25 Best Weekend Getaways in Montana

© Lone Mountain Ranch

Snuggled in a valley between the majestic peaks of the Montana Rockies is fertile ranchland crossed by numerous fast-running cool mountain rivers. The valley was developed as a horse and cattle ranch in 1915 and recently converted into Lone Mountain Ranch, a luxury log cabin-style wilderness retreat. The ranch is a heaven for those who seek the peace and solitude of the rugged mountain terrain rich in the Old West heritage. The ranch is made of the one to six-bedroom rustic-chic cabins nestled between old-growth trees. They have living rooms, porches, fireplaces, or stoves and some also have claw-foot tubs and sofa beds. Two of the cabins have kitchens; one can sleep up to 18 people and also has a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer. The guests enjoy an upscale restaurant, a cozy pub, horseback riding, yoga, skiing, fly fishing, massages, and tours of Yellowstone.

750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, 406-995-4644

© Courtesy of Voyagerix - Fotolia.com

Snuggled between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, high up in the Rockies and overlooking beautiful Gibson Lake and the Sun River Canyon, Triple J Ranch certainly occupies one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. With the million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness as its backdrop, Triple J offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy all this breathtaking beauty without having to cope with the crowds in the national parks and is perfectly peaceful, wild, and unspoiled. The original Montana dude ranch, Triple J offers outdoor vacations with plenty of action, such as horseback riding, hiking, or fishing – there is something for the whole family. And when you come back, you will enjoy the true, homey hospitality and the comfort of a charming and comfortable log cabin surrounded by stately spruce and aspen trees.

91 Mortimer Road, P.O. Box 310, Augusta, MT 59410, 406-562-3653

© Gallatin River Lodge

Opened in 1999, the Gallatin River Lodge is a secluded, luxury hotel in Bozeman, Montana and is the perfect place for guests looking to ‘rough it out in the wilderness’ in style.

The hotel, which is also a fly fishing lodge and a fine dining facility, is located on a ranch directly accessing the Gallatin River.

There are various room styles for guests to choose from – some fitted with fireplaces and whirlpools, which makes the hotel a good choice not only for the surrounding excursions, but also as a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

9105 Thorpe Road, Bozeman, MT 59718, 406-388-0148

© Paradise Gateway

Minutes from Yellowstone National Park and a few feet away from the banks of Yellowstone River, Paradise Gateway is a lovely place for a relaxing, romantic retreat.

The bed and breakfast is nestled in the Absaroka Mountains in Emigrant, Montana, giving guests a panoramic view of Emigrant Mountain and Yellowstone River from the comfort of the inn. There are four B&B style guest rooms and a number of vacation homes and cabins to choose from. Each B&B room comes with a private bathroom, WiFi access, flat screen satellite TVs and a full homemade breakfast daily.

2646 US-89 Emigrant, MT 59027, 406-333-4063

© Snow Bear Chalets

Snow Bear Chalets are the world’s first and only ski-in/ski-out luxury treehouses. Perched among the treetops 25 feet above the ground in the Whitefish Mountains in Montana and overlooking Glacier National Park, the chalets are fairytale-like luxury rentals located right next to the ski slopes, so the guests can literally ski their way out of the house. There are three multi-level chalets, and they all have rustic fireplaces, wall-to-wall windows overlooking magnificent cedar, ponderosa, and tamarack trees, a hot tub on the private balcony, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and comfortable ski-lodge style furniture. The treehouses can accommodate six to ten people each.

3872 Winter Ln, Whitefish, MT 59937, 888-868-2327

© Howlers Inn

Howlers Inn B&B and Wolf Sanctuary is situated in the hills of Bozeman, Montana. The inn has three rooms and a separate unit that can comfortably house a small family.

Aside from being a bed & breakfast, the Howlers Inn is also a wolf sanctuary. The wolves are housed in two large enclosures on the property. Guests are allowed to view the wolves, but the sanctuary is not open to the general public. For activities, visitors can easily access Yellowstone National Park, or enjoy a day of fishing, hiking, skiing or mountain biking. The cities of Bozeman and Livingston are easily reachable from the inn by car.

