Montana, often known for its vast national parks, also holds a collection of smaller, charming towns. These communities provide a glimpse into the state's historical roots and daily life, offering visitors a different perspective of the American West. From old mining centers to fur trading posts, these towns preserve their unique heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Montana's small towns offer historical insights beyond major parks.
- Philipsburg showcases its 1890s silver boom heritage.
- Fort Benton was a crucial hub on the Missouri River.
- Choteau is significant for dinosaur discoveries.
- Ennis remains a popular spot for trout fishing.
Philipsburg: A Silver Boom Legacy
Philipsburg, nestled against the Flint Creek Range, still clearly reflects its 1890s silver boom. Broadway Street features pastel-painted Victorian buildings, creating a compact downtown area. Walking this street reveals shops that embrace the town's history.
The Sweet Palace, for example, fills the air with the scent of vanilla. Here, visitors can see saltwater taffy being made using an antique wrapper. Across the street, Philipsburg Brewing Company operates in the former First National Bank building, with the original vault still visible near the bar.
Did You Know?
The Sapphire Gallery in Philipsburg allows visitors to sift gravel. This hands-on activity offers a direct connection to the town's mining past, as people search for raw Montana sapphires. This unique experience highlights the region's rich mineral deposits.The town provides a quiet stop for those interested in history and local crafts. It emphasizes a slower pace, encouraging visitors to explore its unique offerings.
Red Lodge: Coal Mining and Mountain Man History
Red Lodge began as a coal mining town in the 1870s. It was once home to the legendary mountain man "Liver-Eatin'" Johnston, who served as a deputy. Broadway Avenue's brick buildings date back to the 1890s. Today, these structures house welcoming shops instead of old saloons.
The Pollard Hotel stands as one of the most famous buildings. Its oak-paneled parlors once hosted figures like Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane. A few doors down, the Montana Candy Emporium displays thousands of varieties of nostalgic sweets within an old mercantile building.
"Red Lodge offers a blend of rugged history and modern charm, making it a perfect stop before or after a scenic drive."
Many travelers stop in Red Lodge before embarking on the Beartooth Highway, a high-altitude road leading into Wyoming. Red Lodge Ales provides a place to relax afterward with a local Bent Nail IPA, completing the town's inviting atmosphere.
Fort Benton: Head of Navigation on the Missouri
Fort Benton's layout clearly shows its historical importance as the head of navigation on the Missouri River in the 1860s. Front Street, running parallel to the water, is lined with 19th-century buildings. These structures once supported the territory's busiest commercial hub, reflecting a bustling past.
The Grand Union Hotel, which opened in 1882, continues to operate today. It holds the distinction of being the oldest operating hotel in Montana. Meals are served in a dining room restored to its original Victorian design. From there, the Historic Levee follows the river to a statue of Shep, a dog remembered for waiting at the train station for his owner.
Historical Significance
The Old Fort Benton site preserves reconstructed wooden blockhouses. These structures offer a tangible link to the past, showing where fur traders once exchanged buffalo robes for essential supplies. This site underscores the town's crucial role in early American trade and expansion.Fort Benton offers a direct connection to the riverboat era and the fur trade. It provides a historical narrative distinct from the mining towns, emphasizing its role as a transportation and commerce center.
Choteau: Dinosaur Discoveries and Wildlife
Choteau holds a special place in scientific history. Paleontologists found the first strong evidence here that dinosaurs fed and cared for their young. This discovery occurred at nearby Egg Mountain.
The Old Trail Museum, open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, details this connection. It features displays of real fossils and a full-size dinosaur model outside its entrance. This museum highlights Choteau's unique contribution to paleontology.
- Freezout Lake: During migration seasons, thousands of snow geese cover the water at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area. This offers a spectacular sight for nature enthusiasts.
- La Mia Cucina: On Main Avenue, La Mia Cucina provides a cozy stop for coffee and pastries inside a log cabin.
