Stay in a Big Sky Country Inn for a Montana Adventure of a Lifetime

The motto for Montana should be  “State of Adventure” with year-round outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, dog sledding, sleigh riding and more.  For instance, Glacier National Park hosts 700 miles of trails through pristine forests and alpine meadows. After a long day of hiking, rest your weary legs at Bar W Guest Ranch, Flathead Lake Lodge, Gentry River Ranch Bed and Breakfast, or Candlewycke Inn. Want to see the world-famous geysers of Yellowstone National Park? The scenic 90-minute drive from Elijah’s Rest is worth every second and don’t forget about the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Deer Crossing Bed and Breakfast is near all the activities in the Bitterroot Valley. 

Horseback riding is the main attraction at Bar W Guest Ranch at the base of Spencer Mountain in Whitefish. The year-round ranch has both indoor and outdoor horseback-riding arenas, more than 3,000 acres to explore, and is only three-and-a-half miles from town. Enjoy views of pine-covered ridges from the main house or private cabin. Play golf, take a ride in a hot air balloon, or go whitewater rafting, skiing, or fishing. Experience true Western Montana hospitality with packages that include lodging, all meals, and inn activities.

Water and land activities are endless at Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork. The whole family can fill their days with trail rides, guided hikes, sailing, canoe races, fly fishing lessons, and art gallery tours. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; try a steak fry cookout, barn dance, or beach fire. If the sky opens up with rain, play ping pong or pool in the game room. All guests arrive and depart on Sundays so you’ll be sure to make new friends during your stay.

Choose a private cabin, bed and breakfast accommodations, or all-inclusive ranch vacations at the Gentry River Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Columbia Falls. The inn is nestled in between Glacier National Park and the Flathead River. Grab a picnic lunch and fish for trout outside your backdoor and be sure to keep your eyes open for osprey, hawk, red fox, black bear, and elk. Visit during the winter to ski Whitefish Mountain Resort or during the summer for concerts with Western performer Dave Stamey.

Candlewycke Inn boasts folk-art themed rooms in a lodge-style bed and breakfast in Bigfork. Soak in a whirlpool hydro-therapy tub after an adventurous day. Cozy up next to the fireplace with a cup of hot tea or glass of wine. Reserve a dinner of elk Bolognese, shrimp and grits, or chicken cacciatore. The inn is offering a special Cabin Fever Weekend on February 15 and 16; rates are $85/night and include a Saturday wine tasting.

Stay in a hunting, fishing, or cowboy themed private cabin at Elijah’s Rest in Sheridan. Spend a day reading on your front porch or watching for the rare birds that can be found throughout the Ruby Valley, then go fly fishing in the Madison or Gallatin River. Travel a few short minutes to Virginia City or Nevada City. You can hunt for big game or simply enjoy the scenery on a hike. Set aside time to explore the underground fun at Lewis and Clark Caverns.