EXPLORE THE FLATHEAD AREA

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!

FLATHEAD LAKE

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!

TOWNS

Polson

Polson

Situated on the south shore of Flathead Lake, Polson is a welcoming town that hosts activities year-round. In the summer, hop on a boat and explore the lake or a nearby river, stroll through the Flathead Cherry Festival, play a round of golf, shop at the farmer’s market, feast your eyes at a car show, cheer on athletes at an open water lake swim or triathlon, or relax at one of three city beaches.

During the winter, catch a film at FLIC (Flathead Lake International Cinemafest), take in live music at a restaurant, sled or cross-country ski, swim at the aquatics center, or relax and sip coffee at a local café. And no matter the season, Main Street offers an assortment of dining, shopping, and movies.

Lakeside

Lakeside/Somers

Located on the upper west shore of Flathead Lake, Lakeside is as busy in the winter as it is in the summer. It is home to Blacktail Mountain, a bustling ski spot for locals and tourists alike. Blacktail Mountain offers terrain for everyone, and rarely do you wait in a lift line. Après-ski can be enjoyed at the mountain or at various locations in the town of Lakeside.

In the summer, rent a boat, charter a fishing tour, or relax at one of the many new restaurants Lakeside has to offer. And make sure to check out the Montana Dragon Boat Festival in early September. This is definitely an up-and-coming town on the lake!

Bigfork/Woods Bay

The picturesque village of Bigfork is located on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. In the summer, guests travel from afar to see a performance at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. Electric Avenue is alive with bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries. For art enthusiasts, come browse and shop at a variety of summer festivals. 

In the spring, sit on the banks of the Swan River and be thrilled as you watch the Bigfork Whitewater Festival. In the winter during the holiday season, Bigfork resembles a Currier and Ives print with its small-town charm and beautiful landscape.   

Located just south of Bigfork, the most precious commodity you can have in Woods Bay on a summer day or evening is a parking space or boat slip! This little town right on the lake only has a few restaurants, and if you blink you may just miss them. But that doesn’t stop the town from teaming with people all summer long, enjoying a meal or a beverage on the deck as they watch the boats pull up and take in the beauty of the lake. If you find yourself in Woods Bay on January 1, be prepared to be recruited to take a dip at the annual Polar Bear Plunge, which is not for sissies!

Big Arm

Big Arm offers quiet beauty on the southwest shore of Flathead Lake. You may not find as many shopping or dining options, but pack a picnic and head to the Big Fork State Park to relax and decompress, or better yet, bring your tent or camper and make a weekend of it.

Big Arm is also a great destination for sailors on Flathead Lake. There is always a little wind to put in your sails and it’s a treat to see Big Arm Bay speckled with sails on a bluebird day.

Rollins/Dayton

These two very small towns on the west shore offer beautiful shoreline and spectacular views of Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains. Dayton is a stunning sailor’s destination.

SCHOOLS