Whether you could have been binging Yellowstone and wish to transfer there or you’re simply craving vast, open areas, now’s the time to plan a visit to Western Montana. Glacier Country in Northwestern Montana presents an ideal slice of nature’s paradise with loads of alternatives for out of doors adventures, cozy locations to calm down, and scenic drives that may make your Instagram followers envious. With loads of area to discover, there are such a lot of locations for weekend getaways in Montana.
Glacier Country covers eight counties and tens of millions of acres, giving infinite alternatives to get away from all of it. Whether you’re looking for small-town appeal, epic adventures, or off-the-beaten path solitude, you will discover what you’re in search of on a weekend getaway to Montana.
Getting to Western Montana is simpler than you suppose, with dozens of direct flights to cities throughout the nation to both Missoula (MSO) or Glacier Park (FCA) airport close to Kalispell. It appears arduous to think about however in lower than three hours you’ll be able to ditch the smog of Los Angeles to breathe within the recent mountain air of Montana.
My journey to Montana was sponsored by Glacier Country Tourism and I used to be compensated as a part of a content material marketing campaign. This manner my third journey to Montana and I like it extra with every go to so belief me once I say that each one opinions are my very own.
Weekend getaways in Montana
Note: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
If you want some inspiration to plan your weekend getaway to Montana, see which of those 5 locations is the very best match for you.
1. Missoula, Montana: City Getaway
Home of the University of Montana, Missoula would be the second-largest metropolis in Montana nevertheless it offers off welcoming, college-town vibes. From Grizzlies banners to funky thrift outlets, Missoula might enchantment to college students nevertheless it additionally makes an ideal spot for a grown-up weekend journey.
Where to remain: The Residence Inn Missoula Downtown is the right location to take pleasure in downtown. This fashionable, trendy lodge pays homage to its historic location on the positioning of the previous Mercantile constructing whereas providing spacious suites and self-catering choices which are good for households or pals.
Where to eat and drink: It is not any shock that this school city presents a variety of cuisines and budgets. For brunch, line up at The Catalyst. At lunch, seize a sandwich or salad to Market on Front, and for dinner, take pleasure in stay music at The Top Hat or dine on French delicacies at Brasserie Porte Rouge. It is straightforward to fulfill your candy tooth at Sweet Peaks Ice Cream or the large treats at Mary’s Mountain Cookies. Â
Raise a glass to have a good time your weekend getaway with handcrafted cocktails constructed from spirits that make the most of grains grown on the household farm at Montgomery Distillery, or cease into one in every of Missoula’s many breweries.
Things to do: It is straightforward to fill a weekend having fun with the boutiques and galleries in Downtown Missoula, however in case you have the time, e book a therapeutic massage at Cedar Creek Salon and Day Spa or magnificence therapy at Crafted Aesthetics. Squeeze in a exercise at Sobba Cycle or e book a category at Hot House Yoga. If visiting with children, you’ll want to benefit from the Riverwalk and the Carousel for Missoula, together with the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.
If you could have a protracted weekend, chances are you’ll wish to discover just a little additional with a scenic drive alongside Route 200, a go to to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, a drive via the Bison Range, or a scenic soak at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.
2. Big Fork, Montana: Small-Town Getaway
Located on the Northeast aspect of Flathead Lake, the most important freshwater lake west of the Mississippi within the decrease 48 states, the city of Big Fork seems like an ideal setting for Netflix’s romantic drama Virgin River. This postage-stamp-sized city presents wonderful leisure choices whereas nonetheless delivering on the small-town appeal of a historic, waterfront village.
Where to remain: If you’re prepared for a splurge on a ranch expertise, Flathead Lake Lodge suits the invoice with all-inclusive actions similar to horseback driving, mountain biking, basketball, tennis, fishing, seashore volleyball, and extra.Â
For luxurious consolation that is a little more modest, the Bridge Street Cottages on the town are the right decide providing spacious loos and full kitchens. A fast stroll to city and a brief drive to many actions, it is a handy spot for households, {couples}, pals, and even solo vacationers.
