5 of the Largest Cities in Montana

By VacationIdea Staff on October 21, 2022 - Updated

jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

Montana is the 4th biggest state in physical size but has the 8th smallest population overall. This means that Montana’s population is very sparsely spread out. The relatively low population of Montana is partly due to the fact that around half of the state is filled with vast mountain ranges like the Rocky Mountains, with this kind of terrain making the development of settlements and cities quite difficult.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.The Largest City in Montana - Billings

Billings is the number one city in Montana, it’s located in the southern central part of Montana in Yellowstone County, of which it is the county seat. Billings measures up at around 43.5 square miles and has an approximate population of around 109,000 people, with over 170,000 living in the surrounding metropolitan area. This city has a history dating all the way back to 1877 when it was founded, in the Yellowstone Valley, by a lawyer and landowner named Frederick H. Billings.

The city of Billings has played an interesting role throughout history, especially back in the days of the Old West as one of the early railroad towns. Thanks to the power of the railroad, Billings earned the nickname 'Magic City' as it saw a lot of rapid development and growth. Nowadays, it's the main financial and cultural hub of Montana and is home to some interest theaters, live entertainment venues, museums, and special annual events like Skyfest and the Montana Fair.

2.The Second Largest City in Montana - Missoula

Missoula is the 2nd largest city in Montana. It's located in Missoula County in the west of Montana and is actually the county seat. Missoula measures up at around 29 square miles, but its metropolitan area extends to over 2,600 square miles. This city is home to around 73,000 people, with a total over 117,000 when taking into account the entire metro area of Missoula.

Missoula was founded in 1866, but was the site of human habitation for many thousands of years before the European settlers first arrived on American soil. It was actually the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition that helped to put this city on the map, with the expedition stopping twice in the Missoula area. The city of Missoula has been nicknamed 'Garden City' due to its many parks and green spaces, with around 400 acres of parks and 5,000 acres of conservation land in total.

3.The Third Largest City in Montana

Great Falls is the third largest city in Montana. This city is located in Cascade County, of which it is the county seat, in the central-western part of Montana. Great Falls covers an area of a little over 22 square miles and is home to around 58,000 people, with over 82,000 in the metro area.

Founded back in the 1800s, the area that would eventually become Great Falls was inhabited by Paleo-Indians thousands of years ago and was actually visited by Merlwether Lewis as part of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century. The city is named due to the fact that several waterfalls on the Missouri River basin can be found nearby. Great Falls is home to various museums, education institutions, and plenty of parks and natural spaces.

4.Cities in Montana - Bozeman

Bozeman is the 4th biggest city in Montana. This city is located in the southwestern section of Montana in Gallatin County. Bozeman is the county seat of Gallatin County and measures up at 19 square miles in area, being home to an approximate population of 46,000 people, with over 100,000 in the full metro area.

The area that would become Bozeman was visited by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806, but the city wasn't founded until the 1860s when a pioneer named John Bozeman opened up a branch on the Oregon Trail called the Bozeman Trail which led through the Gallatin Valley, where Bozeman would be founded a short while after.

5.Cities in Montana - Butte

Butte is the 5th biggest city in Montana. this city is located in Silver Bow County, of which it is the county seat, in the southwestern part of Montana. Butte stretches out across more than 700 square miles of land due to its status as a consolidated city-county and is home to around 33,000 people.

Butte has appeared in a lot of films and TV shows over the years and is perhaps best-known as being the hometown of world famous daredevil Evel Knievel. Some of the films in which Butte has appeared include The Killer Inside Me and Runaway Train, and the city is also known for its beautiful historic district and for being the home of Montana Tech university.

6.More Info

Mountains make up most of the western side of Montana, while the eastern side is home to prairies and badlands. Montana measures up at over 147,000 square miles in total and is home to a population of over 1 million people.

Nicknames for this state include 'Big Sky Country' and 'The Treasure State', and tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the Montana state economy due to the fact that this state is home to many beautiful national parks and natural areas like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

The state capital of Montana is Helena, but its most populous city is Billings. Continue for more information on Billings, Montana, and the other large cities of this state, complete with approximate populations for each city and brief overviews of each location.

