Glacier Country

Flathead Lake & Surrounding Communities

Flathead Lake is the largest natural, fresh water lake west of the Mississippi River. This magnificent body of water is a favorite for water craft of all types and great fishing is a year around option. At the north end of the lake is the charming arts community of Bigfork. This small town is the home of an internationally acclaimed collection of world class artists and sculptors, superb dining (La Provence & Show Thyme), and the infamously challenging rapids of the “Wild Mile” on the Swan River – a whitewater kayaker’s dream.

On the east side of the huge lake is one of the largest concentrations of cherry orchards in the US. During the spring the entire east side is a sea of white and pink cherry blossoms and by the end of July the cherries are ready to be picked and enjoyed. Be sure to ask for a slice of Flathead Cherry pie in while you are here – it is a special treat and a home-grown favorite.

The west side community of Lakeside focuses on summer boating, and in the winter the popular Blacktail Ski Area is located high above the lovely little community.

Polson is a growing community at the South end of Flathead Lake and within the heart of the Salish / Kootenai Indian reservation. When in the area don’t miss the nation’s largest herd of North American Bison, a short drive from Polson at the National Bison Range.

Kalispell

This thriving and growing city, the region’s largest, is the governmental and commercial center of northwest Montana. Beside the usual shopping amenities of many of the nationally known stores (such as Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, Target and many others) Kalispell is home to true western local favorites such as Norms News, Western Outdoor and Rocky Mountain Outfitters. There are also excellent cultural opportunities (The Hockaday Museum of Art, featuring both locally and nationally renowned artists, The Glacier Symphony & Chorale and the Conrad Mansion, the magnificently restored home of one of the early leaders in Montana. Kalispell also is home to superb, world class dining, with featuring Capers, the newest restaurant creation of natioanlly known chef Doug Day, located conveniently in the heart of the historic downtown.

Whitefish

Whitefish is often referred to as Montana’s recreation and vacation capital – with year round options for just about every sports enthusiast. In the winter Whitefish Mountain Resort provides plenty of excitement and challenge for skiers and boarders alike. Whitefish is also the center of fun in the warm seasons including water sports aplenty on 7-mile long Whitefish Lake, mountain and road biking, hiking, river rafting, kayaking, amazing photo safari destinations, wildlife viewing and world class golf on two of the Valley’s 9 championship courses.

And don’t forget the excellent dining! Just because you are in Montana, that doesn’t mean you have to leave amazing, delicious and diverse dining choices behind. Whitefish is famous for its great shopping and world class restaurant accomodations (Tupelo Grille, Cafe Kandahar and Pollo Grill) as well as comfortable and Montana Friendly lodging (Grouse Mountain Lodge, Good Medicine Lodge, and The Garden Wall Inn).

Close to Glacier National Park

Columbia Falls and West Glacier form the gateways to the western entrance to Glacier National Park. These communities offer cozy lodging minutes from the the park entrance like the Moss Mountain Inn and other dining and recreational amenities year around.