5 Charming Little Towns In Montana With Populations Less Than 100
Sure, I'm stretching the definition of 'town' a bit but 'census designated place' doesn't have much personality. Montana is the perfect state to search for super small towns that have real charm and/or something pretty cool in their backyard.
Wise River, Montana: As the name would suggest, you'll find the Wise River flowing through Wise River, Montana which immediately flows into the Big Hole River. It's a cool place to hang if you're looking for a mellow, mountain community where you can fish till you drop. (At an elevation of 5,600 feet, Wise River is higher up than most Montana towns.)
According to DiscoveringMontana.com: "In the early 1800s, the Wise River region was a “buffer” zone for native American tribes such as the Shoshone, Blackfeet, Nez Perce, and Salish. This would change in the 1810s-1840s when the American Fur Company, Hudson’s Bay Company, and the North West Company exploited the area for animal fur pelts.
Alzada, Montana: Located near the border with Wyoming in southeast Montana, tiny Alzada is at the crossroads of Route 212 and Highway 323 in Carter County. It's population hovers in the mid-twenties but it's got real infrastructure, businesses and purpose. The little town is also surrounded by the Little Missouri River. Parched? You've got the funky roadside Stoneville Saloon. Two churches, a convenience store, an RV park, a truck shop, and Trophies Plus Outfitters where hunting is big deal in the region.
Shawmut, Montana: This little city of less than 50 has the gorgeous Musselshell River flowing right through it AND is a stone's throw from Deadman's Basin Reservoir. It sits on Route 12 where the Stage Stop Café will be there to greet you. (Keep in mind that several towns in Montana have a 'Stage Stop Café'.) Shawmut's Post Office opened it's doors in 1885.
According to Montana-Demographics.com: "With 30 people, Shawmut is the 403rd most populated city in the state of Montana out of 454 cities. But watch out, Shawmut, because Windham with 29 people and Boyd with 29 people are right behind you."
Rexford, Montana: This is perhaps my favorite tiny town on this list, simply because it seems much larger than it actually is and there are loads of outdoor activities to enjoy. Technically, Rexford has about about 80 residents but it seems larger because it's on the long and skinny Lake Koocanusa. It up in Lincoln County, just a few miles shy of the Canadian border. I could hang out at the Abayance Bay Marina all day, every day.
According to Wikipedia: "The town of Rexford, Montana began with the construction of the Great Northern Railway’s branch line from Jennings to Fernie, British Columbia in 1901. Rexford incorporated in 1966 in order to negotiate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during construction of the Libby Dam."