The cowboy-chic hospitality scene in America’s fourth-largest state is thriving and captivating travelers seeking unique experiences.
With two national parks and 55 state parks offering year-round adventure, Montana is recognized for its wide-open spaces. The COVID-era surge in domestic and outdoor travel has thrust this picturesque destination into the spotlight. If luxury resort openings and a steady rise in tourism numbers are any indication, Montana’s hospitality scene is flourishing.
Every year, GoTravelDaily conducts a survey for the World’s Best Awards, inviting readers to share their opinions on travel experiences across the globe. Participants weigh in on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels, including safari lodges, are rated on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are classified as city hotels, resorts, or safari lodges based on their locations and amenities.
The results of this year’s survey indicated one clear trend: readers who visited Montana were consistently amazed by how its ranch resorts and overall offerings became highlights of their travel experiences.
One reader remarked, “This is the best experience I’ve ever had in my life, and I’ve traveled the world,” after visiting the Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, which was ranked No. 1.
Another traveler, who stayed at Triple Creek Ranch (No. 2) in Darby, echoed this sentiment. They stated, “One of the most extraordinary properties we have ever visited…and we are avid, seasoned travelers. Gorgeous accommodations, world-class cuisine and beverages, tons of activities, seamless reservations and transportation, and a consistent attention to quality and detail – all on a private, discreet property nestled in nature.”
Summertime visitors to Montana relish hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, and observing the revived grizzly bear population. In contrast, winter travelers enjoy skiing, admiring moose and bison, and exploring the backcountry via snowmobile. After a day of exploration in any season, guests relish returning to luxurious accommodations featuring top-tier amenities.
“What a magical place! It was amazing,” remarked a guest of Lone Mountain Ranch (No. 3), located in Big Sky. “Our cabin had a soaking tub and a fireplace that we used every day.”
To assist in planning a trip to Big Sky Country, here are the top five resort hotels in Montana, as voted by GoTravelDaily readers in the recent World’s Best Awards.
Top Five Resort Hotels in Montana
1. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg
This opulent dude ranch, situated on a 19th-century homestead, offers an authentic Montana experience through a diverse range of accommodations, including a Western-style lodge with nine distinct rooms, five glamping options (including a covered wagon), a renovated historic barn, and seven private log cabins. The Ranch at Rock Creek is an all-inclusive resort, offering farm-to-table meals and beverages, evening entertainment at the Silver Dollar Saloon, and daily activities such as horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery, and clay shooting. Additionally, mountain bikes are available for each guest. Hikers can explore over 20 miles of trails on the property, unwind in a heated outdoor pool or year-round hot tub, or indulge in wilderness-inspired spa treatments. Social hour features a roaming bar in a converted horse trailer during summer months, allowing guests to mingle before bonding at rodeos, barbecues, or barn dances.
Score: 94.50
2. Triple Creek Ranch, Darby
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.00
3. Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky
Score: 91.86
4. Sage Lodge, Pray
Score: 91.79
5. The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough
Score: 90.86
