15 Best Resorts in Montana - The Crazy Tourist

If you’re looking to have your breath taken away, Montana is the place to be! Boasting unspoiled natural beauty and captivating stretches of unspoiled wilderness, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes I am sure it will melt your worries away. Apart from being the 4th largest state by area, Montana is officially known as the ‘Treasure State’, ‘The Last Best Place’, and the ‘Land of Shining Mountains’, for obvious reasons.

Derived from the Latin word ‘Montana’, which means ‘Mountain’ this place is true to its word – a land rich with history that will leave you asking for more. Home to iconic national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone, Montana is an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground of adventure, from hiking and wildlife viewing to fly-fishing and snowboarding. Embracing its cowboy heritage, the state’s charming small towns and wide-open spaces exude a sense of freedom and an invitation to explore the untamed beauty of the American West. And as if that’s not enough, it’s also home to the Triple Divide, and a large variety of wildlife that you won’t see in any other state. Come to Montana to relax, enjoy, and weave precious memories!

Let’s explore the best resorts in Montana:

1. The Resort At Paws Up

If you’re looking to stay in a resort that’s like no other, The Resort at Paws Up will be one you’ll never forget. Apart from offering you an unparalleled luxury stay among Montana’s exotic wilderness, this heaven on earth is located just 35 minutes from Missoula. Tucked away into some of the world’s most beautiful sceneries, The Resort At Paws Up is a perfect destination for families, honeymooners, or couples who just want to unwind and get away from their busy lives.

Set across 37,000 acres, this resort boasts beautifully designed expansive vacation homes and luxury camping tents, known as glamping – glamorous camping – that are sure to take your breath away. A community on its own, this resort is home to two gourmet restaurants, a luxurious spa, and a truckload of activities that include horseback riding, Go-Karts, Archery, Fitness Trail, and a lot more. Whether you decide to zip around in your personal watercraft or indulge in the resort’s heavenly spa treatments, a trip to this resort is one you will remember for a long time.

Website: http://www.pawsup.com/

2. Montana Rock Creek Cabin

You probably already know that apart from being the land of mountains, Montana is also known for its fly fishing, and for those who want the best of the best, there’s no better place than Montana Rock Creek Cabin. Located approximately 40 minutes from Missoula, this exotic lodge, built from massive Montana lodgepole pine, is strategically located near many of the best fishing spots along the banks of Rock Creek. Surrounded by the majestic Sapphire Mountains along with over 2 million acres of the beautiful Lolo National Forest.

In order to provide exceptional service to all its guests, this lodge offers a fireplace and jacuzzi and with 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 4. Features include a well-equipped kitchen, an oversized deck, and a sitting room, along with a gas fireplace. You can officially say, “country living at its finest!” when you visit this lodge!

Website: https://www.montanarockcreekcabin.com/

3. Triple Creek Ranch

Have you always wanted to visit a resort you could call your second home? Whether you’re newlyweds or couples in love, this is that ‘special’ place to be so you can enjoy intimate and quality romantic time together. Triple Creek Ranch is for grown-ups, and we mean adults only, in the best way. Here there are no obligations, except perhaps that we expect you to enjoy yourselves. Triple Creek Ranch is located in the Bitterroot Mountains of Western Montana, near the small town of Darby, and provides the best of Western hospitality and action, including horseback riding, hiking, snowshoeing, a fly-casting clinic, a fitness center, and a tennis court.

It’s exclusive: there are only 12 distinctly different private, luxurious log cabins, equipped with unique essential oil diffusers that create a soothing, romantic, wilderness-scented background for your dream holiday. Go for a round of golf, or just doze off in a hammock among the towering pines, then sample their contemporary gourmet cuisine at the end of each day among friends new and old. If there’s one special place for couples to weave their memories, it’s here, at the Triple Creek Ranch.

Website: https://www.triplecreekranch.com/

4. The Ranch at Rock Creek

The heart of your holiday here is the Granite Lodge, an authentic 100-year-old homestead with furnishing, photographs, antiques, world-class cuisine, and signature spa treatments that will give you the true Western experience. From this base, you can plan your daily activities with the help of their Ranch Ambassadors: romantic, equestrian, fly fishing – your choice.

Then in the evening visit The Silver Dollar Saloon for a good old-fashioned evening of billiards, darts, bowling, a private movie theater, and a luxury cowboy saloon for the whole family – all this on a 6,600-acre ranch in a classic, inspiring Montana landscape. Apart from expansive villas with beautifully designed bathrooms, deep soaking tubs, and huge brass beds, you can also request glamorous camping tents that are warmed by large potbelly stoves.

You will soon understand why The Ranch at Rock Creek is the world’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranch. There are only 29 accommodations, for a maximum of 125 guests. It’s a place for families, with the Little Grizzlies Club for your kids. You’re welcome!

