What comes to mind when you think of Choteau, Montana? For most Montanans, this quiet little Teton County city is just another charming small town that happens to have a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountain Front. For others, it’s a stop on our infamous Dinosaur Trail, which is certainly something to be proud of. But have you ever noticed that Choteau is the perfect gateway to an abundance of outdoor activities? This charming town in Montana is a nature lover’s paradise.

Choteau lies along U.S. Routes 89 and 287, about 52 miles northwest of Great Falls.
Sam Beebe / Wikipedia
While it's an incredibly beautiful place, population growth has been slow here, mostly due to its remote location.
Choteau is named after French fur merchant, trader, and explorer Pierre Chouteau, Jr. Choteau County is also named after him.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
The Teton County Courthouse, which was designed by architects Joseph B. Gibson and George H. Shanley, is one of the highlights of the town.
Life in Choteau means embracing small-town living, although there is plenty to see here.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
For a city of its size, Choteau has plenty of tasty restaurants, shops, and bars. It also happens to be a perfect jumping-off point for an abundance of outdoor recreation.

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The encompassing Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is easily accessible from Choteau.
Carole Larson / Google
The forest spans 2,912 square miles, and it's an underrated treasure.
There's also quite a bit of hiking in the area.
Ken Speidel / alltrails.com
The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest has plenty of hiking trails, like the exhilarating 10-mile Clary Coulee Trail.
The 1.5-million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is also an easy drive from Choteau.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
This is the third-largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states. There's something for everyone here: fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, and more.
Choteau is less than two hours from Glacier National Park, but you don't have to drive that far to experience Montana's breathtaking nature at its finest.
Troy Smith / Flickr
Just drive an hour or less in any direction and you'll see what we mean.

Have you ever been to Choteau? Share your experience with us in the comments! And while you’re dreaming up things do to in Choteau, Montana, be sure to check out this video c/o YouTube’s Weekend Guide To for inspiration:

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Choteau, Montana

Sarah M. | March 13, 2023

What are some other things to do in Choteau, Montana?

Choteau might be the most underrated small town in Montana, offering so much to see, do, and experience! While the city itself is quite small, the area has everything you could ask for: stunning views, attractions, historical sites, restaurants, and coffee shops. In addition to ALL of the outdoor recreation listed above (golfing, bird watching, hiking, cross country skiing, this part of Montana has it all!), here are some other amazingly fun things to do in Choteau, Montana:

  • Old Trail Museum. Choteau is home to an enormous amount of history, and there’s no better place to learn about it than the Old Trail Museum. This museum has unique paleontology displays, interpretation, replicas, or actual skeletons of dinosaurs. The museum is actually within a complex that has a fantastic ice cream shop, so you can leave your history lesson with a tasty treat!
  • Log Cabin Cafe. A local favorite, Log Cabin Cafe is an amazing spot for those who love big breakfasts. And pie. So. Much. Pie. The number of pie options you'll have varies from day to day, but it's rarely less than a dozen. Paired with a burger and fries -- or even by itself for breakfast, because, fruit -- you'll be charmed by this adorable eatery.
  • Charming Chateau. You'll need a home base for your weekend in Choteau, and this chateau is just the place. This cozy 1,000-square-foot cottage sits a few blocks from Choteau's downtown area, making it an easy walk to town. While a bit modest on the outside, step inside and you'll see a rich, vibrant living room and seating area, an open dining area, and a whole lot of color. Cozy amenities and plush linens will keep you comfortable even on the coldest Montana days, making this chateau an all-around winner in terms of local MT accommodations!

 

What are some other charming towns in Montana?

Looking for more charming small towns in Montana to explore? Here are some standouts:

  • Whitefish
  • Libby
  • Havre
  • Anaconda
  • Great Falls
  • Philipsburg
  • Livingston

Plan a year of adventures in Montana's most charming small towns with this helpful guide!

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Choteau, MT 59422, USA