- Teton Pass Ski Area: In winter, this ski area offers access to the Rocky Mountain Front for skiing, often without the large crowds of bigger resorts.
Choteau combines scientific importance with natural beauty and outdoor activities. It provides a diverse experience for visitors interested in history, wildlife, and winter sports.
Ennis: A Fly Fishing Haven
Ennis originated in 1863 when William Ennis established a homestead. His goal was to provide food for freight drivers transporting gold from nearby Virginia City. This supply stop evolved into a ranching hub, maintaining its distinctive western appearance with false-front buildings.
Trout statues adorn the sidewalks, a clear indication of the town's main attraction. The Madison River draws anglers from everywhere to catch rainbow trout. This makes Ennis a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Local Craft Beverages
Willie’s Distillery uses Montana grains to produce moonshine and bourbon, available in a small tasting room. A short walk away, Burnt Tree Brewing serves wood-fired pizza alongside its local ales, offering a taste of local flavors.The Madison Valley History Museum preserves the area’s agricultural past. Its collection includes an old blacksmith shop and a pioneer cabin. Ennis offers a blend of outdoor recreation, local flavors, and historical preservation, making it a well-rounded stop in Montana.
Stevensville: Montana's First Permanent Settlement
Stevensville's history begins in 1841. Jesuit missionaries established what became Montana’s first permanent settlement here. This deep history remains centered at St. Mary’s Mission, where the original log chapel still stands. The pharmacy used by Father Ravalli is also preserved on site.
The town itself is small and easily walkable. Blacksmith Brewing Company serves its Brickhouse Blonde Ale. The brewery often hosts live music on its patio, creating a lively local atmosphere. Beyond the commercial area, the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge offers wetland trails. Here, visitors commonly spot whitetail deer and osprey.
Stevensville provides a tranquil experience, combining early Montana history with natural beauty. It is ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat and a connection to the state's foundational past.
Hamilton: Copper King's Legacy
Hamilton exists because Copper King Marcus Daly needed vast amounts of timber. He used this timber to shore up his mines in Butte. To support this demand, he built a sawmill and this planned settlement in the 1890s. Daly’s influence continues to be seen at the Daly Mansion, a 24,000-square-foot summer estate.
Visitors can tour the mansion’s 25 bedrooms and its trophy room. The downtown area serves as the modern commercial hub. It is lined with brick buildings and local restaurants. Nap’s Grill is a local favorite, known across the valley for its thick burgers and generous portions of fries.
After lunch, Bitter Root Brewing offers a place to relax with a Huckleberry Honey Ale. Just outside the commercial district, the Bitterroot River provides easy access for anglers to cast for trout. Hamilton blends historical grandeur with modern amenities and outdoor activities.
Lewistown: Sandstone Buildings and Scenic Rides
Lewistown began in the 1880s as a trading post on the Carroll Trail. This freight route connected the Missouri River to Helena. The arrival of Croatian stonemasons in the early 1900s gave the settlement a distinct look. They left behind sturdy sandstone buildings that still stand today.
The Central Montana Museum, open in warmer months, highlights this heritage. It displays a full-scale replica of a Torosaurus skull. For a unique experience, the Charlie Russell Chew Choo takes passengers on a dinner train journey. The train crosses trestles and passes through a half-mile tunnel while guests enjoy prime rib.
Locals gather at Big Spring Creek, a clear trout stream that winds through the center of the community. It offers excellent fishing just steps from downtown. Elk Pine Meadows provides golfers with nine holes and views of five different mountain ranges. Lewistown offers a mix of historical architecture, unique entertainment, and natural recreation.
Montana's Enduring Charm
While Montana is famous for its national parks, the state's true character often shines through in its smaller communities. These towns offer more than just scenic views. They provide a direct look at the miners, ranchers, and merchants who shaped the American West. From Philipsburg's painted buildings reflecting the silver boom to Fort Benton's fur trade legacy, each town tells a unique story. Exploring these quiet places reveals the enduring spirit of Montana.