Website: http://www.theranchatrockcreek.com/

5. Rainbow Ranch Lodge

The essence of this lodge is its appeal to adults and children, to holidaymakers and to businessmen. Its location is perfect, just 50 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, giving you the opportunity to take part in a great variety of Western-style activities and adventures, like fly-fishing for trout along the Gallatin River, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.

All guests are welcome to take advantage of their yoga sessions followed by a massage, then a comfortable night in one of their luxurious rooms, all featuring a different view of the Gallatin River, which wraps the property. As for food, there’s a bar, a restaurant, a snack bar, and for those who’re weight-conscious, there are special diet menus available on request. If you’re searching for the epitome of splendor and warm hospitality, this resort won’t fail you. The Rainbow Ranch Lodge – for the best of the West.

Website: http://www.rainbowranchbigsky.com/

6. Double Arrow Resort

Have you always wanted to go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride? The Double Arrow Resort is just the place for it. Don’t get me started on their indoor swimming, fly fishing, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, and their 18-hole golf course. With a rich history that goes back 88 years, this stunning resort has hosted a multitude of memorable vacations for people from all walks of life.

Whether for a family reunion, a wedding, or a corporate retreat, this resort, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in the Seeley Swan Valley, will go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay with them.

Above all, you can find peace and relaxation, by either opting to stay in individual family lodges, private log cabins, or guest rooms in the Main Lodge, each letting you taste the combined blend of Western hospitality with European elegance. As for dining, guests can enjoy country classic cuisine in the Seasons Restaurant or unwind at the Stirrups Lounge for a drink or two. If you want to fill your heart with peace and quiet, yet enjoy the comforts and luxury, this is the place to be – home away from home.

Website: http://doublearrowresort.com/

7. Wood’s Lodge

If you love wild creatures, this will be your dream destination, located just south of one of the cutest little towns and sitting near the entrance to Glacier National Park. The luxurious log cabin provides marvelous mountain views, you are bound to see wild turkeys, eagles, and maybe even moose and elk just outside your door!

Every suite comes with a jetted claw-foot tub, king sized bed, and there are 2 fire pits on site that are surrounded by a serene garden. As a vacation center for adults with romance on their minds, or as a venue for a wedding, this is a perfect place to relax. The kids will love it too, with many opportunities for waterskiing, kayaking, skiing, and more in the area.

Website: https://www.woodslodgemt.com/

8. Meadow Lake Resort

How about a shot at dog sledding? If that’s your thing, then run don’t walk to Meadow Lake Resort, in Columbia Falls near to the famous and fabulous Glacier National Park. But that’s not all that’s available in this center for your Montana adventure. You have a choice of styles in accommodation – condos, vacation homes, and a hotel all that adorn the fairways of an 18-hole championship golf course.

Apart from golf, this heaven on earth provides a great variety of activities that a concierge is eager to guide you through which includes biking, hiking, whitewater rafting during the summer, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during the winter. Whether you want to sit back, relax and enjoy scenic boat cruises or get pampered at their full-service spa, this resort will make your dreams come true! As if that’s not enough, the heated pools and Jacuzzis are sure to blow your mind after you taste the mouth-watering cuisine in their in-house restaurant. What a way to end your day!

Website: http://www.meadowlake.com/

9. Grouse Mountain Lodge

What is it that makes Grouse Mountain Lodge so special? I think it’s because it’s within 20 minutes’ walking distance of the charming small town of Whitefish Montana, famous for its annual huckleberry dessert bake-off contest, shopping, and nightlife. That is, of course, in addition to the skiing with a complimentary shuttle service, fishing, golfing, and swimming at the lodge itself. Whether you want to golf at one of Flathead Valley’s nine golf courses or hike on the Whitefish Trail, this four-season destination has everything you need to help you unwind and relax.

As for accommodation, you can choose between a golf-course Nordic view, that overlooks the Whitefish Lake Golf Club’s South Course, corner suits, and even bi-level loft suits to match your needs. And after a long day of play and exploration, you can sit back, relax and enjoy in the resort’s outdoor hot tub or tickle your taste buds at Logan’s. What more could a discerning traveler want?

Website: http://www.glacierparkinc.com/lodging/grouse-mountain-lodge/

10. Mountain Sky Guest Ranch

After starting out as a dude ranch nearly 100 years ago, this super-friendly resort has grown into a warm and genuine family destination. You can still pretend to be a cowboy, but also admire the breathtaking mountain views and rustic surroundings while absorbing the cozy hospitality of the Mountain Sky family. If that’s not enough, you can also enjoy yoga sessions, watch some horse-herding, go for a hike, and fish in a mountain stream! Meanwhile, your kids can have a whale of a time swimming, riding, and making art projects under the friendly supervision of trained counselors.

