Whether you could have been binging Yellowstone and need to transfer there or you might be simply craving broad, open areas, now could be the time to plan a visit to Western Montana. Glacier Country in Northwestern Montana provides an ideal slice of nature’s paradise with loads of alternatives for outside adventures, cozy locations to loosen up, and scenic drives that may make your Instagram followers envious. With loads of house 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 might be searching for small-town appeal, epic adventures, or off-the-beaten path solitude, you can find what you might be in search of on a weekend getaway to Montana.
Getting to Western Montana is less complicated than you assume, with dozens of direct flights to cities throughout the nation to both Missoula (MSO) or Glacier Park (FCA) airport close to Kalispell. It appears laborious to think about however in lower than three hours you possibly can 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 means my third journey to Montana and I adore 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 incorporates 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 stands out as the second-largest metropolis in Montana but it surely offers off welcoming, college-town vibes. From Grizzlies banners to funky thrift outlets, Missoula could attraction to college students but it surely additionally makes an ideal spot for a grown-up weekend journey.
Where to remain: The Residence Inn Missoula Downtown is the proper location to get pleasure from downtown. This trendy, trendy lodge pays homage to its historic location on the positioning of the outdated Mercantile constructing whereas providing spacious suites and self-catering choices which are good for households or buddies.
Where to eat and drink: It isn’t any shock that this faculty city provides a spread 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, get pleasure from 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 huge treats at Mary’s Mountain Cookies. Â
Raise a glass to have a good time your weekend getaway with handcrafted cocktails comprised of spirits that make the most of grains grown on the household farm at Montgomery Distillery, or cease into considered one 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 when you have the time, ebook a therapeutic massage at Cedar Creek Salon and Day Spa or magnificence remedy at Crafted Aesthetics. Squeeze in a exercise at Sobba Cycle or ebook a category at Hot House Yoga. If visiting with youngsters, make sure 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, it’s possible you’ll need to discover a bit of additional with a scenic drive alongside Route 200, a go to to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, a drive by way of the Bison Range, or a scenic soak at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.
2. Big Fork, Montana: Small-Town Getaway
Located on the Northeast facet of Flathead Lake, the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi within the decrease 48 states, the city of Big Fork seems to be like an ideal setting for Netflix’s romantic drama Virgin River. This postage-stamp-sized city provides superb leisure choices whereas nonetheless delivering on the small-town appeal of a historic, waterfront village.
Where to remain: If you might be prepared for a splurge on a ranch expertise, Flathead Lake Lodge matches 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 proper choose providing spacious loos and full kitchens. A fast stroll to city and a brief drive to many actions, this can be a handy spot for households, {couples}, buddies, and even solo vacationers.
Where to eat and drink: If you don’t need to prepare dinner on the cottage, choose 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 neglect to strive 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 neglect to deliver your individual 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 an effective way to cap off a weekend getaway in Montana.
If llamas aren’t your factor — first off, why not — you can too go horseback driving with Swan Mountain Outfitters. You also can 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 commonly 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 provides the proper mixture of western city facilities and outside adventures.
Where to remain: Kalispell provides big-town conveniences with small-town attraction. There are quite a few inexpensive large model lodges that are perfect for reward factors collectors, together with the Homewood Suites by Hilton, which provides free breakfast, free parking, outside firepits, and fully-equipped kitchens.
Where to eat and drink: The historic downtown Kalispell provides loads of native foods and drinks choices that keep away from the chains close to the lodges. 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 a bit of 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 needless to say guests require reservations to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road from when it opens by way of mid-September. Those reservations open 120 days upfront and are laborious to return by, however park shuttles and Red Bus Tours are additionally an possibility. It is finest to reach on the park no later than 7 am if you wish to discover house at among the trailheads for mountaineering.
See issues to do within the Many Glacier part of Glacier National Park.
Those searching for journey ought to strive whitewater rafting with Glacier Guides, strive 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 possibly can 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, this can be a good spot to discover the Northern Rockies.
Where to remain: Whitefish provides 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 will also be discovered simply exterior 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, get pleasure from some wonderful eating at Abruzzo Italian Kitchen or Tupelo Grill. Â
Things to do: Summer is sure to incorporate visits to Glacier National Park (simply make sure to observe the recommendation above), however there may be 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 might be 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 thought of a Montana weekend getaway is sitting round an incredible lodge and communing with nature and one another, ebook a keep at considered one of Montana’s many lodges or visitor ranches. The Lodge at Trout Creek is a ten,000-square-foot lodge situated on 90 peaceable acres. There is a pond and 200 toes of Trout Creek on the property so friends can get pleasure from 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 might be rented out individually or teams can take over your complete property. This is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, household journey, or girlfriend getaway.
Guests aren’t restricted to their rooms, fairly the lodge facilities and public areas are theirs to get pleasure from, 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 ebook, get pleasure from 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 predominant thought of a weekend getaway to The Trout Creek Lodge is rest. However, it will be a disgrace to not get pleasure from 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 bushes and take a brief stroll by way of the forest.
From there it’s a brief 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 attractive spot is well worth the drive!
Remember to Recreate Responsibly
Montana’s pure magnificence attracts many guests. To preserve it as pure and beautiful as it’s, you will need to recreate responsibly when in Glacier Country. This is on your personal security and delight, in addition to those who observe you. A couple of rules to bear in mind embrace:
- Make positive you understand the foundations earlier than you go, particularly these associated to fireplace security, avalanches, and wildlife interactions.
- Leave no hint — just be sure you pack out the whole lot that you just pack in, keep on trails, and don’t go away any marks (like carving into bushes, constructing cairns, or taking out vegetation, rocks, and so on.)
- Avoid extremely crowded areas to attenuate your environmental influence.
- Take care round wildlife by holding your distance, staying in your automotive if doable, not leaving out any meals, and carrying bear spray (and understanding how you can use it.)
- Tread calmly 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 type when coping with service employees.
- Make reservations nicely upfront for lodging, actions, and eating.
- Be versatile and prepared and in a position to change your plans if wanted because of climate, hearth, highway 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 acceptable clothes and kit 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 when you plan on visiting the National Park.
