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We've compiled the best of the best in Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
The Great Room at this pet-friendly Mountain Village property has the requisite stone fireplace topped by a bronze cowboy sculpture, and a wall of windows overlooking 11,000-foot Lone Peak. Some guest rooms have mountain views. Furnishings are comfortable, but the decor is not exceptional. In summer, enjoy the view from the large patio.
Three-night to one-week packages include seasonal activities such as naturalist-guided trips to Yellowstone, cross-country ski passes, and kids' camps in the summer. The ranch, known for its Nordic Ski Center, maintains 85 km (51 miles) of groomed trails for classic and cross-country skate skiing. An additional four trails totaling 10 km (6 miles) are for snowshoers only. Some activities cost extra, such as horse-packing trips to alpine lakes, fly-fishing, and downhill skiing. Lodging is in historic cabins surrounding an elegant log lodge. Partake of a night of backcountry sleigh rides, dinner, and entertainment.
This full-service guest-ranch resort in the middle of scenic Paradise Valley and 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park is a family favorite. The cabins feel luxurious after a day in the saddle. The children's programs offer age-appropriate activities such as hiking, swimming, crafts, hayrides, campfires, and a talent show. Dinners range from Western barbecue to gourmet treats such as grilled bison tenderloin and pan-roasted king salmon. There's a seven-night minimum stay in summer.
Plenty of legendary characters, including Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane, have stayed at this 1893 landmark in the heart of Red Lodge's historic district—Ernest Hemingway even mentioned the place in For Whom the Bell Tolls. Guns have been banned in the hotel ever since Harry Longabaugh, aka the Sundance Kid, brandished one when he robbed a bank on the corner. Common areas include a balcony that overlooks the gallery and fireplace, plus oak-paneled parlors that are perfect for a drink or to read a book. Room types range from historic (that is to say tiny) rooms to comfortable suites; some have mountain views, or balconies. In late 2020 it opened Marli's ($$) whose dinner menu boasts everything from baby kale and beet salad to Southern salmon sliders and dry-rubbed St. Louis style ribs.
This simple but clean family motel has wonderful views of the Madison Range and is within walking distance of downtown shops and galleries. There's a cozy fireplace in the lobby.
Paradise Valley's most luxurious property opened in 2018, and it's hard to top your first impression: the two-story open floor plan A-frame lobby with views of Emigrant Peak. Amenities include hot tubs, a day spa, fitness center, gift shop, classic games, and activities like fly-fishing, mountain biking, wood-burning crafts, and even axe-throwing. The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is so good it's a destination in itself, attracting diners from as far as two hours away, just for a meal.
Ask for a mountain-facing room, and get your dining reservations in early.
At Georgetown Lake, this simple, clean lodge has views of the Pintler Mountains and is 4 miles from skiing and across the road from fishing. The restaurant ($–$$$) serves simple fare such as pressure-fried chicken and burgers; there's also a salad bar.
Along with having an absolute prime location at the foot of Big Sky's chairlifts, the Summit Hotel now has bragging rights for having hosted the First Family during President Obama's 2009 visit to Montana. A Euro-Western flavor decorates the spacious rooms and suites, which are ideal for discriminating business travelers and families looking to be at the center of the mountain action. The best things about the Summit just may be the underground, heated parking garage, unusual in Montana, and the outdoor, year-round soaking pool.
A towering stone fireplace and lots of natural wood greet guests in the lobby of this eco-friendly property. The homey hotel's hand-crafted furniture is made from recycled natural materials. Rooms are lodge-themed and have nice touches like wildlife prints. Goldilocks and the Three Bears rooms are a real treat for kids. Creature comforts include a pool. Lower-priced motel rooms offer economy and access to the lovely lodge.
Along with cattle herding, hunting, and fly-fishing adventures, this secluded guest ranch offers rooms in its spacious Western-style lodge or kitchen-equipped log cabins. Hearty ranch meals are available in the lodge.
This pet-friendly, mom-and-pop motor inn is right off I–90 and within walking distance of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. It offers a free continental breakfast, and room options include the unicorn of hotel rooms: a three-queen bed. Each room has a microwave, mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