3185 Jackson Creek Road, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-587-5229

© Silver Gate Lodging, Cooke City

Located less than a mile from one of the Yellowstone National Park entrances, Silver Gate is a great base from which you can explore the wonders of Yellowstone. The famous Lamar Valley, which boasts some of the best wildlife viewing in the country, is located just minutes from Silver Gate Lodging, making it really easy for you to explore at your own pace. There are various accommodation options in Silver Gate – couples can choose between romantic log cabins with private view decks, motel rooms or luxurious private houses which offer complete privacy and plenty of space to make your own.

Silver Gate, 100 US Hwy 212 West, Cooke City, MT 59081, 406 838 2371

© Goldsmith's Bed and Breakfast

Goldsmith's Bed and Breakfast lies on the banks of the Clark Fork River in Missoula, allowing guests to listen to the rushing waters from their room or the grand porch. Within walking distance of downtown Missoula and near the University of Montana, guests can visit restaurants, entertainment venues and unique shops.

For a more nature-centered vacation, biking and hiking trails through the Montana wilderness, fishing and skiing, are all accessible from the B&B – which is situated along the historic route traveled by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Guests can choose from full suites or double rooms, each with a private bath and fitted with Victorian-style furniture and décor.

803 East Front St, Missoula, MT 59802, 866-666-9945

© Bad Rock Bed & Breakfast

Twenty minutes from Glacier National Park, Bad Rock Bed & Breakfast is the only B&B situated amidst Montana attractions such as Kalispell, Whitefish, multiple golf courses, Bigfork and the Big Sky Water Park. Yet, in the ten private acres of towering pines trees and rolling fields, this B&B is one of the quietest, calmest inns in Flathead Valley.

Guests can choose from 9 guest rooms, a 3-bedroom guesthouse or a 2-bedroom apartment, depending on the number of people they’re traveling with. There are many things for guests to do without ever leaving the B&B, from having a hefty Montana-style breakfast in the dining room or browsing through the large library with over 1,300 books, to using the fitness equipment such as the recumbent bicycle or elliptical machine. There is a game room with a large pool table, air hockey and lots of board games for guests to use as well.

480 Bad Rock Drive, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, 406-892-2829

© Time After Time Bed & Breakfast

An enchanting bed and breakfast in Victor, Montana, Time After Time is great for a quick getaway from the stress of everyday life. This B&B is situated on secluded grounds and is a quiet, peaceful retreat which allows guests to unwind and enjoy themselves amidst nature.

Guests can walk through the picturesque pathways which wind through the surrounding woods and observe the wildlife and spectacular scenery. There are a number of activities to participate in including hunting, hiking, biking, golfing or fly fishing in the B&B’s own pond or in the nearby Bitterroot River. There are four room styles to choose from: The Dragonfly Cabin, the Victorian Room, the Safari Room or the Garden Room – all of which have private doors which lead out to the garden.

197 Pistol Lane, Victor, Montana 59875, 406-642-3258

© Bitterroot River B&B

The Bitterroot River Bed & Breakfast is located in Stevensville, a cozy town in Western Montana. The inn has four beautifully-furnished rooms that come equipped with modern amenities as well as a private bathroom. Guests also enjoy round-the-clock access to a large patio area, a grill, a sunroom and a living room.

Pets are also welcome at the B&B for a small extra fee. Visitors can stay busy with a variety of outdoor activities including biking, hiking and hunting at the Bitterroot Mountains and the Bitterroot River. Additionally, Stevensville has a wide selection of dining and entertainment options that appeal to visitors of all ages.

501 South Avenue, Stevensville, MT 59870, 406-777-5205

© Laughing Horse Lodge

Nestled between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, the Laughing Horse Lodge is the perfect base for outdoor adventures in Glacier Country. Nestled at the base of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Laughing Horse Lodge is a great place for guests to enjoy the Montana atmosphere. There’s a garden to look out on to the scenic view, a library to just relax with a good book and a pub to throw back a few and mingle with the other guests.

If guests are feeling outdoorsy, the lodge can organize various activities including fishing or hiking. Rooms at the lodge are styled with log furniture and quilts, decorated with cowboy art in true Montana style. The Horse, as the lodge is lovingly called, hosts a number of events throughout the month including a “Tantalizing Tuesdays” six-course dinner twice a month, garden concerts and brunches.

