Looking for a getaway that blends outdoor adventure with craft beer and a touch of the unusual? Missula, Montana – just a short drive from the fascinating Garnet Ghost Town – might be your perfect escape. From hiking rugged trails in the Bitterroot Mountains to whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River, western Montana 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 Montana’s best breweries—Missoula 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 want to add something unexpected to your Montana itinerary, visit 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 miners’ cabins is a hauntingly cool experience and one of the truly unique things to do in Montana. Garnet isn’t alone—dozens of other ghost towns are scattered throughout the state, each with its own character and backstory.
After all that exploring, unwind at our cozy Bed and Breakfast in Montana, 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, our Montana B&B offers an ideal home base. Book your stay today!
Explore Garnet Ghost Town This Summer
Just 40 miles east of Missoula, Garnet Ghost Town offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s equal parts historical and haunting. Unlike many abandoned towns in the West, Garnet is remarkably well preserved. Founded in the 1890s during Montana’s gold rush, Garnet was once a bustling mining town with over a thousand residents. Today, visitors can wander through more than 30 historic buildings in Garnet Ghost Town, including a hotel, general store, saloons, and miners’ cabins, all tucked into the pine-covered hills of the surrounding Garnet Range.
Garnet is not only a well-preserved abandoned town – it’s also one of the most compelling Montana ghost towns to visit. Walking through this area, it feels like the people just stepped out for a moment—and might come back any day. One unique detail about Garnet Ghost Town? Many buildings still contain original furniture and artifacts left behind by residents, giving the town an eerie, lived-in feel. If you’re into photography or history, Garnet offers endless inspiration and is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Montana.
Unlike many similar ghost towns, Garnet wasn’t abandoned because the gold ran out. A devastating fire in 1912 destroyed much of the town’s 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 and the remaining structures, which offer a window into the past. There are plenty of things to do in Garnget Ghost Town beyond checking out the building and town ruins, though.
Garnet Ghost 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 winter, Garnet is only accessible by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes, making it a true backcountry experience. If you’re looking for things to do in Missoula that go beyond the brewery circuit and city scene, a day trip to Garnet provides a perfect contrast—a quiet, rugged excursion filled with natural beauty and ghostly echoes of the past.
Private Oasis at our Bed and Breakfast in Missoula
When you’re planning your Montana escape, staying at the Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast near Missoula adds something truly special to your experience. Our 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 Missoula—without sacrificing comfort or character. We’re anything but a generic chain hotel; we’re a place with personality, where each room is thoughtfully decorated and every detail feels personal. We go out of our way to make sure you feel welcome, whether you’re coming back from a long hike or just winding down after exploring the local scene.
What really sets us apart as the best place to stay in Missoula is the balance we strike between comfort 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 you’re planning to bike the Bitterroot Trail, visit Garnet Ghost Town, or spend the afternoon watching wildlife in the hills, the B&B is the perfect home base. It’s 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 life—a rare combo that gives your stay a sense of place.
If you’re looking for lodging that reflects the spirit of your Montana adventure, our Missoula Bed and Breakfast delivers. Our guest rooms are packed with local charm and all the comforts you crave from home, including a king or queen-sized bed with high-quality linens and a private bath with a jetted tub and shower. There’s no better way to wrap up your days than returning to a home away from home that feels like a true part of Montana. For travelers who want something more memorable than a hotel room, this is it—charming, genuine, and right in the heart of all the most unique things to do in Montana. Book your getaway to Missoula today!
