When Should You Go To Montana For a Romantic Resort Vacation?
This will depend on your personal preferences. Many of these romantic resorts offer various activities and amenities to make your stay as memorable as possible, but what offerings are available will depend on the time of year.
If you are looking for a place with fewer people, then the best time to go to Montana is during the winter, according to Montana Office of Tourism, “As the snow begins to fall in Montana, the bustle of summer and autumn crowds disperse and the landscape becomes covered in a glistening blanket of white.
Winter is the perfect season to explore Big Sky Country.
What Can I Expect a Resort To Offer?
Montana has a lot to offer when it comes to romance, such as its serene landscapes and rustic charm. It is also known for its friendly and welcoming people and its quaint, historic towns.
The climate of this state is cool in summer and also cold in winter, so it doesn’t get too hot or too cold there.
Each resort has its own unique offerings, but you can expect to find anything from golf to fishing, to spas and fine dining. In Montana, you can hike to the top of a mountain, fish from the side of a river and swim in an ice-cold lake and then snuggle up next to a cozy fire and have a private meal catered after a relaxing massage.
There is a full spectrum of things to choose from when considering the Best resorts in Montana for couples.
The 6 Best Resorts in Montana For Couples
1. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort – Paradise, Montana
If you want to spend some time in a natural hot spring pool flanked by nature, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort may be what you are looking for.
An Irish immigrant, Martin Quinn was a miner and during a mining transport along the river, he noticed steam along the mountainside where people had gathered. He explored the area and built a residence, bathhouse, and sleeping accommodations, which has now turned into the resort known as Quinn’s Hot Springs today.
The main attraction is the beautifully laid-out hot spring cluster of hot spring pools. The pool temperatures range from 100 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit and there is also a cold plunge pool at 55 degrees. Beyond the health benefits of natural springs, you will find yourself surrounded by the unique beauty of the springs that trickle into them.
Quinn’s offers a range of lodging options from rustic to luxurious. There are two lodges and over 25 cabins that either face the canyon or rider. The interiors of both the lodges and the cabins are rustic chic and offer space and privacy.
Of the two lodges, Andre J. Melief River Lodge overlooks the Clark Fork River and is adults only. There are 25 rooms, 13 of which are riverside and offer private decks to enjoy the natural splendor.
Glacier Lodge is also an adults-only lodge, offering king-size beds, and is placed in the middle of tranquility and peace. The rooms are rustic chic, true to the vibe of the whole resort. If visiting in the winter, the lodge looks stunning, surrounded by holiday lights and covered in a dusting of fluffy snow.
Quinn’s Hot Spring Resort has both a tavern and a restaurant. Quinn’s Tavern is open to the public and has a traditional casual American menu with some pub fare sprinkled in. You will find a pool table and some entertainment machines as the tv spouts the game.
For a more formal dining experience, Harwood House offers locally sourced steaks, seasonal seafood, and a flawless wine list which won Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2020. Harwood House is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2. Paws Up – Greenough, Montana
A working cattle ranch near the Lubrecht Experimental Forest has the most beautiful, luxurious 5-star experience waiting for you. Just 33 miles east of Missoula, this all-inclusive resort will make you giddy just reviewing their seemingly endless list of activities. Paws Up is truly an exceptional time to be had.
The list of activities offered goes on and on, ranging from whimsical to rugged to romantic. Paws Up also offer specific “Romantic Travel Packages” for elopements and honeymooners and “couples” homes and luxury tents.
Some unique activities you can enjoy together include ATV tours, canoeing, cross country skiing, couples massages, dog sledding, fat tire electric bike tours, go-karting, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, nature hikes, river adventures, sleigh rides, tennis, Sky Line Adventure Park, drum circles, painting and much much more.
At Paws Up Resort, there is no main lodge or inn. You will find 28 luxury cabins and homes of various sizes which can accommodate couples or larger groups, or you can stay in one of 36 uber-luxury tents for an experience of a lifetime. Both have their own unique charm and incredible views.
When it comes to dining, you will have a lot to choose from. Pomp is private dining for the guests of Paws Up, and is described by the establishment as a “refined rustic ranch”. Using innovation and imagination to curate the menu, their executive chef uses his luxury background and the foundation of his cooking along with seasonal and local ingredients.
Through Restaurant is also refined, but a bit more casual, offering smoothies, boards, paninis, grain bowls and coffee drinks for breakfast and lunch. Known for their popular huckleberry pancakes, breakfast is the meal not to miss here.
Additionally, you will find a full-service co*cktail bar, Tank. In the heart of each camp, you will discover its own dining pavilion with its own chef and offerings. There are also outdoor dining experiences offered with music under the stars, according to the schedule provided.
3. The Green O – Greenough, Montana
A sanctuary among the trees, this perfectly modern, romantic, and quirky resort is the ideal spot for a couple’s getaway. Their glass-embellished cabins are tastefully designed and the Tree Haus is a two-story treehouse elevated 23 feet in the air.
According to their website, nightly rates are inclusive of daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with beverages served with meals. The rate also includes round-trip airport transfers (MSO), a Lexus luxury SUV to use on the property, and a $500 Stay & Play credit per accommodation applied to Activities/Excursions or Spa services.
The Green O is a much smaller resort than the others listed here but stands apart by being innovative and truly immersed in nature.
4. Montage Big Sky – Big Sky, Montana
Just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park you will find this stunning resort situated in Montana’s Big Sky Country. With 139 spacious guest rooms and suites, Montage Big Sky took its inspiration for the design from locally sourced woods and stones to create its contemporary feel amid the Spanish Peaks.
Guests will be able to ski-in/ski-out to Big Sky Resort, have access to 3 world-class fly-fishing rivers, enjoy a private 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, and relax at their 10,000-square-foot Spa Montage.
From a bakery/cafe to fine dining, Montage Big Sky is home to seven singular dining experiences to meet whatever your mood may be. Want to stay in and snuggle? Room service is also available.
5. Triple Creek Ranch Resort – Darby, Montana
This adults-only resort is located in the Bitterroot Mountain range of the Montana Rockies and has won the Forbes Travel luxury stamp of approval. You’ll have 23 cabins to choose from, all with a cozy fireplace. If you choose a remote cabin, a golf cart will be provided for navigating the grounds.
With almost a perfect rating on Google, Triple Creek guests praise it for its attentive staff, delicious food, and deeply calming energy. Rated a top honeymoon spot and favorite wedding destination, it’s no surprise this tops the list for romantic getaways in Montana.
You’ll find luxury in the wilderness, not only in the setting but in the worry-free inclusive offerings. Guests can expect the following inclusions in their nightly cabin rates: All meals, including in-cabin dining, snacks, packed meals for experiences, house wine, spirits, and beer, resort facilities and amenities, evening programming, and holiday activities.
For an additional expense, guests can enjoy off-ranch activities provided by third-party outfitters, spa services, airport transfers and laundry services.
6. The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek is dedicated to giving its guests a truly romantic experience. With a unique combination of lodging options, guests can choose from a luxury tent to a barn, to a thoughtfully designed cabin to room in the modern lodge.
For couples seeking a package experience, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers a four-night curated couples adventure package that includes a spa experience, tastings, and fly fishing.
One of the most exciting things on the grounds is the Silver Dollar Saloon. With an extensive list of offerings, one can have something to do each night of their stay just at the saloon alone. The four-lane bowling alley and private movie theater are just the beginning of thoughtfully designed entertainment.
Table tennis, shuffleboard, and karaoke are also available. If you want the whole saloon for yourself, just ask, it can be arranged.
5 Best Cities for Romantic Getaways in Montana
1. Whitefish
One of the most popular places to visit while in Whitefish would be Glacier National Park. It’s about 30 miles from this city and is a must-visit site in Montana.
The most beautiful scenery awaits you on the Going to the Sun Road. This 50-mile architectural landmark allows you a scenic view of the park with your beloved. Alternatively, Flathead River makes for an amazing rafting excursion for adventurous couples.
Also, take a boat ride on Lake McDonald, which is the largest lake in this park. Peer into the horizons from the decks of your evening boat ride and watch the beautiful sunset.
There are scores of hiking trails to take that you will definitely enjoy. The backdrops to every picture you take here will be nothing short of perfection.
Other than Glacier National Park, Whitefish also offers other romantic getaway experiences. The Whitefish Lake State Park is a secluded woodland area with a beach that couples will definitely enjoy. It spans 10 acres and has an elevation of 3,012 feet, which is suitable for bike hiking. The park’s location is serene, near Whitefish Lake, and full of activities to engage in.
