Fancy hotels and modern shopping centers have their time and place, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a simpler experience… especially at a charming place like the Virgelle Mercantile. If you have yet to stumble upon this place during your Montana travels, add it to your must-see list right away.
The sleepy little town of Loma is located in Chouteau County.
www.virgellemontana.com Only about 85 people currently call it home. The now ghost town of Virgelle was founded in 1912 by Virgil and Ella Blankenbaker as a shipping point for the homesteaders who were settling in the area.
The Virgelle Mercantile was built in 1912 by the founders of the town itself.
Virgelle Mercantile Facebook The Blankenbakers built the two story general store and living quarters to sell groceries and other necessities to its earliest residents. It operated until 1970, when the last storekeeper closed its doors.
It was reopened in 1975 by a local pharmacist who saw its potential.
www.virgellemontana.com He reopened “The Merc” as an antiques business and converted the upstairs rooms into an inviting B&B.
You can also stay in one of the genuine homestead cabins to get a real glimpse into the past.
www.virgellemontana.com You’ll feel like you’re experiencing prairie life in Montana, but with all the comforts of modern times. You can even have a private party or family reunion by renting all the cabins for $1,000 per night.
The rooms on the second floor are still available for rent as well.
The Merc’s antique shop is paradise for flea market fans.
www.virgellemontana.com You never know what you’ll find on their shelves.
Don’t miss the nearby historic Virgelle Ferry.
JennaAndSteve / TripAdvisor For over 100 years, this ferry has been transporting passengers and vehicles across the Missouri River. It’s open from mid-April to mid-November, depending on the weather and ice in the river.
Make the Virgelle Merc your next day trip destination.
Virgelle Mercantile Facebook Their website lists their events, which happen fairly often. Up next is their Real Country Christmas at a Country Store celebration on December 3 and 4.
The Virgelle Mercantile is located at 7485 Virgelle Ferry Road North in Loma. Call 1-800-426-2926 to reserve a room. And if you’re unable to make it in the near future, check out one of these other Montana accommodations that won’t break the bank.
Only about 85 people currently call it home. The now ghost town of Virgelle was founded in 1912 by Virgil and Ella Blankenbaker as a shipping point for the homesteaders who were settling in the area.
Virgelle Mercantile Facebook
The Blankenbakers built the two story general store and living quarters to sell groceries and other necessities to its earliest residents. It operated until 1970, when the last storekeeper closed its doors.
He reopened “The Merc” as an antiques business and converted the upstairs rooms into an inviting B&B.
You’ll feel like you’re experiencing prairie life in Montana, but with all the comforts of modern times. You can even have a private party or family reunion by renting all the cabins for $1,000 per night.
You never know what you’ll find on their shelves.
JennaAndSteve / TripAdvisor
For over 100 years, this ferry has been transporting passengers and vehicles across the Missouri River. It’s open from mid-April to mid-November, depending on the weather and ice in the river.
Their website lists their events, which happen fairly often. Up next is their Real Country Christmas at a Country Store celebration on December 3 and 4.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
