Given Montana’s rich mining history, it comes as no surprise that the Treasure State is still packed with charming mining towns that have a ton of character. But there’s one little city, in particular, that seems frozen in time – in the best way. When you visit Red Lodge, you might find that you walk a little more slowly, check your phone less often, talk to more strangers, and enjoy being present in the moment. That’s no accident – this spot has a way of taking us back to the good old days.

Red Lodge is a little mountain town located in Carbon County, about 62 miles southwest of Billings.

Frank DiBona / Flickr With a population of 2,286, it’s a small town by any definition - and that’s just how the locals like it.

Red Lodge actually started out as a stage stop in 1884.

Jasperdo / Flickr In the 1890s, the discovery of coal transformed it into a mining hot spot. Hundreds of miners from Europe migrated to work at the mines, making Red Lodge an ethnically diverse town from the get-go.

Unfortunately, there was a lot of racial tension in Red Lodge’s early days. In spite of this, the little city thrived, reaching 5,000 people by 1911.

Wikipedia/Velela In the 1920s, the mining industry started to decline, and the Great Depression caused most of the mines in the area to shut down. In 1943, the Smith Mine explosion killed 74 miners. The Smith Mine was the last remaining coal mine in the area, so when it closed down, Red Lodge’s mining days came to an end.

These days, Red Lodge is a booming town that’s a popular tourist destination, mostly for fellow Montanans looking for a weekend getaway.

Jasperdo / Flickr The addition of the Beartooth Highway in 1936 linked the town to Yellowstone National Park, increasing visibility and visitors.

For a trip back in time, just take a look at the Pollard Hotel.

management / TripAdvisor Originally named The Spofford Hotel, The Pollard was built in 1893, making it the city’s first brick building.

You don’t even have to stay at The Pollard to get a feel for its character. Simply head downstairs to the Pollard Pub.

mmatpawl / TripAdvisor It’s open from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. nightly, and it almost always has live music.

For another glimpse into the past, check out the Carbon County Museum on Broadway Avenue.

BlueSkies7780 / TripAdvisor Located in the historic Labor Temple Building, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is full of fascinating information about the county.

For such a small town, Red Lodge has quite a few fantastic dining options, like Red Lodge Pizza Co. and Cafe Regis - but don’t leave town without stopping by Red Box Car, Inc.

OnTheGoex2 / TripAdvisor This old school burger joint is located in an old train car, and it’s a beloved local treasure.

Of course, Red Lodge has seen its share of changes over the years, but the locals do a great job of preserving its history and timeless small-town charm.

Frank DiBona / Flickr

With a population of 2,286, it’s a small town by any definition - and that’s just how the locals like it.

Jasperdo / Flickr

In the 1890s, the discovery of coal transformed it into a mining hot spot. Hundreds of miners from Europe migrated to work at the mines, making Red Lodge an ethnically diverse town from the get-go.

Wikipedia/Velela

In the 1920s, the mining industry started to decline, and the Great Depression caused most of the mines in the area to shut down. In 1943, the Smith Mine explosion killed 74 miners. The Smith Mine was the last remaining coal mine in the area, so when it closed down, Red Lodge’s mining days came to an end.

The addition of the Beartooth Highway in 1936 linked the town to Yellowstone National Park, increasing visibility and visitors.

management / TripAdvisor

Originally named The Spofford Hotel, The Pollard was built in 1893, making it the city’s first brick building.

mmatpawl / TripAdvisor

It’s open from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. nightly, and it almost always has live music.

BlueSkies7780 / TripAdvisor

Located in the historic Labor Temple Building, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is full of fascinating information about the county.

OnTheGoex2 / TripAdvisor

This old school burger joint is located in an old train car, and it’s a beloved local treasure.

If you love these small towns that are full of nostalgia, you’ll also want to check out the glorified ghost town of Pony.

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Address: Red Lodge, MT 59068, USA