Montana’s north-eastern town of Sidney is the largest in the region and is often referred to as the “Sunrise City” the spot where sunlight first hits Montana each morning. Sidney was designated the county seat of Richland County in 1914, and the modern-day town remains largely an agricultural community.
Oil is another economic contributor that brought about something of a boom to the area in the late 70s and early 80s.
Sidney sits nicely along the Yellowstone River within the vicinity of the North Dakota line. It serves as a great jumping-off spot for the many visitors wanting to explore the south-eastern region’s Missouri River Country. This entire region is something of a photographer’s dream, and Sidney also attracts many anglers who come for excellent warm-water fishing.
Exploring the famous Lewis and Clark Trail is another reason why people come into the area, as is River Floating on the Yellowstone River. Yet aside from the wide-ranging and very obvious outdoor pursuits provided by the region, Sidney also manages to capture all the good things about a small-town Montana lifestyle.
From the quaint and authentic downtown to the surrounding beauty of the Great Plains, Sidney has much to offer.
When it comes to accommodation in the town, it is worth bearing in mind that Sidney is somewhat remote. So although options are on the limited side, there are still a few decent Inn-type establishments that cater to anyone seeking a straightforward bed with breakfast. So let’s take a closer look at some of the best Bed and Breakfasts in Sidney.
Staying in Sidney – Travel Tips and Advice
- Which areas in Sidney are best: Both seasoned and first-time visitors alike can tune into the very hospitable vibe in and around the town’s close-knit community. The downtown areas are only small but there is a range of accommodations and restaurants that are accommodating to tourists. The downtown area is also well within the range of the array of outdoor pursuits on offer close to the Yellowstone River.
- Getting Around: The town itself is on the small side, which means walking won’t be too much of a problem for most visitors. There are plenty of things to do nearby, which require either a set of wheels or an outfitter. It is possible to jet off further afield across the state though via the local Sidney-Richmond Airport, which shuttles travelers back and forth from Billings several times daily.
- Attractions: In terms of recreation visitors will find floating popular in summer. There are various access points near Sidney to put in the water, and the current in the Yellowstone can average 5 miles per hour in the warmer seasons. Visitors to Sidney can enjoy historical sites, annual events and festivals, top local food, and renowned fishing and hunting opportunities nearby.
- For a touch of local culture and heritage, the MonDak Heritage Center is the main museum in Richland County. Fort Union is also only 20 miles northeast of Sidney and a popular stop-off for history buffs. For a different type of culture check out the Sidney Country Club, which dates back to 1929 and features one of the best golf courses in Montana’s eastern section.
The 5 Best Bed and Breakfasts in Sidney
1. Lone Tree Inn
The Lone Tree Inn is a straightforward clean and comfortable Inn close to downtown Sidney and one of the shopping centers. The residence is adjacent to the Sidney Chamber of Commerce along the stretch of Highway 16 that cuts right through the town.
Queen and full-size beds are available in the modern-style, en suite rooms at the Inn. Non-smoking rooms are available and each air-conditioned room contains a flat-screen TV with cable as well as a refrigerator and a microwave.
There are several restaurants within walking distance of the Inn, and directly behind is the TapHouse Bar & Grill serving a daily full menu including beer and wine. Anyone wanting to indulge in a spot of exploring from here will find the Little Missouri National Grassland just over 8 miles away.
2. Richland Inn & Suites
Richland Inn & Suites is also located on the highway running through Sidney, close to the Southern edge of town. This spot is just over 10 miles from the North Dakota border, which makes it ideal to travel from.
All rooms are air-conditioned and en suite. Each features a seating area with cable TV, a microwave, and coffee-making facilities to hand. Other amenities include a mini-market, laundry facilities, and onsite fitness and business centers.
3. Microtel Inn & Suites
The Inn is just over a mile away from Sidney town center. It provides straightforward rooms in a modern style and serves a daily continental breakfast. The accommodation offered at the Inn includes suite, double, and family-sized rooms.
Each en suite room is air-conditioned and includes a flat-screen cable TV with a seating area. The rooms also come complete with a microwave, a refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. Other amenities include a hot tub, a Jacuzzi, and a fitness center.
Williston Basin International Airport is just over 40 miles away from the Inn, which is a great location from which to do a spot of exploring by cycling or hiking.
Fort Union Trading Post is also just 25 miles away from the residence, and the Yellowstone River is a little above 20 miles away.
4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Each room at the Inn fuses the modern with dark wood furnishings and white linens. The rooms all come with a seating area, a workstation, and free toiletries in the private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms.
The breakfast consists of continental-style options with fresh waffles. Other amenities include laundry and Dry cleaning services, a business center, and a fitness center offered onsite. Exceptional fishing access to the Yellowstone River is within walking distance of the Inn and Sloulin Field International Airport is reachable in just an hour.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park entrance is also less than a half-hour drive from the Holiday Inn Express.
5. Best Western Golden Prairie Inn & Suites
Situated close to the vicinity of the oil fields, the Best Western Golden Prairie Inn provides a range of great-value services from a great location, and with some of the friendliest small-town services around. All rooms are en suite, air-conditioned, and equipped with a flat-screen cable TV.
There is a dining area in each room as well as a refrigerator, a microwave, and coffee-making facilities.
The Inn’s amenities include a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, a 24-hour reception, and laundry facilities. The residence also offers a free transfer service to Sidney-Richland Airport which is less than 3 miles away. Breakfast is likely to be along the lines of hot pancakes with plenty of eggs, bacon, cereals, pastries, etc.
The TapHouse Bar & Grill is also located right next to Golden Prairie, with its own range of excellent food, beer & wine. The historic Fort Union Trading Post is just over a 20-minute drive from this spot, and Makoshika State Park is 54 miles away.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, anyone passing through or stopping off in Sidney will find a good range of decent, Bed and Breakfast and Inn-style options in terms of accommodation.
These places are all comfortable and established, and it sometimes pays to consider the location more than the stars of any accommodation when making any reservations in Montana.
With a touch of careful advanced planning, it won’t be too difficult to find the best accommodation from the slightly limited range on offer in the town.
So if you see anywhere you like the look of and plan on a summer trip, it may pay to book a few months in advance, especially during the peak months when you can also expect the rates to be more expensive.
- Best B & B really depends on where your preferences lie and considering what’s on offer in this small Montana city there’s really not that much in it. That said, in terms of great value, and straightforward accommodation the Lone Tree Inn is a good bet. The Inn is in a great spot whichever way you look at it, whether you want great food and dining options or some outdoor recreation
- The Microtel Inn is a fair option for couples due to its hot tub and Jacuzzi. Hiking and cycling activities along the Yellowstone River are within reach of the Inn as are various historic pursuits for a spot of variety.
- All of the accommodations on our list are family-friendly with good enough amenities and nearby recreations like state parks on hand to wear everyone out. We might be inclined to give Best Family Residence from this selection to go to the Best Western Golden Prairie due to its proximity to a mix of both outdoor geological wonders in state parks and historical landmarks.