When it comes to planning a summer vacation, Montana is an ideal destination that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, stunning natural beauty, and charming small-town charm. With its vast open spaces, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear lakes, Montana is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families alike. However, with so many amazing places to stay, choosing the right accommodation can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay in Montana during the summer season.
Overview
This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the top destinations in Montana, highlighting the best places to stay, things to do, and experiences to be had. From luxurious resorts and cozy cabins to budget-friendly hotels and camping sites, we’ll cover a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an action-packed adventure, or a mix of both, our guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Montana this summer.
What to Expect
In this guide, we’ll delve into the following topics:
- Top summer destinations in Montana, including Glacier National Park, Big Sky, and Whitefish
- The best types of accommodations, from luxury resorts to camping sites
- Things to do and see in each destination, including outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and local events
- Insider tips and recommendations for making the most of your summer vacation in Montana
So, if you’re ready to start planning your dream summer vacation in Montana, keep reading to discover the best places to stay and make unforgettable memories in the Treasure State!
Best Places to Stay in Montana Summer
Montana is a stunning state with breathtaking natural beauty, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. When planning a summer trip to Montana, choosing the right place to stay is crucial to make the most of your vacation. From luxurious resorts to cozy cabins and budget-friendly motels, Montana has a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Montana during the summer season:
1. Big Sky
Big Sky is a picturesque mountain resort town surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains. It’s an ideal base for which to explore the surrounding wilderness, go hiking, biking, or skiing. Big Sky offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges and vacation rentals.
- The Lodge at Big Sky: A luxurious resort with upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
- Big Sky Resort: A ski-in/ski-out resort with comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
- Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins, condos, and homes available for rent, many with stunning mountain views.
2. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination in Montana, with its geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife. Staying within the park or in nearby towns like West Yellowstone or Gardiner offers easy access to the park’s attractions. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Sarasota Fl)
- Old Faithful Inn: A historic hotel located within Yellowstone National Park, offering comfortable rooms and suites.
- Grant Village: A lakeside resort with comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a marina.
- West Yellowstone Hotels: A range of budget-friendly hotels and motels, including the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone and the Yellowstone Inn.
3. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is another Montana gem, with its stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, and lakes. Staying within the park or in nearby towns like Columbia Falls or Whitefish offers easy access to the park’s attractions.
- Many Glacier Hotel: A historic hotel located within Glacier National Park, offering comfortable rooms and suites.
- Apgar Village Lodge: A lakeside resort with comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a marina.
- Columbia Falls Hotels: A range of budget-friendly hotels and motels, including the Columbia Falls Inn and the Meadow Lake Resort.
4. Missoula
Missoula is a vibrant college town with a rich cultural scene, surrounded by scenic mountains and rivers. It’s an ideal base for which to explore western Montana, go hiking, biking, or fishing.
- The Historic Wilma Hotel: A luxurious hotel with upscale amenities, including a fitness center and outdoor pool.
- The Holiday Inn Missoula: A comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
- Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins, condos, and homes available for rent, many with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
5. Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is a stunning natural attraction, with its crystal-clear waters and scenic shoreline. Staying in nearby towns like Polson or Bigfork offers easy access to the lake’s attractions.
- The Lodge at Flathead Lake: A luxurious resort with upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
- Flathead Lake Resort: A lakeside resort with comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a marina.
- Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins, condos, and homes available for rent, many with stunning lake views.
6. Whitefish
Whitefish is a charming ski resort town surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains. It’s an ideal base for which to explore the surrounding wilderness, go hiking, biking, or skiing.
- The Lodge at Whitefish Lake: A luxurious resort with upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
- Whitefish Mountain Resort: A ski-in/ski-out resort with comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
- Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins, condos, and homes available for rent, many with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
7. Helena
Helena is Montana’s capital city, with a rich history and cultural scene. It’s an ideal base for which to explore central Montana, go hiking, biking, or fishing.
- The Helena Inn: A comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
- The Fairmont Helena: A luxurious hotel with upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
- Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins, condos, and homes available for rent, many with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Bozeman
Bozeman is a vibrant college town surrounded by scenic mountains and rivers. It’s an ideal base for which to explore southwestern Montana, go hiking, biking, or fishing.
- The Lodge at Bridger Creek: A luxurious resort with upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
- The Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman: A comfortable hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.
- Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins, condos, and homes available for rent, many with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Summer Activities in Montana
Montana offers a wide range of outdoor activities during the summer season, including: (See Also: Best Places To Stay When Visiting Yosemite)
- Hiking and backpacking in Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Beartooth Mountains
- Fishing in Flathead Lake, Lake McDonald, and the Madison River
- Whitewater rafting and kayaking in the Clark Fork River and the Yellowstone River
- Biking and mountain biking in the Beartooth Mountains and the Gallatin Valley
- Horseback riding and horse-drawn wagon rides in the Rocky Mountains
- Wildlife watching and birdwatching in Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding wilderness
Summer Events in Montana
Montana hosts a range of exciting events during the summer season, including:
- The Montana Shakespeare in the Parks tour, featuring outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s plays
- The Big Sky Classical Music Festival, featuring performances by world-class musicians
- The Montana Folk Festival, celebrating traditional music and dance from around the world
- The Yellowstone Music Festival, featuring classical music performances in the heart of Yellowstone National Park
- The Montana Fair, showcasing local agriculture, crafts, and entertainment
Conclusion
Montana is a stunning state with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation. choosing the right place to stay is crucial to make the most of your summer vacation. whether you prefer luxury resorts, cozy cabins, or budget-friendly motels, Montana has something for everyone. From Big Sky to Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Flathead Lake, there are plenty of amazing destinations to explore. and a range of exciting events and activities to enjoy. including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching, Montana has something for every outdoor enthusiast. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure in Montana!
Recap of the article:
This article discussed the best places to stay in Montana during the summer season, including Big Sky, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Missoula, Whitefish, Helena, and Bozeman. Each destination offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly motels, and vacation rentals. Montana is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The state also hosts a range of exciting events during the summer, including the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks tour, the Big Sky Classical Music Festival, the Montana Folk Festival, the Yellowstone Music Festival, and the Montana Fair.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Stay in Montana Summer
What are the most popular destinations in Montana for summer vacation?
Montana has plenty of amazing destinations perfect for a summer vacation. Some of the most popular places to stay include Big Sky, Whitefish, West Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, and Flathead Lake. These areas offer a range of outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, and a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.
Are there any pet-friendly accommodations in Montana?
Yes, many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Montana are pet-friendly. In fact, Montana is a very pet-friendly state, and many establishments cater to travelers with furry friends. Be sure to check the pet policy of your chosen accommodation before booking, as some may have breed or size restrictions. You can also search for pet-friendly options on websites like VRBO, Airbnb, or Expedia. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Chaing Mai)
What are some must-do summer activities in Montana?
Montana is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise in the summer! Some must-do activities include hiking in Glacier National Park, whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Flathead River, fishing in one of the many lakes or streams, and exploring the scenic byways and backroads on a motorcycle or bike. You can also visit a dude ranch, take a horseback ride, or go ziplining for an adrenaline rush. If you prefer more relaxing activities, consider a scenic boat tour, a round of golf, or a visit to a local farmers’ market.
Can I find budget-friendly accommodations in Montana?
Absolutely! While Montana has its share of luxury resorts and high-end hotels, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from. Consider staying in a hostel, camping, or renting a vacation home or condo through websites like VRBO or Airbnb. You can also look for hotels or motels that offer discounts or package deals, especially during the off-season or mid-week. Additionally, many state parks and national forests offer affordable camping options, including primitive sites and RV hookups.
What are the best ways to get around Montana during the summer?
Montana is a big state, and you’ll likely want to explore different areas during your summer vacation. Renting a car is a great option, as it gives you the freedom to drive the scenic byways and explore rural areas. Alternatively, you can use public transportation, such as buses or shuttles, which connect many of the popular destinations. If you’re staying in one place, you can also walk, bike, or take a taxi or Uber. Some resorts and hotels also offer shuttle services or car rentals on-site.