3 Winter Staycations for Valentine’s Day in Southwest Montana
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean big plans or lots of miles. Sometimes the best kind of getaway is one that’s close enough to do on a whim, yet still feels like a reset. From soaks in mineral-rich hot springs to small town strolls and slow mornings with nowhere to be, these three Southwest Montana staycations are built for winter romance.
1. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
This resort is number one on the list because it instantly feels like a reset. Fairmont is the kind of winter overnight that doesn’t need a packed itinerary to feel special. Tucked on the outskirts of Anaconda, Montana, it has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of right on the property, and suddenly, the only plan is the simplest one: warm water, cold air, and nowhere else you need to be.
Settle into a cozy room, grab a drink at the bar, enjoy an easy dinner at the restaurant, then spend the rest of the evening moving between the indoor and outdoor pools. There’s something so unique and special about stepping outside into the crisp air, watching the steam rise off the mineral-rich pools, and slipping into a warm soak (bonus points if it’s snowing!). In the middle of winter, that contrast is pure magic. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just craving an escape this February, Fairmont is the kind of place where the plans stay simple, soak, unwind, and wake up feeling like you actually got away.
2. Copper King Mansion
If you’re the kind of person who’s always looking for off-the-beaten-path, historic stays with true B&B charm, look no further than the Copper King Mansion in Butte, Montana. It’s the kind of place that makes a regular overnight feel like time traveling, and it delivers major special occasion energy. Built for copper tycoon William A. Clark in the 1880s, it is full of turn-of-the-century elegance. Think stained glass windows, frescoed ceilings, hand-carved woodwork, lavish antique furnishings, and fireplaces all around.
Every B&B stay comes with a complimentary tour of the property, and it’s absolutely worth doing. Your tour guide will walk you through the 34-room mansion, sharing tidbits about the property, Clark’s legacy, and Butte’s history. Plus, the mansion is located within easy walking distance to historic Uptown Butte, so after checking in and getting a lay of the land, you can stroll into Uptown for dinner and have a nightcap at one of our favorite distilleries, Headframe Spirits.
3. Double Tree by Hilton in Downtown Helena
If your ideal Valentine’s celebration includes strolling, sipping, and exploring the town you’re in without having to drive, this is a great pick. This hotel is located right on Helena’s historic walking mall, putting you in the middle of Helena’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife. So dinner-and-drinks plans are as easy as stepping outside. For a meal that feels elevated, book a table at The Union by Old Salt, where the farm-to-table menu highlights thoughtfully sourced meats, seasonal sides and desserts, in a cozy, modern dining room that’s perfect for a special occasion meal, like Valentine’s Day. After dinner, take your time strolling the walking mall, pop into a brewery or cocktail spot, and then wander back through the glow of downtown lights. And if you want to explore more of Helena the next morning, you’re within walking distance to other downtown favorites like the Holter Museum of Art, and Reeder’s Alley—Helena’s oldest remaining historic district.
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