This Beautiful City is the “Best Hippie Town” in Montana

If you’re searching for a place where free spirits still roam, creativity flows as freely as the rivers, and every sunrise feels like a fresh start, Montana is a great place. Tucked in the heart of the Northern Rockies, this laid-back mountain town has long been known as the beating heart of Montana’s counterculture scene.

This is a town where community matters, self-expression is celebrated, and the pace of life invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and live with purpose.

READ MORE: The Best Farmers' Markets in Montana That Locals Love

What is the Definition of a "Hippie Town?"

Hippie towns are often known for their commitment to sustainability. Expect to find co-ops, organic grocery stores, farmers markets, zero-waste shops, and locals who prioritize biking or walking over driving. There’s usually a strong emphasis on community, equality, and activism.

Get our free mobile app

Hippie towns often have a progressive mindset, with residents who support social causes, volunteer, and gather for peaceful protests or spiritual events.

Many hippie towns are nestled in scenic areas near mountains, rivers, or forests, making them ideal for hiking, swimming, meditating, or just soaking up nature. Several places in Montana fit that criteria.

What is Montana's Best "Hippie Town?"

With its vintage record stores, tie-dye-filled farmer’s markets, eco-conscious cafes, and a thriving arts community, Missoula has earned its reputation as the best hippie town in the state.

Thrillist just released a list of the best hippie towns in all 50 states, and here's why Missoula was selected.

There's a slogan Montanans use when describing the town that's home to the state's namesake university: "There's Montana… then there's Missoula." The city has become Big Sky Country's magnet for artists, hippies, and river surfers—a venerable taste of Austin in the middle of Montana.

Missoula isn’t just the best hippie town in Montana, it's also a great place to visit.. It’s where riverfront trails meet vintage bookstores, where kombucha flows like craft beer, and where individuality isn’t just accepted, it’s expected.

Whether you're drawn to its progressive spirit, outdoor adventures, or the soulful hum of street musicians on a summer night, Missoula offers something rare in today’s world. A sense of freedom.