A Montana Honeymoon for the Ultimate Escape

Here's our guide to a romantic getaway in Big Sky Country.
Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana
Photo: Sashikanth Chintla | Getty
Dina Cheney - The Knot Contributor.
by
Dina Cheney
Dina Cheney - The Knot Contributor.
Dina Cheney
The Knot Contributor
  • Dina writes for The Knot Worldwide, specializing in food, travel and relationships.
  • With more than 20 years of experience in service journalism, she also pens articles and recipes for publications, such as Good Housekeeping, Parents, SELF, Health, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Prevention, Fine Cooking, Weight Watchers and Diabetic Living.
  • Dina graduated from Columbia College, Columbia University and The Institute of Cul...
Updated Apr 24, 2024
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Thinking about a Montana honeymoon? Known as "Big Sky Country," this idyllic US honeymoon destination features vast open spaces, rugged mountain landscapes and pristine lakes. It's perfect for adventure-seeking couples who want a combination of outdoor activities and relaxation.

Whether you're looking to explore Montana's Glacier National Park, enjoy cozy evenings by a fire in a mountain lodge or experience the rustic charm of small town life, a honeymoon in Montana provides a gorgeous backdrop for celebrating your new life together. If this speaks to you, read our complete guide to a romantic getaway in Big Sky Country.

Montana Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

    Couple sitting on cliff, Glacier National Park, Montana
    Photo: Evgeny Vasenev | Getty

    Best Time to Honeymoon in Montana

    Montana is a year-round destination, meaning the best time to visit will depend on what it is you want to do. Think skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months and hiking, biking, and fishing in the warmer months. If you can, travel to Montana for your honeymoon in early fall or late spring for milder weather and smaller crowds.

    Best weather: June to September.
    Festival highlights: Summer brings music festivals like the Montana Folk Festival in Butte and the Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs. Fall offers the Montana Bale Trail, known for creative hay bale sculptures, and the festive Oktoberfest in communities like Missoula and Billings, celebrating with craft beers and local food.

    Montana Honeymoon Planning Tips

    For nature-loving couples, a Montana getaway delivers. "Wildlife outnumbers people, and the outdoor activities are endless," says Dan Austin, founder of Austin Adventures. On the accommodation front, there's a wide range of choices, including five-star spa-style resorts to rustic lodges, plus upgraded ranches and quaint cabins.

    Beautiful scenery will surround you in Big Sky Country. The fourth-largest state is rich in romantic vistas, with mountains, canyons, forests, river valleys, badlands, caverns and grassy plains. Fortunately, the state is relatively easy to access, especially from the West Coast and the Midwest. You'll find daily flights from Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, Seattle and more. If traveling to the Northwestern or Western parts of the state, fly into Glacier Park or Missoula County International Airports. For the Southwest, disembark at Billings Logan or Bozeman Yellowstone International Airports.

    City slickers might choose to honeymoon elsewhere—Montana is about wilderness, rustic living and road trip adventures, rather than trendiness and cosmopolitanism. Since the state is an extremely popular destination, many properties sell out several months in advance, Austin warns. Honeymooners should book their vacation as far ahead as possible.

    Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but bring your IDs.
    Language:
    English.
    Location: Montana is located in the Northwestern United States, bordered by Canada to the north, North Dakota and South Dakota to the east, Wyoming to the south, and Idaho to the west and southwest.
    Currency: USD.
    Flight time to Destination: From New York, flights are around 6 hours to Billings, Montana.
    Getting around: Renting a car is highly recommended in Montana due to its vast landscapes and limited public transportation.

    Pro tip: Find a honeymoon planning expert on The Knot Marketplace for Montana honeymoon expertise, reviews, testimonials and more.

    Where to Visit on a Montana Honeymoon

    Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone national park
    Photo: Berzina | Shutterstock

    Bigfork

    Located on the shores of Bigfork Bay on Flathead Lake (famed for its year-round fishing), this vibrant town is about an hour from Glacier National Park. In addition to being home to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse (a repertory theater), it boasts many art galleries and restaurants. Time your visit to coincide with one of its many events, such as the Bigfork Brewfest in March, Bigfork Festival of the Arts, or the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.

    Glacier National Park

    A must-visit for its alpine scenery, this national park in Northwestern Montana (on the Canadian border) is known for its 25 glaciers. Arguably its most famed feature is "Going-to-the-Sun Road," a 50-mile stretch designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Explore the park via its hiking trails—from easy (Trail of the Cedars) to moderate (Avalanche Lake) to challenging (Grinnell Glacier). To experience some of its 700-plus lakes, book a Glacier Park Boat Company tour. Or, let Red Bus Tours show you the park from one of its historic chauffeured buses. Don't forget to watch out for grizzly bears and mountain goats.

    Whitefish Mountain

    Named one of the "Top 25 Ski Towns in the World" by National Geographic, this town sits on the shores of Whitefish Lake, at the bottom of Big Mountain. Couples can ski and snowboard in the winter, and boat and hike in the summer.

    Missoula

    For a dose of culture, head to Missoula or "The Garden City." It's home to several museums, among them Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Missoula Art Museum, Montana Museum of Art & Culture and Montana Natural History Center.

