Guest Blog: Kirsten Maxwell Groups Are A Trip
If you have ever planned a group vacation, you know it can be difficult to find a destination that works for everyone in your party. More than likely, there is someone who loves outdoor adventures, while at the same time, there is someone who would rather spend their time shopping and enjoying local attractions. Thankfully, Western Montana’s Glacier Country is the perfect destination for all types of travelers. If you are in charge of planning your group getaway, look no further; Glacier Country is the place to go.
Arrival in Missoula
If you haven’t been to Montana, you are in for a pleasant surprise—the airports here are easy to access from around the United States and Canada, and they are extremely manageable. Fly into Missoula, and you can be in your rental car, hitting the road, in less than 20 minutes (or faster if you’re traveling carry-on only). Downtown Missoula is less than 10 minutes by car, so you will be enjoying your vacation in no time.
What Your Group Shouldn’t Miss in Missoula
Downtown Missoula is a great home base and starting point for your group vacation. Stay somewhere with a central location, like the Residence Inn Missoula Downtown. The property has multiple room configurations (all with kitchenettes) and is within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, the river, and the University of Montana.
Outdoor adventurers in your group will find plenty of walking trails nearby. The Mount Sentinel “M” Hike, The Kim Williams Trail, and the “L” Hike are some of the best. For those who prefer shopping, head to stores like One Eleven, Soul City Dry Goods, and The Montana Scene, which have a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs.
If you are looking for a fun place for drinks, head to PLONK, a restaurant and wine bar that has fabulous charcuterie boards, shareable dishes, and an extensive drink menu that includes elevated nonalcoholic beverages. For dinner, we recommend 1889 Steakhouse,which has plenty of space for groups and a diverse menu that is sure to please everyone’s palate.
Next Stop: A Ranch
Once your group has had its fill of city life, load up the car and head to a ranch. We have two that we recommend: Alpine Falls Ranch and The Hightail Ranch. Both offer unique experiences and have accommodations that are perfect for groups. No matter which ranch you choose, be sure to schedule time for a quick stop at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, which has several hot springs pools with temperatures between 55 (the cold plunge) and 106 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a tavern, bar and restaurant on site if anyone is hungry.
Alpine Falls Ranch
Alpine Falls Ranch is an easy drive to Superior, just over an hour from downtown Missoula. The property borders the Lolo National Forest and offers a variety of accommodations, from simple glamping to a Mountain View Villa that sleeps 14.
You can make your stay what you want, as the ranch offers basic, all-inclusive, and concierge packages. Younger children will love the animals on the ranch, including miniature donkeys (which you can take for a walk), Highland cattle, and a llama. Additional activities include fly-fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting (seasonal), hiking, and off-roading. Don’t miss an opportunity to drive a UTV to Diamond Lake, where you can hike along the Cliff Lake Trail and admire the beauty of this alpine lake.
For meals, guests can cook in their own kitchen, take meals at the Six8 Saloon, or arrange for meal delivery. If your group wants a place to hang out, the Six8 Saloon has a pool table, games, and a big screen TV. Across the way is the property’s fitness center, which is well outfitted with free weights and cardio equipment.
If you have a mid-size group, we recommend Black Bear Lodge, which can sleep 10. There are five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a decent-sized kitchen, and porches for enjoying the mountain and valley views. Two bedrooms are on the ground floor, while three are on the basement level. There are multiple washer/dryer units and even a sauna in the lower-level suite.
Larger groups will want to book the Mountain View Villa,the crown jewel of the ranch, with mountain views, a theater room, three-car garage, private dining room with bar area, outdoor patio with grills, office space, and a private gym. This would be perfect for multiple families who want to stay under one roof.
The Hightail Ranch
If your group is looking for a bespoke itinerary/accommodation, head to The Hightail Ranch in Hot Springs. They will create a vacation that fits the needs of everyone in your group, and with over 3,000+ acres, you are sure to find plenty to do.
The Hightail Ranch has a variety of accommodations to choose from, including Canvas Cabins (glamping tents) that sleep two to three people, Historic Homestead Cabins that sleep four adults, and a Governor’s Mansion (the original homestead), which sleeps six.
A family would be comfortable in one of the Homestead Cabins since they sleep four, but note that two of the beds are in a loft accessed by a ladder. This wouldn’t be the best choice for anyone with mobility issues. There is one bathroom in each of these cabins and a small kitchenette with a refrigerator and sink.
Kirsten of Kids Are A Trip started Groups Are A Trip because she felt there was a need for ideas when traveling with a group, her background is in family travel, making her recommendations great for FIT travelers and small group travel.
January 20, 2025
Related: Agritourism, FIT, Group Tours, Guest Post, Hot Springs, Missoula, Outdoor Adventure, Paradise, Ranch, Superior, Tour Operator
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