The beauty of the Flathead area renders most people speechless. The dramatic Rocky Mountains pierce the big sky and meet the serene shores of Flathead Lake. There are endless recreational options, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, road-tripper, flea market addict, or geocaching junkie. Character-filled small towns dot the shores of the lake with unique dining, shopping, and culture. Summer finds residents and guests playing in the woods or on the rivers and lakes, while winter finds them heading for the mountains. Relaxing is as much of a priority as recreating, so you’re never too far away from a deck, a dock, or a quiet trail to slow down and reconnect with family, friends, and of course-the soul.

The Flathead area is well-serviced by two international airports with easy connections. Once you arrive, attractions such as Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish Lake, Blacktail Mountain, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe Reservation, Flathead Lake, and the Mission Mountains are just minutes away by car. The area offers shopping from “big box” to boutique as well as countless dining options. Depending on the time of year, come play at the state fair, catch a rodeo or powwow, enjoy some community theater, cheer on the dragon boat races, run or walk a 10K, tour the historic Conrad Mansion, or be inspired at an international film festival. There truly is something for everyone in our neighborhood!

Without a doubt. Flathead Lake is the heartbeat of our community. It is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with approximately 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. It is crisp, clear, and glacier-fed. It is approximately 30 miles long from north to south, and approximately 15 miles at its widest point. There are not enough words to describe its beauty, but we’ve come up with a few to describe the different ways you can enjoy it.

The simplest way to enjoy the lake is at one of the many city or state parks. There is public access all the way around the lake, and good signage to indicate turnoffs. Pack your suits, towels, and a picnic, and you’ll soon find yourself reveling on a sunny pebble beach or a big boulder by the shore. Looking for a little swim competition? Many organizations on Flathead Lake sponsor open water swims and tours. Click on the links below for more information.

 Boating can be enjoyed in endless forms, from powerboating to kayaking and everything in between. There are many public launches around the lake. For information on renting boats, kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes, please visit one of the links below. The lake is never too crowded, so come to play with your water skis, wakeboards, and tubes. For the thrill-seekers, don’t forget whitewater rafting on Flathead River!

There are, of course, many opportunities for the hardcore angler or beginner family to fish on the lake and river. Spring in East Bay is packed with boats catching perch, which is some of the best tasting fish around. Head to the Flathead River below the dam for gorgeous scenery and excellent fishing.

If the biology and the geography of the lake is what intrigues you, consider a trip to the Flathead Lake Biological Station, located in Yellow Bay.  The “Bio Station” is a research and educational facility associated with the University of Montana and a wealth of information about Flathead Lake and the species who call it home.

The Flathead area is well-serviced by two international airports with easy connections. Once you arrive, attractions such as Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish Lake, Blacktail Mountain, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe Reservation, Flathead Lake, and the Mission Mountains are just minutes away by car. The area offers shopping from “big box” to boutique as well as countless dining options. Depending on the time of year, come play at the state fair, catch a rodeo or powwow, enjoy some community theater, cheer on the dragon boat races, run or walk a 10K, tour the historic Conrad Mansion, or be inspired at an international film festival. There truly is something for everyone in our neighborhood!