Glacier Country
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
The west entrance to Glacier National Park is less than a 30 minute drive from the airport. The Park is open all year (although the alpine section of Going to the Sun Road closes during the winter months due to snow). At over 1 million acres the Park is a uniquely wild and beautiful American treasure. Explore its Alpine natural beauty with abundant wildlife, over 700 miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes, spectacular waterfalls, towering 10,000 foot peaks and over 20 active glaciers.
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 and Western Outdoor. 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 dining! Just because you are in Montana, you sure don’t have to leave amazing, delicious and diverse eating choices behind. Whitefish is famous for its great shopping and world class dining (Tupelo Grille and Cafe Kandahar) as well as comfortable and Montana Friendly lodging (Grouse Mountain Lodge & Good Medicine Lodge).
For travel information throughout Glacier Country, visit www.glaciermt.com.