Kick your boots off and relax at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana

I’ll bet you didn’t know that deer, antelope and elk outnumber humans in Montana? In fact, a square mile of land in Montana might contain Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, mule and whitetail deer, with cows, horses, mountain lions, black bear, fox, coyote, wolf,  and bighorn sheep sprinkled throughout the state.

Montana is a year-round, outdoor lovers paradise. If you enjoy connecting with nature, but your days of camping are long behind you, I recommend a stay at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana.
 

Granite Lodge is open year round at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, 6,600 acres of wild west fun

Located in Southwestern Montana, The Ranch at Rock Creek is 6,600 acres of wild west fun, corralled in a picture perfect package of luxurious ranch lodging. With the Anaconda-Pintler mountain range protecting the valley, The Ranch at Rock Creek sits tall in the saddle at 5,600 feet above sea level. Bird watchers might spot bald and golden eagles soaring overhead, in addition to osprey, hawks and falcons.

Order the Bear Trap, a Huckleberry infused Vodka with soda water and Montana Huckleberry jam.

Cowboy country at The Ranch at Rock Creek

With over 60 horses on property, The Ranch at Rock Creek could be considered a gentleman’s cattle ranch. Of course, this ranch includes a swimming pool, hot tubs, a sauna, spa, saloon and bowling alley. After-all, what kind of gentleman wouldn’t offer a lady a mani-pedi treatment at the Granite Spa after a hard day of fly-fishing or horseback riding?

From first time riders to accomplished equestrians, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers English and Western horseback riding options, in addition to arena riding and miles of endless Montana trail rides.

Enjoy gourmet dining and rustic ranch cuisine at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana

Luxury ranch dining

Looking out onto the Montana landscape, I see why the Plains Indians settled here and why owner Jim Manley picked this special place to be called The Ranch at Rock Creek. With 30 -50 miles of mountains, meadows, lakes and streams meandering through the property, the wild west is alive and well at the ranch. Yet those of us seeking a Relaix & Chateau experience will not be disappointed. Guests are greeted with a flute of sparkling wine and Executive Chef Josh Drage delivers three square meals a day, in addition to appetizers and premium drinks served in the Granite lodge dining room, the Blue Canteen or in the Silver Dollar Saloon.

From fresh Alaskan halibut to Montana-raised beef and organic garden vegetables, Drage serves a healthy and balanced menu, but knows when to pull out the stops with frozen berry souffles and piping hot apple cobblers for dessert and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies served in the afternoon.

Ponderosa house, at The Ranch at Rock Creek, is ideal for families

Sleeping in a barn

As a child, when I left the back door open to our house, my mother would say, “we’re you born in a barn? Close the door.”

I have slept in a barn before, but never an historic barn. Guests have more lodging options at The Ranch at Rock Creek than fish in the pond. In addition to the Granite Lodge, with its nine luxury rooms, the ranch features eight private houses, several canvas tent cabins and the historic barn.

The remodeled 19th century historic barn houses three accommodations – the loft, wrangler and the stable’s bunkhouse. If I were a kid, I’d want to sleep in the bunkhouse, as it is close to the horse corral, yet a short 10 minute walk to Granite Lodge. This location would be ideal for a family reunion, wedding party or private groups.

Granite Lodge

Home to the great room, dining room and Silver Dollar Saloon, the Granite Lodge served as my home base during my stay. My room, the Winchester, was fittingly named after the historic rifle maker. It is decorated in classic Western style with a king bed, as well as a full-size pullout loveseat. This lower level room offers high ceilings and private access through the courtyard to the Silver Dollar Saloon and Granite Spa. My room rented for $850 per person, per night. Winter season is October 1 – April 30, while peak season is May 1- September 30. Check website for current pricing and special packages.

Private Cabins at The Ranch at Rock Creek

For those seeking privacy, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers eight luxury cabins. The two bedroom Cattail cabin is perfect for friends or a small family, while the three-bedroom Ponderosa House would be my ideal choice for a family holiday. For honeymooners or those seeking a romantic getaway, Bluebird cabin, with its king canopy bed and twin pull-out bed is perfect.

The 600 square foot Trapper Cabin at The Ranch at Rock Creek sits next to Rock Creek and is ideal for couples

Family canvas cabins

If you are looking for a “glamping experience” the canvas cabins are for you! Four family canvas cabins feature two rooms separated by a curtain and include cozy reading nooks. Individually furnished in a rustic “Out of Africa” style, the cabins feature private baths, comfortable beds and the soothing sounds of Rock Creek steps from your front door. For the mountain men among us, Trapper Cabin is fifteen minutes by bike to Granite Lodge. This one bedroom, 600 square foot suite is ideal for star-gazing and day dreaming.

The Ranch at Rock Creek activities

With plenty of activities to keep any kids, or kids-at-heart, busy I promise that you will never hear the words, “I’m bored” uttered on this luxury vacation.  From blue-ribbon fly-fishing, to sporting clay, 3-d archery, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking or biking, you’ll want to schedule in a day of rest and relaxation by the fireplace, pond or spa.  The Ranch at Rock Creek offers year-round activities with the best professional and friendly instructors.