P.O. Box 5082, 71284 HWY 83, Swan Lake, MT 59911, 406-886-2080

© St. Mary Village

Located on the east side of the Glacier National Park, St. Mary village is an ideal base from which to explore. The Cottages at Glacier are perfect for a romantic weekend getaway for nature lovers. The original (and the two newer) cottages all offer wonderful views over St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains, and easy access to the park. All the cottages have Queen Size beds with cozy duvets, a living area, bathroom, equipped kitchen and a private deck with gas BBQ. If you don’t feel like cooking you will find a choice of good eateries located close to your cottage.

300 Going-to-the-Sun Road, St. Mary, MT 59417, 406 309 4231

© Bitterroot River Ranch

At Bitterroot River Ranch, guests can unwind by enjoying beautiful views of the nearby Bitterroot Mountains. The ranch has three themed guest rooms that are available year-round. The rooms each have a private bathroom, elegant furnishings and large, comfortable beds.

Local attractions include fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can also head into Darby, a nearby town, for special events throughout the year. Some of Darby's highlights include its rodeos and triathlon competitions. In the winter, guests can go skiing and snowboarding at the nearby ski resorts.

4301 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829, 509-531-4934

© Fox Hollow Bed and Breakfast

Fox Hollow is a country style bed and breakfast that has been accommodating Bozeman visitors since 1995. Guests can relax and unwind in the peacefully quiet setting that surrounds the B&B; especially from the front porch which provides a panoramic view of the grandiose 10,000 foot high Bridger Mountain Range.

Guests can choose from five country-styled rooms, each with a private bathroom. Fox Hollow is a few miles away from Montana’s historic downtown area, which is filled with an array of coffee shops, restaurants and galleries for visitors to explore. For those looking for outdoor excursions, hiking, biking, fishing and a number of other activities can be done in the surrounding area.

545 Mary Road, Bozeman, MT 59718, 406-582-8440

© Ascend Hotel Collection-The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River

Forming part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, the Pine Lodge on Whitefish River is perfectly placed for an active outdoor getaway and visits to the Glacier National Park. The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed and you can request one of the special King Bed rooms with in-room jetted tub and fireplace for special romantic getaways. The lodge has a brilliant indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub and you can rent kayaks and bikes on-site. If you visit during the ski season you can make use of the complimentary Ski Van transfers to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Be sure to make use of their “grab and go” breakfast to start your exciting day.

920 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, 406 204 4519

© Belton Chalet

Belton Chalet is one of the original lodges built by the Great Northern Railway in 1910, welcoming visitors to the magnificence of the Glacier National Park. Today, Belton Chalet is famous for its wonderful atmosphere, beautiful guestrooms and superb dining experiences. It is located directly across the road from the historic West Glacier station and at the Western end of the Going to the Sun road. You can book one of the cozy and comfortable guestrooms with views of the park or opt for ultimate privacy and plenty of space in one of two beautiful cottages. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a sundowner on the elevated deck as the evening train pulls into the historic station, continuing a tradition of more than 100 years.

12575 US Route 2, West Glacier, MT 59936, P406 888 5000

© Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge

Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge lies nestled on the shores of Flathead Lake, just 5 miles south of Bigfork, Montana. Surrounded by outstanding natural features including the lake and the wonderful Rocky Mountains, this lodge is a wonderful place to spend a romantic weekend re-connecting with nature and each other. You can reach the Glacier National Park in 40 minutes or spend your time on the Eagle Bend golf course. The guestrooms are beautifully appointed and have been carefully designed to offer great comfort and relaxation. You can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities all year round including skiing and snowboarding in winter and paddling, cycling and horseback riding in summer.

14735 Sylvan Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911, 406 837 3800

© Lone Elk Lodge

With its location close to Glacier National Park in Montana, and surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Lone Elk Lodge is indeed a special spot to spend a vacation. The lodge is open to as many as 30 guests at a time, providing a cozy and intimate feel which is perfect for groups or families.

