10 Small Town Historic Hotels In Montana Still Hosting Guests

Montana holds a special place in American history, and nowhere is that more evident than in its charming small towns.

These communities are home to beautifully preserved hotels that have welcomed travelers for over a century.

Staying at one of these historic properties means stepping back in time while enjoying modern comforts.

Each hotel tells its own story through original architecture, vintage decor, and tales of famous guests who once walked their halls.

From the foothills of Glacier National Park to quiet prairie towns, Montana’s small town historic hotels offer authentic Western hospitality that you simply won’t find in chain accommodations.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a family adventure, these timeless treasures provide a unique window into the state’s colorful past.

Many have been lovingly restored to their original grandeur, blending period charm with contemporary amenities.

Ready to discover where history and hospitality meet?

Let’s explore ten remarkable hotels across Montana that continue to welcome guests just as they did generations ago.

1. The Pollard Hotel

Red Lodge’s crown jewel has stood proudly for well over a century, earning recognition as one of the finest historic accommodations in the state.

The Pollard Hotel combines Victorian elegance with contemporary luxury in ways that feel both authentic and comfortable.

Located at 2 North Broadway Avenue in Red Lodge, this landmark building showcases stunning period architecture that immediately transports you to another era.

Original woodwork graces the common areas, while guest rooms feature a perfect balance of antique charm and modern convenience.

The restoration efforts have preserved intricate details like ornate moldings and vintage light fixtures.

Guests appreciate the attention to historical accuracy throughout the property.

High ceilings and large windows flood the spaces with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere despite the building’s age.

The lobby serves as a gathering place where visitors can admire period furnishings and imagine the countless travelers who passed through before them.

Staff members share fascinating stories about the hotel’s colorful past with anyone interested in learning more.

This Red Lodge treasure continues to set the standard for historic hospitality across Montana.

Staying here means experiencing genuine Western heritage without sacrificing any modern comforts you might need during your visit.

2. Grand Union Hotel

Fort Benton’s legendary accommodation once held the title of finest lodging between two major American cities.

Built during the frontier era, this remarkable structure has witnessed Montana’s transformation from wild territory to modern state.

The restoration work completed here ranks among the most impressive preservation projects in the region.

Every corner reveals careful attention to historical detail, from the grand staircase to the period wallpapers.

Located at 1 Grand Union Square in Fort Benton, this hotel occupies a special place in the town’s historic riverfront district.

Guest accommodations feature antique furnishings that could have come straight from the frontier period.

Walking through the hallways feels like traveling back to when riverboats dominated Montana commerce.

The building’s exterior maintains its original brick facade, complete with decorative elements typical of frontier prosperity.

Inside, high ceilings and elegant woodwork create spaces that feel both spacious and intimate.

Visitors often comment on how the hotel manages to feel authentic without seeming outdated or uncomfortable.

The property stands as a testament to Fort Benton’s importance in Western expansion.

Choosing to stay here means supporting ongoing preservation efforts while enjoying a truly unique Montana experience that connects you directly to frontier heritage.

3. The Historic Murray Hotel

Livingston’s most iconic lodging establishment embodies everything people imagine when they think of authentic Western hotels.

The Murray Hotel sits at 201 West Park Street in the heart of downtown, where it has anchored the community for generations.

This property earned its reputation through consistently delivering old school charm paired with genuine hospitality.

Original features like vintage elevator cages and period lighting fixtures remain fully functional.

Guest rooms showcase Western decor that honors the building’s frontier roots while providing comfortable modern bedding.

The attached gathering spaces maintain their historic character with pressed tin ceilings and original woodwork.

Famous visitors have included Hollywood stars and literary figures drawn to Livingston’s creative community.

Walking into the lobby feels like stepping onto a movie set, except everything here is completely authentic.

Staff members embrace the hotel’s colorful history, sharing anecdotes that bring the past to life.

The building’s exterior retains its frontier era appearance, making it a recognizable landmark along Park Street.