Need to know before you travel: The Ranch at Rock Creek is an hour and one half drive from Missoula and Butte airports. There is an additional fee of $225 per vehicle each way (1-6 people) if you would like transportation to and from Missoula International Airport to The Ranch at Rock Creek. Check in and check out time are flexible, according to guest’s schedules. The ranch is pet-friendly and charges $50 per pet, per night.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, in Philipsburg, Montana, offers friendly horses of all riding levels

Insider Tips to Philipsburg

Did you know that Philipsburg, Montana is known for their sapphires? There are several mine claims on Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana. The Ranch at Rock Creek offers sapphire mining nearby if guests are interested.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Rock Creek Ranch on Twitter.

If You Go:

The Ranch at Rock Creek  (406) 859-6027 or (877) 786-1545

79 Carriage House Lane

Philipsburg, Montana 59858

Article written by, video and photos courtesy of,  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of The Ranch at Rock Creek.

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A place to visit, read, play a game or relax

The Broadway Hotel is located at the intersection of Philipsburg, Montana’s two main streets and one traffic light. The light merely blinks red, a testament to Philipsburg’s low-keyed ways. The Broadway Hotel, restored in 2003, is a testament to creativity, comfort and history. The building that houses it dates back to 1890.

The Broadway Hotel' is part of a prettiest painted town

Each of the hotel’s rooms have  their own theme tastefully tied together from the key chains to the decorations. We’ve stayed twice, both times in a suite style option. The first time we stayed in The Britannia Suite, fashioned to represent owner Susan Jenner’s British heritage. Even though our son was just 3 years-old at the time, Susan gave us the keys with a smile and merely asked that we be careful with the creamy-colored bedspreads. We were.

This two room suite–a bed room with two queen-sized beds and a living room with a couch that converts into a double bed is cozy, elegant and comfortable.

Our second stay was in The Sportsman’s Club, another two-room suite but totally different in style. While the Britannia Suite leans towards the feminine, The Sportsman’s Club definitely has a masculine feel with taxidermy animal heads that give a nod to Montana’s hunting tradition. Our son who was then 8, loved it. Though not what I’d call the hunting type, I enjoyed the room as well.

My favorite part of the hotel, though, is the common area. With its  walls painted a warm red, and several sitting areas, the room invites guests to visit, settle in with a favorite book or play a board game at one of the tables.

The common room also serves as a breakfast area in the morning, or guests can enjoy the tasteful continental breakfast of fresh fruit, breakfast style breads and cereal in the kitchen where there is an expansive counter designed for gathering ’round.

One room of the Sportsman's Club two-room suite

Each room, whether a suite or a room for two, has a private bath and TV with VCR. The common area has videos and DVDs that guests can take back to their rooms. The Broadway Hotel also has free WiFi.

Philipsburg, once a mining town, has been named one of the prettiest painted towns in the West and was featured on the Today Show as one of the United States’ best small towns for its spirit of giving. It also has one of the best candy stores– The Sweet Palace.

If you do go, don’t miss a show at the Opera House Theatre, the oldest continuously operating theater in Montana.  Five of the six original hand-painted back drops are still used in productions. The Opera Theater’s season runs from the end of June to the beginning of September. Each of the three shows is great. The acting is top-notch and the storylines laugh-out- loud funny. I try to see all three each year. If you have kids with you, the Vaudeville Show is a splendid option.

The Sportsman's Club's futon couch folds down into a bed

Because The Broadway Hotel is in the heart of town’s National Historic District, shops, restaurants, the Granite County Museum are within a block or two.

Room rates are $79.50 to $129.50, double occupancy, and include a Continental breakfast. An additional person is $10.

The Broadway Hotel
103 West Broadway
Philipsburg, Montana
Phone: (406) 859-8000

Inside photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein. Outside shot, courtesy of The Broadway Hotel

Philipsburg Hotels

Cabin in Montana after the first snowfall.

Make Missoula, Montana your home base

Planning a trip to Missoula, Montana? I recently visited The Garden City for the first time and I plan to circle back in the summer for a second look – maybe a cattle drive?

Located approximately halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone, Missoula is the home base and the cultural capital of the state for experiencing the two best National Parks during the shoulder season.  With five ski hills within 100 miles, thousands of miles of snowmobiling terrain and groomed cross country trails within ten minutes of town, you will love Missoula in the winter.

Like most other Western towns, Missoula has embraced the Microbrew culture. In the spring time, beer lovers will want to attend the Garden City BrewFest. With four breweries and two pub houses, along with multiple stores to get your own home brew set-up, you better show up early to sample over 30 local microbrews while listening to local bands at the BrewFest. Flathead Lake Brewing Company of Missoula is a good example of the local cuisine.

When the weather warms up, check out the Summer Concert Series at Big Sky Brewery which saw acts such as Ray LaMontagne with Brandi Carlile, Modest Mouse, and the Decemberists in 2011.

Council Grove State Park is where the Hellgate treaty was signed in 1855 between the United States and confederated tribes.

