Taking advantage of the high mountains and sprawling landscapes, Montana’s small towns have something for visitors looking for exploration and a community to connect with on their adventure. National landmarks like Glacier National Park draw hikers and tourists from all over the US seeking to test their physical limits, while events like the Harvest Valley Farmers Market in Stevensville bring tourists shoulder-to-shoulder with the locals. Discovering more of Montana’s pioneer and mining past will cast the beauty and architecture of bustling downtown areas of cities like Philipsburg in a new light. No matter what you are looking for, these nice small towns in Montana offer a unique way to learn about and interact with life in the American West.
Anaconda
During the heyday of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, the company town was built up as business and mining mogul Marcus Daly campaigned for the town to be designated as the state capital. Elements of the architecture can still be seen today in the thriving downtown area. While the Washoe Theatre plays a mix of movies and live entertainment, the real star of the show is the building itself. Completed in 1936, the Art Deco design by B. Marcus Priteca has been preserved in the grand lobby and murals adorning the inside of the building. Continue sightseeing downtown on a walking tour of the Anaconda Commercial Historic District with 30 buildings that will stand out to any history lover. These buildings maintain their original Victorian and industrial-era facades, including the historic City Hall constructed in 1896 and the National Bank of Anaconda’s neoclassical structure.