Montana’s largest cities are gateways to the wild: mountain views, rivers that run through downtown, and a pace of life that feels refreshingly unhurried. Each one offers its own blend of frontier spirit and community pride.
I’m sipping coffee in Missoula as kayakers drift down the Clark Fork River—and minutes later, I’m hiking a pine-covered trail right outside the city.
Billings tops the list as Montana’s largest city, with a growing downtown, rimrock views, and access to Yellowstone. Missoula follows with a college-town buzz, strong arts scene, and riverside charm. Great Falls honors its military roots and Lewis & Clark history with museums and Missouri River trails. In the northwest, Bozeman combines tech, ski-town vibes, and stunning mountain backdrops. And Butte rounds out the list with mining heritage, striking architecture, and a gritty-cool personality that’s uniquely Montana.
"From mountain towns to prairie skies—Montana’s cities are few in number but rich in character."
The Largest City:
Discover Big Sky Adventures and Urban Charm in Billings -
Embrace the Artsy, Outdoorsy Spirit of Missoula -
If You’re Chasing Waterfalls and Western History, Explore Great Falls -
Dive into Outdoor Thrills and Cool Culture in Bozeman -
If You Love Mining History and Local Flavor, Roam Butte’s Storied Streets -
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: How large is Montana compared to other U.S. states?
- A: Montana is the 4th biggest state in physical size in the United States.
- Q: How populated is Montana?
- A: Montana has the 8th smallest population overall, making it one of the least densely populated states.
- Q: Why is Montana's population so sparse?
- A: The relatively low population of Montana is partly due to the fact that about half of the state is covered with vast mountain ranges, which make it difficult to develop settlements.
- Q: What major mountain range is found in Montana?
- A: Montana is home to the Rocky Mountains, which cover a significant portion of the state.
- Q: How does Montana's terrain impact settlement?
- A: The rugged terrain of mountain ranges makes the development of settlements and cities quite challenging in Montana.
Map:
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)