By DONNA HULL
Are you looking for a winter getaway that’s romantic yet offers plenty of active things to do? Missoula boomers, do I have the place for you. Drive on down to Broad Axe Lodge and Restaurant in Sula, Montana.
Located 90 miles south of Missoula, the Broad Axe, as most locals call it, is a straight shot down Highway 93 with a turn off at East Fork Road for the last few miles to the lodge. But, getting to Broad Axe Lodge is part of the experience so take it slow.
On our visit, my husband, Alan, and I discovered big horn sheep standing in the middle of East Fork Road. Alan turned off the car motor (it’s okay, there’s very little traffic), then we reached for our cameras as a group of female bighorn sheep licked the salt treated snow-covered road.
Bighorn sheep on East Fork Road
Although we didn’t stay in one of Broad Axe Lodge’s two log cabin duplexes that sit in a clearing, I could imagine how quiet and romantic spending a few winter days here would be.
Accommodations include kitchens, full baths, queen beds and a sunset porch. Bring your camera, snow boats or snowshoes and fixings for meals.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, the restaurant’s winter hours are Friday and Saturday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday starting at 3:00 p.m.
For Bitterroot Valley residents, the restaurant at Broad Axe Lodge is also a delicious night out. On our visit, my husband, Alan, and I drove down from Stevensville for a very early Sunday dinner.
Dining room at Broad Axe Lodge and Restaurant.
Natural light streamed into the main dining room from the lodge’s many windows as a fireplace blazed in the middle of the room. It was the perfect setting for a late afternoon of wildlife watching accompanied by a glass of wine and a tasty steak dinner.
Arriving early allowed us to enjoy ourselves but still head back home with a little sunlight left for a portion of the drive. As long-time Missoula residents know, driving Highway 93 at dusk, and after dark, requires an extra set of eyes to watch for deer, elk and other wildlife crossing the highway.
Have you stayed at Broad Axe Lodge or dined at the restaurant? Post a comment to share your experience. Alan and I are definitely going back and this time we’re renting a cabin.
Fireplace at Broad Axe Lodge and Restaurant.
If you go:
Broad Axe Lodge
1237 East Fork Road
Sula, MT 59871
406.821.3878
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Donna L. Hull writes about active travel for baby boomers at My Itchy Travel Feet, The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Travel. She is also the author of My Itchy Travel Feet, Breathtaking Adventure Vacation Ideas, available at Amazon Kindle, Nook and iTunes. See all of Donna Hull’s blogs.