Whether or not you have got been binging Yellowstone and need to transfer there or you’re simply craving huge, open areas, now could be the time to plan a visit to Western Montana. Glacier Nation 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 can make your Instagram followers envious. With loads of house to discover, there are such a lot of locations for weekend getaways in Montana.
Glacier Nation covers eight counties and hundreds of thousands of acres, giving limitless alternatives to get away from all of it. Whether or not you’re looking for small-town allure, epic adventures, or off-the-beaten path solitude, you can find what you’re on the lookout for on a weekend getaway to Montana.
Attending 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 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 Nation 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 find it irresistible extra with every go to so belief me after I say that each one opinions are my very own.
Weekend getaways in Montana
Notice: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
In the event 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: Metropolis Getaway
Dwelling of the College of Montana, Missoula stands out as the second-largest metropolis in Montana nevertheless it offers off welcoming, college-town vibes. From Grizzlies banners to funky thrift outlets, Missoula could attraction to college students nevertheless it additionally makes an ideal spot for a grown-up weekend journey.
The place to remain: The Residence Inn Missoula Downtown is the right location to take pleasure in downtown. This trendy, 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 can be good for households or pals.
The place to eat and drink: It’s no shock that this faculty city presents a spread of cuisines and budgets. For brunch, line up at The Catalyst. At lunch, seize a sandwich or salad to Market on Entrance, and for dinner, take pleasure in reside music at The Prime Hat or dine on French delicacies at Brasserie Porte Rouge. It’s straightforward to fulfill your candy tooth at Candy Peaks Ice Cream or the large treats at Mary’s Mountain Cookies.
Increase a glass to rejoice 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 one in every of Missoula’s many breweries.
Issues to do: It’s straightforward to fill a weekend having fun with the boutiques and galleries in Downtown Missoula, however if 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 Scorching Home Yoga. If visiting with youngsters, you’ll want to benefit from the Riverwalk and the Carousel for Missoula, together with the Historic Museum at Fort Missoula.
When you’ve got an extended weekend, chances are you’ll need to discover a bit additional with a scenic drive alongside Route 200, a go to to the Backyard of One Thousand Buddhas, a drive by means of the Nationwide Bison Vary, or a scenic soak at Quinn’s Scorching Springs Resort.
2. Massive Fork, Montana: Small-City Getaway
Situated on the Northeast facet of Flathead Lake, the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi within the decrease 48 states, the city of Massive 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 allure of a historic, waterfront village.
The place 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 using, mountain biking, basketball, tennis, fishing, seaside volleyball, and extra.
For luxurious consolation that is a little more modest, the Bridge Avenue Cottages on the town are the right choose providing spacious bogs 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.
The place to eat and drink: In the event you don’t need to cook 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 Firm 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 Hearth for cocktails and farm-to-table eating. Don’t neglect to strive one thing made with Flathead cherries or native huckleberries!
Issues to do: Hire 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 convey your personal wine and cheese!) Past 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 may also go horseback using with Swan Mountain Outfitters. It’s also possible to kayak or canoe down the light and scenic Clearwater River Canoe Path from Tamaracks Resort on Seeley Lake.
3. Kalispell, Montana: Glacier Getaway
Kalispell is usually considered a gateway to Glacier, however in actuality, its prime location in Flathead Valley offers this small city easy accessibility to each Flathead Lake, Glacier Nationwide Park, Lone Pine State Park, and Flathead Nationwide Forest. It presents the right mixture of western city facilities and out of doors adventures.
The place to remain: Kalispell presents big-town conveniences with small-town attraction. There are a variety of reasonably priced large model motels 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.
The place 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 motels. Seize lunch at Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli or The Knead Café. Mix drinks and dinner at Alchemy Lounge, Bias Brewing, or Whitefish Distillery.
Issues to do: Spend a bit extra time on the town exploring the boutiques together with The Toggery, Montana Scene, Rocky Mountain Clothes shop, or Honey Dwelling & Design. For western gear, don’t miss a cease on the Western Out of doors Retailer.
