Area Activities
Whether you choose to explore western Montana’s beautiful Mission Valley or jump off to other Montana adventures, Rugged Horizon is centrally located for many scenic excursions. Below, we collected some of our favorite day trips, plus a few multi-day destinations for those of you with more time. Looking for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee? See below for a list of nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops.
Day Trips Near the Rugged Horizon Venue
Here are our favorite day trips, located just a short drive from our wedding venue and vacation rental. Click on each excerpt for more information about each destination, travel tips, and driving directions.
Day Trip #1: Bison Range
In addition to bison herds, you might spot elk, antelope, and bears. Stop in at the visitor center to learn more about the efforts of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and its members to preserve the bison herd and steward this land. Afterward, drive to the top of the range for sweeping views of the Mission Valley and Mission Mountains, plus the ancient ripples left behind by Glacial Lake Missoula.
Day Trip #2: Mission Mountains
At elevations of more than 9,000 feet, these rugged peaks boast alpine lakes, rushing waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and glaciers. Protected as Tribal Wilderness by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, please recreate respectfully and responsibly in this area and pick up a Tribal Conservation permit before you go.
Photo Credit: Alicia Magnus Photography
Day Trip #3: St. Ignatius Mission
Listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Mission is a short 5-minute drive from our venue. Stop in to learn more about the history of this area, and to see the murals painted by Brother Joseph Carignano, an untrained artist who also served as the cook.
Day Trip #4: Flathead Lake
Summer is the perfect time to dive into the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Cool off with a swim, take a boat to Wild Horse Island, or drive around the cerulean waters and sample Flathead cherries on your way.
Day Trip #5: Missoula
If you are missing city life, pop down to Missoula to relish in the town’s vibrant food and music scene, watch a Griz game, or lick an ice cream cone as you stroll along the Clark Fork River.
Multi-Day Trips from Rugged Horizon
Have some extra time? Combine a stay at our venue with a trip to one of the destinations on your Montana bucket list. Here are some dream destinations to check off:
Photo Credit: Mudshine Media
Multi-Day Destination #1: Glacier National Park
Grab your backpack and head to Glacier National Park for melting glaciers, glistening alpine lakes, and historic chalets.
Multi-Day Destination #2: Bob Marshall Wilderness
For the wild at heart, nothing beats the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Vanish into one million acres of primitive wilderness where you will hear nothing but the bugling of elk and the wind whispering through the trees.
Multi-Day Destination #3: Yellowstone National Park
For geysers and other geologic wonders, be sure to combine a stay at our venue with a visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Restaurants, Groceries, and Coffee Near Rugged Horizon
After all those activities, you’re going to be hungry. Don’t worry! We have a list of nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops so that you can replenish your tank.
