Behind the Scenes: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore in Big Sky - Plus Favorites From Our 2026 Collection Shoot

Big Sky, Montana is one of those places that instantly makes you want to stay a little longer. The views are expansive, the air feels crisp and clean, and everything about it invites you outside. It is rugged and refined at the same time, which made it the perfect backdrop for our 2026 collection.

This is where we stayed while shooting the collection, and it could not have felt more fitting. Between cozy cabins, memorable meals, and a mix of classic Western and outdoor experiences, Big Sky gave us exactly the kind of setting we wanted.

If you are planning a trip, here is our guide to where to stay, where to eat, and what to do in Big Sky, Montana.

Where to Stay: Lone Mountain Ranch

If you want a Big Sky stay that feels elevated, iconic, and deeply connected to Montana, Lone Mountain Ranch is it. The ranch offers 25 luxury log cabins in Big Sky and is located about 50 minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which makes it feel wonderfully tucked away without being difficult to reach. 

For our shoot, it was the perfect home base. It has the warmth and character you hope for in Montana, but with a polished feel that still feels special. The cabins, open landscape, and overall atmosphere made it easy to see why this place is such a destination on its own. The ranch also positions guests well for both on-property experiences and Yellowstone outings.

If you are planning a Big Sky trip and want something memorable rather than generic, this is the place we would point you to first.

Where to Eat

Horn & Cantle

For a dinner that feels distinctly Big Sky, Horn & Cantle is the obvious first reservation. It is located right at Lone Mountain Ranch, which makes it especially easy if you are staying there, and it is known for elevated Montana cuisine with a strong connection to local farms and purveyors.

It is the kind of place that feels warm and refined without losing its Western character. The restaurant sits alongside the ranch’s saloon, where guests can warm up with a cocktail before dinner.

Tres Toros Tacos & Tequila

For something more casual and lively, Tres Toros Tacos & Tequila in Big Sky Town Center is a great stop. Visit Big Sky describes it as a tacos and tequila cantina focused on fresh ingredients and custom craft cocktails, and Town Center lists it at 145 Town Center Ave., Unit B.

This is a good pick when you want something fun, relaxed, and easy after a full day outside.

Revelry

If you're flying through Bozeman, check out Revelry at 24 North Tracy in Bozeman. It's a neighborhood eatery celebrating Montana roots with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

It's a great pre-Big Sky or post-Big Sky stop on your way in or out.

What to Do

Make a Hat at Crossbow

Crossbow Leather & Hats is in Bozeman, and offers a custom Hat Bar where you can design your own fur felt or straw hat.

If you are building in time on your travel day, this is such a fun Western stop to add before heading down to Big Sky or before flying home. Like Revelry, I’d think of it as a Bozeman add-on rather than an in-town Big Sky activity. 

Yellowstone National Park

One of the best things about Big Sky is how close it is to Yellowstone. Visit Big Sky says the boundary of Yellowstone is only 15 miles from Big Sky, while the official West Entrance is in West Yellowstone, about 50 miles south. Yellowstone itself spans 2.2 million acres and is home to geothermal areas containing about half the world’s active geysers, along with major wildlife-viewing opportunities. 

That proximity makes Yellowstone an easy and worthwhile addition to a Big Sky itinerary, especially if you want to balance mountain-town time with one of the most iconic national parks in the country.

Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures

For something that feels especially memorable, Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures is a great choice. Their official site says the experience lasts just over an hour, includes time to meet the huskies, learn about dog sledding, help harness the dogs, and go for a ride. Their basecamp is located off US Highway 191 on Taylor Fork Road, on the route between Big Sky and West Yellowstone. 

Visit Big Sky describes it as a guided dog sled trip near Big Sky Resort and West Yellowstone for all ages. If you want one activity on the trip that feels especially unique, this would be high on the list.

Why We Loved Big Sky for the 2026 Collection

Big Sky felt like the right place for this collection because it has both beauty and character. It is scenic, yes, but it also feels grounded. There is history, texture, craftsmanship, and a kind of quiet confidence to the whole area that aligned beautifully with what we wanted the collection to feel like.

Lone Mountain Ranch gave us that classic Montana backdrop. Horn & Cantle made the evenings feel memorable. And the mix of Big Sky and nearby Yellowstone made the entire trip feel expansive and adventurous.

If You’re Planning a Trip

If you want to follow our exact rhythm, I would do it this way:

Stay at Lone Mountain Ranch. Book dinner at Horn & Cantle one night. Grab a more casual meal at Tres Toros Tacos & Tequila. If you are flying through Bozeman, add Revelry and a custom hat stop at Crossbow Leather & Hats. Then carve out time for Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures.

It is the kind of trip that feels special without feeling overdone, and for us, it was the perfect place to bring the 2026 collection to life. We can't wait to share more this fall.