Beautiful mountain views surround the lake and it’s barely windy, making it suitable for water skiing. You can also go swimming, fishing, kayaking, or boating in this amazing lake.
There are 25 campsites around the park for couples who want to snuggle up in sleeping bags and enjoy the outdoors at night.
Take a stroll in downtown Whitefish and enjoy this little city’s historical district. Hop into art galleries and museums along the streets on your way and take in some of Montana’s creative aura.
There are a few historic building landmarks you’ll bump into as well. You will definitely want to pop into a juice bar and taste the popular huckleberry-flavored drinks on your way too.
As you stroll your way through downtown Whitefish, pass by Loula’s Café for breakfast or brunch and start your day right. Located in the historic Masonic Temple building, they offer the best huckleberry pies there are in town.
The Whitefish Lake restaurant is the place to be for some of the town’s best seafood and steaks. Their menu is full of options on cuisines served the Montana way you ought to try out.
The Whitefish Mountain Resort is the best place to go skiing in winter along with other interesting activities such as biking and tours in the summer.
Places to Stay:
- ($$$) Cedar Creek Lodge and Conference Center – 2.1km from Flathead River
- ($$) Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort – 0.4km from Whitefish Mountain Ski and Summer Resort
- ($) Stumptown Inn of Whitefish – 6.4km from Whitefish Lake
The town of Whitefish has plenty of additional lodging options depending on your plans, check out a full list of available accommodations here.
2. West Yellowstone
This is the entry town of the famous Yellowstone National Park, the oldest and largest park in the United States. This park provides numerous activities for the perfect romantic getaway.
Through the West Yellowstone entrance, which is the only one that is open all year round, you can access the park and experience its magic. The Old Faithful Geyser Cone in the Upper Geyser Basin is one of the nearest thermal features you’ll find.
You can spend your getaway at the Old Faithful Inn, a historical restaurant and lodge that’s more than a century old. The cabins here have the perfect look and feel of a blend of traditional Yellowstone and modern décor. The views of the park and the Old Faithful Geyser from here are also priceless.
Other than the most scenic collection of geysers, this enormous park has way more adventurous features to explore. Follow the available paved routes to view even more geysers and hot springs.
The Yellowstone River, which runs 690 miles across the park, is one more beautiful feature you’re likely to cross on your way.
There are calm areas in the park where you can enjoy a romantic picnic with your partner and rest up. There are also more laid-back activities to partake in, such as bird watching, wildlife watching, and animal photography.
Zipline Adventure Park has the most exhilarating aerial adventures. Slide along up to 1,000 feet of cable while hanging 15 feet up the ground. The park is open to all by day and you can pop in and out as you please.
Take a scenic drive to the Madison River Canyon and learn the history of Quake Lake. In 1959, a bolt of lightning struck the canyon causing a huge landslide that had rocks tumbling down into this canyon.
As a result, these rocks obstructed the flow of the Madison River, leading to the formation of this “earthquake” lake, otherwise known as Quake Lake.
Take a historical tour around downtown West Yellowstone. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Museum of the Yellowstone during summer and learn more about the history of Yellowstone National Park and other parts of this town.
The Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre is also a stop you don’t want to miss. Catch a short Yellowstone movie by day or a Hollywood film in the evening. This theater gets super busy in the summer, so you’ll need advance tickets.
Places to Stay:
- ($$$) Yellowstone Park Hotel– 1km from Yellowstone National Park West Entrance
- ($$) Yellowstone Cabins and RV – 0.9km from Museum of the Yellowstone
- ($) Yellowstone Country Inn – 1.3km from Yellowstone National Park West Entrance
The town of West Yellowstone has plenty of additional lodging options depending on your plans, check out a full list of available accommodations here.
3. Red Lodge
If you’re looking to have your Montana romantic getaway in a quieter, less crowded town, Red Lodge is your best option.
Tucked away between the Beartooth Ranges and Absarokee Mountains, this small town provides lots of interesting activities for couples all year round.
The Beartooth Highway, for one, is a feature that is magnificent both as an engineering construction and as a place to get magnificent views while on the road. Stretching from Red Lodge to Cooke City, there are trailheads to branch off to along the way and hiking and backpacking options.
The Red Lodge Mountain ski resort is a popular spot for skiing and winter snowboarding. It’s found in the mountains and the ranges elevate as high up as 9,416 feet at the Summit Grizzly Peak.
