10 Unusual Places To Stay In Montana For A Getaway You’ll Never Forget

A boat is parked in the treetops near Glacier National Park, and yes, you can book a whole night inside it. I keep rereading that sentence, and it still makes me grin.

The surprises across Montana don’t stop there, either. One spot offers tipis with electric fireplaces about 100 yards from the Yellowstone River, and another borrows its look from a Tolkien hobbit home.

I love that these stays turn the bed itself into the main adventure. Your bed becomes the part of the trip you brag about later, like the night in a yurt built with Arctic winter insulation.

So which one would you pick first, the canvas tent, the frontier cabin, or the boat in a tree? Honestly, I already know my answer, and I suspect you’ll need more than a few free weekends.

1. Montana Treehouse Retreat

Most boats spend their lives on the water, but The Beverly decided the treetops looked better. It’s a rebuilt 1966 Trojan Sea Voyager lifted into the pines on a steel frame.

The boat is one of three rentals at this forested retreat near Glacier National Park. The other two, The Meadowlark Treehouse and The Raven’s Nest Treehouse, keep things more traditionally leafy.

Inside The Beverly, you get a king bedroom and a small library nook set in the bow. Yes, you can read a paperback in the front of a boat that never touches a lake.

Comfort doesn’t get left on the dock, either. You’ll find a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, heat, air conditioning, and a double-head shower that feels wonderfully un-nautical.

Outside, a private fire pit gives you a spot to swap stories after dark. Pack marshmallows, because a boat in a tree deserves a campfire celebration.

The location makes planning easy, since the property sits between Columbia Falls and Whitefish. Glacier Park International Airport is about seven miles away, so you can land and be up a tree fast.

Summer days here are made for Glacier’s lakes and trails. Then you get to come back and climb into a boat, which is a sentence nobody expects to say.

With only three rentals on site, choices are limited. Plan ahead if you have your heart set on one specific treehouse.

Address: Columbia Falls, MT 59912

2. The Shire of Montana, Trout Creek, MT

Your street address will be 9 Hobbit Lane, which is already a better start than most hotels offer. Tolkien fans, this one is calling your name.

The Shire of Montana is an earth-sheltered dwelling inspired by the hobbit homes of Middle-earth. Think less high-rise lobby and more hillside hideaway where second breakfast feels like a reasonable plan.

Location plays a big part in the charm. The property sits near Trout Creek, a small, unincorporated community in Sanders County.

This corner of northwestern Montana feels far from busy highways and crowded attractions. The setting is rural and wooded, so quiet is basically included with your stay.

Trout Creek lies in the Clark Fork River valley, with the Kootenai National Forest stretching through the region. That means plenty of room for hiking, fishing, and wandering around like a hobbit on an unexpected journey.

Plan your supplies before you arrive, since you’re heading into small-town country. Grocery runs and gas stops are easier to handle on the way in than in the middle of a lazy afternoon.

Bring a copy of the books or queue up the movies for the drive. Reading about the Shire while staying in a Shire-inspired home is a treat even casual fans can enjoy.

Address: 9 Hobbit Lane, Trout Creek, MT 59874

3. Under Canvas Glacier, Coram, MT

Canvas walls, mountain air, and a short drive to one of America’s most famous parks make a strong case for skipping the motel. Under Canvas Glacier turns camping into something a lot less lumpy.

The camp sits in Coram, a tiny community just minutes from West Glacier. That puts you close to the park’s west entrance without needing to pitch a single tent yourself.

Accommodations are simple canvas quarters rather than fancy hotel suites. Some tents come with shared bathrooms, so check which option fits your comfort level before booking.

Never tried glamping before? This style of stay is a friendly first step, since the setup work is already handled for you.

Bike rentals are available on site, which is handy for exploring at a slower pace. Pedaling around feels right when the scenery looks like a postcard on repeat.

The camp runs seasonally, so timing matters. Plan your trip around the warmer months when Glacier’s roads and trails are most accessible.

Glacier National Park offers famous drives like Going-to-the-Sun Road, plus lakes and trails for days. You can spend the morning sightseeing and return to canvas walls rustling in the breeze.

