5 Mountain and Waterfront Retreats Across Montana, Idaho, and South Dakota

Commanding year-round views across the Whitefish Lake South Golf Course, this newly gated Grouse Mountain residence sits on hole 5 of the WLGC with sightlines to Big Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and a peek into Glacier. Inside, an open main living area with fireplace flows into the kitchen, anchored by a 12’5” quartzite island with seating for six, plus a breakfast nook, walk-in pantry, and a large dining room with a window seat. A wet bar with two beverage fridges and an ice maker connects to an additional living area with pool table and built-ins. Bonus spaces include a private office with a built-in desk for two, craft room, mudroom lockers, laundry with dog wash station, and an exercise room with red-light sauna. Outside, an expansive partially covered deck adds a two-way fireplace, pergola, and a Jacuzzi just off the primary suite. Minutes from Downtown Whitefish, Whitefish Lake, and Whitefish Mountain Resort, days here unfold with ease.

Rising above Pleasant Valley Road in Custer, this 127-acre Black Hills estate pairs sweeping views with total privacy and direct access to Black Hills National Forest recreation. Four Mile Creek threads through the land alongside natural streams and wetlands, shaping a true wildlife sanctuary—home to elk, deer, sheep, turkeys, pheasants, and eagles. At the center, a newly built, professionally designed custom home balances scale and comfort. The main level offers a soaring great room, a chef’s kitchen with walk-in pantry, a luxurious master suite, an office, and a game room, plus two additional bedrooms and three baths. Below, a theater, gym, second laundry, living area, and two private guest suites gather around a shared courtyard. Outdoor life unfolds with a full kitchen, massive fireplace, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and sprawling patio—built for long, unhurried days.

Set on 44.16 acres along E River Road near Livingston, this custom-designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence pairs working-land practicality with a front-row seat to the Absaroka Mountains. Inside, the living room’s expansive wall of windows frames sweeping scenery, best enjoyed beside a cozy wood-burning fireplace. A covered wrap-around porch extends the view outdoors, while the main level balances daily ease with a spacious primary suite, formal dining room, well-appointed kitchen, office area, and laundry room. Upstairs, two bedrooms, a full bath, and a loft complete the finished spaces, with an unfinished basement and a bonus room above the garage offering room to grow. First water rights from Strawberry Creek irrigate a productive hay field, with wheel lines and equipment included, plus a workshop and post-and-beam barn. Wildlife and Yellowstone River fishing access sit close by, with Emigrant amenities, Chico Hot Springs Resort, and Yellowstone National Park within easy reach.

Set on 85.99 acres and surrounded by the National Forest, this Freedom holding pairs wide-open meadowland with everyday functionality. Tin Cup Creek threads through the property for roughly a mile, bringing the quiet presence of a scenic fishing stream across the landscape. Water resources are thoughtfully in place, with a well, natural springs, irrigation rights, and direct access off Highway 34 in Idaho for straightforward year-round approach. For those who value working space as much as scenery, insulated shops and storage buildings provide more than 12,000 square feet—ready to support equipment, hobbies, or larger-scale operations. With proximity to Jackson, Wyoming and direct access to the Caribou National Forest in Star Valley, Wyoming, the setting invites a life built around recreation, agriculture, or a future residential vision shaped by the land.

Size: 86 acres

Along the water’s edge in the premier Silverhawk subdivision, this custom cabin—rebuilt in 2023—pairs cedar siding and natural rock finish with a setting made for days outside. Set on 1.054 acres, it includes a private sandy beach, a boat ramp, and a newer dock system with direct access to Island Park Reservoir. Inside, two levels of living are fully furnished, with the main level anchored by expansive windows that frame panoramic views of the reservoir, the Two Top Mountain Range, and surrounding forests. The upper level is arranged with five queen bedrooms, each offering a private bath and a deep walk-in closet. Practical comforts follow: an attached two-stall extended garage, a storage shed, open storage, and a Generac generator. With Henry’s Fork River and Yellowstone National Park nearby, every season feels active and intentional.