Montana is called “Big Sky Country.”“ For good reason. With colorful vistas from horizon to horizon and seemingly endless sightlines across pristine grasslands, even the state's nickname doesn't quite do it justice. But Paradise Valley in southwest Montana takes the beauty up a notch, especially at night. Here the landscape opens up between two mountain ranges, so there is almost no light pollution. And at night, the stars completely take over, allowing you to clearly see the Milky Way with the naked eye and see the outlines of constellations whose names you don't even know.
These days, more and more travelers are visiting the Treasure State not only for the epic fly fishing, hiking and breathtaking national parks, but also for the crystal-clear views of celestial beauty that are hard to find elsewhere. Noctourism, as it has come to be called, is having a moment. And with valleys like these hiding around every corner, Montana is one of the best places in the country to experience them.
Of course, the state's dark sky views are only part of the equation when it comes to enjoying the night sky. Where you stay can change the entire experience. New Moon Lodge, a lavish stargazing Airbnb in Montana just outside of Emigrant, gives you the best of both worlds: vast open skies and unparalleled luxury to enjoy. Situated on 45 acres of private land, with unobstructed mountain views and no street lights, this stunning mountaintop cabin is perfectly located for anyone looking for stars, open space and a sea of natural beauty.
And you don't even have to leave the house to enjoy it.
“Nobility, solitude, luxury.” New Moon Lodge's motto gets to the heart of what this modern, beautifully furnished log cabin is all about. The private lodge is huge and can accommodate 16 to 20 guests in two separate houses. Every detail has been carefully designed for those who crave space, scenery and the comfort that paid staff usually brings. Except in this case it actually is. Staying at the New Moon Lodge Airbnb not only means sleeping in one of Montana's most beautiful corners, but it also includes a full-time concierge who can help you with everything from booking raft trips to planning horseback rides. Optional services even include an on-site private chef. Yet somehow it manages to achieve all of this (and more) in a way that feels authentically “Montana,” starting with the spectacular setting.
Paradise Valley is flanked by the Absarokas and Gallatin Ranges, with the Yellowstone River winding through their heart. From the lodge's numerous terraced areas, you can clearly see both mountain ranges stretching in every direction, and between you and the rugged peaks there is nothing but an ocean of wilderness. This luxury Montana getaway is also surrounded on three sides by rugged public land and just an hour from the windswept valleys of North Yellowstone. It's a stunning location and New Moon Lodge offers the perfect vantage point from its mountaintop. What is unique, however, is that it is not just a beautiful panoramic view. As it turns out, this property is aptly named because all that dense wilderness makes for flawless dark skies and unparalleled views of the Milky Way that are so vivid you can even capture them with your phone camera.
Inside, the opulently appointed main lodge is the heart of the property, beautifully designed with warm woods, high-quality finishes and plenty of Montana mountain cabin-style warmth. At the center is an open living room with a magnificent 360-degree stone fireplace, tall windows and a grand piano. To top it all off, there's a really cool western-style saloon bar in one corner designed for entertaining guests, and a long, inviting dining table that comfortably seats ten. There are niches and seating areas throughout the house – some for conversation, others for reading, and many are ideal places to simply enjoy the epic mountain panorama through the glass.
The master suite is its own private wing with a fireplace, a screened porch for sleeping, and access to the outdoor hot tub. The space is both inviting and elegant, with plenty of cozy linens and homey touches. The bathroom is huge and resembles a spa, and the attached office area makes it easy to work remotely (if necessary). There you will also find two additional bedrooms, each with their own doors to the outdoor balcony where you can sit above the clouds and view Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River winding through the valley below.
Downstairs, there's a decorated game room with a giant projector screen for movie nights, a neon-lit jukebox, a pool table, and other cool finds. After long days of exploring the park or the river, guests come here to relax, have a few drinks and stay up too late. Or, if you need even more space to relax, head to the “barn” where you'll find even more bedrooms, a snack kitchenette, and a cozy living loft.
But wherever you choose to rest your head, don't you dare lie in bed for too long! There is much to enjoy and every conceivable comfort is at your disposal. There are huge windows at every corner, offering spectacular views of the lodge's surroundings – although there are plenty of mountain views to be enjoyed from the bed too. For a museum-like experience, take a look at the many unique works of art, antique furniture and collectibles that make the space feel like a home away from home. But what would a home be without hearty food? The huge kitchen is well-equipped for both down-to-earth cooking and five-star dining, with plenty of room to chill out even if everyone decides to get in on the action.
The details really matter here. The furnishings are immaculate and harmonious. Between living and entertaining spaces there is a beautiful stone sunroom with blooming greenery and filtered sunlight through the skylights. Outside, the hot tub is perfectly positioned to enjoy the views of the night sky and perhaps a few sunrises and sunsets. When you're not unwinding under the stars, you can curl up in one of the many seating areas and enjoy the view, toast some marshmallows in one of the fire pits, or frolic around the expansive grounds.
Although this spectacular rental is extensive, nothing about New Moon Lodge feels over the top. It feels like the dreamiest mountain ski lodge you've always wanted to visit, but 100 percent private and with plenty of space for the whole family. Every drawer and every cupboard has what it should. The furniture is comfortable. The lighting is intuitive. There are books, blankets, board games and even binoculars for watching birds – or, if you're lucky, a herd of elk passing by at the other end of the property.
But if all that isn't enough, these views alone are worth the stay. Surrounded by so much dark sky wilderness, the stars here are incredibly bright and visible from every room, window and corner of the property. But even if it's a little too chilly to go stargazing outside, you don't have to worry about missing out! Here you'll also find a telescope that allows you to get up close and personal with Mars, the next Perseid meteor shower, or even a supermoon.
If you're planning on traveling to Yellowstone this season, Paradise Valley is a dream base camp. In fact, from New Moon Lodge you can be at the park entrance in Gardiner in less than 45 minutes. But there is also a lot to do nearby. Chico Hot Springs is right next door and is ideal for a long swim and a hot meal. The Yellowstone River offers numerous locations for fly fishing, rafting, or simply strolling along the banks. And the Old Saloon in Emigrant serves burgers, local beer and live music on the weekends.
The charming town of Livingston is about 30 minutes north if you want coffee, groceries or a bit of city life. But since it's one of Airbnb's luxury properties, most New Moon Lodge guests don't need to leave the house often. There is no shortage of things to do during the day. And at night, when the temperature drops and the wind dies down, there's no better place to sit back, look up, and enjoy Montana's signature big skies right outside, stretching from one end of the valley to the other.
Is Paradise Valley a stop on your next road trip? Plan your entire vacation with Only In Your State's AI trip planner.