If you’re experiencing cabin fever, you’re not alone–winter is a tough time even for the most experienced Montanan. Luckily, when you live in the Treasure State, beautiful new scenery is never far away.
Depending on what part of the state you call home, some of these road trips will be easy weekend ventures that will offer a change of pace and a little excitement. Just check the road conditions first since we’ve still got plenty of winter weather ahead (sorry).
- Head to Billings and see what’s new in Montana’s biggest city.
Billings, Montana’s Trailhead Facebook
Billings, Montana’s Trailhead Facebook If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to Billings, prepare to be surprised by all the changes. From the newer eateries to the classic watering holes, the restaurant scene is booming. And there’s plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, especially at Pictograph Cave State Park and The Rimrocks.
- Drive to Philipsburg and experience the quiet beauty of the off season.
Philipsburg, MT Official Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Philipsburg, MT Official Chamber of Commerce Facebook Philipsburg becomes a popular tourist destination in the summertime, but you can have a great weekend there anytime, especially if you don’t mind a little (and occasionally a lot of) snow. Relax and unwind at the historic Caledonia Bed & Breakfast, which has rooms for $115 during the off season.
- Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Lone Pine State Park is beautiful in the winter, offering miles and miles of trails perfect for showshoeing and cross country skiing, not to mention breathtaking views of the Flathead Valley. And when you’re not exploring the park, you can grab a bite and a cozy hotel room in Kalispell.
- Missoula
Visit Missoula! Facebook
Visit Missoula! Facebook Escape the deadness of the season by taking a road trip to the always lively city of Missoula. Shopping, dining and art galleries are fun in any season, and there are plenty of winter activities and events that will make you forget your cabin fever.
- Boulder Hot Springs
Boulder Hot Springs Facebook
Boulder Hot Springs Facebook Every longtime Montanan knows there’s no better time to sink down into a hot springs pool than the dead of winter. Not only does Boulder Hot Springs stay open all year, they often have some great winter specials. Plus, no matter which part of the state you’re coming from, the drive is absolutely gorgeous.
- Libby
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr Check the weather reports before you head to Libby–the snowfall can be extreme in this part of the state. But in the wintertime, Kootenai Falls transforms into a frozen wonder, and you’ll have access to some amazing trails for cross country skiing.
- Fort Benton
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr There’s never a bad time to visit the Birthplace of Montana. A trip to this always charming city will completely relax you. Temperatures here have been slightly warmer than normal lately.
Do Montana winters leave you feeling anxious to get in your car and go? Here are 7 unforgettable road trips to add to your bucket list.
Billings, Montana’s Trailhead Facebook
If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to Billings, prepare to be surprised by all the changes. From the newer eateries to the classic watering holes, the restaurant scene is booming. And there’s plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, especially at Pictograph Cave State Park and The Rimrocks.
Philipsburg, MT Official Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Philipsburg becomes a popular tourist destination in the summertime, but you can have a great weekend there anytime, especially if you don’t mind a little (and occasionally a lot of) snow. Relax and unwind at the historic Caledonia Bed & Breakfast, which has rooms for $115 during the off season.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Lone Pine State Park is beautiful in the winter, offering miles and miles of trails perfect for showshoeing and cross country skiing, not to mention breathtaking views of the Flathead Valley. And when you’re not exploring the park, you can grab a bite and a cozy hotel room in Kalispell.
Visit Missoula! Facebook
Escape the deadness of the season by taking a road trip to the always lively city of Missoula. Shopping, dining and art galleries are fun in any season, and there are plenty of winter activities and events that will make you forget your cabin fever.
Boulder Hot Springs Facebook
Every longtime Montanan knows there’s no better time to sink down into a hot springs pool than the dead of winter. Not only does Boulder Hot Springs stay open all year, they often have some great winter specials. Plus, no matter which part of the state you’re coming from, the drive is absolutely gorgeous.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Check the weather reports before you head to Libby–the snowfall can be extreme in this part of the state. But in the wintertime, Kootenai Falls transforms into a frozen wonder, and you’ll have access to some amazing trails for cross country skiing.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
There’s never a bad time to visit the Birthplace of Montana. A trip to this always charming city will completely relax you. Temperatures here have been slightly warmer than normal lately.
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