5 of the Largest Cities in Montana

The Largest City in Montana - Billings, Photo: James/stock.adobe.com
The Second Largest City in Montana - Missoula, Photo: davidmarx/stock.adobe.com
The Third Largest City in Montana, Photo: Shane Cotee/stock.adobe.com
Cities in Montana - Bozeman, Photo: Ai/stock.adobe.com
Cities in Montana - Butte, Photo: Don/stock.adobe.com
More Info, Photo: vasanth/stock.adobe.com
Cover Photo: jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

More Ideas in MT: Big Sky Resort

Located in Madison County, Montana an hour south of the city of Bozeman, Big Sky Resort is a ski resort offering more than 5,800 acres of skiing terrain, dubbed the “Biggest Skiing in America.” The resort was opened to the public in December of 1973, offering a gondola and three chairlifts to skiing elevations along the eastern side of the 11,166-foot Lone Mountain.

History

Big Sky Resort was the idea of Montana resident Chet Huntley, the co-anchor of NBC News’ evening broadcast throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Following Huntley’s death in 1974 after a battle with cancer, Boyne Resorts acquired the resort and steadily added to its attractions over the next several decades, tripling terrain areas for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports activities. Additional lifts and gondolas were added, including the Lone Peak Tram, installed in 1995, which was designed to take skiiers to the summit of Lone Mountain. Several new facilities were added to the resort area in the 1990s and 2000s, including the Yellowstone Conference Center, the Village Center Complex, the Summit Hotel, and the Shoshone Condominium Hotel, and major renovations were completed on the facility’s Mountain Village and skiing areas. In 2013, the resort merged operations with the nearby Moonlight Basin ski resort and acquired 200 acres along Spirit Mountain previously held by private club Spanish Peaks, making Big Sky the second largest ski resort area in the United States.

Attractions

Today, Big Sky Resort offers more than 5,800 acres of skiing terrain along the slopes of Lone, Andesite, and Spirit Mountains, divided into a variety of areas for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiiers. The facility is best known for its Lone Peak Tram, a 15-passenger tram which opened to the public in December of 1995. The addition of the tram increased the resort’s size by 50%, adding 1,200 skiable acres and an additional 4,350 of vertical height. The Doppelmayr lift, created by Alaska’s Matrix construction firm, runs two cabins in alternating directions across a distance of 2,828 feet, offering access to some of the most difficult ski terrain in the United States. Intermediate skiiers may also access groomed blue runs from the tram, and non-skiiers are welcome aboard to enjoy 360-degree views of the nearby Teton Mountains and Yellowstone National Park.

A number of other gondolas and chairlifts provide access to a variety of elevations throughout the resort area, including the Ramcharger Lift, which climbs to elevations of 8,700 along Andesite Mountain, and the six-seat Powder Seeker Lift, which offers specialty heated seats. Seven unique terrain parks are offered, including the beginner Cowpoke and Explorer areas, the intermediate Maverick Park and Swift 2.0, the expert Peacemaker and Swifty areas, and the natural Cache terrain area. Areas for snowboarding and snowshoeing are also offered.

During the summer months, the resort is open for summer outdoor activities, including archery, rock climbing, and skeet shooting. An award-winning 72-par Big Sky Resort Golf Course, designed by champion golfer Arnold Palmer, operates May through October, offering 18 holes along the West Fork of the Gallatin River. An Adventure Zipline Tour, ranked one of the best zipline courses in the country by USA Today, offers four course lines at elevations of 150 feet above the ground, including a racing Twin Zipline. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting adventures are also offered, and a summer Lone Peak Expedition offers scenic rides on the Lone Peak Tram.

Accommodations are offered at several hotels within the resort’s Mountain Village complex, including the original Huntley Lodge, the luxury Summit Hotel high-rise, and the Shoshone Condominium Hotel. Suites and condominiums are offered at the Village Center and Skycrest and Stillwater Condominiums, which offer dramatic views of Lone Mountain. Cabin, chalet, and lodge rentals are also offered throughout the resort area.

