Travel
Montana Travel Guide
August 11th, 2023
Saddle up for Montana and consider this our love letter to the west. For everything from countless activities to old-school saloons and sweeping views, follow along for our roundup of a true out west getaway.
Gear up, grab your trail mix, and head out for a hike alongside Emigrant Peak.
Take a river float ride down the iconic Yellowstone, complete with a fly fishing lesson and bird watching.
Spend a full day on a spectacular drive through Yellowstone National Park, with professional certified guides.
Try Old Saloon in Paradise Valley, for “good food, booze, and live music that make for great stories year-round.”
The Montana Look
Bohemian prints, all-out denim, and cool accessories—an ode to the western way.
Where to Stay
Sage Lodge (Paradise Valley)
Located on the banks of the Yellowstone River and just a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, Sage Lodge’s idyllic setting offers the ultimate Montana luxury resort getaway. From fly fishing to hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, you'll never be at a loss for something to do at Sage Lodge. Come explore over, 200 acres as a couple, family, or group of friends.
Chico Hot Springs (Paradise Valley)
Ideally situated between Livingston, Montana and Yellowstone National Park, Chico is the perfect home base for exploring the wonders of the region. The historic hotel and restaurant offers a wide range of experiences, from boutique hotel to luxury cabins, rustic lodging to spa retreats and an unforgettable hot springs pool.
The Summit at Big Sky Resort (Big Sky)
Located in the Mountain Village of Big Sky, The Summit exudes sleek, alpine-chic style with contemporary comfort and hospitality. From on-mountain rooms to views of surrounding peaks, every detail here channels grandeur.
Montage (Big Sky)
Framed by Montana’s Spanish Peaks mountain range and located 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, Montage Big Sky offers ski-in/ski-out access. There’s also a great golf course, and if you’re not staying here, go for sunset cocktails!
Lone Mountain Ranch (Big Sky)
For over 100 years, Lone Mountain Ranch has given travelers the true experience of Yellowstone Country. Come for horseback riding, year-round fly fishing, skiing, and all-access tours of Yellowstone Park with lodge naturalists. Stay in a historic private cabin with ranch hands, expert guides and chefs that will curate the best of what Montana has to offer.
RSVP hotel
Just a short distance from the Bozeman Airport, RSVP isa hip boutique hotel at the center of all the best that Montana has to offer. Owners Hillary and Haylee Folkvord were raised on a 3 generation farm in Montana. They also started Farmer’s Daughters Cafe, a cafe located inside RSVP that takes you through the fields and farms of Montana with each fresh ingredient.
The LARK (Bozeman)
Describing itself as its own “little corner of downtown Bozeman,” The LARK is a cool boutique hotel that gives a distinctly Montana feel. From oversized sitting areas to an outdoor wood-burning fireplace and open-air patio overlooking Main Street, The LARK lets you experience the best of Bozeman.
Kimpton Armory (Bozeman)
Bozeman’s first and only 4-star hotel, Kimpton Armory brings a contemporary feel to a landmark building. Located in Downtown Bozeman, it’s often frequented by locals, visitors, and après skiers alike. A great rooftop bar.
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Full of design that feels more heritage than hotel, The Ranch’s vast landscape offers luxurious accommodations ranging from one-bedroom lodge studios to five-bedroom homes. This all-inclusive stay will be your homestead away from home.
The Resort at Paws Up (Greeonough)
Paws Up is a luxury Montana mountain resort that’s home to first-class adventure on a grand scale, situated on a sprawling, 37,000-acre, authentic working cattle ranch. Whether you choose an expansive private home or a sophisticated, safari-style luxury tent, Paws Up provides an unfiltered connection with the natural beauty of Montana amidst a landscape of impeccable rustic elegance and comfort.
Where to Eat
Blackbird (Bozeman)
This casual eatery serves great pasta dishes & wood-fired pizza from an open kitchen. Walk-ins are always welcome here!
Jam (Bozeman)
Jam elevates the Bozeman breakfast and brunch scene, serving familiar fare with unique twists, specialty mimosas, locally brewed beers, and handcrafted espresso drinks. The energetic atmosphere is a great place to start the day. It’s always packed here, even in the middle of the week!
Sweet Peaks (Bozeman)
Founded in 2010 by two ice cream loving Montanans, this is a must for a sweet treat! Flavors rotate each season, ranging from the classic Lafaza Madagascar Vanilla to the creative Montana Christmas (pine soaked cream and huckleberries).
The Western Cafe (Bozeman)
Locally owned and operated, The Western Cafe has been around for the better part of a century. Serving breakfast and lunch, it embodies traditional Montana: simple food, simple environment, simple comforts. Go for classic dishes like chicken fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, or "Bobcat" french toast.
Horn & Cantle (Big Sky)
Located at Lone Mountain Ranch, this is a must for dinner! Grab drinks before dinner at the Saloon and be sure to order the “Big Sky Bramble” with local Huckleberry vodka. For dinner, eat outside on the porch next to fire. If you go in the winter months, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride with dinner to the top of the mountain!
The Grill at Sage Lodge ( Paradise Valley)
The Grill sources the very best that the region has to offer, from the finest beef and lamb, to chicken, bison and even flour. Made with care by the entire kitchen team, every plate carries an epic Montana story. Definitely get a table outside at sunset for the best view!
Historic Dining Room at Chico Hot Springs (Paradise Valley)
Enjoy an old-school feel in the main the dining room (we recommend sitting in the small bar in the back!). For casual drinks and “the hub of fun in Paradise Valley for locals and guests,” visit Chico Saloon next door and try their custom-brewed Chico Amber Ale!
Follow Yer’ Nose BBQ ( Paradise Valley)
Originally started by Taylor Henson in 2012 out of a craving for his hometown Georgia BBQ, his patch of grass turned into an unassuming shack, and today is a fully operating restaurant that is the best spot for ““views, brews and BBQs in the heart of Paradise Valley, Montana."
What to Do
Tippet Rise Art Center
About 2 hours from Bozeman and 1 hour from Billings, Tippet Rise is a great place to visitin the warmer weather months (June through September). Hike or bike the 12,500 acre grounds while experiencing large-scale outdoor sculptures by the world’s foremost artists and architects.
Yellowstone River Floats, Fly Fishing, and Bird Watching
A must-do in Montana is a river float ride down the iconic Yellowstone, complete with a fly fishing lesson and bird watching. See if you can catch a trout and spot songbirds, eagles, and osprey.
Go Stargazing
Lay out blankets and get the best view of all the constellations! Perk of staying at Sage Lodge: they offer an evening stargazing class, with a guided tour of the night sky with astrophysicist Dr. Thomas Rust.
Hiking
Gear up, grab your trail mix, and head out for a hike. We recommend going alongside Emigrant Peak, near the banks of the Yellowstone River.
Yellowstone National Park Tours
Spend a full day on a spectacular drive through Yellowstone National Park. Tours include free pickup at local campgrounds and West Yellowstone hotels, with professional certified guides who ensure that you will see the best spots and learn some fun facts along the way. If you are visiting in the winter months, go on a snowcoach tour!
E-Bikes or Mountain Biking
Montana offers unmatched trails and undiscovered country for mountain bikers of all levels.Explore different itineraries that span high plains, mountain passes and charming small towns.
Shopping in Bozeman
Whether you’re looking for a piece of western artwork, need a Montana souvenir, or want a bite to eat, Downtown Bozeman offers a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants for you to explore.
Visit a Classic Saloon
We love Old Saloon in Paradise Valley, which has been around since 1902 and prides itself on “good food, booze, and live music that make for great stories year-round.”