7 Surprising Stops in Southwest Montana

Southwest Montana is home to beautiful Big Sky landscapes and sweeping vistas. Thanks to an abundance of public lands and scenic rivers, this region has long been a mecca for hikers, bikers, anglers and skiers. But outdoor adventures aren’t the only thing to do in this corner of the state. Enjoy Montana history, guided tours, local festivals, small-town charm and hot springs when you explore towns like Anaconda, Boulder, and Ennis. Here are the top seven reasons you should visit.

Engage on a History Tour

Explore the old ghost town of Nevada City (Photo courtesy Tempest Technologies/Visit Southwest Montana)

Everywhere you go, Southwest Montana is a treasure trove of history, including Native Americans, fur trappers, miners, cowboys and homesteaders. Wander the streets of Virginia City and Nevada City, well-kept ghost towns, most active during the summer, that offer visitors an opportunity to step back in time and explore the best-preserved mining camps anywhere in the country. With interpretive materials posted throughout the towns and various tours available you could easily spend the whole day wandering the streets. Get out into the country and visit the Grant Kohrs Ranch, a national historic site that offers ranch tours and living history demonstrations. And for a more somber look at the area’s history stop by the Big Hole Battlefield, where the U.S. military and settlers murdered 90 Nez Pierce men, women and children in 1877.

Explore Southwest Montana’s Small Towns

Downtown Philipsburg, Montana at sunset (Photo courtesy Samuel Gonzales Photography/Philipsburg Chamber of Commerce)

Part of what makes Southwest Montana so special is the abundance of small towns, each packed to the brim with charm and friendly locals. Visit Sheridan, Ennis, Anaconda, and Dillon to explore endless mom-and-pop shops and learn more about each town’s unique history. Don’t miss Phillipsburg, an old mining town with amazing restaurants and boutiques, where you can try your hand at mining for sapphires.

There are also bigger towns like Butte which, by Montana standards, is large but, by many peoples’ standards, is still charmingly small. Butte has its own interesting history, as it was once the copper kingdom of the world. And if rodeos are your thing, you’re in luck. Many small towns in Southwest Montana, like Ennis and Dillon have their own annual rodeos. And don’t miss the Augusta American Legion Rodeo at the end of June, one of the oldest and largest one-day rodeos in the West.

Enjoy Festivals Galore

Old Salt Festival, Southwest Montana (Photo courtesy Tempest Technologies/Visit Southwest Montana)

With so many small towns peppered throughout the region there’s almost always a festival happening somewhere on any given day. Check out the Old Salt Festival in June in Helmville, Montana, to celebrate the Mannix family’s long-term conservation stewardship of their ranch and the surrounding area, with music, food and dancing. Or the Montana Folk Festival is a free music event in mid-July in Butte. Ennis hosts the annual Madison Valley Arts festival in early August, which is in its 20th year.

Adventure Outdoors

Explore the backroads of Southwest Montana on a UTV (Photo courtesy Tempest Technologies/Visit Southwest Montana)

Hiking, mountain biking, ATV/UTVing, fishing and skiing are all popular throughout the region. Explore the South Hills Trail System in the Prickly Pear Land Trust outside of Helena or tackle the 8-mile Arrastra Creek Trail near Lincoln, which promises shady forest scenery and meadows full of wildflowers in the summer. Additionally, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which is loved by bikers and hikers, runs through the area.

The outdoors in Southwest Montana are made even more explorable thanks to an abundance of amazing guides, guide companies and guided tours in the area. Taking a guided tour means spending less time planning and researching while still getting to experience a new place with someone who is deeply knowledgeable about the past, present and future of the spot. A favorite tour is to Our Lady of the Rockies, a giant statue located on top of the Continental Divide, accessible via a bus that leaves from Butte. Or hop on a narrated boat tour to explore Gates of the Mountain, a striking canyon on the Missouri River near Helena, aptly named by Lewis and Clark on their expedition.

Soak in Hot Springs

Relax in six different hot springs locations across Southwest Montana (Photo courtesy Visit Southwest Montana)

Look no further for family-friendly hot springs–there are six different spots in Southwest Montana where you can soak, ranging from simple and rustic to playful and fun. Slip down the slide at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort or soak in the historic wooden pool before enjoying a meal at Norris Hot Springs’ 50 Mile Grill and Snack Bar, where most ingredients are sourced within 50 miles. With plenty of other options like Boulder Hot Springs, Jackson Hot Springs Lodge, and Pipestone Village, one is likely to be located along your road trip route.

Make it a Family Trip to Southwest Montana

Take the family on a ride aboard the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad (Photo courtesy Wanderlust Crew/Visit Southwest Montana)

If it isn’t obvious already, Southwest Montana is a great place to bring the kids. There’s an abundance to see and do. Don’t miss two water parks, Last Chance Splash Waterpark and Pool in Helena and Ridge Waters Water Park in Butte, where you can cool off. In Virginia City, take a historic firetruck ride or hop on the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad. Ringing Rocks, a unique geological formation located outside of Butte, is also a fun stop. The rocks chime when tapped gently with a hammer (bring your own hammer or pick one up at a local ACE Hardware in Butte). The sheer variety of everything there is to do and see in the area is highlighted by the careful thought locals have put into providing access to and information about their rich culture, history and landscape.

When is the best time to travel to Southwest Montana?

Enjoy a warm summer evening in Southwest Montana (Photo courtesy Visit Southwest Montana)

Summer is, of course, an excellent time to travel to or road trip through Southwest Montana, however many people don’t know that spring and fall are also great times to explore the area. During fall, many of the small towns lean into their history, with spooky pumpkin patches and hay mazes to explore and ghost tours to book. Many small towns and local attractions continue to be open, but are significantly quieter with kids back in school and the landscape is gorgeous as the foliage changes color. And winter is as vibrant a time as any, with snow sports galore.

Plan Your Visit

For More Information:
Visit Southwest Montana
1105 Main Street
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
1-800-879-1159
southwestmt.com

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