Ski equipment, apparel, and souvenirs are sold at stores within the resort’s Mountain Mall, including Montana’s only licensed North Face retailer. A 3,000-square-foot Solace Spa and Salon is located inside the Huntley Lodge, and several fitness centers, including the Shoshone Health Club, offer gyms, pools, hot tubs, and sauna facilities. More than 50 restaurants, cafes, and food vendors are located throughout the resort complex, including the Bunker Bar and Grill, located inside the golf course, the slopeside Carabiner lounge, and the mountaintop Everett’s 8800 restaurant. Family dining options include the Blue Moon Bakery cafe, Andiamo Italian Grille and Pizza Works, and the Huntley Dining Room, which offers the biggest breakfast buffet in the country. The facility’s 55,000-square-foot Yellowstone Conference Center also offers meeting and event space for up to 750 attendees and may be rented for business conferences, weddings, and other private special events.

50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, Phone: 800-548-4486

More Montana things to do

You are reading "5 of the Largest Cities in Montana " Back to Top

More Ideas in MT: Collective Yellowstone

Collective Yellowstone is the perfect wedding venue for any extra-chill bride. Brides can trade the hotel suites and wedding cake for upscale tents and s’mores at the luxury glampground in Moonlight Basin, situated within the mountains of Montana. In addition to the stunning views and rustic charm, the venue offers a world-class on-site culinary team that can create an acclaimed and delicious farm-to-table feast for wedding receptions.

The wedding venue of Collective Yellowstone offers the best of forest and lake, with its breaktaking views of the surrounding mountains and more scenery. The property is situated just nine miles away from the town center of Big Sky, and is about an hour and thirty minutes away by car from the Yellowstone Airport and the Bozeman International Airport. Nestled within the beautiful mountains of Montana, Collective Yellowstone overlooks the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. The venue provides the one-of-a-kind experience of providing guests with luxury comforts, while still connecting them with the awe-inspiring natural surroundings.

Collective Retreats, which runs Collective Yellowstone, combines nature and luxury for all wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as other events and celebrations, to create a forever memorable experience. Couples can celebrate their special day by taking in the stunning views of the surroundings, relaxing under the star in a luxury tent accommodation, and enjoying the delicious taste of regional cuisine from the venue’s hyper-local menu with the site’s own unique twist.

Amenities and Facilities

Tucked away in the exclusive Moonlight Basin area of Big Sky, Collective Yellowstone possesses a high alpine feel that enchants guests, is surrounded by many towering mountains, and is set next to a freshwater pond. With its five-star service, luxury accommodations, and breathtaking scenery, the unique venue offers the perfect location and backdrop for a memorable and enjoyable wedding. The well-designed luxury tents offer comfort and style in the wilderness, featuring king sized beds, bathroom, electricity, and more.

The main dining tent at Collective Yellowstone can accommodate up to fifty to sixty guests for a seated dinner wedding reception. This also accounts for space for a dance floor and entertainment. Couples are welcome to used other rentals to the site to provide more covered dining space in order to accommodate more guests for a larger wedding reception. Collective Retreats believes that travel, whether for a wedding or just for wanderlust, should be meaningful and extraordinary. The staff strive to show everyone who comes to the site what that means in person.

Services

Among the services offered by the Collective Yellowstone is a hyper-local menus with the venue’s own twist created by experienced chefs. The elevated cuisine of the property highlights various ingredients originating from the local area. This includes produce from farmers’ markets, dairy and meat for surrounding farm, and other favorites from the region. From campfire s’mores to mountainside, elegant feasts, couples and their wedding guests are sure to create lasting memories while they enjoy exquisite cuisine in the beautiful setting.

General Information

Collective Yellowstone is located in the Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, offers on-site parking, and is wheelchair accessible.

Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, MT 59730, Phone: 406-404-6363

You are reading "5 of the Largest Cities in Montana " Back to Top

More Ideas in MT: Lone Elk Lodge

Nestled beneath the picturesque Montana sky and surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in East Glacier National Park, Lone Elk Lodge is a comfortable, family-friendly lodge that offers a relaxing and tranquil mountain escape. Located just Minutes from historic Glacier National Park, the inn features four beautifully appointed log cabin-style homes that sleep between four and ten people and provide all the creature comforts of home.

Units have multiple bedrooms and private or shared bathrooms, spacious living and dining areas with ample seating, fully equipped kitchens, and extensive decks with breathtaking panoramic views. Essential amenities such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels, gas fireplaces, washer/dryers, air-conditioning, and outdoor gas barbecue grills, to name but a few, ensure a hassle-free vacation with nothing left to do except relax and soak up the magnificent views.

