Northwest Montana Lifestyle and Recreation

As a four-season destination, northwest Montana certainly lives up to its reputation of being one of the most beloved year-round playgrounds in the western United States. Millions of acres of pristine forests and wilderness lands encircle vibrant and cultural communities that maintain the perfect balance between the laid-back western lifestyle and cutting-edge convenience.

Montana's northwest corner has become affectionately known as "Glacier Country" due to the fact that it is home to one of Americas most beautiful and beloved national parks, Glacier National Park, which boasts more than a million acres of protected natural beauty including some of the most impressive mountain peaks in the western hemisphere, dozens of mountain lakes and streams, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails.

Also within the borders of northwest Montana you will find one of the most popular and progressive alpine ski and summer resorts in the US, the Whitefish mountain Ski Resort on Big Mountain...the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake... some of the best fishing opportunities in the northwest, and the friendliest people you will find anywhere.

Rocky Mountain beauty abounds here. The northwest corner of Montana alone harbors an impressive 11 different mountain ranges which rise up sharply from lush fertile valleys and forests so thick the trees seem to outnumber the stars. Miles of pristine rivers, streams, and lakes make for unparalleled scenery and world-class fishing, endless recreation and fantastic hunting opportunities here in northwest Montana.

You will find an endless variety of travel and recreational opportunities all across the region including horseback trail rides and wilderness packing trips, llama rides, wagon trains, mountain biking and road biking, hiking and backpacking, trout fishing, big game hunting, white-water rafting and scenic floats, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing and so much more. However, northwest Montana's abundant attractionsreach far beyond just it's wildlife and natural wonders. There are many community festivals, rodeos, authentic Native American Pow-wows, antique shops, museums and playhouses. The area is also known for it's numerous active art communities where you can browse an impressive array of artists' and potters' studios and galleries.

Northwest Montana Culture, Community and Convenience

Northwest Montana is also the home of some of the most beautiful, fun-loving and vibrant communities in Montana.

Eureka is located in the upper northwest corner of the region along the banks of the Tobacco River and only minutes south of the Canadian border. This friendly community displays Montana's laid-back country lifestyle in all of its glory. The Tobacco Valley Historical Village located in the heart of town is a collection of wonderfully maintained turn-of-the-century buildings that have been restored to their original beauty and serve as a constant reminder of the area's beloved history. Eureka rests in the center of some of Montana's most beautiful natural wildlands including the majestic Ten Lakes Scenic Area and thousands of acres of Forest Service boasting miles of fishing streams, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country ski trails and so many lakes and mountain peaks, you'll lose count.

Kalispell is located midway between Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park and is the hub of the Flathead Valley. Kalispell is a bustling community full of good old-fashioned western charm as well as progressively modern culture and convenience.

Whitefish was recently awarded by Budget Travel magazine as one of the "10 Coolest Small Towns in America". the community of Whitefish borders the placid shores of Whitefish Lake and rests at the feet of The Big Mountain - home to the world-class Whitefish Mountain Resort. The town of Whitefish is a resort haven boasting an eclectic mix of art galleries, coffee shops, pubs, cafes, boutiques, theaters, museums and northwest Montana's only 36-hole golf course.

Bigfork is a quaint, artistic village that straddles the panoramic northern bay of the Flathead Lake at the mouth of the Swan River. Bigfork is as cultural as it is quaint with a wide array of art galleries, gift shops and boutiques, delicious restaurants and the popular Bigfork Summer Playhouse.

Columbia Falls holds the enviable title of being the "Gateway to Glacier National Park" and a river runs through it. This sleepy little community in the northeast corner of the Flathead Valley is traversed by the rushing blue waters of the Flathead River. Columbia Falls is rich in history and is the home of the world renown Meadow Lake Golf and Ski Resort. Each summer, Columbia Falls reminisces of it's historical past with the "Heritage Days" festivities, a week-long celebration commemorating the areas history.