Shop Local

Take a piece of Montana home.

Small-town business owners, artists and craftspeople, especially those with their own shops, boutiques, galleries or stores, are all part of what makes shopping on vacation so much fun. In Western Montana’s Glacier Country, the lifeblood and character of our region is built on small—oftentimes family-owned—businesses that play a large role in creating the personality of our communities, downtown corridors, shopping districts and outdoor markets.

Glacier Country has more than 75 communities brimming with opportunities to explore everything from old-fashioned general stores and candy shops, to funky boutiques, antique stores, trading posts, and artisan markets and fairs.

For shopping at flagship stores, head to Missoula’s Southgate Mall, the largest enclosed shopping center in Western Montana. This regional shopping hub is home to national chains, specialty shops, restaurants and entertainment, including a dine-in movie theater.

Think creatively when you’re food shopping in Western Montana. Our small towns boast local grocers and unique food co-ops, like Camas Organic Market in Hot Springs, or the beloved Good Food Store in Missoula, complete with a bakery, espresso and smoothie bar, salad and antipasto bar, and a stir-fry made-to-order bar.

If you’re looking to browse locally-owned boutiques and art galleries, plan for a downtown stroll along Electric Avenue in Bigfork, Higgins Avenue in Missoula, Main Street in Hamilton, Main Street in Kalispell or Central Avenue in Whitefish.

You can’t leave Montana without sapphires and huckleberry treats—two of our favorite things. Visit Kehoe’s Agate Shop in Bigfork or The Huckleberry Patch in Arlee and Hungry Horse, or head to Philipsburg and visit The Sapphire Gallery and The Sweet Palace.

You can also find plenty of made in Montana items at The Montana House in West Glacier; St. Regis Travel Center; the Crown of the Continent Discovery Center in West Glacier; the 50,000 Silver Dollar Gift Shop in Haugan; Western Curios and Faught’s Blackfeet Trading Post, both in Browning; The Sapphire Shoppe in Columbia Falls; and Riecke’s Bayside Gallery in Bigfork. Added bonus: Montana has no state sales tax.

MADE IN MONTANA

1 LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE We take our coffee seriously around here. Stop into one of our small-town coffee shops or order some freshly roasted beans online. Try a subscription!

© DESTINATION MISSOULA 2 HAND-TIED FLIES There’s just something about reeling in a rainbow trout with a fly tied with love, and a healthy obsession for the craft, right here in Western Montana.

© MISSOULIAN ANGLER 3 BOOKS + AUTHORS Montana is an inspiration for writers, from novels and poetry to guidebooks and history books. Visit a local bookstore and pick up a hiking guide or your next favorite read.

© ANDY AUSTIN 4 CERAMICS + POTTERY Take home a piece of pottery expertly crafted right here in Glacier Country. Visit a local gift shop or potter’s studio, or buy online. You can even find local ceramic jewelry!

© WHITEFISH POTTERY