Romantic Getaways in Montana's Yellowstone Country

We love romantic getaways, exploring the nooks and crannies of Montana's Yellowstone Country. It's small towns, back roads and obscure restaurants — new lakes, new hikes, new views, it never disappoints. Of course, any opportunity for a getaway is welcome, romance notwithstanding!

Three Forks

You can build a weekend itinerary in any of our areas, but here are a few of our favorites to get you started. In Three Forks, the Sacajawea Hotel's wrap-around porch is iconic. Missouri Headwaters State Park is just down the road, and the Headwaters Trail, a paved trail system, runs throughout town to Droulliard Fishing Access and the Park. If you enjoy biking, it's a great ride, and there is a Lewis and Clark interpretive display at the Headwaters. Enjoy dinner at Pompey's Grill, known as one of the best steakhouses in the area, but don't let that fool you; their menu includes seafood and pasta, which is locally sourced when possible and is delicious.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge is one of our favorite escapes. The drive along Highway 78 is a stunning blend of rolling hills, towering mountains of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and the Stillwater River. The Pollard Hotel is the most historic, once hosting characters such as Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill Cody. I've often mentioned the dining scene in Red Lodge; you really can't go wrong with anywhere you choose, but for an extra special evening, try Piccola Cucina, Ox Pasture, a Sicilian restaurant by Chef Philip Guardione, whose other locations are in New York City and Ibiza, Spain. In the winter, we love skiing at Red Lodge Mountain and exploring the Beartooth Highway in the summer.

Livingston

In Livingston, shopping, dining, live music, live theater, art walks and community events are guaranteed to charm. The Murray Hotel, one of the favorite hotels of the late Anthony Bourdain, sits in the heart of it all. Campione, a Roman-inspired restaurant and James Beard Nominee is every bit worth the hype. (Make your reservations well in advance!) Watch the schedule at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts. They have year-round live theater and a free summer concert series.



Down the road in Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge is a wonderful spot to rest, relax and luxuriate. It offers 360-degree views, two in-house restaurants, a hot tub that looks out to Emigrant Peak, and cozy fireplaces in every room.

Big Sky

In Big Sky, Lone Mountain Ranch offers cabins with gas stoves, sleigh ride dinners and exceptional Nordic skiing, and is close to all Big Sky has to offer. Big Sky Resort now has the most technologically advanced lift systems in North America, and its new tram provides scenic rides to the top of Lone Mountain in winter and summer. Horn and Cantle restaurant on the ranch offers menu delights such as huckleberry-glazed elk chops, or cowboy cassoulet with bison short ribs, bacon lardons, white beans and lentils.

As I mentioned, these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Our website offers lots of getaway ideas.