Visit the Carbon County Historical Museum and learn about Carbon County’s history. The building that houses this museum was a former Labor Temple built in 1909 by coal miners in this town. Some exhibits shown here are hard rock mines, Waples’ family gun collection, and a collection of rodeo items from the Bill Greenough family.
Get a feel of the Montana landscapes the local way with your partner, by taking a tour along the mountains on a horse. Elk River Outfitters offer guided horseback rides that you can book on an hourly basis or all day.
Go fishing on the Wild Bill Lake located on Road Creek Road just south of Red Lodge. You can also hike a trail along the lake.
Don’t forget to sample some of this location’s exceptional cuisine. Start your day off with an award-winning breakfast at the Cafe Regis.
The Bear Creek Saloon & Steakhouse offers some of Montana’s best steaks. In a rustic, welcoming environment, get an intimate dining table and enjoy an evening of steak and some locally brewed beers or wine from their drinks collection.
Places to Stay:
- ($$$) Alpine Lodge – 0.2km from Rock Creek
- ($$) Beartooth Hideaway Inn & Cabins – 9.7km from Red Lodge Mountain
- ($) Lupine Inn – 0.7km from Red Lodge Center
The town of Red Lodge has plenty of additional lodging options depending on your plans, check out a full list of available accommodations here.
4. Bozeman
Bozeman is the place to be for a hoard of romantic getaway activities.
The Montana Whitewater Rafting and Zipline Rafting offer guided tours along the Gallatin River. Here you can go kayaking, rafting, fly-fishing, and river tubing. The Madison River Tubing also offers similar water excursions. You can also go fishing at Bozeman Pond Park.
Explore a museum in town with your partner. The Museum of the Rockies is one place to view dinosaur fossils.
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performs theater production of Shakespeare films and other classics. You could also catch the Bozeman Film Celebration in the summer. Catch a live musical performance in local venues and finish your date night off with pleasant tunes.
The Bozeman Hot Springs is perfect for relaxation with its amazing heated and cold pools.
If you’re looking for a good meal in Montana, the local restaurants are full of amazing local cuisine. Open Range Restaurant serves the best steaks there are.
For a classy and still evening, stop by Plonk and have an intimate date, with amazing food and co*cktails. Feast Raw Bar and Bistro are also perfect for romantic date nights.
Places to Stay:
- ($$$) Bozeman Lewis & Clark Motel – 1.3km from Montana State University
- ($$) MountainView Lodge and Suites – 9.5km from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- ($) My Place Hotel-Bozeman, MT – 7.2km from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
The city of Bozeman has plenty of additional lodging options depending on your plans, check out a full list of available accommodations here.
5. Livingston
Livingston is located 26 miles outside Bozeman, offering up more of a quieter and less crowded location to visit.
Check out the Livingstone Depot, a summer museum built in 1902. This brick building is located right on Park Street and also doubles as a community center for local talent.
Visit the Yellowstone River along Paradise Valley and enjoy floating, kayaking and fishing.
Downtown Livingston also makes for a good self-guided learning tour. There are many historical buildings to check out on your way, such as the Murray Hotel.
You’ll also easily spot art galleries you can hop into and enrich your creative side. Get the best milkshakes in Mark’s In and Out. Stop by there for the best burgers, fries, onion rings, and other meals. Gil’s Goods is also a good place to stop by for a bite. They have the best wood oven-baked pizzas in town.
At Pickle Barrel, you’ll experience the best sandwiches you’ve ever had. They’re so huge, you’ll probably just have half a sandwich and that’s it.
Places to Stay:
- ($$$) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Livingston Yellowstone – 1.9km from Livingston Center
- ($$) Livingston Inn – 2.1 km to Livingston Center
- ($) Country Motor Inn – 0.8km from Yellowstone River
The town of Livingston has plenty of additional lodging options depending on your plans, check out a full list of available accommodations here.
Montana for Couples – Final Thoughts
As you can see, Big Sky Country really knows how to serve couples seeking a truly unique romantic getaways in Montana. From the very rugged to the very luxurious, there is something for everyone, in every season. There are plenty of ideal romantic getaways for couples in Montana.
If you are looking for a treetop adventure, relaxing spa, amazing room service, skiing, or fly fishing, you can easily find yourself having a hard time picking between the variety available.
Montana is a gorgeous destination for couples seeking a truly unique vacation experience. Whether you are looking for a remote, private cabin or an off-the-grid adventure, Montana has it all.
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