It offers a large range of accommodations to choose from to fit all traveler needs. The lodge is set amongst 2.5 acres of prime Montana scenery and guests can enjoy relaxing by the fire, dining in this serene setting, or simply settling into a slower pace of life. Visitors can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as biking and hiking in the surrounding area.

20631 Hwy 2, East Glacier Park, Montana 59434, Phone: 208 787-0122

© Izaak Walton Inn

A family-owned retreat in Essex, Montana, the Izaak Walton Inn borders Glacier National Park and specializes in Montana-style relaxation and fun. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the relaxing getaway and the activities available including hiking, skiing, walking tours, hiking, horseback riding, snow floating, boat rides and white water rafting.

Each of the quiet and comfortable rooms are fitted with extra-plush beds and décor that reflects Montana’s laid back style and historic past. There are no televisions or telephones in an attempt to seclude guests from the outside world and to instead enjoy nature and all that it offers. Guests will enjoy stunning mountain views, fresh air and all the comfort that Montana is known for.

290 Izaak Walton Inn Rd, Essex, MT 59916, 406-888-5700

© Historic Hotel Arvon, Great Falls

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Great Falls, the historic Hotel Arvon dates back to 1890, making it the oldest remaining commercial building in town. Today you will find that the former Livery stable has been respectfully renovated to provide a first-class boutique hotel experience. Each of the guestrooms has been designed to provide a charming ambiance and all the local necessities that modern travelers demand. There is an on-site fitness center, complimentary grab and go breakfast and secure parking. A bonus for art lovers is the in-site fine arts gallery – you will find beautiful examples of art all over the hotel. There is also a fun pub and restaurant on site.

116 1st Ave South, Great Falls, MT 59401, 406 952 0393

© Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel, Gardiner

Located just 5 minutes from the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the Dreamcatcher Tipis are the ideal place to spend a romantic weekend getaway. Each of the light and spacious custom-made Tipis features home-from-home comforts like cozy high-end bedding, heaters, and comfortable King or Double beds. The shared (but private) bath houses offer natural bath products, fluffy towels and heated floors. Complimentary adult beverages and s’mores are served every evening around the communal fire pit and grab-and-go breakfasts are available before you set off to explore. Area activities include hiking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, wildlife watching fly fishing and soaking in natural thermal baths.

© Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast

The Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast is just minutes away from the center of Missoula. Beautiful views of the Bitterroot River and a portion of the Lewis & Clark trail make the Blue Mountain B&B the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. The B&B has four spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms.

The property encompasses 20 acres of land that is used as a wildlife refuge for birds, chipmunks and other animals. Adventurous guests can travel easily to some of the area's best attractions, including Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, the Bison Range and a handful of ghost towns and memorials.

6980 Deadman Gulch Road, Missoula, MT 59804, 406-203-1197

© Sacajawea Hotel, Three Forks

Originally built in 1910 as a rest stop for travelers and train crews on the Milwaukee Railroad, the historic Sacajawea Hotel has endured both good and bad fortune over the years. Today, however, it has been fully restored and welcomes visitors to come and relax in one of 29 guestrooms. The classically-styled rooms all feature attractive and relaxing furniture and décor which is sure to set the scene for a romantic weekend. The on-site Pompey’s Grill is widely acknowledged to be one of the finest restaurants of its kind in Montana and is sure to add the cherry on top of your weekend getaway. The area activities include hiking, scenic drives, biking, fishing and skiing at Big Sky Resort.

5 North Main Street, Three Forks, MT 59752, 406 285 6515

© Grey Cliffs Ranch

As a luxury accommodation option, Grey Cliffs Ranch gives visitors unparalleled views of Montana's most iconic features: Mountains, lakes and forests. The property is home to a vast array of wild animals and birds, including elk, pheasants and Golden Eagles. Each guest room on the ranch is decorated with exquisite pieces of furniture from around the world.

Private balconies are also built in to each guest room. Visitors can stay busy by going shooting, tubing down the Madison River, horseback riding on the 5,000 acre property, or taking pottery lessons at the ranch's on-site pottery studio. There are also plenty of areas for hiking and biking.

1915 Lakota Drive, Three Forks, MT 59792, 406-285-6512