Malmstrom lodge provides down-home atmosphere

  • Published
  • By Jason Heavner
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The lobby, halls and suites depict a Montana lifestyle. Whether it’s agriculture with a John Deere-themed suite, or history with Lewis and Clark paintings and books all throughout another, the Malmstrom Inn celebrates everything that is Big Sky Country.

With 83 rooms on the premises ranging from temporary lodging for Department of Defense families to visiting quarters for temporarily-assigned and business personnel, the lodge provides an atmosphere that’s intended to make individuals forget they’re on a military installation.

“The benefit of staying with us is the atmosphere has that down-home feel that helps that Airman come here and decompress and get engulfed into the local scene,” said Nick Drain, general manager of the Malmstrom Inn. “The key to that is to make it as relaxing as possible during their stay here.”

Built in 1954 and renovated in 2000, the inn also contains furniture and paintings that line the walls which captures the scenes of the Great Falls area between the 19th and 20th century.

“Everything that you can see within the halls and rooms are someway connected back to Montana, which was our intent when it received a total renovation,” said Drain.

He added that all the beautification projects wouldn’t have been possible without the staff.

“We’ve always received outstanding leadership support, which I believe is the reason why we’ve been successful in maintaining our facilities.”

The lodge also finds ways to give back to the community. For example, the lodge sells locally-produced soaps and candles in the lobby.

Drain said he really gets a kick out of returning customers when they come in with old pictures of the lodge.

“When I see the older customers come in and show pictures of the lodge and the base from back during their active duty time, it’s really amazing how much it’s changed and to be a part of that change is really something special.”

For reservations or availability, call the 24-hour reservation line at 406-727-8600.