Distinctly Montana Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.distinctlymontana.com/i/20776
WESTERN GETAWAY After the holidays, the urge to get away from it all becomes an itch you want to scratch. You may seek relaxation in a beautiful place or adventure in the moun- tains or culture in the city. Your organization may want to hold a retreat. Here’s a roundup of places, each with its own advantages, to fulfill your needs. Let’s start in southeast Montana: owner has been Virginia Karlsen. The Lodge has recently been added onto the National Register of Historic Places, which means it serves as a valuable link to the country’s past and is worthy of preservation. The Dude Rancher is located at 415 N. 29th St., Billings. (406) 259-5561. See www.duderancherlodge.com. The Dude Rancher Lodge’s lobby features carpet with rancher’s brands. GRAND HOTEL, BIG TIMBER DUDE RANCHER LODGE, BILLINGS For many people when they go to Billings, whether it’s for a special performance at the Alberta Bair Theater, shop- ping, or even a doctor’s visit, the Dude Rancher is their first choice. Near the Yellowstone Art Museum, top restau- rants, and the airport, the Dude Rancher makes staying in Billings and seeing its attractions easy. Resembling a frontier ranch house, the place charms with its rustic style and clean, comfortable rooms. The interior is designed with knotty pine paneling, decora- tive lampshades, western-style furniture, and carpeting adorned with brands of local ranchers who originally invested in the property. The attached, full service Stirrup Coffee Shop serves all meals and specializes in comfort food. Annabel and Percy Goan opened the Lodge in the 1950s during the post-war oil boom but since 1992 the 52 Between Billings and Bozeman lie Big Timber and the Grand Hotel. Also on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel was built in 1890 when the Northern Pa- cific Railroad ran through town. Sheep rancher Jacob Hal- verson put up $20,000 for its solid masonry construction. Then the place became a haven for ranchers, miners, and other travelers. In 1908 when a fire swept through other buildings on McLeod Street, the Grand stood strong. Now the Grand is the main attraction off the Interstate. Big Timber is a good place to rest when you want easy access to the Crazy Mountains. Not a well-kept secret, travelers love to stay at the Grand for the weekend and dine in the gourmet restaurant with excellent wines. The Hotel features a sumptuous Sunday brunch and an 1890 saloon for styl- ish relaxation. Don’t miss this treasure. The Grand Hotel, 139 McLeod St., Big Timber. (406) 932-4459. See www.thegrand-hotel.com. DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011 ooooooooo