From glacial basins to forested peaks, Western Montana’s Glacier Country offers unmatched terrain to explore by land, water—and sky. For a different kind of view, take to the air. Hot air balloon rides, scenic flights and skydiving experiences give you a unique vantage point and an unforgettable way to connect with the landscape.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Float above it all during the golden light of sunrise or sunset on a hot air balloon ride. Rides typically last one to two hours. In the Flathead Valley, 2FlyUs offers summer balloon rides from Kalispell, available June through September.
AIRPLANE AND HELICOPTER TOURS
Splurge on an aerial tour—one of the most efficient ways to experience the diversity of Western Montana’s landscape, from remote alpine lakes and high ridgelines to river valleys and towns tucked in the trees. Airplanes and helicopters offer a unique and unforgettable perspective. Most flights last around an hour and are more cost-effective the more passengers there are.
- Backcountry Flying Experience provides a one-hour seaplane tour—the Glimpse of Glacier—that flies over the Upper Flathead Basin, dozens of alpine lakes and multiple glaciers.
- Blue Goose Aviation flies above the Mission Mountains and the Flathead Valley.
- Glacier Aviation Services provides air adventures over the Flathead region.
- Mission Mountain Flying Service departs from Ronan and features views of the Mission Range, Flathead Lake and more.
- Red Eagle Aviation offers plane and helicopter tours and is the only company permitted to fly tours inside Glacier National Park; they also offer access to remote backcountry landmarks like the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
- Westslope Helicopters offers customized scenic flights from Kalispell and beyond.
SKYDIVING
Skydiving in Glacier Country combines adrenaline with an unmatched setting. During the flight, soak in panoramic views of mountains, lakes and valleys before embarking on your 60-second freefall. Skydive Missoula, located in Stevensville, offers tandem jumps during the warmer months. The Lost Prairie Boogie—held annually just outside Kalispell in Marion—is the longest-running skydiving festival in the country, drawing jumpers from all over for a week of jumps, games and gatherings. Meadow Peak Skydiving offers tandem jumps during the festival and throughout the season, from elevations of 12,500 or 16,000 feet.
MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS
For those who’d rather keep their feet on the ground, you can still dive into Montana’s aviation story.
- Smokejumper Visitor Center: Learn about one of the most demanding jobs in wildfire response. Located in Missoula, this is the first and largest smokejumper base in the country. In addition to witnessing actual smokejumpers taking off and landing, fixing their parachutes and checking their gear, you can explore aircraft and displays. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, and by appointment in the off-season.
- Museum of Mountain Flying: Located near the Smokejumper Visitor Center in Missoula, this museum highlights the history of aviation in the Northern Rockies with exhibits featuring vintage planes, flight gear, photographs and personal stories.
- Stonehenge Air Museum: In Fortine, view more than two dozen restored vintage aircraft, including the world’s only flight-ready Mk 47 Seafire. Private property—reservations are required.
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.
August 4, 2025
Related: Aerial Tours, Family Fun, Flathead Corridor, Fortine, Guided Tours, Kalispell, Marion, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Polson, Ronan, Stevensville, Summer Fun, Vacation
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