Western Montana summers are all about fresh, local flavor. Seasonal fruits—like Flathead cherries, Dixon melons and wild huckleberries—define the taste of Glacier Country. To get your hands on some of these delicious gems, spend the day at a U-pick farm, stroll a farmers market, or stop along the way at a roadside stand. Exploring Montana’s summer harvest is a delicious way to experience the region.

Ground yourself in the colors and taste of the season. Photo: Vagabond3

FLATHEAD CHERRIES

Some of the world’s best cherries grow right here in Montana’s Flathead Valley. The valley’s warm days and cool evenings create ideal conditions that extend the growing season and deepen the cherries’ color and sweetness. When driving along Flathead Lake, you’ll pass plenty of orchards and roadside stands where you can pick up fresh fruit.

The harvest typically begins in late July. For a hands-on experience, head to K & J Orchard in Bigfork, where you can pick your own perfectly ripe cherries. Just down the road, The Last Best Place Orchard offers fresh-picked cherries, locally made jams, honey and Montana-themed gifts. You’ll also spot other U-pick farms with signs welcoming you to stop in and enjoy a taste of the season.

Lambert, Bing, Rainer, Chelan—Flathead area orchards grow many types of cherries. Photo: Andy Austin

Festival: The annual Flathead Cherry Festival is a family-friendly celebration of all things cherry, held in downtown Polson. Discover the history of Flathead cherries while shopping local art and unique vendors, and sample a variety of cherry-inspired foods. Fun competitions—like cherry pit spitting, a cherry pie eating contest, and chalk art—add to the experience. Mark your calendar for July 26–27, 2025.

HUCKLEBERRIES

Huckleberries are small, dark purple berries that grow wild across Western Montana. This beloved fruit is a true local treasure, showing up in everything from honey and spirits to pies and ice cream. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so popular.

If you’d like to pick your own, huckleberries thrive on slopes between 3,500 and 7,200 feet with minimal tree cover. A good huckleberry spot is like a favorite fishing hole—best discovered by yourself and often kept secret. Be aware that bears also love huckleberries, so always pick in groups and carry bear spray.

These small berries pack a flavorful punch. Photo: Brian Chorski

Festival: Celebrating 45 years in 2025, the Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival is a longtime local favorite. More than 100 arts and crafts vendors set up shop, and the weekend includes a parade, huckleberry pancake breakfast, 5K fun run, horseshoe tournament, auction and plenty of contests—like pie eating and huckleberry baking competitions for pies, jams and jellies. Food vendors serve up a variety of huckleberry desserts throughout the event. Mark your calendar for August 9–10, 2025, at Trout Creek Park.

FARMERS MARKETS

Farmers markets are the perfect way to explore Western Montana’s small towns and experience local flavor. Picture a warm summer morning browsing fresh produce, locally sourced foods and handmade goods—from pottery and paintings to jewelry and woodcarvings. Many markets also feature coffee carts, freshly baked treats, and seasonal favorites, like huckleberries and Flathead cherries.

Glacier Country’s markets range from small community gatherings to larger events, each with its own character. Take time to chat with vendors—they’re some of the friendliest folks you’ll meet. This is a truly local Western Montana experience.

Farmers market vendors sell a wide—and colorful—variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers and more.

Pro-Tip: Look for the Dixon Melon truck, beginning in August. The best melons in Montana are a market favorite from this vendor, serving up honeydews, cantaloupes, and crenshaw melons right from the truck.

GLACIER COUNTRY 2025 FARMERS MARKETS:

Mondays: Bigfork

Tuesdays: Darby, Missoula, Whitefish

Wednesdays: Bigfork, Cut Bank, Eureka, Hamilton, Trout Creek

Thursdays: Alberton, Columbia Falls, Libby, Ronan

Fridays: Polson, St. Ignatius, Troy

Saturdays: Florence, Hamilton, Hot Springs, Kalispell, Missoula, Stevensville

Sundays: Missoula, Seeley Lake

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.

July 21, 2025

Related: Alberton, Arlee, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Darby, Dixon, East Glacier Park, Eureka, Events, Family Fun, Farmers Market, Flathead Corridor, Florence, Food, Hamilton, Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Noxon, Plains, Polson, Seeley Lake, Stevensville, Summer Fun, Superior, Trout Creek, Troy, West Glacier, Whitefish

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