What is the Oldest Hotel in Montana? It’s Historic AND Gorgeous
Now that I know where the oldest hotel in Montana is located, I'm dying to book a trip and check it out for a couple of nights. It's not just packed with history, it's genuinely pretty fancy.
In 1882, the view from the balcony off the Ladies’ Parlor was popular for watching the gunfights on Main Street.
The Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton was established in 1882 and is (of course) listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I'm embarrassed that after all these years in Montana, I STILL have not spent time in Fort Benton. The menu at the Grand Union might change that sooner rather than later.
A good meal is the only 'carrot' I need to create a road trip. Seriously. Relaxation, cool history and a gorgeous river are added bonuses...all of which you'd be getting with a trip to Fort Benton.
The Grand Union Hotel is very well-rated online with 4.7 stars on Google Reviews. I think what I'm most excited about is their restaurant. They're open for dinner every evening in the summer (June through August) from 5pm to 9pm, with reduced days during the winter. Reservations are highly recommended, by the way.
Seasonal outdoor dining is offered within a stone’s throw of the river, or enjoy dinner in our saloon while sampling some of Montana’s finest microbrews.
Private rooms are available for dinner meetings and large groups are welcome.
A look at the menu is tempting and full of locally-sourced products. You can eat outside by the river, weather permitting. Now they REALLY have me. Cool history, lovely rooms, and a fancy dining experience next to the river. Yes, please.
In case you're as lame as me and have never been there either, here's where you'll find Fort Benton, Montana: