Montana, known as the Treasure State, is home to an abundance of outdoor recreation, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly people. For those considering moving to Montana, the state offers a variety of cities and towns, each with its own unique history and character. From quickly growing college towns to laid-back mountainside villages, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
What to Expect When Moving to a City in Montana
Steadily growing at some of the fastest rates around, looking at you Bozeman, there is a vast difference between a Montana “city” and what most people are used to. Walmart and Costco may be the biggest stores you’ll find, and most of them are easily traversed in under an hour unless there's a cattle drive running through.
Though our largest city has over 100,000, our list featuring the top 50 has the bottom wrapping it up with a town of only about 2,000. Those looking for the “small towns” vibes are sure to find it here, though they may be in for a bit of a culture shock as well! Each is unique in its own way with a historical background to match. The best way to discover their unique characters is to take a glance here and then possibly head out for a visit!
1. Billings, located in Yellowstone County, is the largest city in Montana. It's home to the Western Heritage Center, which showcases the region's history through art and exhibits. The city also boasts a number of scenic trails and parks, including Zimmerman Park and Pictograph Cave State Park, which features ancient Native American rock art. Additionally, Billings is home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and theaters hosting regular performances.
2. Missoula, the second-largest city in Montana, is located in Missoula County. It's situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its natural beauty. The city is home to the University of Montana, which contributes to its lively atmosphere and cultural offerings. Missoula is a hub for outdoor recreation, with easy access to nearby national forests and parks. Downtown Missoula is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters.
3. Great Falls is the third-largest city in Montana, located in Cascade County. The city's name comes from the series of waterfalls on the Missouri River that run through the area. Great Falls is home to the C.M. Russell Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from the American West. The city is also home to Giant Springs State Park, which features a large freshwater spring, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which commemorates the famous explorers' journey through the area.
4. Bozeman, located in Gallatin County, is a thriving college town known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. The city is home to Montana State University and is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, including the Bridger, Gallatin, and Madison Ranges. Bozeman is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous trails, parks, and ski resorts nearby. The city's historic downtown district features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
5. Butte, located in Silver Bow County, was once a bustling mining town and is now a center for education and the arts. The city's rich history is on display at the World Museum of Mining, which features exhibits on the mining industry and the town's immigrant communities. Butte is also home to the Mai Wah Museum, which tells the story of the city's Chinese community. The city's vibrant arts scene includes numerous theaters and galleries, and the annual Montana Folk Festival brings musicians and dancers from around the world to Butte's streets.
6. Helena, the state capital, is located in Lewis and Clark County. The city's historic downtown district features numerous Victorian-era buildings, including the grand Montana State Capitol. The city is home to the Montana Historical Society Museum, which showcases the state's history, as well as the Holter Museum of Art, which features a variety of contemporary art exhibitions. Helena is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with trails, parks, and lakes nearby.
7. Kalispell, located in Flathead County, is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to the Conrad Mansion Museum, which offers a glimpse into the lives of Kalispell's early residents, and the Hockaday Museum of Art, which features works by Montana artists. Kalispell is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
8. Havre, located in Hill County, is a small town with a rich railroad history. The city is home to the H. Earl Clack Museum, which features exhibits on the region's Native American tribes, homesteaders, and cowboys, as well as the Wahkpa Chu'gn Buffalo Jump, which offers a glimpse into the area's prehistoric past. Havre is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with numerous species of birds
9. Anaconda is a historic mining town located in southwestern Montana. It was once home to one of the largest smelters in the world, which operated from 1884 until 1980. Today, visitors can learn about the town's mining history at the Anaconda Smelter Stack State Park, where the 585-foot-tall smelter stack still stands as a reminder of the town's industrial past. Anaconda also offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking and fishing at nearby Georgetown Lake.
10. Deer Lodge, also located in southwestern Montana, is a small town with a rich history. The town was founded in the 1860s as a mining camp, and later became the location of the Montana State Prison. Today, visitors can tour the prison and learn about its history at the Old Montana Prison Museum. Deer Lodge is also home to the Powell County Museum, which features exhibits on the town's early history and Native American culture.
11. Miles City is a charming small town located in southeastern Montana, known for its cowboy culture and historic downtown. Visitors can explore the town's cowboy heritage at the Range Riders Museum, which features exhibits on the history of ranching and rodeo in Montana. Miles City is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with nearby Custer National Forest and the Yellowstone River offering opportunities to spot a variety of bird species.
12. Belgrade is a small town located in the heart of Montana's Gallatin Valley, just a few miles from Bozeman. The town is known for its friendly community and easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing and hiking at nearby Hyalite Canyon. Belgrade is also home to the Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, which preserves an ancient Native American hunting site.