    Bozeman

    A Montana honeymoon is about outdoor adventures. However, to add some balance to your trip, couples might want to explore the fourth largest city in the state. In addition to activities, like fly fishing and rock climbing, Bozeman boasts plenty of museums, art galleries, as well as music and theater performances. Finally, soak up the atmosphere at one of the city's festivals, which range from farmer's markets to art fairs.

    Big Sky

    This community in the Rocky Mountains offers skiing in the winter and downhill mountain biking in the warmer months. When skiing in Big Sky Resort, you'll experience endless, almost-deserted terrain. In fact, according to the resort, there are about two snow-covered acres per skier on the busiest days.

    Yellowstone National Park

    Yellowstone, the world's first national park, offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beauty. Visit the most famous geyser, Old Faithful, plus Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Lake. All three sites are accessible from Southwest Montana (most of the park is situated in Wyoming). While you navigate this volcanic area, look out for wildlife, including grizzly bears, bison, wolves, lynx, fox, moose, elk and antelope.

    Best Montana Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

    From quaint cabins and honeymoon ranches to luxurious resorts, here are our top picks when it comes to accommodations across Montana.

    The Sage Lodge in Pray Montana
    Photo: Michael J Magee | Shutterstock

    The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

    Situated between Whitefish Lake and the Viking Creek Wetland Nature Preserve, The Lodge offers a myriad of activities. In the summer, go whitewater rafting, charter fishing, or boating. In the winter, try ice fishing, skiing, or a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride. For a more low-key experience, book a spa treatment or simply relax in the indoor or outdoor pools and hot tubs or private beach and swim area. For the ultimate in romance, request a room with a soaking tub and lake view.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    The Resort at Paws Up

    With 100 miles of trails, this 37,000-acre working cattle ranch resort in Greenough (about 30 minutes from Missoula) offers unbridled access to nature. Choose from 28 private vacation homes (an alternative to vacation rentals) and 36 luxury camping tents. For romance, schedule a starlit wagon ride, horseback ride or hot air balloon excursion.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    The Ranch at Rock Creek

    Located southeast of Missoula, this luxury dude ranch sits on 6,600 acres of mountains, meadows, forests, and Rock Creek, a Blue-Ribbon fishery. In addition to featuring farm-to-table cuisine, the state's newest guest ranch offers upscale accommodations—from glamping cabins to traditional guest rooms and whole houses. All-inclusive, the ranch provides twice-daily activities, from wildlife photography to fly-fishing, rifle-shooting, and mountain biking.

    5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Triple Creek Ranch

    A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, Triple Creek Ranch was designed for adults and provides an all-inclusive experience. Located in Darby, in the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rocky Mountains, the ranch offers a range of accommodations, including private log cabins and ranch homes (some with hot tubs). Activities abound, from archery and fly-fishing to trail running and yoga.

    5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Sage Lodge

    For couples looking to spend days exploring Yellowstone National Park, this luxury resort is just a half-hour away. Sage Lodge offers fly-fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, and cross-country skiing, plus a large outdoor hot tub and a spa with a steam room, sauna and outdoor therapy pool.

    5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Lone Mountain Ranch

    A National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, Lone Mountain Ranch includes 30 rooms within 24 cabins, plus a restaurant, saloon, boutique and equestrian facilities. Guests can choose from a range of outdoor activities, including tours of Yellowstone National Park, axe throwing, a ropes course, archery, river tubing, and more. Consider booking the ranch's summer or winter honeymoon packages, including massages and a private horseback or sleigh ride. Set on 148 acres in Big Sky, Montana, the ranch is located near Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort and Bozeman Airport.

    4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

    Pro tip: For even more places to stay in Montana, be sure to check out a few honeymoon-worthy Airbnbs and VRBOs.

    Montana Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

    Rafting the iconic Yellowstone River and carving S-turns on the slopes of Big Sky are just a few reasons why nature lovers will relish a Montana honeymoon. Long days of romantic activities and chill evenings in a cozy and luxurious lodge? Yes, please.

    A couple cross country skiing on a beautiful winter day in Montana
    Photo: Jordan Siemens | Getty

    Outdoor Adventures

    During the warmer months, go hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and more. In the winter, explore the outdoors via skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. For a relaxing romantic activity, take a sleigh ride.

    Spa Treatments

    Most resorts include spas, allowing honeymooners to mix exercise and rustic experiences with relaxation and luxury on their Montana vacations.

    Beer Tasting

    Craft beer is big business in Montana. In fact, the state is second only to Vermont in its number of breweries per capita. Book a microbrewery tour, such as Big Sky Brews Cruise, which will introduce you to breweries in Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls and the Flathead Lake area. In cities, you can also brewery hop; in Missoula, for instance, you can stop by Kettlehouse Brewing Co., Draught Works Brewery, Bayern Brewing, and Big Sky Brewery.

    Pro tip: Include a few Montana honeymoon experiences in your wedding gift registry, so your family and friends can contribute to your exciting post-wedding vacation.

    What to Pack for a Montana Honeymoon

    Scenic view of Glacier National Park in Montana
    Photo: Jordan Siemens | Getty

    This is not the trip to bring your trendiest attire in your honeymoon luggage. Montana is a place for boots over stilettos. "What's key is casual," says Austin. "Clean jeans will get you into the finest restaurant in Montana."

    Your packing checklist will also want to include gear for hiking, bathing suits and swim trunks for hot springs, and sweaters, puffers and layers for evenings.

    Brittany Barber contributed to this article.

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