Charming Communities in the Mountain West

In addition to gorgeous, rugged landscapes, the Mountain West also has some incredibly appealing communities known for their scenic settings, intriguing histories, and/or vibrant cultures. Let’s look at the most charming Mountain West towns worth experiencing firsthand.

Midway is a small mountain town in Utah, home to around 6,500 residents. It is a short drive to Salt Lake City, but with the Wasatch Mountains standing between the two cities, Midway can also feel far removed. Midway is known to be a quiet, safe community with excellent schools and a community-centric feel.

With mountain views from every angle, nature lovers will find much to love around Midway. Residents and visitors can enjoy proximity to famed ski resorts, such as Zermatt Resort, and the serene Wasatch Mountains State Park. 

Park City, one of Utah’s most picturesque communities, is a small town in the Wasatch Mountains that is world-famous for its ski resorts, including Utah Olympic Park, which hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. 

In addition to its winter recreation, Park City is also known for its historic Main Street, established during the Utah silver rush. Park City Main Street Historic District has various antique shops and galleries. Also, despite being a small town, Park City has a vibrant food scene, housing over 100 restaurants. 

Island Park is a tiny, quiet community in Western Idaho on the outer edges of Yellowstone National Park. Harriman State Park and Island Park Reservoir are also nearby, further adding to its appeal as an all-season destination for outdoor fun. In the summer, hikers, cyclists, and anglers flock there, and during winter, thrill-seekers visit Island Park for its proximity to 500 miles of snowmobiling trails.

Sheridan proudly displays Wyoming’s role in Old West history. The Sheridan Main Street Historic District has many preserved buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, the early days of this town’s development. 

Sheridan, with rugged natural beauty, is in the gorgeous Bighorn Mountains. It is surrounded by multiple destinations perfect for hiking, biking, ATVing, fishing, and much more.

There are numerous historic sites in Cody, including the Old Trail Town, a recreated frontier town, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a collection of five museums and a research library all within one building. The town also hosts nightly rodeos in the summer and the annual Cody Stampede Rodeo every July.

Cody is near many scenic destinations, including Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance (just over 50 miles away) and the incredible Shoshone National Forest. 

Big Sky, a scenic community in the Rocky Mountains, is one of Montana’s most popular getaway hotspots. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, convenient to Big Sky Resort, Yellowstone National Park, and the gorgeous Ousel Falls Park. Visitors and residents can also explore restaurants, lodges, and shops in Big Sky’s town center, a quaint hub with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.