Guest Accommodations

Lone Elk Lodge features four beautifully appointed and stylishly decorated lodge-style units which offer all the creature comforts of home. Lodges, namely Sinopah, Rising Wolf, Summit and Two Medicine, are 1,500 square feet in size and can sleep between four and ten people. Lodges have multiple bedrooms with queen or king-size beds with deluxe linens and down comforters, and private or shared bathrooms with showers, bathtubs, vanities, fresh towels and branded toiletries. Fully equipped kitchens have full-size refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, ice makers, and all the cutlery and crockery needed for self-catering and entertaining. Spacious living and dining areas have comfortable seating, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, DVD players, CD players, stereo systems, gas fireplaces, while large decks have outdoor gas barbecue grills and spectacular panoramic views. Other amenities provided include air-conditioning throughout, complimentary wireless Internet, off-street parking, and additional parking for boats/trailers/RVs.

Sinopah is the most significant unit at 1,600 square feet and offers three spacious bedrooms king and queen-size beds dressed in deluxe linens and down comforters and private bathrooms with shower/bathtub combinations or single walk-in showers, vanities, fresh towels and branded toiletries. All bedrooms have ceiling fans for comfort. An airy living and dining area has comfortable couches, an eight-seater dining table and chairs, a gas fireplace and a flat-screen television with cable channels, DVD player, and stereo system. A fully equipped kitchen has a full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, ice maker, and all the cutlery and crockery needed for self-catering and entertaining. A lovely deck has an outdoor gas barbecue grill and spectacular mountain views.

Rising Wolf is a spacious two-bedroom condo-style lodge that features a spacious living and dining area with high vaulted ceilings, comfortable couches, a six-seater dining table and chairs, a gas fireplace and a flat-screen television with cable channels, DVD player, and stereo system. A fully equipped kitchen has a full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, ice maker, and all the cutlery and crockery needed for self-catering and entertaining. Bedrooms have one king or two queen-size beds dressed in deluxe linens and down comforters and private bathrooms with walk-in showers and soaking tubs, single vanities, fresh towels and branded toiletries. All rooms in the lodge boast breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, and a lovely deck has an outdoor gas barbecue grill and outdoor seating.

The Summit is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom that offers a comfortable home-away-from-home appeal. Bedrooms have king-to-twin or queen-size beds dressed in deluxe linens and down comforters and private bathrooms with walk-in showers and soaking tubs, single vanities, fresh towels and branded toiletries. An airy living and dining area has comfortable couches, one of which can be converted into a sleeper sofa for additional guests, a six-seater dining table and chairs, a rustic stone fireplace and a flat-screen television with cable channels, DVD player, and stereo system. A fully equipped kitchen has a full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer, ice maker, and all the cutlery and crockery needed for self-catering and entertaining. A fully furnished outdoor deck has a gas barbecue grill, outdoor seating, and spectacular views.

The Two Medicine Room is a cozy retreat for one to two guests and features a luxurious queen-size bed dressed in deluxe linens and down comforters and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and soaking tub, single vanity, fresh towels and branded toiletries. A cozy sitting nook has soft leather chairs, and a large leather ottoman, a flat-screen television with cable channels, DVD player, and stereo system, and a fully equipped kitchen has everything for a gourmet meal. French doors open onto a private deck with a gas barbecue grill and outdoor seating for alfresco dining.

Dining

Units are fully equipped for self-catering purposes with kitchens that have full-size refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, ice makers, and all the cutlery and crockery needed for self-catering and entertaining.

Amenities and Recreation

Deluxe amenities and services in each unit include air-conditioning throughout, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, DVD players, CD players, stereo systems, gas fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, ice makers, complimentary wireless Internet, off-street parking, and additional parking for boats/trailers/RVs.

With over 16,000 square miles of pristine wilderness surrounding the lodge, there is a myriad of recreational activities to enjoy year-round, including over 700 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, horseback riding, fishing and fly-fishing, boating, kayaking, whitewater rafting, bird watching and picnicking in the summer months. The winter months offer skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.

20631 Hwy 2, East Glacier Park, MT, 59434, Phone: 406-226-9285

More Things to Do in Montana, Romantic weekend getaways in Montana

You are reading "5 of the Largest Cities in Montana " Back to Top