When winter arrives, most of Montana’s cities and towns see businesses closing earlier and people staying home more often. But in some cases, the towns almost seem to shut down entirely. And while that’s somewhat depressing to witness, seeing them come alive again in the summertime makes it all worth it.
These tiny towns are at their best right now, so this would be a fantastic time to visit.
- West Yellowstone
Tormod Fauskrud / Flickr Since this is one of the gateway towns to Yellowstone National Park, it makes sense that summer is its most bustling time. But West Yellowstone is much more than just a place to stop on your way to the park – you’ll find seasonal restaurants, gift shops, and attractions that might entice you to stay awhile.
- Cooke City
Pattys-Photos / Flickr If you’ve ever seen Cooke City in the winter, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot on this list. It’s buried under so much snow for half the year that dump trucks have to periodically haul it out to keep the streets wide enough to drive. But during the summer months, it’s absolutely beautiful.
- Scobey
Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town Facebook Summer is definitely the best time to visit Scobey. In addition to the pleasant weather, the Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town is open, so you can take a trip back in time.
- Polson
Richard Bauer / Flickr Located on the shores of Flathead Lake, Polson stays quiet for most of the year. But in the summer, it’s nice and lively, and you can finally sink your teeth into a burger from Richwine’s Burgerville.
- Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Seeley Lake remains a popular vacation destination all year long – in fact, their annual Winterfest event always draws a large crowd. That being said, summer is lake season in Montana, and that’s when the town is most delightful.
- Lakeside
PJ Johnson / Flickr Considering the majority of Lakeside’s attractions are water sports and activities, it’s no wonder this tiny town hits its peak during tourist season, when people show up in droves to check out Flathead Lake.
- Darby
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr It’s charming, it’s picturesque, and it’s located near one of Montana’s top summer destinations, Lake Como. And, of course, the Darby Logger Days in July are always delightful.
- Gardiner
Dave Thomas / Flickr Gardiner is another gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and it’s full of character. Nestled between the Absaroka-Beartooth and the Gallatin Mountain Ranges, this is a true home on the range.
- West Glacier
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr West Glacier is such a summer-focused town that we’d be surprised if it didn’t roll up the carpets and close all its doors at the end of September. This is where you’ll find cafes, gift shops, every huckleberry-flavored food you can imagine, and great information on outdoor recreational activities and Glacier National Park.
Tormod Fauskrud / Flickr
Since this is one of the gateway towns to Yellowstone National Park, it makes sense that summer is its most bustling time. But West Yellowstone is much more than just a place to stop on your way to the park – you’ll find seasonal restaurants, gift shops, and attractions that might entice you to stay awhile.
Pattys-Photos / Flickr
If you’ve ever seen Cooke City in the winter, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot on this list. It’s buried under so much snow for half the year that dump trucks have to periodically haul it out to keep the streets wide enough to drive. But during the summer months, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town Facebook
Summer is definitely the best time to visit Scobey. In addition to the pleasant weather, the Daniels County Museum & Pioneer Town is open, so you can take a trip back in time.
Richard Bauer / Flickr
Located on the shores of Flathead Lake, Polson stays quiet for most of the year. But in the summer, it’s nice and lively, and you can finally sink your teeth into a burger from Richwine’s Burgerville.
Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Seeley Lake remains a popular vacation destination all year long – in fact, their annual Winterfest event always draws a large crowd. That being said, summer is lake season in Montana, and that’s when the town is most delightful.
PJ Johnson / Flickr
Considering the majority of Lakeside’s attractions are water sports and activities, it’s no wonder this tiny town hits its peak during tourist season, when people show up in droves to check out Flathead Lake.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
It’s charming, it’s picturesque, and it’s located near one of Montana’s top summer destinations, Lake Como. And, of course, the Darby Logger Days in July are always delightful.
Dave Thomas / Flickr
Gardiner is another gateway to Yellowstone National Park, and it’s full of character. Nestled between the Absaroka-Beartooth and the Gallatin Mountain Ranges, this is a true home on the range.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
West Glacier is such a summer-focused town that we’d be surprised if it didn’t roll up the carpets and close all its doors at the end of September. This is where you’ll find cafes, gift shops, every huckleberry-flavored food you can imagine, and great information on outdoor recreational activities and Glacier National Park.
Montana summers are extraordinary. Here are a few great day trips to take before fall.
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