A Cozy Montana Staycation in St. Regis, MT
It’s officially a tradition that every year for Christmas, my sister and I gift my mom a fun weekend trip away and I am so here for it!
Last year we commemorated the tradition with a fun staycation in Paradise Valley and each time I venture to a nearby area that’s in close proximity to Billings, I’m reminded that Montana is truly full of SO much adventure.
With plenty to see and so much to do throughout the state, there are so many ways to adventure on the weekend and enjoy a unique staycation whether you’re traveling solo, with your spouse, a group of friends, or the entire family.
While I’m all for getting dressed up in my favorite sparkly dress, high heels, and sporting a bright red lip to hit the town with my best friends, I’m also really into the slowness that Montana also brings with it.
And these staycations really help me embrace that!
If you’re in search of a more typical girls trip filled with bottomless mimosas at brunch and cute stops around the city, here’s an itinerary for that.
But if you’re looking for more of a slow staycation while embracing the beauty that Montana has to offer, this is for you!
Your Staycation Itinerary for a Slow Weekend in Saint Regis, Montana
Typically when you think of Montana, you think of all the bigger cities – Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and even Helena.
And while all of those cities are GREAT and offer a tonnnnn of things to do (peep the blog for all things Billings!), there’s just something about the unassuming small towns that just speak to my soul.
Which is how we landed on Saint Regis, Montana for this girls trip!
Now, let me preface – if you’re looking for a town that’s packed full of shopping, restaurants, and non-stop activities, this might not be the destination for you. But if you’re looking for a slower pace, this is a great place to be.
For our trip, we traveled Sunday – Tuesday, but this itinerary works for your classic 2 day weekend and lets you enjoy both the local area and the accommodations that you choose!
We opted for THE cutest A-Frame you’ve ever seen that felt like the ultimate Montana cabin for our weekend away. It felt like something out of a Hallmark movie and was the perfect match for the winter season.
(Also, anyone else a sucker for an Airbnb that’s ‘gramworthy? Major bonus points for this one! 😂)
Day 1
This was our travel day and since Saint Regis is a little bit further out from Billings, we didn’t make any major plans for this day! The goal was to arrive to the Airbnb, grab a few groceries that we knew we’d need for breakfast, dinner one night, and a few snacks, and make ourselves at home.
Upon arrival, that’s exactly what we did! The cabin that we chose had so many great amenities including a soaking tub (my fave!), books, board games, a wood-burning fire pit, and all of your cooking basics and kitchen appliances you might need for your stay.
We unpacked and cozied up for an evening in and it was truly the BEST. Highly recommend bringing along a book or your Kindle because the environment makes for the best reading time.
If you prefer to go out once you arrive, that’s of course an option too! A few recommended spots nearby include Jasper's, a local favorite offering favorites like prime rib and burgers, and Winki's Diner, serving your classic American dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Day 2
Slow living was the name of our staycation game, so we woke up on Saturday with no alarm clocks and decided to sip coffee and have breakfast at the cabin while admiring the beautiful winter setting outside. ☕️🍳
And honestly, that’s my ideal morning. When’s the last time you woke up with nothing on your to-do list and nowhere to be? It was glorious!
Later in the day, we made our way over to Paradise, MT to visit Quinns Hot Springs and omgggg this is a must.
If you’re local to Billings, you might be familiar with Chico Hot Springs and Quinns is super similar. There’s on-site lodging, restaurants, and of course the hot springs themselves.
Highly recommend visiting when you’re in the area, but it’s important to note that you have to have a reservation to visit the actual hot springs, even if you’re staying there.
They break it up into different time slots, which prevents the hot springs from being overcrowded, so you can actually enjoy your time while visiting!
After our hot springs visit, we made our way back into St. Regis and opted for a casual lunch at Huck’s Grill! Now, this might sound like a weird recommendation since it’s located in a travel center, but TRUST ME, you don’t want to skip this place – they have the best huckleberry shake you’ll ever have (their menu says so and I agree 😋). Plus, the burgers are pretty great too.
While you’re there, make sure you also stop into Montana's largest gift shop and if you’re into it, the free live trout aquarium – it’s the ultimate one stop shop in the area for souvenirs and a quick meal!
After grabbing lunch and our sweet treat, we headed back to the cabin for a relaxing afternoon before getting ready to go back to Quinns for dinner!
Day 3
On Sunday, we had yet another slow morning with breakfast and coffee before hitting the road to head back home!
This was a TRUE slow staycation where we didn’t have much of a plan and we didn’t pressure ourselves to fit a ton of stuff in.
But if you’re the type that likes to explore and want to venture out more than we did, there are a few other options for you nearby!
Additional Things To Do Near Saint Regis, MT
Shop at The Place of Antiques, a well known spot in St. Regis, antique enthusiasts can browse a diverse collection of vintage items and collectibles, making it a treasure trove for unique finds
Hike the Cascade Falls Trail (only 1 ¼ mile) or The Clark Fork River Trail (3.6 mile out and back) offering scenic views
Bike the Route of the Hiawatha to experience a unique biking adventure through historic railroad tunnels and over trestles.
Fly fishing in the nearby Clark Fork River, known for its abundant trout population. Local guides are available for those seeking a guided experience!
Horseback Riding with local outfitters, offering half-day, full-day, overnight, or extended rides, including weeklong pack trips (riding season typically begins in May!)
Skiing at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area located approximately 20 miles west of St. Regis
Wildlife Viewing at the National Bison Range located located 31 miles east in Moiese
Overall, staycations like this with my mom and sister always fill my soul and it’s something I look forward to every year!
This itinerary gives you a great taste of what Montana life is all about and allows you to slow down, get outdoors, and enjoy the simpler things in life without all of the hustle and bustle.
If you’re searching for some other ways to explore and adventure in and around, Billings, MT, I have a few ways to help you out:
A Weekend Guide Series for almost every personality type (including kids, families, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and even wellness junkies!)
The Best of Billings by the Seasons
Happy exploring!