Whether or not you have got been binging Yellowstone and need to transfer there or you’re simply craving large, open areas, now could be the time to plan a visit to Western Montana. Glacier Nation in Northwestern Montana gives 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 Nation covers eight counties and thousands and thousands of acres, giving countless alternatives to get away from all of it. Whether or not you’re in search of small-town allure, epic adventures, or off-the-beaten path solitude, you will discover what you’re on the lookout for on a weekend getaway to Montana.
Attending to Western Montana is simpler 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 onerous 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 adore it extra with every go to so belief me after I say that each one opinions are my very own.
Weekend getaways in Montana
Word: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. For those who click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
For those who want some inspiration to plan your weekend getaway to Montana, see which of those 5 locations is one of the best match for you.
1. Missoula, Montana: Metropolis Getaway
Residence of the College of Montana, Missoula will be the second-largest metropolis in Montana nevertheless it offers off welcoming, college-town vibes. From Grizzlies banners to funky thrift retailers, Missoula could enchantment 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 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 excellent for households or pals.
The place to eat and drink: It’s no shock that this school city gives a variety 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 stay 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 huge treats at Mary’s Mountain Cookies.
Increase a glass to have fun your weekend getaway with handcrafted cocktails made out of spirits that make the most of grains grown on the household farm at Montgomery Distillery, or cease into one among 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 you probably 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 Sizzling Home Yoga. If visiting with children, make sure you benefit from the Riverwalk and the Carousel for Missoula, together with the Historic Museum at Fort Missoula.
In case you have an extended weekend, chances are you’ll need to discover a bit of additional with a scenic drive alongside Route 200, a go to to the Backyard of One Thousand Buddhas, a drive by way of the Nationwide Bison Vary, or a scenic soak at Quinn’s Sizzling Springs Resort.
2. Large Fork, Montana: Small-City Getaway
Situated on the Northeast facet of Flathead Lake, the most important freshwater lake west of the Mississippi within the decrease 48 states, the city of Large Fork appears to be like like an ideal setting for Netflix’s romantic drama Virgin River. This postage-stamp-sized city gives 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 matches the invoice with all-inclusive actions resembling horseback driving, mountain biking, basketball, tennis, fishing, seashore volleyball, and extra.
For luxurious consolation that is a little more modest, the Bridge Road Cottages on the town are the right decide providing spacious bogs and full kitchens. A fast stroll to city and a brief drive to many actions, this can be a handy spot for households, {couples}, pals, and even solo vacationers.
The place to eat and drink: For those who don’t need to prepare 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 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 Fireplace for cocktails and farm-to-table eating. Don’t overlook to attempt 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 overlook to convey your individual 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 can too go horseback driving with Swan Mountain Outfitters. You can too kayak or canoe down the mild and scenic Clearwater River Canoe Path 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 Nationwide Park, Lone Pine State Park, and Flathead Nationwide Forest. It gives the right mixture of western city facilities and out of doors adventures.
The place to remain: Kalispell gives big-town conveniences with small-town enchantment. There are a variety of inexpensive massive model inns that are perfect for reward factors collectors, together with the Homewood Suites by Hilton, which gives free breakfast, free parking, out of doors firepits, and fully-equipped kitchens.
The place to eat and drink: The historic downtown Kalispell gives loads of native foods and drinks choices that keep away from the chains close to the inns. 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 of extra time on the town exploring the boutiques together with The Toggery, Montana Scene, Rocky Mountain Clothes shop, or Honey Residence & 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 needless to say guests require reservations to drive the Going-to-the-Solar Highway from when it opens by way of mid-September. These reservations open 120 days upfront and are onerous to come back by, however park shuttles and Pink Bus Excursions are additionally an choice. It’s best to reach on the park no later than 7 am if you wish to discover area at a few of the trailheads for mountain climbing.
These in search of journey ought to attempt whitewater rafting with Glacier Guides, attempt 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, this can be a excellent spot to discover the Northern Rockies.
The place to remain: Whitefish gives loads of lodging choices, however count on to pay a reasonably penny. Splurge for The Lodge at Whitefish Lake or keep downtown on the stylish Firebrand Resort. Main manufacturers can 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, Superb Crepes, or Huck’s Place Ginger Brew or Juice Bar. In style 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.
Issues to do: Summer season is sure to incorporate visits to Glacier Nationwide Park (simply make sure you observe the recommendation above), however there may be 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, mountaineering, horseback driving 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. When 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: Enjoyable Getaway
In case your thought of a Montana weekend getaway is sitting round a tremendous lodge and communing with nature and one another, e-book a keep at one among 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’s a pond and 200 toes 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 personal suites, which might be rented out individually or teams can take over the complete property. It is a excellent spot for a romantic getaway, household journey, or girlfriend getaway.
Friends aren’t restricted to their rooms, relatively 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 certain 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 primary thought of a weekend getaway to The Trout Creek Lodge is leisure. Nonetheless, it might be a disgrace to not take pleasure in Western Montana’s pure sights. 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 way of the forest.
From there it’s a brief drive to Kootenai Falls and Suspension Bridge in Kootenai. Convey a picnic and benefit from the renewal of sitting by the river and listening to the sound of the dashing water. This attractive spot is definitely worth the drive!
Bear in mind to Recreate Responsibly
Montana’s pure magnificence attracts many guests. To maintain it as pure and beautiful as it’s, you will need to recreate responsibly when in Glacier Nation. That is to your personal security and pleasure, in addition to people who observe you. A number of rules to remember embrace:
- Be sure to 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 little thing that you just pack in, keep on trails, and don’t depart any marks (like carving into timber, constructing cairns, or taking out crops, rocks, and so on.)
- Keep away from extremely crowded areas to attenuate your environmental influence.
- Take care round wildlife by retaining your distance, staying in your automobile if potential, not leaving out any meals, and carrying bear spray (and figuring out use it.)
- Tread flippantly and keep on the path when utilizing motorized automobiles.
- 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 nicely upfront for lodging, actions, and eating.
- Be versatile and prepared and in a position to change your plans if wanted as a result of climate, hearth, street closures, or overcrowding.
- Anticipate spotty cell service and restricted entry to fuel stations so be ready and let folks know your plans for the day. Carrying a GPS like a Garmin inReach is useful.
- Convey applicable 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 when you plan on visiting the Nationwide Park.
