8 Serene Montana Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Home to 62 ecosystems, Montana has so much beauty to explore. Its residents, as a result, are fortunate to have the world at their fingertips when they are craving a serene weekend getaway. The state is home to the Rocky Mountains, two national parks, and one of the region’s largest freshwater lakes. Many towns also have fascinating histories as mining and railway hubs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in past times. Whether you want to surround yourself with Montana’s beauty or dive into the state’s western heritage, these eight towns are sure to leave you feeling relaxed, recharged, and connected with nature.

Big Sky

With ski trails, whitewater rafting, and zipline courses, Big Sky has something to do in every season. Those wanting to ski can head out to Big Sky Resort, which offers 5,850 acres of skiable terrain in the gorgeous northern Rocky Mountains. To go ziplining or whitewater rafting, Montana Whitewater Rafting & ZipLine Co. offers guided tours for both, beginning on May 15th. The first national park in the world, Yellowstone, has an entrance that is just 50 miles from Big Sky, offering visitors the chance to admire geysers, waterfalls, and colorful hot pots just a short drive away. If you’ll be skiing or simply want a lodge with scenic views, consider staying in The Summit Hotel, one of Big Sky Resort’s premier hotels at the base of Lone Mountain.

Red Lodge

Situated near the Beartooth Mountains, Montana’s tallest mountain peaks, Red Lodge surrounds travelers with incredible mountain views all weekend long. Opening on May 24th this year, travelers can take a scenic drive along the Beartooth Highway, which American journalist Charles Kuralt described as the “most beautiful roadway in America.” Visitors can also explore the Beartooth Mountains via the Beartooth Trails network, which offers ski trails in the winter and hiking paths in the summer. For a cozy and rustic meal downtown, consider dining at Bogart’s, a Mexican restaurant known for its famous margaritas. Visitors can make their weekend even more inviting by staying in one of the local inns, such as Irish Rose Bed and Breakfast, a locally owned inn that serves a homecooked breakfast every morning to guests.

Anaconda

Full of art and history, Anaconda is the perfect weekend destination for those wanting to explore the cultural side of Montana. Once a major copper mining town, Anaconda preserves its heritage at the Copper Village Museum and Art Center. The museum showcases artifacts and photographs from the mining boom, while its art gallery features works by Montana native artists. Alternatively, visitors can dive into the town’s history on a historical bus tour. Departing from the Discover Anaconda Visitor Center, these tours take passengers through the historic district on a 1936 touring bus. In August, the town hosts its signature Smeltermen’s Day event. In celebration of Anaconda’s mining history, this festival includes a parade, art walk, live music, film screenings, and a brewfest. To make their stay even more historic, travelers can lodge at the Hickory House Inn, a charming inn that is housed in a historic, colonial revival-style building.

Whitefish

Whitefish lies in the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park, offering a weekend of adventure. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a popular attraction in the winter for skiing, offering nearly 300 inches of annual snowfall on 3,000 acres of chutes, bowls, and glades. In the summer, the resort has two alpine slides that wind down the resort’s scenic hillside! Travelers wanting to explore Glacier National Park, meanwhile, will have plenty to see. The park features more than 700 miles of trails that wind through carved valleys, alpine meadows, lakes, and melting glaciers. There are also plenty of cozy lodges to choose from in Whitefish. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is an excellent choice if you enjoy a gorgeous view, offering limited lakefront suites with amenities like a gas-stone fireplace, balcony, and efficiency kitchen in the main lodge.

Livingston

Not only is Livingston just an hour’s drive from Yellowstone, but it is also a train town with a significant historic scene. Travelers can explore this train heritage at the Livingston Depot Center, once an important landmark for the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 20th century and now an active museum. Meanwhile, the Danforth Museum of Art, on Livingston’s Main Street, showcases contemporary artwork from the Livingston community for those who would like to explore the town’s art landscape. In addition to nearby Yellowstone, there are plenty of trails around Livingston to check out. Travelers looking for a laid-back hike can stroll along the Myers’ River View Trail, a one-mile gravel walking trail that winds along the Yellowstone River. For a true Western experience, make sure to spend the night in the Murray Hotel, a historic hotel that has been serving the community since 1904.

Hamilton

Hamilton is a tight-knit agricultural community surrounded by local farms, orchards, and ranches. Each Saturday, from May through October, visitors can experience the warm agricultural community of Hamilton during its weekly farmers market. In addition to fresh produce, travelers can find fresh flowers, jams, handmade jewelry, artisan soap, candles, and other locally produced goods. In the fall, visitors can pick their own apples at a local orchard. The nearby Swanson's Mountain View Orchard, operating for over a century, is a wonderful choice. One of the oldest breweries in the state, Bitter Root Brewing, is located in Hamilton and is a great place to relax with a craft beer. If you are looking for a comfortable stay, consider lodging in the Bitterroot River Inn, which offers amenities like a heated pool, sauna, jetted hot tub, and continental breakfast each morning.

Choteau

Home to fewer than 2,000 residents, Choteau is one of those underrated gems that travelers often miss. Shortgrass prairies and the rugged Rockies surround the town, making it perfect for a weekend of hiking. Travelers can hike in beautiful destinations such as Freezout Lake, a wildlife management area known for its diverse shorebirds, or hike past waterfalls and mountain goats on the Headquarters Pass Trail. For a souvenir, visitors can browse some of the country shops on Main Street, such as Triple Divide Boutique, an antique, home decor, and furniture shop. The Stage Stop Inn, a locally owned 77-room hotel, offers a warm and welcoming place to spend the night.

Kalispell

Visitors are only a 15-minute drive away from Flathead Lake in Kalispell, making it the ideal vacation destination for a weekend of outdoor and water recreation. As one of the western US’s largest natural bodies of freshwater, this lake is the ultimate place to swim, boat, and fish. There are also 140 campsites for those who want to spend the night. In under an hour, travelers can enjoy a weekend on the slopes at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, which features over 1,000 acres of primarily intermediate runs. Whether you spend the day at the lake or on the slopes, refuel at the end of the day at The Montana Club Restaurant, which offers prime rib, steaks, seafood, and other savory dishes. Want to feel surrounded by nature without sacrificing your comfort? Glacier International Lodge is just what you are looking for. This lodge is surrounded by the Rockies while still offering amenities like a pool, fitness center, hearty breakfast, and homemade cookies.

Final Thoughts

Travelers are never far from a peaceful getaway in Montana. Whether hiking through the Rockies or strolling through an art museum is your idea of relaxation, these eight towns offer the perfect escape. With cozy and locally owned inns, each town also provides a place to unwind after a day of exploration. So take a deep breath and get ready to enjoy the break you deserve in these Montana towns!