Things To Do
Lake Como
The Lake Como Montana Trail offers an easy, scenic 7-mile loop around the lake, featuring a paved start, beautiful views of Como Peaks, and a waterfall at the west end, accessible via the Lake Como National Recreation Trail (#502) on the north shore and the South Shore Trail (#580). You can hike an out-and-back to the falls (about 6 miles roundtrip) or complete the full loop, which is popular for hiking, biking (north side), and horseback riding (south side), with nearby camping and amenities.
Blodgett Overlook Trailhead
Blodgett Overlook Trailhead in Ravalli County, Montana, offers an easy to moderate hike with panoramic views of the Bitterroot Valley and Blodgett Canyon, accessible via a well-maintained dirt road from Hamilton. The trailhead features a parking area, pit toilet, and is popular for hiking, birding, and horseback riding, with the main overlook trail being about 1.4 to 3 miles round trip.
Explore Downtown Hamilton
Explore our favorite western small town America, downtown Hamilton. Local shops, art galleries, coffee, and small-town charm.
Bitter Root Brewing
Bitter Root Brewing is a family-run brewery in Hamilton, Montana, known for its wide variety of handcrafted beers and a full food menu featuring local and organic ingredients, with options for lunch, dinner, and special diets. Established in 1998, it's one of the state's oldest breweries, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with live music and events, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Higherground Brewing Co.
Higherground Brewing Co. is a popular brewery in Hamilton, Montana, known for its craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and vibrant community atmosphere, featuring a large concrete bar and local art. It was opened by two young friends, Jasper Miller and Fenn Nelson, who transformed a former grocery store into a local gathering spot with a variety of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, and seltzers, alongside food like salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Cowboy Troy's
Cowboy Troy's in Victor, Montana, is a popular local bar and grill known for its rustic atmosphere, wood-fired pizzas, and diverse menu that includes burgers, wings, and sandwiches, with a separate bar area and a family-friendly restaurant section. It's praised for its good food, friendly service, and occasional live music, though some reviewers note slow service during busy times. The establishment often wins local awards for its food, service, and live music.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,800-acre protected area in Montana's Bitterroot Valley, established to conserve migratory bird habitats, featuring diverse wetlands, grasslands, and forests along the Bitterroot River. It offers wildlife viewing, hiking trails (including a paved, accessible one), and fishing, with over 200 bird species and various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians documented. The refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, was renamed in 1978 to honor Senator Lee Metcalf.