Looking for a getaway that blends outdoor adventure with craft beer and a touch of the unusual? Montana might just be your perfect escape. From hiking rugged trails in the Bitterroot Mountains to whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River, this state is a playground for nature lovers. Biking enthusiasts will find scenic routes galore, and wildlife watchers can spot everything from elk to bald eagles. After a day of adventure, grab a pint at one of Montanau2019s best breweriesu2014Missoula alone is home to some fantastic spots like KettleHouse Brewing Co. and Imagine Nation Brewing, both offering excellent local pours and lively atmospheres.
If you’re looking to add something unexpected to your Montana itinerary, plan a visit to Garnet Ghost Town, one of the most well-preserved and fascinating Montana ghost towns. Located in the Garnet Range east of Missoula, this abandoned gold rush town offers a peek into the past with its silent buildings and storied history. Wandering through the old hotel, saloon, and mineru2019s cabins is a hauntingly cool experience and one of the truly unique things to do in Montana. Garnet isnu2019t aloneu2014there are dozens of other ghost towns scattered throughout the state, each with its own character and backstory.
After all that exploring, unwind at the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast, a quiet hideaway just a short drive from downtown Missoula. This Missoula Bed and Breakfast offers warm hospitality, gorgeous mountain views, and comfortable accommodations that make it easy to recharge before your next adventure. Whether you’re in town for the outdoor action, the local beer scene, or the history, Blue Mountain offers an ideal home base. Itu2019s the kind of place that feels both relaxing and perfectly situated to enjoy all the best things to do in Missoula. For a truly memorable trip, thereu2019s no better way to experience Montana than with a stay at a top-rated Montana Bed and Breakfast and a schedule packed with nature, culture, and a few ghost stories.
Explore Garnet Ghost Town This Summer
Just 40 miles east of Missoula, Garnet Ghost Town offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure thatu2019s equal parts historical and haunting. Unlike many abandoned towns in the West, Garnet is remarkably well preserved thanks to its remote location and the efforts of local preservationists. Founded in the 1890s during Montanau2019s gold rush, Garnet was once a bustling mining town with over a thousand residents. Today, visitors can wander through more than 30 historic buildings, including a hotel, general store, saloons, and minersu2019 cabins, all tucked into the pine-covered hills of the Garnet Range. Itu2019s one of the most compelling Montana ghost towns because it feels like the people just stepped out for a momentu2014and might come back any day.
What makes Garnet especially fascinating is that it wasnu2019t abandoned because the gold ran out. A devastating fire in 1912 destroyed much of the townu2019s commercial center, and by the time rebuilding began, World War I had drawn many men away from mining. Visitors today can explore the ruins of those lost buildings as well as the remaining structures, which offer a window into the past. One unique detail: many of the buildings still contain original furniture and artifacts left behind by residents, giving the town an eerie, lived-in feel. If youu2019re into photography or history, Garnet offers endless inspiration and is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Montana.
Another hidden gem in Garnet is its surrounding landscape. The town sits within thousands of acres of public land, with hiking trails that pass wildflower meadows, aspen groves, and the occasional moose or black bear. In the winter months, Garnet is only accessible by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes, making it a true backcountry experience. If youu2019re looking for things to do in Missoula that go beyond the brewery circuit and city scene, a day trip to Garnet provides a perfect contrastu2014a quiet, rugged excursion filled with natural beauty and ghostly echoes of the past.
For those staying in the area, make your base at a top-rated Missoula Bed and Breakfast like Blue Mountain, where youu2019ll have easy access to Garnet and all that western Montana offers. Whether youu2019re drawn by history, scenery, or simply the chance to explore one of the best-preserved Montana ghost towns, Garnet delivers a memorable side trip from town. Itu2019s the kind of place that lingers in your mind long after youu2019ve leftu2014part mystery, part adventure, and completely worth the drive. Combine that with the comforts of a cozy Montana Bed and Breakfast, and youu2019ve got the perfect blend of discovery and relaxation.
Private Oasis at our Bed and Breakfast in Missoula
When youu2019re planning your Montana escape, staying at the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast near Missoula adds something truly special to your experience. This inviting Montana Bed and Breakfast sits just outside the city, offering peaceful mountain views and easy access to all the best things to do in Missoulau2014without sacrificing comfort or character. Itu2019s not a generic chain hotel; itu2019s a place with personality, where each room is thoughtfully decorated and every detail feels personal. The owners go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome, whether youu2019re coming back from a long hike or just winding down after exploring the local brewery scene.
What really sets Blue Mountain apart is the balance it strikes between luxury and authenticity. Wake up to a hearty homemade breakfast with ingredients sourced from the region, and enjoy your morning coffee with a view that reminds you exactly why you came to Montana. Whether youu2019re planning to bike the Bitterroot Trail, visit Garnet Ghost Town, or spend the afternoon watching wildlife in the hills, the B&B serves as the perfect home base. Itu2019s close enough to Missoula to make brewery-hopping or dinner in town convenient, yet far enough out to offer a genuine connection to nature and local lifeu2014a rare combo that gives your stay a sense of place.
If youu2019re looking for lodging that reflects the spirit of your Montana adventure, Blue Mountain delivers. Itu2019s the kind of place where people return year after year, drawn by the warmth of the hosts, the comfort of the rooms, and the unbeatable views. Whether youu2019re chasing outdoor thrills or quiet moments, thereu2019s no better way to wrap up your days than returning to a top-rated Missoula Bed and Breakfast that feels like a true part of Montana. For travelers who want something more memorable than a hotel room, this is itu2014charming, genuine, and right in the heart of your unique things to do in Montana itinerary.