Though one of the US’s least populous states, Montana is a popular choice for outdoorsy travelers.
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It offers a wide range of adventurous possibilities, from snowshoeing during the depths of winter to kayaking down scenic rivers in summer.
It’s the kind of state that rugged and daring travelers return to year after year, regardless of the season.
That being said, not everyone knows that one of Montana’s best-kept natural wonders can only be seen when the sun sets. The Big Sky State, as it happens, is home to more Dark Sky sanctuaries than any other part of the lower 48.
And if you’re heading to Montana this winter with plans to soak up the scenery or ski down its slopes, then you should be bundling in a little bit of stargazing.
The best places to do it are in or near Glacier National Park and Medicine Rocks State Park.
If you’re heading to either area this winter, I recommend staying at one of the Montana rentals located below. I’ve divided my recommendations into two sections based on each Dark Sky sanctuary.
But before we dive in, let’s explore how you can get even more out of stargazing in Montana.
Get more out of stargazing in Montana
I recommend stopping in Helena where you can explore the Montana Learning Center. It’s home to a handful of exhibits, which include the basics of stargazing and astronomy for newcomers.
Best of all, there’s a 25” public telescope that makes it easy to peruse the skies and spot some of our galaxy’s most famous faces.
They also do things like throw ‘Star Parties’, which let the general public come and explore the skies with a little guided help during major astronomical events. There are also distinct adult and children’s programs for those looking to enroll in a course.
On top of the Montana Learning Center, I also suggest checking out Trail to the Stars. This interactive map lets you take a closer look at the best places to spot the stars from parks, campgrounds, and other areas.
For campers, it’s a fantastic resource that lets you create a star-centric camping itinerary. But if you’d rather stay indoors, I suggest doing so at one of the spots listed below.
Best Montana rentals near Glacier National Park
Treetop Cabin with a View
This beautiful A-Frame-style rental is part of the Treetops Glacier lodging site, which includes a few other rentals from the group. That being said, this selection has a highly remote feel—one that’s perfect for a romantic escape and stargazing alike.
Though the rental is fairly small, it has every lux feature a stargazer could hope for, including an outdoor soaking tub so they can bust out the telescope while relaxing after a long day.
Ten Mile Post
I love the quirky nature of this cabin, along with its wood features. Though the cabin has been around for a while, it’s newly updated with a cute design and quaint features, like the wood-burning fireplace.
There’s also plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors thanks to plenty of seating and a large fire pit. Though surrounded by tall trees, there’s a large clearing where you can gaze at the stars above.
Glacier hideaway
This highly remote hideaway gives you the best in outback travel and natural wonders. Not only are guests staying inside a stately log cabin, but they also have fantastic on-site amenities to enjoy, like the state-of-the-art hot tub.
Best of all, though you’ll be far off the beaten path, you won’t be far from Glacier National Park and its fantastic dark skies.
Inside GNP Lakefront Cabin
Want a rental that’s actually located inside national park grounds? This cabin offers breathtaking views of the mountains of Glacier National Park and Lake McDonald.
The historic property includes a beautiful wood-centric interior and a grand, cobbled fireplace. It’s cozy with a classic and slightly dated feel—but those stunning views are what drive interest in this rental.
Bear Mountain Views of Glacier Park
This rental also includes mountain views and a birds-eye of Lake McDonald. The panoramic views are absolutely worth writing home about—and you can enjoy them from the bed, couch, and more thanks to the great layout of this rental.
Just keep in mind that this unit is a guest house rather than a stand-alone.
The Ridge at Glacier
This luxury cabin offers a curated yet rustic way to experience the stars outside Glacier National Park. The holiday home is designed with families in mind, offering plenty of space to hang out and outdoors to explore. The wrap-around balcony is especially perfect for spying on the stars at night.
Best Montana rentals near Medicine Rocks State Park
Meccage Ranch Guest House
This farm stay takes you right to the edge of Medicine Rocks State Park. The rental includes two bedrooms and a fairly basic design and layout.
The trade-off is the local experience, as you’ll get to rub elbows with the hosts and their friendly pups. I’m sure they also have a few tips about the best stargazing in the area.
The Alberta
This lovely rental in Ekalaka offers plenty of bedrooms for larger groups that want a landing pad during their Montana adventures. But there’s also a large backyard that makes it easy to soak up those night sky views. Just be sure to follow the house rules—this is a historic home that will be restored and cared for in the coming years.