Staying here offers an immersive experience in Western culture that you simply cannot replicate elsewhere.

The Murray represents Livingston’s spirit perfectly, combining artistic sensibility with rugged frontier heritage in one unforgettable package.

4. Sacajawea Hotel

Three Forks boasts one of Montana’s most architecturally stunning historic accommodations.

The Sacajawea Hotel stands at 5 North Main Street, where three rivers converge in a location significant to Western exploration.

This property’s architectural beauty immediately captures attention with its distinctive period design.

Inside, guests discover spaces that balance historic elegance with welcoming comfort.

The restoration preserved original architectural elements while updating systems for modern expectations.

High ceilings throughout create an impression of grandeur without feeling intimidating or overly formal.

Period furnishings in common areas invite guests to linger and appreciate the craftsmanship of another era.

Guest accommodations feature thoughtful touches that honor the building’s heritage while ensuring restful stays.

The property’s connection to its namesake explorer adds historical depth to every visit.

Staff members take pride in maintaining traditions of exceptional service established over many decades.

The hotel’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding river valleys and historical sites.

Architectural details like original moldings and vintage hardware demonstrate the quality construction methods of the era.

Choosing this Three Forks landmark means experiencing Montana hospitality at its finest while surrounded by genuine historic character.

5. Belton Chalet

Glacier National Park’s gateway holds a nationally recognized historic treasure.

Belton Chalet earned its designation as a National Historic Landmark through exceptional preservation and historical significance.

Located at 12575 Highway 2 East in West Glacier, this property welcomed park visitors from the very beginning of automobile tourism.

The chalet’s distinctive architecture reflects early park service design philosophy, emphasizing harmony with natural surroundings.

Original craftsman details appear throughout the building, from exposed beams to handcrafted woodwork.

Guest rooms maintain period character while offering comfortable accommodations for modern travelers.

The property’s proximity to the park entrance makes it incredibly convenient for visitors planning to explore Glacier.

Sitting on the porch here, you can almost imagine the earliest park tourists arriving by rail to begin their mountain adventures.

The chalet’s restoration followed strict historic preservation guidelines to maintain its authentic appearance.

Period furnishings and vintage photographs help guests understand how park tourism evolved over the decades.

Staying here connects you directly to the early conservation movement that created America’s national park system.

The building represents an important chapter in both Montana and national park history, making every visit educational as well as enjoyable.

6. The Andrus Hotel

Dillon’s boutique gem holds a unique distinction in American hospitality history.

The Andrus Hotel at 115 South Railroad Avenue represents the smallest property ever accepted into Historic Hotels of America.

This intimate scale creates an atmosphere more like staying at a well appointed private residence than a traditional hotel.

The building’s compact size allowed for meticulous restoration that addressed every detail with exceptional care.

Original architectural features shine throughout the property, from vintage hardware to period light fixtures.

Each guest room receives individual attention in design, making every stay feel special and personalized.

The hotel’s location in downtown Dillon puts visitors within easy walking distance of local shops and attractions.

Staff members provide attentive service that matches the property’s intimate character.

Historic photographs displayed throughout the building document Dillon’s evolution from frontier outpost to modern community.

The restoration earned recognition for maintaining authentic character while meeting contemporary comfort standards.

Staying here offers a truly boutique experience that larger properties simply cannot replicate.

The Andrus proves that sometimes the smallest packages contain the most memorable experiences, especially when historic preservation is executed with such obvious passion and attention to authentic detail.

7. Kaiser House Hotel

A beautifully preserved Montana town holds this lovingly restored accommodation.

Kaiser House Hotel showcases what happens when restoration efforts honor original craftsmanship while updating for contemporary needs.

The building’s Victorian era architecture features decorative elements typical of prosperous frontier communities.

Walking through the entrance immediately reveals the care taken in preserving period details.

Original woodwork throughout the property demonstrates the quality construction methods of the era.