Where to eat and drink: If you don’t wish to cook dinner on the cottage, decide up breakfast or have lunch at Pocketstone Cafe on the town. For drinks and dinner, stroll into Flathead Lake Brewing Company on the town or take a brief drive down the lake for sundown drinks on the again deck at Raven Brew Pub & Grill. Then stroll throughout the road to Bon Fire for cocktails and farm-to-table eating. Don’t overlook to attempt one thing made with Flathead cherries or native huckleberries!
Things to do: Rent kayaks or paddleboards to discover Flathead Lake, or higher but, constitution a ship for a sundown boat tour of the lake (and don’t overlook to convey your personal wine and cheese!) Beyond the lake, you’ll always remember a day of llama trekking with Swan Mountain Llama Trekking. This distinctive expertise features a five-mile out-and-back hike to a waterfall, together with lunch. This unforgettable animal encounter is a good way to cap off a weekend getaway in Montana.
If llamas aren’t your factor — first off, why not — you can even go horseback driving with Swan Mountain Outfitters. You may also kayak or canoe down the mild and scenic Clearwater River Canoe Trail from Tamaracks Resort on Seeley Lake.
3. Kalispell, Montana: Glacier Getaway
Kalispell is usually regarded as a gateway to Glacier, however in actuality, its prime location in Flathead Valley offers this small city quick access to each Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, Lone Pine State Park, and Flathead National Forest. It presents the right mixture of western city facilities and out of doors adventures.
Where to remain: Kalispell presents big-town conveniences with small-town enchantment. There are plenty of inexpensive huge model resorts that are perfect for reward factors collectors, together with the Homewood Suites by Hilton, which presents free breakfast, free parking, out of doors firepits, and fully-equipped kitchens.
Where to eat and drink: The historic downtown Kalispell presents loads of native food and drinks choices that keep away from the chains close to the resorts. Grab lunch at Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli or The Knead Café. Combine drinks and dinner at Alchemy Lounge, Bias Brewing, or Whitefish Distillery.
Things to do: Spend just a little extra time on the town exploring the boutiques together with The Toggery, Montana Scene, Rocky Mountain Outfitter, or Honey Home & Design. For western gear, don’t miss a cease on the Western Outdoor Store.
With Kalispell simply 45 minutes from the Apgar Visitor Center, a day journey to Glacier National Park is a should. Just remember that guests require reservations to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road from when it opens via mid-September. Those reservations open 120 days prematurely and are arduous to come back by, however park shuttles and Red Bus Tours are additionally an choice. It is finest to reach on the park no later than 7 am if you wish to discover area at a number of the trailheads for mountaineering.
See issues to do within the Many Glacier part of Glacier National Park.
Those looking for journey ought to attempt whitewater rafting with Glacier Guides, attempt your hand at fly fishing, or go mountaineering to Jewel Basin in Flathead National Forest.
4. Whitefish, Montana: Resort Town Getaway
The minute you pull into Whitefish, you’ll be able to instantly inform it’s a ski city, but this resort city shines in all seasons. Just quarter-hour from Glacier Park airport and half-hour from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, it is a good spot to discover the Northern Rockies.
Where to remain: Whitefish presents loads of lodging choices, however count on to pay a fairly penny. Splurge for The Lodge at Whitefish Lake or keep downtown on the stylish Firebrand Hotel. Major manufacturers can be discovered simply outdoors of downtown Whitefish together with TpersonalPlace Suites and Hampton Inn.
