We’re just going to come right out and say it: If you haven’t been to Hamilton, you’re missing out on one of Montana’s finest gems. This little city of about 4,700 people has some serious charm, plenty of attractions, and it happens to be a gateway to an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Best of all, it’s such an easy drive from Missoula and the surrounding areas that you could easily make a day trip out of it.
Has it been a while since you’ve considered paying Hamilton a visit? We’ll give you a few good reasons to go for it.
Hamilton is located in Ravalli County, and it’s about a 55-minute drive down US-93 from Missoula.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr It’s also a fairly easy day trip destination if you live in Butte or Anaconda, although you’d have to leave a little earlier in the morning.
Hamilton was named after James Hamilton, a Daly employee who platted the town along the route of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1890.
A.Davey / Flickr While the town used to revolve around the large Anaconda Copper Mine and the Bitter Root Stock Farm, these days, life here is a lot quieter.
Touring the Daly Mansion is a rite of passage when you visit Hamilton.
Daly Mansion / Google Marcus Daly, also known as the Copper King, was a wealthy Irish immigrant who bought the house for his family’s summer home in 1886. The perfectly preserved mansion has over 50 gorgeous rooms.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll also want to check out the Ravalli County Museum and Historical Society.
Sean Zullo / TripAdvisor The museum is open five days a week (closed Sundays and Mondays), and the exhibits tell the stories of how Hamilton came to be.
For a small city, there are quite a few great food options here.
Dustin Hoffman / Google But it’s tough to top the legendary Naps Grill.
Naps Grill has been serving the community delicious burgers for nearly three decades.
Winston Ferguson / Google The burgers are constantly winning awards and were even named on a “top 50 burgers in the nation” list. And they truly live up to the hype.
Shed Horn Cellars 406 is located on West Main Street, and it’s a must-see if you like wine.
Shed Horn 406 / Facebook Our state isn’t exactly known for its wineries, but rest assured, this tasting room is 100% Montana.
The owners, Mike and Adawn Wood, source their grapes from Napa.
Shed Horn 406 / Facebook Mike is a professional winemaker, and he creates some seriously good vino.
If you’re more of a beer person, check out Bitter Root Brewing, the Last Best Brew.
Management / TripAdvisor They produce 35-40 unique brews every year, and they’re all made right here.
Even if you’re not a big beer fan, you should sample some here.
WeAlwaysWander / TripAdvisor Montana’s craft breweries are second to none, and this one is no exception.
Before you head home, make sure to stop and check out the gorgeous Lake Como.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr This is the gem of the Bitterroot Valley, and the backdrop is breathtaking.
So… have you been to Hamilton lately? What’s your favorite thing to do in this cool small town?
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
It’s also a fairly easy day trip destination if you live in Butte or Anaconda, although you’d have to leave a little earlier in the morning.
A.Davey / Flickr
While the town used to revolve around the large Anaconda Copper Mine and the Bitter Root Stock Farm, these days, life here is a lot quieter.
Daly Mansion / Google
Marcus Daly, also known as the Copper King, was a wealthy Irish immigrant who bought the house for his family’s summer home in 1886. The perfectly preserved mansion has over 50 gorgeous rooms.
Sean Zullo / TripAdvisor
The museum is open five days a week (closed Sundays and Mondays), and the exhibits tell the stories of how Hamilton came to be.
Dustin Hoffman / Google
But it’s tough to top the legendary Naps Grill.
Winston Ferguson / Google
The burgers are constantly winning awards and were even named on a “top 50 burgers in the nation” list. And they truly live up to the hype.
Shed Horn 406 / Facebook
Our state isn’t exactly known for its wineries, but rest assured, this tasting room is 100% Montana.
Mike is a professional winemaker, and he creates some seriously good vino.
Management / TripAdvisor
They produce 35-40 unique brews every year, and they’re all made right here.
WeAlwaysWander / TripAdvisor
Montana’s craft breweries are second to none, and this one is no exception.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
This is the gem of the Bitterroot Valley, and the backdrop is breathtaking.
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Address: Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
