The Best Local MT Small Towns You Need to Visit This Summer

BUTTE, MT - Let’s be honest: between flight delays, lost luggage, and hotels that don’t quite match the photos, traveling out of state can feel like a gamble.

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And international travel? You’re basically signing up for a second job—except instead of a paycheck, you get jet lag and a suspiciously high credit card bill.

So why not skip the chaos and discover what’s been in your own backyard this whole time?

You hear it all the time: Montana is overflowing with charm, adventure, and postcard-worthy views—and you don’t need a passport to get there.

This summer, instead of dropping thousands on airfare and tourist traps, explore the treasure trove of small towns scattered across Big Sky Country. From mountain hideaways to riverfront gems, here are:

7 Montana small towns every Montanan should visit this summer

1. Philipsburg – For Sapphire Dreams and Root Beer Floats

Tucked between Butte and Missoula, Philipsburg is the kind of town that makes you feel like you stepped into a Western fairytale. Spend your afternoon mining sapphires (yes, real ones), then treat yourself to a giant cone at Doe Brothers Soda Fountain. Bonus points for the weekly summer concerts in the park and the ghost town of Granite just up the hill.

2. Bigfork – Where Art, Theater, and Flathead Lake Collide

Perched along the northeastern edge of Flathead Lake, Bigfork blends natural beauty with big culture. This town is packed with art galleries, boutiques, and one of the best small-town theaters in the country: the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. Paddle the lake by day, catch a show by night—repeat as necessary.

3. Red Lodge – Yellowstone Vibes Without the Crowds

Red Lodge sits right at the edge of the Beartooth Highway, which, if you didn’t know, is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. The downtown’s a lively mix of saloons, shops, and cafés, and in summer it hums with music festivals, parades, and an infamous Fourth of July rodeo. Plus, it’s your gateway to Yellowstone without having to deal with RV gridlock.

4. Fort Benton – Montana’s Birthplace With Riverfront Views

History buffs, rejoice. Fort Benton was once called the “world’s innermost port” and served as a hub for steamboats navigating the Missouri. Today, it’s a picturesque town that mixes Lewis and Clark heritage with modern serenity. Rent a kayak, stroll the levee trail, or dig into the past at the Museum of the Northern Great Plains.

5. Choteau – For Dinosaurs and Rocky Mountain Majesty

If you’re into fossils, stunning landscapes, and small-town warmth, Choteau is your place. With the Rocky Mountain Front just west and the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center right in town, this is where Jurassic Park meets cowboy country. Plus, it’s just far enough off the beaten path to feel like a real summer escape.

6. Ennis – Fly Fishing Capital With a Side of Whiskey

Ennis sits on the banks of the Madison River and offers the kind of old-school Montana charm that’s getting harder to find. Whether you're casting flies or just sipping whiskey at Willie's Distillery, the town exudes rustic class. It’s also got surprisingly great food, from bison burgers to trout tacos.

7. Thompson Falls – A Hidden Gem Along the Clark Fork

This sleepy town in northwest Montana is all about peaceful beauty. The waterfalls, the forest trails, the Clark Fork River—everything about it screams “relax.” You won’t find fancy resorts here, but you will find friendly faces, eagle sightings, and a perfect place to unplug.

This Summer, Travel the State, Not the World

Montana’s small towns offer all the best parts of a vacation—scenery, food, culture, and activities—without the cost, the stress, or the airport security lines. So this year, before you book that big trip somewhere else, ask yourself: Have I really explored Montana yet?

You might just find that your best summer memories are waiting a few hours down the road.