Most Romantic Montana Vacations: Local Reveals The Best Of Big Sky

Natural hot springs makes any Montana vacation steamy — Photo courtesy of MargaretW / iStock Via Getty Images

It’s easy to fall head over heels in Big Sky Country, and it's more popular than ever for couples. According to the state’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, twosomes accounted for 49% of travelers who took Montana vacations in 2024.

Montana is also becoming one of the trendiest wedding and honeymoon destinations, attracting everyone from elopers to A-listers. I've traveled (and Tindered) all over the world, but as a native Montanan, romantic getaways in Montana are among the most memorable. Here are some of my favorite romantic things to do in Big Sky Country, places to stay, and more.

Romantic things to do in Montana

Montana vacations for two include white snow-covered landscapes — Photo courtesy of Paws Up Montana

Check out one of the big parks

Go for a long walk on the beach or a sunset cruise around Wild Horse Island at the cherry orchard-lined Flathead Lake. Most couples combine a visit to Flathead — the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi — with a trip to nearby Glacier National Park. Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent,” the park features 25 active glaciers, scenic drives, and one of the best national park lodges in the country. It’s impossible to drive through in the summer without witnessing at least one proposal.

Of course, Yellowstone National Park (Montana boasts the park’s only entrance that is open year-round) is also an epic backdrop for Montana honeymoons and trips centered around hiking and watching wildlife. Couples who fly fish flock to Paradise Valley, where “A River Runs Through It” was filmed and the more recent “Yellowstone” is set.

Hit the hot springs

The valley is popular among locals who celebrate milestone anniversaries and soak in the thermal waters at Chico Hot Springs. Established in 1900, the property also features a historic saloon and a private tasting room for blowout 12-course dinners paired with premium wines.

Take a scenic train ride

If you’re in the mood for dinner and a show, buy a ticket for the Charlie Russell Chew Choo. The 4.5-hour scenic train ride includes a prime rib dinner, live music, and entertainment provided by cowboys (some good, some bad). The guns are fake, but the horses are real.

Romantic getaways in Montana mean hitting the slopes together — Photo courtesy of Big Sky Resort

Cozy up in the winter wonderland

When Montana turns into a winter wonderland, couples can hit the slopes at 16 ski resorts, including Big Sky Montana, which claims to have the “biggest skiing in America." When it's time to unwind, Montage Big Sky has an award-winning spa with a special delicious couples' menu.

Other romantic ideas include a sleigh ride dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch or a dinner yurt experience with Montana Backcountry Adventures.

Where to stay

Cozying up surrounded by natural splendor is what Montana vacations are all about — Photo courtesy of Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman is my favorite hotel for an urban escape. You'll find romantic packages with Champagne, rose petal turndown service, a picnic breakfast in bed, and late checkout. The pet-friendly property features Montana’s best rooftop pool, a not-so-secret speakeasy in the basement, and Gibson guitar loaners so you can serenade your partner in your suite.

With just 12 intimate Scandinavian-inspired abodes, including a tree “haus” accessible via a spiral staircase, The Green O is Montana’s best adults-only all-inclusive. Part of the Resort at Paws Up, it's set on a working ranch, so you can wear cowboy boots and Wrangler jeans to your meals prepared by chef Brandon Cunningham, a 2024 James Beard Award Finalist.

Couples who want to sleep in the canopy can book the tree "haus" at The Green O — Photo courtesy of Paws Up Montana

Camping-wise, couples can’t go wrong with Yellowstone Hot Springs in Gardiner, just outside the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Voted one of the best hot springs in the country, the riverfront property has full hook-ups for RVs and tent sites, all within walking distance of the soaking pools.

If you want to bond over a serious case of cabin fever, book The Log House on five forested acres in Central Montana. It’s where the stars of “Yellowstone” stay when they want privacy. There’s no TV, but the hand-hewn cabin has an outdoor cowboy tub, heated floors, a vintage wood stove (with plenty of pre-chopped wood), and mountain views.

What to know before you go

Montana vacations require a car, especially for drives through the mountains — Photo courtesy of Visit Montana

Most of the best romantic hotels near national parks sell out months in advance, so reserve your room when you have your travel dates. And if you want to drive through Glacier National Park in the busy summer months, you’ll need a timed-entry reservation. Alternatively, reserve a car with an all-wheel or front-wheel drive if you want to take your Montana vacation in winter.

And if hiking is on your itinerary, research the roads to the trailheads in advance; many require a high-clearance vehicle. Remember that most mountains still have snow in June, so many trails aren’t accessible until the summer.