Historic Missoula

There is plenty of history to be uncovered in Missoula. Council Grove State Park is within 15 minutes of downtown Missoula. This historic area commemorates the signing of the Hellgate treaty of 1855 between the U.S. and confederated tribes of the Flathead, Kootenai, and Upper Pend d’Oreilles. It’s an ideal location for wildlife viewing, fishing and exploring the Clark Fork River.

While you are in Missoula, take a picture on the Blackfoot River – take your photo with a Cutthroat Trout, before you release it back into the water.

While folks know that Missoula excels in outdoor recreation activities, The Missoula Art Museum hosts more than 26 exhibitions from local and international artists every year. Currently it’s hosting over 130 gelatin silver prints by Ansel Adams. The museum also provides lectures, films and guided tours.

If you are a museum lover, Missoula’s best museum is The Historic Museum at Fort Missoula for western history. This fort is no longer active but has great exhibits such as “”The Road to Today: 250 Years of Missoula’s History” and “When The Mountains Roared: The Fire Of 1910.” Fort Missoula was also used by the Black Bicycle Cops of the 25^th Infantry, and as an Alien Detention Center during WWII between 1941-1944 housing approximately 1200 people.

Missoula Dining

Chef-owned and inspired Scotty’s Table is an example of Missoula bistro dining in the historic Wilma theatre.   For the best wine bar in town, stop by The Red Bird in the historic Florence Building. Looking for affordable dining? The Dinosaur Café in Charlie B’s has southern comfort food that is filling on a snowy day.  Chicken in the Ruff from the Shack has been on the menu since the doors opened in 1949. Enjoy it with a local brew such as Cold Smoke scotch ale from the Kettle House Brewery.

Butterfly Herbs on Higgins Avenue is the place for whole bean coffee and a breakfast treat. Pizza on the Fly is a good choice for late night dining,  the new late night spot is Philly West where the owner flies in sandwich rolls and has authentic WHIZ.

Thinking about a night out on the town? For a night of dancing, The Top Hat has more live music than any venue in town, often featuring musical talent out of Portland and Seattle. Stop by for a mid-week show.

Visit Missoula's Farmers Market in the summer

Best Way to See Missoula

The best way to get around Missoula is to walk. The three farmers markets on Higgins Ave each highlight a different theme in raw foods, baked and homemade goods and handmade wares during the summer.  Cross the Clark Fork River on the bridge while you watch kayakers and surfers on Brennan’s Wave.  Then continue to the Hip Strip on South Higgins for restaurants and shopping.

Just outside of  Missoula you can visit Clearwater River Canoe Trail, a 3.5 mile float through a unique river corridor where you will see Montana’s flora and fauna. After the float it’s only a 1.5 mile walk back to the put in. Enjoy lunch in Seely Lake at any of the local restaurants.

Don’t miss the Carousel in Caras Park if you have kids traveling with you. The carousel is hand-carved and hand-painted, with over 100,000 volunteer hours being given to this great community treasure. This place is a special spot for the young and old alike.

During the summer a must-see is the Smoke Jumper center to view their gear, firefighting planes and maybe even meet a smokejumper.

Horseback ride through wildflowers in Missoula, Montana

What To Do in Missoula

In Missoula, outdoor enthusiasts are able to hike, bike, horseback ride and kayak. Missoula has more biking trails than your average-sized city, along with ever increasing bike and walking paths to connect all of Missoula. The Rattlesnake National Recreation Area is perfect to horseback ride for days or until you explore all 60,000 acres including the wilderness area.

Numerous trails in the Pattee Canyon Recreation area will take you to the top of University Mountain.  Pattee Canyon also boasts a Folf course, picnic tables and great wildlife viewing. If you get a chance, get your picture taken on the “M” trail. It’s a short ¼ mile uphill walk that gives you amazing views of the University District and the Missoula Valley.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Mt. Jumbo. View all three rivers that are around town along with two different mountain ranges and several national forests that surround Missoula.

This year will mark the 35^th International Wildlife Film Festival which covers a week of wildlife and outdoor film screenings, art, and pre & post film events.

Missoula’s River City Roots Festival is a great place to watch people. It’s free and open to the public located in downtown Missoula.  Fall is Grizzly Football season. Grizzly Football fans set up the tail gates by 10:00 a.m. for all 25,000 fans.

For local news, the daily newspaper is the Missoulian, and the Independent is a weekly paper of people, arts and culture.

Insider Tip: Check out the often over-looked Pioneer League Osprey Baseball team. Games happen during the months of June-September. Games feature family friendly and kids’ activities as well as a few great firework shows during the season. The stadium also hosts large concerts during the summer, this year Willy Nelson along with Lyle Lovett and his large band will visit Missoula.

What are your favorite things to do in Missoula?

For more up-to-date happenings in Missoula, follow Destination Missoula on Twitter and like their page on Facebook. For all things travel related, follow Travel Expert Nancy D. Brown on Twitter.

Thanks to Troy Payton Destination Missoula for assistance with this post.  Photo of Council Grove courtesy of Troy Payton. Photo of Farmers Market courtesy of Lisa A. Choo. Wildflowers photo courtesy of  Jackie Corday. Article by  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown.

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