Where to eat and drink: Grab breakfast on the Swift Creek Cafe, Amazing Crepes, or Huck’s Place Ginger Brew or Juice Bar. Popular lunch spots are The Wich Haus and MacKenzie River Pizza Co. For dinner, take pleasure in some positive eating at Abruzzo Italian Kitchen or Tupelo Grill. Â
Things to do: Summer is certain to incorporate visits to Glacier National Park (simply you’ll want to observe the recommendation above), however there’s additionally loads of enjoyable to be discovered on the mountain on the Aerial Adventure Park and the alpine slide on the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Get your train mountain biking on Whitefish or biking the Whitefish Trail, mountain climbing, horseback driving at Bar W Guest Ranch, or mountaineering within the Jewel Basin.Â
Winter brings downhill and Nordic snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, canine sledding, fats biking, and even sleigh rides. When you’re able to decelerate, benefit from the Spa at Whitefish Lake or join a yoga or pilates class on the town.
5. The Lodge at Trout Creek: Relaxing Getaway
If your concept of a Montana weekend getaway is sitting round a tremendous lodge and communing with nature and one another, e book a keep at one in every of Montana’s many lodges or visitor ranches. The Lodge at Trout Creek is a ten,000-square-foot lodge positioned on 90 peaceable acres. There is a pond and 200 toes of Trout Creek on the property so visitors can take pleasure in walks, together with sundown on the again deck or dawn espresso overlooking the pond.
Located between Spokane, Washington, and Missoula, Montana, The Lodge at Trout Creek is ideal for these driving in from the Pacific Northwest. The lodge operates as a mattress and breakfast with 5 personal suites, which will be rented out individually or teams can take over your entire property. This is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, household journey, or girlfriend getaway.
Guests aren’t restricted to their rooms, somewhat the lodge facilities and public areas are theirs to take pleasure in, together with the Eagle’s Nest lookout tower, a visitor kitchen, theater room, recreation/train room, and even a music room with a grand piano. You are positive to discover a spot to learn a e book, take pleasure in a glass of wine, or chat along with your companions.
Each day begins with a scrumptious and bountiful breakfast homecooked by the hostess Julie. You will feast on freshly-baked bear claws, omelets or frittatas, breakfast meats, potatoes, fruit, toast, and extra.Â
Things to do: The fundamental concept of a weekend getaway to The Trout Creek Lodge is rest. However, it will be a disgrace to not take pleasure in Western Montana’s pure sights. Take a day journey to the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area in Heron. Breathe within the aromatic cedar aroma of the timber and take a brief stroll via the forest.
From there it’s a quick drive to Kootenai Falls and Suspension Bridge in Kootenai. Bring a picnic and benefit from the renewal of sitting by the river and listening to the sound of the speeding water. This beautiful spot is definitely worth the drive!
Remember to Recreate Responsibly
Montana’s pure magnificence attracts many guests. To maintain it as pure and wonderful as it’s, you will need to recreate responsibly when in Glacier Country. This is to your personal security and delight, in addition to those who observe you. A couple of rules to remember embody:
- Make positive you understand the principles earlier than you go, particularly these associated to fireplace security, avalanches, and wildlife interactions.
- Leave no hint — just remember to pack out every little thing that you simply pack in, keep on trails, and don’t depart any marks (like carving into timber, constructing cairns, or taking out vegetation, rocks, and so forth.)
- Avoid extremely crowded areas to reduce your environmental impression.
- Take care round wildlife by maintaining your distance, staying in your automobile if potential, not leaving out any meals, and carrying bear spray (and realizing how one can use it.)
- Tread flippantly and keep on the path when utilizing motorized automobiles.
- Inspect all watercraft to keep away from transferring invasive species.
- Be respectful of native communities and indigenous peoples.
- Be affected person and sort when coping with service workers.
- Make reservations properly prematurely for lodging, actions, and eating.
- Be versatile and prepared and capable of change your plans if wanted because of climate, hearth, street closures, or overcrowding.
- Expect spotty cell service and restricted entry to gasoline stations so be ready and let individuals know your plans for the day. Carrying a GPS like a Garmin inReach is useful.
- Bring applicable clothes and equipment with you when going out for the day together with heat layers, rain gear, water, snacks, sunscreen, sun shades, and bug spray.
- Consider touring in shoulder seasons, particularly for those who plan on visiting the National Park.
