Change is inevitable, even in the Last Best Place. The owners of your favorite neighborhood restaurant retire, your neighbors sell their houses, a new coffee shop comes to town. But despite all this, there are definitely a few small towns in Montana where time seems to stand still. If you’re feeling nostalgic, head to one of these spots.
1. Scobey
Scobey was founded more than 100 years ago by rancher Mansfield Daniels, who named it after his friend, Major Charles Richardson Anderson Scobey. And the town still has a good old-fashioned vibe — in fact, they have an entire museum and replicated pioneer town dedicated to the good old days.
2. Fort Benton
You'd be hard-pressed to find a city more dedicated to self-preservation than Fort Benton, often called the Birthplace of Montana. For example, the Grand Union Hotel dates back to 1882, and it's still going strong.
3. Pony
Pony is practically a ghost town now, but at one time, it was a thriving mining community. And while it has certainly seen its share of changes over the years, these days, it's frozen in time (and that's exactly how we like it).
4. Havre
This old railroad town is nicknamed the Crown Jewel of the Hi-Line, and it's definitely charming and delightful. It also has an underground city that allows you to look back in time to those early railroad days via the Havre Beneath the Streets tour.
5. Augusta
Strolling through Augusta feels like stepping back in time. It's easy to see why it's known as the Last Original Cow Town in the West.
6. Stevensville
Stevensville was the first permanent settlement in Montana, and this Ravalli County gem is loaded with history. It's also a delightful place to visit or call home.
7. Wibaux
Less than 600 people live in Wibaux, so it's the definition of a sleepy small town. Theodore Roosevelt once had a famous encounter with a bully at Nolan's Hotel in Wibaux — and the future president won the fight.
8. Choteau
Choteau was incorporated in 1913. And while it obviously doesn't look exactly the same, it's managed to maintain its old-fashioned charm. Its rich agriculture history and mountainous surroundings only add to its appeal.
9. Ennis
Ennis is surrounded by three mountain ranges, making it one of the most visually stunning spots in the entire state. Since only 890 people live there, the town is slow to change, which is part of its charm.
If you’re interested in our local history, take some time to learn about (and visit) some of Montana’s older towns .
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