Guest rooms blend antique furnishings with modern conveniences in ways that feel natural rather than forced.

The property’s location in a well preserved historic district creates an immersive experience in frontier era Montana.

Period appropriate color schemes and wallpapers help recreate the atmosphere of the building’s original era.

Vintage photographs and local artifacts displayed throughout tell stories about the community’s development.

The restoration project carefully maintained the building’s original floor plan and architectural character.

Guests appreciate how the property manages to feel historic without sacrificing any modern comfort.

Staying here supports ongoing preservation efforts in one of Montana’s most charming small towns.

The Kaiser House represents successful historic preservation that benefits both visitors and the local community through thoughtful restoration and continued operation.

8. Calvert Hotel

Lewistown’s most interesting historic accommodation started life serving an entirely different purpose.

The Calvert Hotel at 216 7th Avenue South began as student housing during the roaring twenties.

This unusual origin story gives the building a distinctive character that sets it apart from typical frontier hotels.

The conversion to hotel use preserved the structure’s solid construction and spacious layout.

Original architectural features like wide hallways and large windows remained intact through the transformation.

Guest rooms benefit from the generous proportions typical of institutional buildings from that era.

The property’s central location makes exploring Lewistown incredibly convenient for visitors.

Period details throughout remind guests of the building’s educational heritage.

The restoration balanced historical preservation with practical updates needed for comfortable lodging.

Vintage photographs document both the building’s original purpose and its transformation into hospitality use.

Staff members enjoy sharing the property’s unique history with curious guests.

The Calvert demonstrates how adaptive reuse can give historic buildings new life while preserving community heritage.

Staying here means experiencing a piece of Montana’s educational history reimagined as welcoming accommodation that serves modern travelers while honoring its distinctive past.

9. The Stevensville Hotel

Montana’s oldest permanent settlement harbors this delightful historic accommodation.

The Stevensville Hotel offers luxury rooms in a setting that feels authentically connected to the state’s earliest history.

Located away from major highways, this property provides a peaceful retreat in a genuinely historic community.

The building’s architecture reflects the prosperity of early Montana settlements.

Period details throughout the property create an atmosphere of refined Western elegance.

Guest accommodations feature high quality furnishings that honor the building’s heritage while ensuring comfortable stays.

The hotel’s intimate scale allows staff to provide personalized service that larger properties cannot match.

Stevensville’s historic character extends beyond the hotel to encompass the entire downtown area.

Staying here means experiencing small town Montana at its most authentic and welcoming.

The property’s restoration maintained original architectural elements while updating systems for modern expectations.

Guests consistently praise the combination of historic charm and contemporary comfort found here.

The hotel represents excellent value for travelers seeking luxury accommodations in a genuinely historic setting.

Choosing this Stevensville landmark means supporting preservation efforts in Montana’s oldest community while enjoying exceptional hospitality in surroundings that genuinely connect you to the state’s frontier heritage.

10. Many Glacier Hotel

Glacier National Park’s eastern valleys hold one of Montana’s most spectacular historic lodges.

Many Glacier Hotel sits at the end of Many Glacier Road in Babb, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

The lodge’s rustic architecture perfectly complements the wilderness setting that has drawn visitors for over a century.

Original craftsman details throughout reflect the national park service’s distinctive design philosophy.

The great lobby features massive timber beams and stone fireplaces that create an impressive gathering space.

Guest rooms maintain period character while providing comfortable bases for park exploration.

Large windows throughout the building frame spectacular views of surrounding peaks and glacial lakes.

The property’s remote location enhances the feeling of genuine wilderness experience.

Staying here connects guests directly to the golden age of national park tourism.

The lodge represents important park service architecture that helped define how Americans experience wild places.

Historic photographs displayed throughout document the property’s construction and early operations.

The building’s scale and setting create an unforgettable backdrop for Glacier National Park adventures.

Choosing Many Glacier Hotel means experiencing one of Montana’s most iconic historic properties in one of the state’s most spectacular natural settings.