With Kalispell simply 45 minutes from the Apgar Customer Heart, a day journey to Glacier Nationwide Park is a should. Simply remember that guests require reservations to drive the Going-to-the-Solar Highway from when it opens by means of mid-September. These reservations open 120 days upfront and are arduous to return by, however park shuttles and Purple Bus Excursions are additionally an choice. It’s best to reach on the park no later than 7 am if you wish to discover house at among the trailheads for mountain climbing.
These looking for journey ought to strive whitewater rafting with Glacier Guides, strive your hand at fly fishing, or go mountain climbing to Jewel Basin in Flathead Nationwide Forest.
4. Whitefish, Montana: Resort City 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. Simply quarter-hour from Glacier Park airport and half-hour from the west entrance of Glacier Nationwide Park, it is a good spot to discover the Northern Rockies.
The place to remain: Whitefish presents loads of lodging choices, however anticipate to pay a fairly penny. Splurge for The Lodge at Whitefish Lake or keep downtown on the stylish Firebrand Resort. Main manufacturers may also be discovered simply outdoors of downtown Whitefish together with TownPlace Suites and Hampton Inn.
The place to eat and drink: Seize breakfast on the Swift Creek Cafe, Wonderful Crepes, or Huck’s Place Ginger Brew or Juice Bar. Common lunch spots are The Wich Haus and MacKenzie River Pizza Co. For dinner, take pleasure in some tremendous eating at Abruzzo Italian Kitchen or Tupelo Grill.
Issues to do: Summer season is certain to incorporate visits to Glacier Nationwide 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 Journey Park and the alpine slide on the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Get your train mountain biking on Whitefish or biking the Whitefish Path, mountain climbing, horseback using at Bar W Visitor Ranch, or mountain climbing within the Jewel Basin.
Winter brings downhill and Nordic snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, canine sledding, fats biking, and even sleigh rides. If you find yourself 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: Stress-free Getaway
In case 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’s a pond and 200 ft of Trout Creek on the property so friends can take pleasure in walks, together with sundown on the again deck or dawn espresso overlooking the pond.
Situated 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 non-public suites, which might be rented out individually or teams can take over all the property. It is a good spot for a romantic getaway, household journey, or girlfriend getaway.
Company aren’t restricted to their rooms, fairly 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 might be positive to discover a spot to learn a e book, take pleasure in a glass of wine, or chat along with your companions.
Every day begins with a scrumptious and bountiful breakfast homecooked by the hostess Julie. You’ll feast on freshly-baked bear claws, omelets or frittatas, breakfast meats, potatoes, fruit, toast, and extra.
Issues to do: The principle concept of a weekend getaway to The Trout Creek Lodge is rest. Nonetheless, it might be a disgrace to not take pleasure in Western Montana’s pure points of interest. Take a day journey to the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Space in Heron. Breathe within the aromatic cedar aroma of the timber and take a brief stroll by means of the forest.
From there it’s a quick drive to Kootenai Falls and Suspension Bridge in Kootenai. Carry a picnic and benefit from the renewal of sitting by the river and listening to the sound of the dashing water. This beautiful spot is well worth the drive!
Bear in mind 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 Nation. That is on your personal security and delight, in addition to those who observe you. A couple of ideas to bear in mind embody:
- Be sure you know the principles earlier than you go, particularly these associated to fireside security, avalanches, and wildlife interactions.
- Go away no hint — just remember to pack out every part 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 on.)
- Keep away from 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 figuring out the way to use it.)
- Tread evenly and keep on the path when utilizing motorized autos.
- Examine 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 workers.
- Make reservations properly upfront for lodging, actions, and eating.
- Be versatile and prepared and capable of change your plans if wanted as a result of climate, fireplace, highway closures, or overcrowding.
- Count on spotty cell service and restricted entry to fuel stations so be ready and let individuals know your plans for the day. Carrying a GPS like a Garmin inReach is useful.
- Carry 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.
- Contemplate touring in shoulder seasons, particularly for those who plan on visiting the Nationwide Park.
