Montana
Western US

Montana

Destination Overview

Montana is known as the Big Sky Country but residents also call it by another unofficial nickname: The Last Best Place. And it is the best place for an adventure-filled honeymoon if you love skiing and winter sports, mountains, wilderness, and watching North American  wildlife in its natural setting. Montana is also the place to get a taste of the Old West, with its hospitality, barn dances, stagecoach rides and ghost towns. The crisp, clean mountain air and immense solitude make this a magical setting for your romantic getaway.

Any time of the year is a good time to plan your Montana honeymoon. Here you’ll find some of the finest ski slopes in the world, as well as other exciting winter sports like snowboarding, dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling and more. For a taste of unspoilt wilderness, visit Glacier National Park in the northwestern part of the state and Yellowstone National Park in the southwest. You’ll find hiking trails, alpine meadows, glacier lakes, hot springs and wildlife, including grizzlies, black bears, buffalo, elk, moose, deer and wolves.

Enjoy activities like rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, and whitewater rafting in the summer. Take a hot air balloon ride over alpine meadows or a scenic drive on the legendary and hair-raising Road to the Sun or the Beartooth Highway.

Montana’s towns have their own unique character with music, museums, film festivals and other cultural events. The twelve Native American nations of Montana have diverse languages, cultures and histories. You can learn about these on visits to the reservations and also taste Native American foods and buy artwork and crafts to support the community.

Out West they take hospitality seriously and wherever you stay you’ll find comfortable lodgings and friendly hosts. Glamping and dude ranches are an essential part of the Montana honeymoon experience, and will amp up the fun and romance factor. The crisp mountain air will make you hungry, and you can bring your appetite to all kinds of restaurants from Michelin starred establishments to burger joints.

About Montana

At a Glance

  • Montana has a varied topography, with the high Rocky Mountains in the west and the rolling landscapes of the Great Plains in the east, interspersed with lower mountain ranges.
  • It is the fourth largest state by size, and the third least-densely populated state in the US. This, along with the stunning natural beauty, makes it the perfect destination if you’re looking for solitude for your romantic escape.
  • Big Sky is the largest ski area in the world, and other resorts like Whitefish Mountain also have some of the best powder skiing in the world. Other winter activities include snow mobiling, dog sledding, snow boarding, ice skating, and ice fishing.
  • The clean, clear waters of Montana’s rivers and lakes are a paradise for fly-fishing enthusiasts. The Blue Ribbon rivers – the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison – are full of trout.
  • The Montana wilderness is home to some of the most iconic species of American wildlife, including buffalo, grizzlies, black bears, elk and wolves. This is the world of the sure-footed mountain goats and mountain lions and lynxes. Watch for the bighorn sheep who come down to the roads in the winter to lick the salt.
  • With millions of acres of pristine wilderness, there’s so much for the outdoors enthusiasts to see and do, including hiking, biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, boat cruises, and trail riding with the spectacular scenery for a backdrop.
  • Montana’s ranches and lodges are famous for their luxury surroundings and old west hospitality. Many are still working ranches and guests can take part in real cattle drives, or go on horseback trail rides.
  • Coffee is a staple of the western diet, and it’s made from ethically-sourced, fresh-ground beans that are a matter of pride for the local coffee houses. With so much for visitors to enjoy, Montana is also a destination for foodies, with expert chefs creating dishes using fresh local ingredients and wild game. Steak, BBQ, Native American foods with fry bread, and buffalo chili all have a unique taste, as do the huckleberries and Flathead cherries for which the state is famous.
  • From old fashioned taverns with live music to microbreweries, you’ll find places to relax and try the local brews.

Honeymoon Hints

  • One way to fully appreciate the beauty of the landscape is to see it from air. A hot air balloon ride will add a magical touch to your Montana honeymoon.
  • A sleigh ride is a good way to celebrate your love in a winter wonderland. Follow it up with dinner and live music in a warm and friendly tavern.
  • The clear air, low population density and lack of light pollution make Montana an ideal location for star gazing. You don’t even need to go too far out into the wilderness to see a sky full of stars and the arc of the Milky Way overhead. If you’re lucky, you may see the aurora borealis or Northern Lights in the late fall or early spring.
  • A rustic log cabin gives you a comfortable base to come back to each evening, as well as a quiet setting for some cozy time together.
  • Take a scenic drive. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in the northwest and the Beartooth Highway in the south are historic highways with incredible views and plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.
  • Soak in the hot springs at Yellowstone and watch the geysers put on their spectacular show.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: Montana’s major airports include Billings (BIL), Bozeman (BZN), Missoula (MSO), Helena (HLN), Kalispell (FCA), Butte (BTM), and Great Falls (GTF). All are served by major airlines and conveniently located near downtown areas. Amtrak service connects Montana to points east and west.
  • GETTING AROUND: The easiest way to get around is to drive, and rental cars are available at the major airports. You can also get shuttle buses to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks from nearby towns and resorts, bus tours within the parks to see the scenery and the wildlife.
  • TIME ZONE: Montana is in the Mountain Time Zone.
  • WEATHER: Summers are moderate with highs in July and August in the 80s. Winters are cold, with average daytime temperatures between zero to 25 degrees F, and heavy snow. The mountain valleys in the west are relatively sheltered but the eastern plains get cold winds that make temperatures plummet. Weather also varies by elevation, and can be unpredictable in the mountains. It can rain or snow any time, depending on the season, and you should pack accordingly.
  • WHEN TO GO: Montana is a year-round destination, with the National Parks being the main destination in the summer months and the ski resorts in the winter. The peak season in summer is July and August and if you’re planning to travel then, book your accommodations early.
  • KEEP IN MIND: This far north, winter is a serious business. When planning your trip, keep in mind that in winter you’ll encounter ice and snow on the roads. Also, the days are much shorter in the winter so you should plan to finish all outdoor activities by 5pm.
  • RESPECT THE WILDLIFE: Wild animals are exactly that, wild, and should not be approached or fed. This is their world and as a visitor, you should respect it, for their safety and your own.

Destinations to Explore

Additional honeymoon destinations in Montana you may want to consider: