Need to get away? A weekend spent exploring new sites, even if they’re only a few hours away (or less from home), leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to take on another week. Montana is full of charming towns, and these 10 in particular are perfect for a weekend away. Enjoy!
- Philipsburg
JP Pendleton / Flickr
The Sanctuary Inn Philipsburg is such a fun, charming little town that it’s no wonder it’s a popular pick for a weekend getaway. You can mine your own sapphires, explore parts of history at the Granite Ghost Town State Park, sip beer at the Philipsburg Brewing Company and rest your head at the unique Sanctuary Inn.
- Hamilton
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr Everyone in Western Montana knows that Hamilton is a total gem. Take a tour of the (possibly haunted) Daly Mansion, go fishing or tubing, spend a day out at Lake Como and spend the night at the charming Deer Crossing Bed and Breakfast. After a couple of days in Hamilton, you’ll be relaxed and ready for a new week.
- Fort Benton
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Daimon Eklund / Flickr The Birthplace of Montana is a peaceful and beautiful place. Home to the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere,” the Fort Benton Bridge, you’ll also find a few great dining options, like the Union Grill Restaurant and the Wake Up Coffeehouse for breakfast (and pizza!). The Pioneer Lodge has great rooms at reasonable prices.
- Lewistown
Andrew Filer / Flickr
drdroad / TripAdvisor Lewistown is truly the spot where the mountains meet the Montana plains. The Central Montana Historical Museum is a must for history buffs, and so are the Bear Gulch Pictographs. If your budget and time frame allows, book yourself a ride on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, an unforgettable dinner show on a train.
- Whitefish
Kris McGuire / Flickr
Melanie J. / Yelp Why not spend your weekend at one of the most charming small towns in America? Whitefish City Beach is a beautiful place to spend the day, and there are also numerous walking trails to help you get your fill of nature. There’s also great shopping, awesome restaurants like Latitude 48 Bistro and Buffalo Cafe (pictured here), and you’ll only be 27 miles from Glacier National Park.
- Havre
Jasperdo / Flickr Go on a rural retreat and explore the museums, shops, galleries and nature trails of Havre. Don’t miss the chance to check out Havre Beneath the Streets, a tour through the old underground city.
- Ekalaka
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
J. Stephen Conn Looking for an Eastern Montana getaway? Ekalaka has Medicine Rocks State Park, a beautiful, peaceful place. You can also visit the Carter County Museum for your dinosaur fix, enjoy a meal at the Old Stand Grill and enjoy a cozy stay at The Guest House Hotel.
- Choteau
Josh Schwartzman / Flickr If you want to explore the great outdoors, Choteau is the place for you. Located near the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Lewis and Clark National Forest, you’ll have your choice of natural wonders. Of course, the town itself is charming enough to stay in―they’ve got a great little downtown area and tempting treats at the Bylers Bakery.
- Livingston
Tracy Hunter / Flickr
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Livingston might be a fairly small town, but you won’t be bored during your weekend here. The long summer days are great for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing or relaxing by the Yellowstone River, and everyone will enjoy exploring the Depot Museums and wandering through the downtown area. Make sure you try the 2nd Street Bistro, which was recommended by Anthony Bourdain.
- Deer Lodge
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Ken Lund / Flickr What is there to do in Deer Lodge? The Old Montana Prison, Frontier Montana Museum and the Grant-Kohrs Ranch, for starters. Muriah’s of Montana serves huge, filling breakfasts, and the Western Big Sky Inn is conveniently located.
These towns would all make wonderful weekend getaway destinations. But if one day away is all you have, we’ve got some ideas for how to make the most of it.
JP Pendleton / Flickr
The Sanctuary Inn
Philipsburg is such a fun, charming little town that it’s no wonder it’s a popular pick for a weekend getaway. You can mine your own sapphires, explore parts of history at the Granite Ghost Town State Park, sip beer at the Philipsburg Brewing Company and rest your head at the unique Sanctuary Inn.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
Everyone in Western Montana knows that Hamilton is a total gem. Take a tour of the (possibly haunted) Daly Mansion, go fishing or tubing, spend a day out at Lake Como and spend the night at the charming Deer Crossing Bed and Breakfast. After a couple of days in Hamilton, you’ll be relaxed and ready for a new week.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Daimon Eklund / Flickr
The Birthplace of Montana is a peaceful and beautiful place. Home to the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere,” the Fort Benton Bridge, you’ll also find a few great dining options, like the Union Grill Restaurant and the Wake Up Coffeehouse for breakfast (and pizza!). The Pioneer Lodge has great rooms at reasonable prices.
Andrew Filer / Flickr
drdroad / TripAdvisor
Lewistown is truly the spot where the mountains meet the Montana plains. The Central Montana Historical Museum is a must for history buffs, and so are the Bear Gulch Pictographs. If your budget and time frame allows, book yourself a ride on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, an unforgettable dinner show on a train.
Kris McGuire / Flickr
Melanie J. / Yelp
Why not spend your weekend at one of the most charming small towns in America? Whitefish City Beach is a beautiful place to spend the day, and there are also numerous walking trails to help you get your fill of nature. There’s also great shopping, awesome restaurants like Latitude 48 Bistro and Buffalo Cafe (pictured here), and you’ll only be 27 miles from Glacier National Park.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Go on a rural retreat and explore the museums, shops, galleries and nature trails of Havre. Don’t miss the chance to check out Havre Beneath the Streets, a tour through the old underground city.
J. Stephen Conn
Looking for an Eastern Montana getaway? Ekalaka has Medicine Rocks State Park, a beautiful, peaceful place. You can also visit the Carter County Museum for your dinosaur fix, enjoy a meal at the Old Stand Grill and enjoy a cozy stay at The Guest House Hotel.
Josh Schwartzman / Flickr
If you want to explore the great outdoors, Choteau is the place for you. Located near the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Lewis and Clark National Forest, you’ll have your choice of natural wonders. Of course, the town itself is charming enough to stay in―they’ve got a great little downtown area and tempting treats at the Bylers Bakery.
Tracy Hunter / Flickr
Livingston might be a fairly small town, but you won’t be bored during your weekend here. The long summer days are great for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing or relaxing by the Yellowstone River, and everyone will enjoy exploring the Depot Museums and wandering through the downtown area. Make sure you try the 2nd Street Bistro, which was recommended by Anthony Bourdain.
Ken Lund / Flickr
What is there to do in Deer Lodge? The Old Montana Prison, Frontier Montana Museum and the Grant-Kohrs Ranch, for starters. Muriah’s of Montana serves huge, filling breakfasts, and the Western Big Sky Inn is conveniently located.
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