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The landlocked state of Montana is not as well known as other states in the U.S. Despite its large size, the state only has just over 1.1 million residents, making it the third-least densely populated state. However, its landscapes are so beautiful that the state is known as Big Sky Country and the Treasure State, and residents are proud of their tight-knit communities. Within Montana, visitors can discover many friendly small towns that offer cryptid sightings, the largest free-standing brick structure in the 海角社区, two massive national parks, and a Victorian castle. Here are 9 of the friendliest small towns in Montana to check out.

Big Timber

The charming name comes from the large cottonwood trees that create a picturesque landscape. The town was officially founded in 1883 when the Northern Pacific Railroad came into town. Today, the town is a major center for farmers, ranchers, and platinum miners. The town is proud of its position near historic sites associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It preserves this history at the Crazy Mountain Museum, which has a historical marker of where Lewis and Clark saw Crazy Mountain, along with exhibits about the sheep and wool industry and the first pioneers who came to Big Timber. Due to the town's location to the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers, there's access to great fishing and fly fishing at the Big Rock Fishing Access Site and Big Timber Fly Fishing. Residents will also encourage visitors to check out the Gallatin National Forest, which is close to town.

Thompson Falls

In Northwestern Montana in the Rocky Mountains, Thompson Falls prides itself on its independence, small population of just over 1,470 people, and beautiful landscapes. In the Clark Fork River, visitors can expect to find rich wildlife and hike within the millions of acres of national forest surrounding the town. One such place is Thompson Falls State Park, a 2,362-foot elevation park with a fishing pond, hiking trails, boating, and more.

The Lolo National Forest is a favorite spot among winter sports enthusiasts and hikers alike. For activities in town, residents will recommend you visit the Historic Old Jail Museum to see early photographs of the town or tour the Thompson Falls PP and L Dam. The area also holds many local events, such as the Flat Iron Quilt Show, which is held annually in May.

Whitefish

This northern Montana town sits right beside the Glacier National Park, making it a favorite spot for winter sports enthusiasts or vacationers. Whitefish has plenty of opportunities for adventure, especially at the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Here, one can go skiing, traverse through an Aerial Adventure Park, or even go down an alpine slide.

Hikers will want to tackle the Big Mountain Nordic Trails, which offer more than 15 miles of trails ascending through the mountain countryside. Cyclists love living in Whitefish due to its many nearby trails, like the over 115-mile Glacier National Park Gravel Loop. Whitefish residents are quite proud of their coffee, which visitors can try at Montana Coffee Traders. This business offers tours at its roasting facility.

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is named after the incredible Yellowstone River that flows through the town, and it acts as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. If you're off to the park, make sure to drop by the West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center, which offers information along with fishing and backcountry permits.

Speaking of fishing, West Yellowstone is a favorite place for fishing at nearby lakes, such as Hebgen Lake, which has gulpers, trout, and more. The Yellowstone National Park, of course, has more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, such as the Yellowstone Shortline Trail, a 9-mile trail on abandoned railroad beds. Locals will recommend that visitors check out one of the restaurants in town, like 320 Ranch Dining or Ernie's Bakery & Deli.

Anaconda

Despite sharing a name with the long snake, Anaconda isn't a frightening place at all. Just more than 9,400 people call this town home within the Anaconda Range. The town is proud of its cute historic Main Street, golf courses, and fisheries, all conveniently close by. For example, one can visit the Copper Village Museum and Art Center inside the 1896 former Anaconda City Hall or go on a Historic Bus Tour within a 1936 touring bus.

One of the most intriguing historic structures visitors can see from a distance is Smoke Stack State Park. The Anaconda Copper Company smelter stack is one of the tallest free-standing brick buildings in the 海角社区, at 585 feet tall. For local hiking or fishing, Georgetown Lake or Lost Creek are perfect spots to explore. Lastly, Anaconda is located centrally from both Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, making it an ideal place to stay to see both parks.

Columbia Falls

Many Montana towns serve as gateways to big national parks, and Columbia Falls is no exception, as it is just a 15-minute drive from Glacier National Park. However, there's plenty to see within Columbia Falls as well. This friendly town is known for being a lively destination. For example, visitors can enjoy a ranch getaway at the Dancing Spirit Ranch, which has a small village, barn, schoolhouse meeting area, and more.

Columbia Falls also has its own brewery called Backslope Brewing, which is a favorite spot for locals to go and tell stories. Golfers especially love to visit Columbia Falls as it has a highly-rated golf course in Montana: Mead Lake Resort. When you enter Glacier National Park itself, there are a few hiking trails to explore close by, such as the Apgar Lookout Trail, which passes by a 1929 fire tower.

White Sulphur Springs

In central Montana, White Sulphur Springs is the epitome of a small western town that believes strongly in being good neighbors and preserving its historical and natural landmarks. These include The Castle Museum, a fascinating 1892 mansion built to resemble a medieval castle with granite blocks dragged from the Castle Mountains. There's also the Bair Family Art Museum in nearby Martinsdale, which gathers art of the Native American peoples along with Western art by Charles Russell and Joseph Henry Sharp. As for natural wonders, fishers will definitely want to explore the Smith River State Park as long as they have the right permits. White Sulphur Springs is within the Lewis and Clark National Forest, which, of course, has a vast amount of hiking trails and hunting opportunities.

Polson

On the Flathead Indian Reservation, Polson is a welcoming community within a natural amphitheater on Flathead Lake. Visitors will learn a lot about Native American history by visiting Polson, such as at the Polson Flathead Lake Museum, which has exhibits on both Native American life and pioneer living.

The Miracle of America museum preserves the best of American artifacts, horse-drawn carriages, and more. For those with a taste for cryptids, Polson allegedly is the home of the Flathead Lake Monster. Visitors often keep their cameras ready for sightings of this cryptid on one of the lakeside parks such as Boettcher Park or Sacajawea Park. For those who enjoy wildlife watching, the National Bison Range in nearby Moiese features bison, elk, deer, and antelope.

Livingston

Livingston is a quirky community on the Yellowstone River that is particularly proud of its position in Big Sky Country. The town is a gorgeous art community, which hosts multiple galleries and art centers such as the Park Reece Gallery, known for humorous pieces, and the Teslow Arts Center, which teaches ceramics art classes.

Locals will encourage visitors to explore the museums in Livingston, such as the Livingston Depot Center and the Yellowstone Gateway Museum. Livingston is close to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area, with one of the closest trailheads to town being the Livingston Peak trail. Cyclists will appreciate the 5.77-mile Highway 89 South Bike Path in town. Don't forget before leaving town to grab a bite to eat from one of the diverse restaurants such as the Big Sky Thai or the Campione Roman Kitchen.

Embracing Montana's Warm-Hearted Communities

Montana is a beautiful state, so it follows that it would have many serene small towns. These small towns have a lot to be proud of, from their magnificent national parks to their historic downtown areas. By checking out their local museums and art centers, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for how pioneers lived in these challenging mountainous landscapes while also being inspired by the natural beauty and wonder. The next time you visit Montana, be sure to add these nine friendly towns to your travel plans.