 1902 that later opened as a museum to showcase the history of Livingston.
The Yellowstone Valley Grill offers fine dining along the Yellowstone River, with a beautifully diverse menu that’s sure to delight you. The Livingston bar & Grille is another delectable option with an extensive menu.
One of the best places to stay in Livingston is the Yellowstone Valley Lodge. It has an astonishing view of Yellowstone National Park from the cabins that are sure to make your stay one to remember. The Country Motor Inn is another great choice, perfect for a family trip.
Polson
Polson, Montana is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation on Flathead Lake. This lakeside community is home to cherry growing and fertile lands for farming. The Polson Airport is just a 5 minute drive away, making the start and end of your trip quick and easy. With activities ranging from white water rafting to fly fishing, Polson is the place where adventure begins!
One of the main attractions is the Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival. This takes place at the end of July each year and is an event everyone flocks to. If you’re looking to be more adventurous, there’s white water rafting on the lower Flathead River as well as other water sports. Take a flight with Blue Goose Aviation for a scenic tour over Mission Valley and Flathead Lake.
For a family friendly eating spot, try out Cove Pizza. With deli sandwiches and pizza, this little parlor is the perfect spot to relax after exploring Polson. Betty’s Diner has a similar feel to Cove Pizza, being a family friendly place with American comfort food.
There are many private vacation homes to rent in Polson, as some visitors want a more intimate trip. However, there are also great hotels to accommodate your trip. America’s Best Value Port Polson Inn is a boutique hotel located on Flathead Lake, with many of the rooms having lake and mountain views. This cozy hotel will make you never want to leave the mountains! The Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites is another place to book your stay.
Stevensville
In between the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains lies the historic town of Stevensville. With an array of outdoor activities and scenic views, Stevensville is the ideal place for a vacation. From learning about its rich history to exploring what the outdoors has to offer, Stevensville has it all.
The Stevensville Museum offers an immense history about the town and how it came about. It focuses on the establishment of the town and the people who helped build it. The Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge is home to many different types of birds and has 2 and a half miles of scenic trails to enjoy. Explore the Bitterroot Trail, containing 50 miles of nature and scenic views.
For a bite to eat, Mission Bistro located on Main Street has unique dishes that are sure to leave you wanting more. Another option is the Tin Can Bar and Draft Room that has delicious gourmet burgers and sandwiches.
During your stay, you must book a room at the Stevensville Hotel. This historic building was originally a hospital built in 1910 and has a rich history within. Montana’s Eagle Nest is a guest house with breathtaking views. This is a perfect rental for the family for an intimate stay.
West Yellowstone
Home to the famous Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone, Montana unfrequented name. Many tourists have the right idea and visit for the incredible geysers and hot springs. Flying into the Yellowstone Airport, there are amazing places to stay and a variety of fun activities.
The best part about visiting West Yellowstone is exploring Yellowstone National Park. with mountains, waterfalls, forest, and lakes, there isn’t a sight there you’ll want to miss. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone extends nearly 20 miles and is more picturesque than you can imagine. Try out fly fishing in the beautiful streams in the Rocky Mountains and hike the Rendezvous Trail System for scenic views.
Check out the Buffalo Bar & Casino for a rustic feel to your trip and enjoy classic American comfort food. Another option is the Grizzly Lounge where people gather for a more casual atmosphere. Both of these West Yellowstone restaurants will give you the Montana aura you came for.
The 1872 Inn is the perfect boutique hotel during your West Yellowstone lodging experience. With Yellowstone National Park right outside the door, this hotel is the perfect stay for a Montana getaway. The Blue Cloud Cabin rentals although on the quieter side will provide a home-style stay. With a choice between the Cabin in the Sky and the Blue Cloud House, both will make the vacation hard to leave!
Whitefish
Located in the Northern Rocky Mountains is the picturesque town of Whitefish,is an other most Beautiful town in Montana, only 60 miles from the Canadian border. Surrounded by the famous Glacier National Park, Whitefish has many attractions to offer. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to scenic hikes in the summer, Whitefish will fulfill a vacation bucket list.
There is no question that you should visit Glacier National Park during your stay in Whitefish. Whether it’s during the winter or the summer, this beautiful park is home to over 1 million acres of land and wildlife. Take a hike to Hidden Lake for views of Reynolds, Bearhat, and Clements Mountains. While in Whitefish, another must-do activity is flying in hot air balloons. Take a hot air balloon adventure with 2FLyUS to savor this unique experience.
For a quick bite to eat, head to the Bonsai Brewing Project. This independently owned crafted brewery offers a variety of ales and delicious eats. If you’re looking for a unique place, look no further than Ed and Mully’s at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Enjoy great food while slopeside on the mountain after a day of skiing.
During your stay book a weekend at Après Whitefish, a quant boutique hotel located on the Whitefish River. If you’re looking for a more private stay, Bailey’s Bed ‘n Bale will offer you just that. This farmhouse sits at the bottom of the Whitefish Mountain Range with a short distance to beautiful hiking trails.