It’s been called lonely, sleepy, and in the middle of nowhere. And we’ll admit, at first glance, the little town of Shelby Montana may seem pretty dull… but spend a little time here and you’ll see that there’s much more to Shelby than you might think! In fact, if you enjoy golf, learning about local history, exploring a historic downtown area, and eating tasty food with friendly locals, we highly recommend spending a relaxing weekend here (or two). I love exploring small, unexpected towns and this is a great one to start with.

The little city of Shelby is located in Toole County, about 35 miles south of the Canadian border.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Shelby was named after Peter P. Shelby, a general manager of the Montana Central Railroad. The city lies on the trans-continental east-west main line of the Great Northern Santa Fe Railroad, which runs between Minneapolis and Seattle.
Kim Grosz / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
One fantastic way to explore the area is on foot, which you can do by utilizing the Roadrunner Trail.
Roadrunner Trail, Shelby, MT, USA
Roadrunner Trail, Shelby, MT 59474, USA
Bauman147 / TripAdvisor
Choose either the two-mile or the five-mile option and enjoy the views of the Rocky Mountains and Sweetgrass Hills.
While there are plenty of things to do in Shelby, MT, the town's largest attraction could be considered the Marias Valley Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course right on the Marias River.
Marias Valley Golf & Country Club, 1 Golf Course Rd, Shelby, MT 59474, USA
Marias Valley Golf Course / Facebook
Not only does this rank among the top public courses in Montana, it's also one of the most challenging. It's certainly one of the best things to do in Shelby.
The pace of play is rarely an issue here. There are four sets of tees that will challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Marias Valley Golf Course / Facebook
When you've finished your round, feel free to kick back with a snack and a cold one at the on-site restaurant.

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For such a small city, Shelby has quite a few parks.
Champions Park, Shelby, MT 59474, USA
Bauman147 / TripAdvisor
As a bonus, Champions Park also happens to be a historic site.
Shelby was the site of the 1923 World Championship Dempsey-Gibbons boxing match, one of its claims to fame.
Bauman147 / TripAdvisor
The park's displays detail not only the match itself but also all of the pivotal events that led up to it. It's a very interesting series of events that most Montanans aren't even aware of.
The younger residents of Shelby appreciate the Carousel Rest Area, a place to slow down for a while and have some fun.
Carousel Rest Area of Shelby, 441 11th Ave N, Shelby, MT 59474, USA
Robby CG / TripAdvisor
The beautiful carousel and other activities here are all thanks to Harry Benjamin, who knew the state of Montana had limited funds for public rest areas within the communities, so he decided to create a public gathering spot himself. Whether you're just passing by or the Carousel is your only destination, you'll have a great time.
Admittedly, Shelby doesn't have many restaurants, which is to be expected in a town of only 3,000 people, but they do have a few great spots.
Sharon M / TripAdvisor
When hunger strikes, just head to the Alibi Lounge.
The Alibi Lounge has been a local favorite for decades -- everyone loves the family-friendly sports bar.
Casey C / TripAdvisor
The next time you're passing through Shelby on your way to Glacier National Park, stop and stay awhile.
Don Barrett / Flickr
You just might be charmed by this sweet little city.

This overlooked town is so much more than it seems… there’s a reason it often makes our lists of the most charming small towns in Montana! Have you ever visited Shelby Montana? If so, we’d love to hear your tips and tricks for making a visit extra special. Let us know in the comments! For more information on our restaurant recommendation, check out the Alibi Lounge Facebook page.

After visiting Shelby MT, consider checking out Montana’s other small towns. Each one is beautiful and totally unique. A great way to enjoy a new town is by turning a visit into a long weekend. And, our favorite way to do that is by enjoying a local vacation rental.

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Shelby, Montana & Related Info

Jennifer | March 20, 2023

What are the best road trips through Montana?

The best road trips through Montana are great for a day trip or even a long weekend. Here are some local favorites:

 

What are some of the most unique museums in Montana?

The most unique museums in Montana can be found in every corner of the state. One of the best is the Little Bear Schoolhouse Museum in Bozeman. You'll love touring this one-room schoolhouse from 1912. Whether you love learning about the state's geologic and prehistoric history or are hoping to uncover more about the settlement of the West, physics, art, and everything in between, Montana has plenty of museums to satisfy even the most curious visitor. You'll quickly find that small-town specialty and massive galleries alike can be found in every corner of the state...and maybe even a few oddities as well!

Which restaurants in Montana have the best views?

There are lots of restaurants in Montana that have the best views. Here are a few to try:

  • Boat Club Restaurant, Whitefish: This spot is award-winning and exceptionally popular among locals and visitors.
  • Fiesta en Jalisco, Polson: If you love waterfront dining, this is the spot for you. You'll enjoy dockside views here.
  • Schafer's Restaurant, Bigfork: This restaurant is perfect for if you're craving the best steaks around.

 

Farm-to-table dining takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to Montana's best restaurants. In fact, many of the state's top-rated eateries can pinpoint the source of their ingredients just by pointing out a window!  Waterfront restaurants, mountain-top resorts, and even remote restaurants in the heart of Montana's wide-open spaces all offer phenomenal sights to go with your locally-sourced meal, whether you enjoy it al fresco or in a cozy, romantic space. These delicious restaurants (and bars) in Montana all offer some of the best views in the state.

 

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Shelby, MT 59474, USA