Montana is known for its Rocky Mountains. Places such as Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park attract millions of tourists every year. It’s no wonder people gravitate towards these areas for vacation destinations. The parks are full of surreal beauty to explore. While often overlooked, Montana’s small towns are another great vacation spot. Towns such as Red Lodge are even a gateway to the beloved National Parks. Other towns, such as Butte, offer a deep dive into Montana’s history and tell visitors the story behind the mountain state. Explore seven incredible vacation spots in Montana.

Whitefish

One of the most charming mountain towns, Whitefish is the best vacation spot for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. The town has opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Another side to Whitefish is that it is a romantic resort town. Wander downtown to see this side of Whitefish. There are several shops and cute cafes. Check out Going to The Sun to see a quirky art gallery. In the summer and fall, check out the local farmer’s market. Visitors should try the famed huckleberries while they are in season here.

Looking to enjoy the mountains all day and night? Consider a stay at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park. This is a great home base for adventures.

Ennis

Anyone looking to vacation to Montana for the mountains will enjoy Ennis. The town is surrounded by three mountain ranges the Madison Range, the Gravelly Range, and the Tobacco Root Mountains. The picturesque Madison River is also nearby and is a popular fishing spot. A unique attraction in Ennis is outdoor art. There is a tour available for visitors where a guide will take guests to the outdoor art exhibits, which showcase the beautiful cowboy town’s history.

Learn more about Ennis’s history at the Madison Valley Historical Society Museum. The museum has a working blacksmith shop from Ennis’s Gold Rush days. For a relaxing vacation and overnight stay in Ennis, check out Lure Me Inn, which is right in town.

Virginia City

Near Ennis, Virginia City is a small town born out of Montana’s Gold Rush days. The town has been restored and is a well-preserved time capsule of Montana’s old west. It has stood the test of time and is a live enactment of the 1860s. The town offers many opportunities to explore the Old West days. Almost a ghost town, Virginia City has buildings that date back to the area’s Territorial days. Every year in August, the town holds Virginia City’s Grand Victorian Ball for Peace. The ball dates back to the 1800s, and today, people dress up in period costumes for the affair.

The local Opera House hosts plays dedicated to the town’s history, in 19th-century production style. Visitors can enjoy dining like it’s the 1860s at the Star Bakery and grab a drink at the Bale of Hay Saloon. Virginia City’s first brewery is still open. H. S. Gilbert Brewery is a great place to relax, and they have a live performance by the Brewery Follies Players. To explore more of Montana, take the short line from Virginia City to Nevada City. The scenery on the ride is beautiful and worth the trip.

Red Lodge

Surrounded by the stunning Custer Gallatin National Forest, Red Lodge is a great place for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Often known as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this town is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to venture into the iconic park. Make sure to drive down the scenic Beartooth Highway on the way to Yellowstone.

Beyond Yellowstone, Red Lodge has adventures of its own. Explore the charming main street of downtown Red Lodge. The street is full of old-timey shops and cute eateries. Stop at the Candy Emporium to feel like a kid again. Exploring the outdoors in Red Lodge is a must. The town is home to several hiking trails with stunning views. Some of the best ones to try include Woodbine Falls Trail, Lake Fork Trails, Wild Bill Lake Loop, and West Fork Trails.

Dillon

A small town with a big personality, Dillon is a vacation spot for those looking to experience Montana’s southwest. Located in a gorgeous valley, Dillon is a combination of natural beauty and Southwestern culture. The valley Dillon sits in is where three rivers drain: Ruby, Big Hole, and Beaverhead River. Having so many rivers around, it’s no wonder Dillon is a favorite spot for fishing. Beaverhead River is a blue river trout stream and a popular fly fishing spot. There are also many hiking trails near Dillon. Agnes Lake Trail is a popular one with pretty views.

Exploring Dillon and the surrounding area, visitors might notice some ghost towns. There are a couple of ghost towns near Dillon. Coolidge was a silver mining town in 1919; the ruins of the town are still visible today. Bannack is a well-preserved ghost town near Dillon and was the first town in Montana to strike gold. After a day of exploring Dillon, visitors can unwind at the nearby and relaxing Jackson Hot Springs Lodge.

Polson

Are you looking for a quiet vacation in a lesser-known mountain town? Consider visiting Polson. Located on the Flathead Indian Reserve, the town is right in a natural amphitheater. The town has a rich culture and history, celebrating many events. The Cherry Festival in July is one of the region’s most popular festivals. It celebrates the region’s famous Flathead cherries. The festival has handcrafted goods, cherry-themed treats, and delicious food.

Enjoy walking around the town and stopping at the museums and galleries to learn more about Polson’s past, such as the Miracle of America Museum. Make sure to check out the Sandpiper Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Stay at the Flathead Lake Inn to fully experience the town.

Butte

Considered the cornerstone of Montana’s Southwest, Butte is a town with a colorful history and a fantastic culture. Anyone looking to delve into history on their vacation should visit Butte. Take the local Trolley Tour to learn about the town’s past with a local history guide on a trolley. The trolley makes a special stop at Butte’s notorious Berkeley Pit. After learning a little about Butte’s history, visitors will be hungry to learn more. One of the best places to learn even more about Butte’s history is at the World’s Museum of Mining, which is right in town. Afterwards, check out the Copper King Mansion. The historic landmark shows the history of some of the mine owners.

After learning so much history, make sure to take time to enjoy Butte’s natural scenery. Butte is near Thomspon Park. Located in the heart of the Rockies, this park makes for a great afternoon trip. There are lots of trails to explore and great spots for a picnic. Visitors can end their time in Butte with a nostalgic night out at the local drive-in.

Why Visit These Towns

Anyone planning their next vacation should consider taking a trip to one of these towns. Each town has something for everyone. Butte is a town full of interesting local history that will entertain history buffs. Red Lodge and Ennis are towns with an old-time charm that gives visitors views of beautiful natural sites combined with quaint local charm. Whatever vacation spot you visit, the charm of Montana’s history and the Rocky Mountains will give visitors an unforgettable vacation. These towns are great to visit any time of year. So start packing your bags and get ready to enjoy the mountains in Montana.