Pack layers, even in summer, because mountain nights can turn chilly. A flashlight or headlamp also makes late trips across camp much easier.

Address: 101 Under Canvas Rd, Coram, MT 59913

4. Nevada City Cabins, Virginia City, MT

Few vacation views include a two-story outhouse, but this one proudly does. The historic structure is attached to the back of the old Nevada Hotel, right across from the cabins.

That quirky detail tells you a lot about this stay. You’re sleeping beside Nevada City, a preserved ghost town from Montana’s gold rush days.

Back in the 1860s, this spot served as a stagecoach stop. Today, the property offers both rooms and cabins for travelers who like their history up close.

The cabins sit directly behind the old Nevada Hotel. Step outside, and the past is basically your next-door neighbor.

Nearby Virginia City grew up during the Alder Gulch gold rush of the 1860s. Its historic main street still shows off that boomtown character today.

History buffs will be in heaven here, but kids often love it too. Old buildings, wooden boardwalks, and ghost town stories make for a fun family scavenger hunt.

The area has a small year-round population, so it feels quiet compared with bigger tourist towns. Bring a sense of curiosity and plenty of camera battery.

Take time to walk both Nevada City and Virginia City during your visit. The two towns sit close together, so you can explore a lot without long drives.

And yes, you’ll probably take a photo of that outhouse. Everyone needs at least one strange vacation picture.

Address: 1578 MT-287, Virginia City, MT 59755

5. Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa, Pray, MT

Soaking in natural hot springs after a day in the mountains sounds like a dream. At Chico, that dream has been going strong for more than 125 years.

The resort sits along the mountains between Pray and Emigrant in Paradise Valley. The main lodge dates to around 1900, and its history is a big part of the appeal.

You can choose historic lodge rooms or more modern cabins. Then there are the two natural hot spring pools, which might become your favorite part of the trip.

Want something even more unusual? Camp Conestoga offers six custom-built covered wagons for a seasonal stay that feels straight out of a Western.

Each wagon has a king bed and twin bunk beds, sleeping up to four guests. Air conditioning, heat, and electricity sit under that classic canvas roof.

The wagons run from mid-May through October. Showers are in a shared bathhouse, so pack flip-flops and a good attitude.

A gas fire pit and outdoor seating give wagon guests a gathering spot with valley views. It’s a short walk from the wagons to the main lodge and hot springs pools.

Paradise Valley lives up to its name with wide-open ranch land and mountain backdrops. Bring a camera for the drive in, because the scenery starts early.

Address: 163 Chico Rd, Pray, MT 59065

6. Paws Up Montana, Greenough, MT

A working cattle ranch with a spa sounds like two different vacations stuck together. Paws Up makes the combination feel completely natural.

The resort sits in Greenough, a secluded rural settlement in the Blackfoot River Valley. Wide spaces, forested hills, and ranch life set the stage here.

Paws Up is known for safari-style glamping tents, which bring a touch of luxury to sleeping outdoors. You get the canvas adventure without trading away your comfort.

Activities are a big part of the experience on this sprawling property. Expect a Western wilderness setting with plenty of ways to fill your days outside.

When you want a break, there are dining options and a spa on site. That means your evenings can be as relaxed as your mornings are active.

Families often find this ranch a great match. It leans toward family-centered adventure, so kids and grown-ups both have reasons to get excited.

The Blackfoot River area has a strong outdoor reputation in Montana, especially for river time and scenery. Spending a few days here gives you a taste of true ranch country.

Plan your activities ahead, especially if you have a big group. A little scheduling helps you squeeze more fun into each day without feeling rushed.

Address: 40060 Paws Up Rd, Greenough, MT 59823

7. The Hohnstead Glamping & Cabins, Bonner, MT

Leave the TV at home, because these cabins don’t have one anyway. The Hohnstead was built for slowing down, unplugging, and staring up at the stars.

This tiny cabin resort sits in Bonner, a quiet mountain community in Missoula County. The land covers more than 100 acres of forest full of wildlife.

