Ultimate Montana Small Town Summer Adventure

Montana is the last best place - wild, rural and vast, this great state offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, historical exploration and unplugging from the doldrums of life and technology. With the entire population being just over 1 million people, even the largest cities are far from booming metropolises. Quaint and nostalgic rural Montana towns are dotted across the state and are generally located at the epicenter of adventure and history.

Unlike the protagonist in Sinclair Lewis’ Main Street, I consider many small town stereotypes to be assets rather than distasteful and unattractive attributes. I appreciate walking down the street or into the corner bar and actually knowing someone. Folks in small towns look out for one another, which, of course, makes up for the occasional meddling in each others’ business. Where one sees conservatism and progress moving at a snails’ pace, I see communities that fervently take pride in their history and future moreso than anonymous, isolated city-dwellers with zero ties to home, community and neighbors (and neighbors kids, relatives, friends and dogs :-)

Most importantly, small town folks know how to let loose and have fun! You can imagine Winter to be potentially bleak in a small town (unless nestled at the foot of a major ski resort), thus, we welcome Summer with outstretched arms and bear-hug its potential until every weekend and every evening is packed with community celebrations and outdoor adventuring. It also helps that at our latitude, the days are very long, and we enjoy sunlight from very early into the late hours.

Thus, if you are considering visiting our great state and want a mix of outdoor adventure, sightseeing and unforgettable small town fun, you would be hard pressed to beat this itinerary, trust me.

Disclaimer: there is certainly some windshield time included - but this is simply unavoidable with traveling around in the 4th largest state in the nation. For the majority, I’ll keep you off the major highways to you can also experience the beauty of our state as you pass through it.

The adventure begins

Day 1-3 or more starting the 3rd week of June

About the third week in June, somewhere around mid-week find yourself in the general vicinity of West central Montana, Either drive or fly into Helena, Great Falls or Bozeman airport. Rent a car, buy some snacks and towards Craig, Montana. This fly fishing hub on the Missouri River is a beautiful and peaceful first stop.

Adventure options:

  • Take a guided drift boat fly fishing trip down the Missouri River with the talented and passionate guide, Shalon of Fly FisHer Adventures.

  • Jump on a motorized boat for a tour of the Gates of the Mountains - a spectacular canyon just up river.

June 26-28 (third weekend in June, dates vary depending on year)

Head North, and drive to the quaint and historically significant, Fort Benton, Montana for the famed Fort Benton Summer Celebration. Experience Montana's premier small town festival, from live performances, community picnics, arts and crafts vendors during the day to rowdy street dances and fireworks at long into the night, this small town extravaganza will knock your socks off. And, while you are there, take a stroll along the river bank or stop into the various museums and fort to absorb the vast and important history, including Lewis and Clark, steamboats, fur trade, homesteading and more, as Fort Benton is considered the birthplace of Montana.

History options:

Sunday or Monday after the festival

You will be tired from having so much fun - what better way to relax than on the river. Take a 4 day canoe and camping trip with us through the famous White Cliffs section of the Upper Missouri River National Monument. We will take care of everything so you can enjoy the incredible views, camp at Lewis and Clark camp sights, bird watch, swim in the river, hike through slot canyons and star gaze from your tent. Experience the river much like Lewis and Clark did, and immerse yourself in this unforgettable river corridor.

July 2 or earlier (take out)

The four days on the river will allow you to reset and get ready for more small town fun, Either stay in Fort Benton for a night (enjoying a shower) or pack up and head South, to Livingston, MT (take this route), and be sure to be there by 1:00 or 2:00 pm on July 2nd because it’s 4th of July parade day. This starts the 3 day festivities of 4th of July fun. Everyone leaves work and hits the streets to mingle with friends, enjoy afternoon libations on the street and watch the parade. Afterwards, the bars and restaurants will be teeming with locals and tourists enjoying the laid back but highly energetic buzz of it all. Walk the streets, stop into galleries and eat and drink your way through this artsy town set in front of the towering and impressive Absaroka Mountains range along the mighty Yellowstone River.

July 3 or 4 - It’s rodeo time!

Have you even been to a rodeo? Have you ever been to a rodeo in a small town during 4th of July?? Well, the Livingston Roundup is one not to miss. Don your finest pointy boots and embroidered shirts to experience this rambunctious, rough and tough cowboy sport (and fabulous people watching :-) culminating in the most exciting event, bull riding, followed by an impressive fire works shows (featured each night!).

Adventure options in the Paradise Valley, Yellowstone area:

  • Scenic float and fly fish through Paradise Valley just a few miles South of Livingston with Sleeping Giant Tours

  • Hiking: enjoy a moderate hike to the Pine Creek Falls (2ish miles round trip), or for the more ambitious, in-shape folks, attempt the 10 miles round trip hike to Pine Creek Lake (definitely advanced). Yes, it is not for the faint at heart, BUT if you are adequately prepared, it is SO worth it - this pristine mountain lake is one of the most spectacular locations in this part of the state!

  • Soak in the famous and nostalgic Chico Hot Springs. It might be hot outside, but you can sit by the pool and enjoy the patio full of sun. There is a fabulous restaurant as well. You can also book day trips, such as white water ratting or horseback riding.

  • Treat yourself to an elegant farm-to-table dinner on location with the highly talented Melissa Harrison of Seasonal Montana.

  • Yellowstone National Park - you are only 50 miles North of this incredible gem. If you are content with battling crowds and traffic, it would be a shame to miss it.

Making your way home.

If you have more time (and energy), there is endless options for adventure, fun and exploration. However, it might be time to say farewell to our great state and head home. Depending on which city you flew into (or your driving route), you might find yourself with a final few hours of sightseeing from the car. If you are on your way back to Helena or Great Falls, perhaps you enjoy one last soak at White Sulphur Hot Springs or a quick brewery tour in Bozeman, Montana (there are lots). Either way, exiting won’t be easy, but rest assured, you can always come back. Perhaps next time, you explore the Northwest part of our state….

#ExploreMT #MontanaMoment #UpperMissouriRiverGuides #SmallTownMagic #SmallTownMontana #LivingstonMT #FortBentonMT #ILoveMontana

For more information, Montana travel tips and small town love, contact us or better yet, come visit!

MontanaHaley MillerUpper Missouri Breaks, Montana Travel, Montana Tourism, Small town fun, Summer festivals