As for accommodation, this resort has lots to offer! From Rustic Area to Pool Area, all the way to Trout Pond Area and Lodge Area – one thing’s for sure each cabin is unique and tastefully designed featuring stone fireplaces, picture windows, and marvelous views of the unspoiled nature outside your door. In the evening you can join the cowboys in a barbecue followed by Western-style singing and dancing and when you retire to bed, the sounds of the tricking stream nearby will surely soothe your heart! Nothing like it!

Website: http://mountainsky.com/

11. Lodge at Whitefish Lake

It’s not every day that you can go on a Float Plane Tour over the Hungry Horse Reservoir near Glacier National Park in Montana, a specialty of the beautiful Lodge at Whitefish Lake. You can stay a week in this resort and still run out of time for the smorgasbord of other adventures on offer, including skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, and much more!

Surrounded by magnificent mountains and crystal clear waters of Whitefish Lake, this paradise is just minutes from downtown Whitefish and about 30 minutes from the beautiful Glacier National Park. Apart from live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays there are 8 diners, a coffee shop, and 5 different dining experiences you can choose from!

As for accommodation, whether you decide on waking up to a lake view, the Viking Creek Wetland Preserve, a private beach, or the main lodge, this resort has you covered and every morning will be a dream come true! And at the end of the day, you have the full-service spa awaiting your arrival. What’s not to like?

Website: http://lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

12. North Forty Resort

Have you tried Glamping? At North Forty Resort they have a tent that is so luxurious it has a king-size bed, a mini refrigerator, a coffee maker, and an electric fireplace! For anyone who wants to get away from the stresses of life, this should be enough, but it doesn’t end there. They also have twenty-two individual log cabins for more conventional guests and at the Snowberry Center a fully-equipped indoor space for business meetings, family reunions, and receptions.

Oh, and all this is about 25 – 30 minutes from the Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and Big Mountain Ski Area. With plenty of golf courses nearby, this resort promises you an experience like none other. Featuring two sheltered hot tubs, a sauna, and rustic nature trails, this dreamland is a perfect base for your adventures. You will not be disappointed.

Website: http://www.northfortyresort.com/

13. Big Sky Resort

If you have an adventurous partner or fun-seeking kids, this is the place to go for the ultimate in luxury and variety. It’s perfectly placed in South Central Montana, about fifteen miles from Yellowstone National Park, and has a great choice of accommodation for the most discerning travelers – from traditional western-style lodges to the Signature Collection of four-star rooms, cabins, and chalets.

All these are a convenient base for an exciting range of Summer and Winter activities, including mountain biking, a high ropes course, an 18-hole golf course, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, rock climbing, and a lot more that will leave you speechless! Whether you prefer bars and grills, Italian or Hawaiian cuisine, this resort has a restaurant for every palate. Don’t miss out on this wonderful, unique center of excellence and excitement, you won’t regret it!

Website: http://bigskyresort.com/

14. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort

If you really want to focus on feeling healthy, relaxed, and virtuous, visit Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, a place that is simple but extra special. Let us not forget that the icing on the cake is their 6 bathing pools filled with hot springs water, featuring mineral content and free from any chemicals, leaving you and your body healthy and super relaxed. Did we mention that these pools are surrounded by some of Montana’s most exotic and untouched beauty?

As if that’s not enough, you have a wide variety of accommodations to choose from. Whether you decide to stay in cabins that overlook the beautiful river or those that overlook the majestic mountains, the fact is that they’re all luxuriously comfortable and uniquely designed to ensure that every morning is a dream, and every night is heavenly.

After dining at either the Harwood House Restaurant or at the Quinn’s Tavern head out for the evening’s entertainment, which may include the High-Country Cowboys, or Rocklyn Road, the rocker in a tutu. You never know what it will be, except that it will be a lot of fun! You can thank us later!

Website: http://quinnshotsprings.com/

15. Marina Cay Resort

Here’s a lovely combination of lakeside living with small-town pleasures. At Flathead Lake, you can take a fishing charter, go jet skiing, kayaking, or paddleboarding all through the summer. And if you visit Marina Cay during the winter you can enjoy dogsled races or just stick to skiing and snowboarding. If you’re looking for the epitome of luxury, you’re not going to be disappointed with this resort’s 60 uniquely designed rooms, each with its own theme and décor. Whether you decide to stay in waterfront studios, expansive condos, or lakeside lodges, at Marina Cay, you’re going to find all that your heart needs to skip a beat.

Apart from a dockside restaurant, there also happens to be a Tiki bar where you can enjoy live music from local musicians every Saturday and Monday evening. During the day you can enjoy all the activities the lodge has in store for you and in the night, as the air gets colder, you can either warm up to the outdoor fireplace or soak in the heated pool or hot tub. You can’t get any luckier than that!

Website: https://themarinacay.com/