The cabins are self-built and off-grid, with a simple, rustic feel. Even so, they include comfortable amenities that keep the experience easy.

The Stargazer cabin stands out for its view and night sky appeal. The dark forest setting makes this a dream spot for anyone who loves constellations.

Days here can be wonderfully lazy or nicely active. Go for a hike, swing in a hammock, or try the property’s scavenger hunt.

Evenings belong to the campfire and the sunset view. Bring a blanket, because watching the sky slowly fill with stars is the main event.

Got a four-legged travel buddy? The cabins are pet-friendly, so your pup can join the forest fun.

You’re still within about 25 minutes of Missoula, which helps when you want a coffee run or a meal out. Kettlehouse Amphitheater is roughly 15 minutes away for concert nights.

Address: 7012 Anarchy Ave, Bonner, MT 59823

8. Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel, Gardiner, MT

A tipi with its own electric fireplace, about 100 yards from the Yellowstone River, is not a typical hotel booking. That’s exactly why Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel belongs on this list.

Each tipi here is decorated and comes with a fireplace. You get the classic tipi shape with real comforts tucked inside the canvas walls.

The setting is the true star. The tipis sit about 100 yards from the Yellowstone River, surrounded by big Montana scenery.

Gardiner is a small mountain town at the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. That makes this a smart base for days spent spotting wildlife and geysers.

The famous Roosevelt Arch welcomes visitors at the park’s north entrance in Gardiner. Snap a photo there before heading into the park.

Back at camp, the mood is peaceful and relaxed. Listening to the river while the fireplace glows makes for an easy end to a long day.

Pack layers and comfortable shoes for park adventures. Mountain weather can change quickly, even during summer.

Families, couples, and friends can all enjoy the novelty of a tipi stay. It’s the kind of trip you’ll describe to people for years with a big grin.

Address: 20 Maiden Basin Dr, Gardiner, MT 59030

9. Jewel Basin Yurt, Kalispell, MT

Some stays come with a balcony, but this one comes with sweeping mountain views. Jewel Basin Yurt sits at approximately 5,000 feet along Jewel Basin Road in the Swan Range of the Rocky Mountains.

That high perch gives you an alpine backcountry escape. Think big skies, rugged slopes, and fresh mountain air.

The yurt offers off-grid lodging, so plan to unplug for a while. Your phone may get a break, and honestly, so will your brain.

The address sits along Jewel Basin Road on the mountainous edge of the Flathead Valley. It’s a scenic part of Montana where forests meet sweeping views.

The nearby Jewel Basin Hiking Area is famous for its alpine lakes and trails. Hikers will feel right at home with so much terrain close by.

Getting to this high-elevation yurt takes planning. Vehicle access is generally possible from late spring through fall, depending on snow and road conditions.

Bring layers, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water. High elevation weather can shift fast, and being prepared keeps the fun going.

Stargazing up here can be a highlight, with fewer town lights around. A clear night above the Swan Range is a show worth staying up for.

Address: 1963 Jewel Basin Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901

10. Yurt on the Clark Fork River (Spotted Wing Vacation Rentals, LLC), Superior, MT

Arctic winter insulation isn’t a phrase you expect to read about a yurt. Here, it means a round home that stays comfortable year-round beside the Clark Fork River.

The yurt sits just steps from the water in Superior, a small river town in Mineral County. You can practically hear the current from the doorway.

Inside, it’s fully equipped with a full kitchen, hot water, and AC and heat. It sleeps six comfortably, so families or small groups can share the adventure.

The insulation helps keep it snug in winter and cool in summer. That makes this a true all-season getaway instead of a summer-only treat.

Outdoor fun surrounds you in every direction you look. Fishing, floating, river rafting, hiking, biking, and skiing are all on the menu in this area.

Lolo National Forest offers endless trails and mountain lakes nearby. The National Bison Range is another great day trip for wildlife lovers.

On-site parking makes arrival simple after a long drive. Unload the car, then head straight for the riverbank.

Many people dream of saying they’ve stayed in a yurt someday. This one lets you check that box with river views as a bonus.

Address: 254 Dairy Ln, Superior, MT 59872