Hotel Spotlight: Sacajawea Hotel in Montana
Montana, January 2018
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I recently spent some quality time in my home state of Montana. It had been four years since I had been home during the winter months, so I gladly welcomed the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall with open arms! It's beautiful every season, but something about winter in Montana is magical. Though most days were spent cozied up inside by the fire, I always look forward to exploring new places, so was thrilled when the Sacajawea Hotel invited me to be their guest for a night.
Located in the southwest corner of the state, in the tiny town of Three Forks, the Sacajawea Hotel is a charming historical hotel which in the last ten years has been lovingly restored to its former glory. From the moment we pulled up, the hotel captured me with its stately white-clapboard exterior and beautiful lobby that's detailed with original woodwork and hand inlaid wallpaper. The Native American artwork hanging on the walls combined with subtle touches of western decor instantly give you a sense of the hotel's rich heritage. We were greeted with warm lavender-scented hand towels and champagne at reception - a special treat before settling in to our rooms.
A QUICK HISTORY...
The Three Forks area marks one of the most significant points along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Here at the headwaters of the Missouri River, Sacajawea was reunited with her brother and brokered safe passage for the explorers. The hotel was built by John Quincy Adams in 1910 as a rest stop for passengers and train crews of the Milwaukee railroad, and in 2009 a third-generation Montana family restored the hotel to its original grandeur.
We checked in just in time to enjoy dinner at Pompey's Grill, the hotel's steakhouse which is known as one of the best restaurants in the Big Sky State. My parents have sung such high praises of past meals, so I was anxious to eat there myself, and it did not disappoint! We started with Manila clams steamed in a red curry coconut lime broth, and I had a classic Montana dish - bison short ribs - for my entree. Both were delicious, and I highly recommend eating at Pompey's whether you're staying overnight or just passing through the area. The Sac Bar on the lower level is also worth checking out, especially on weekend nights when live music and dancing go late into the night!
This Historic Hotel of America pays close attention to detail, which in my book always goes a long way! Each night huckleberry chocolates (a Montana favorite!) are laid on the bed, lavender calming spray is on the nightstand for a peaceful night's sleep, and lip balm is included with the toiletries which made my mom very happy! Another nice touch is that the hotel serves complimentary breakfast-in-bed to every guest in each of the 29 guest rooms. The owners have done a fantastic job keeping the hotel lively throughout the year by offering events such as Top Chef Thursdays, art parties, poker nights, live music on the weekends, and summer nights spent on the porch with local vendors and musicians. Be sure to check out the event calendar to make the most of your stay.
Knowing the state as well as I do, one of Sacajawea Hotel's greatest strengths, in my opinion, is its location. Though rural, in a short time you can be exploring Yellowstone National Park, skiing the slopes in Big Sky, or checking out the trendy western town of Bozeman (which is the airport you'd want to use if you plan on flying in). There are also countless outdoor adventures, from fly fishing to hiking, caverns, hot springs ... you name it and Montana has it. If you've never been, my suggestion is a summer road trip! Depending on how long you have, I'd start by seeing the western corner of Yellowstone, driving through Big Sky and fly fishing along the Gallatin, all while making the Sacajawea Hotel your home base before driving north to Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley (more suggestions here and here). No matter what you do, I guarantee the breathtaking mountain views will steal your heart!
While the state draws millions of tourists each year thanks to its vast beauty and adventures, luxury accommodations are few and far between, making the Sacajawea Hotel a rare find. Adding to its charm, the hotel added newly constructed cottages to the property this year, offering a great option for families or anyone wanting a little extra space and privacy. They look very dreamy and I would love to stay in one during my next visit! I can't wait to return, hopefully during the summer months when I can sit out on the large wraparound porch sipping a lemonade and savoring a late-night Montana sunset. Sounds perfect!
Thank you to the Folkvord family and the Sacajawea Hotel for hosting me!
