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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’ve made holiday shopping easy by compiling a list of shops and markets in Western Montana and their unique Montana-made treasures. When you give gifts from Glacier Country, you support the Montana way of life and the vibrancy of our communities and artisans. Shop Western Montana […]

As snow begins to blanket Western Montana’s Glacier Country, the holiday season comes to life with festive events and time-honored traditions. The region’s small towns light up with celebrations that capture the spirit of the season. From tree lightings to Christmas markets to New Year’s festivities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at 14 […]

Western Montana is a haven for antiquers where you can find antique malls, revitalized mercantiles, vintage stores and hidden gems. Dealers offer everything from furniture, tools, clothing and textiles to Old-West memorabilia, posters, paintings and artwork, making it easy to take home a one-of-a-kind Montana find. A treasure trove awaits. CREAMERY ANTIQUE MALL In Stevensville, […]

November is Native American Heritage Month, and here in Glacier Country—the traditional, ancestral territory of the Amskapi Piikani, Ksanka, Séliš, and Qlis̓pé people—we honor the significant contributions, unique traditions and diverse cultures of the tribes and Indigenous people who live here today. Here’s how you can, too.    1. VISIT AN INDIAN RESERVATION Montana is home […]

Driving through Western Montana is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—every road here is scenic, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant small towns, and an abundance of adventures. Come fall, these scenic travel routes are elevated to something extra special. Cruise our open highways, discover hidden gems on backroad bends, […]

Western Montana, with its vast landscapes and storied past, has a shadowy side just waiting to be explored. From spine-tingling tours of haunted mansions and desolate ghost towns to terrifying corn mazes, Glacier Country beckons the brave to uncover its eerie mysteries. Dive deep into this blog to discover the spookiest experiences waiting for you this Halloween season.

Fall fishing is upon us in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. While fishing the pristine waters of Montana’s rivers, lakes and streams is phenomenal year-round, autumn offers an incredibly unique angling experience: fewer people on the water, quieter rivers and some of the year’s best trout fishing in October and November.

Fall in Western Montana opens up a world of hiking possibilities. Explore our sweeping meadows, alpine forests and mountain waterfalls, all cast in autumn’s golden hues. To help get you on the trail, we’ve put together our top six fall hikes. Remember to bring your camera—the vistas are truly majestic. BLODGET CANYON OVERLOOK The Bitterroot […]

Autumn in Glacier Country is truly one of a kind—snow-dusted peaks in the distance, golden tamarack trees lighting up the landscape, and vibrant leaves gently falling all around. With comfortable daytime temperatures and quieter trails, it’s the ideal season for outdoor adventures. There are so many things to experience during fall in Western Montana, and […]

Autumn in Western Montana offers stunning landscapes and a calendar full of concerts, harvest festivals, Halloween events and more. This season is packed with fall fun and crisp mountain air, inviting you to explore the region as we celebrate one of our favorite times of year. HARVEST FESTIVALS + BEER FESTIVALS A fall harvest is […]

Glacier National Park is open year-round, and, while every season in the park is stunning, fall is uniquely magical. The park’s glacial-carved valleys and mountainsides are painted with the golden hues of autumn, amplifying the already jaw-dropping views. Fewer visitors, plus abundant birding and wildlife watching opportunities, make it one of the best times to enjoy the […]

Take a look behind the scenes and meet the talented women who work for Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Our team is immersed and knowledgeable in all things Western Montana, so we’re sharing some of our favorite things about this special place. Read on for insider tips and local know-how, and find a few reasons why we’re […]

Disc golf, sometimes called frisbee golf or folf, is a popular activity throughout Western Montana’s Glacier Country. With rules similar to traditional golf, this game involves throwing frisbee-like discs into baskets across wooded and mountainous courses, making it a fun and unique way to enjoy the outdoors—and our incredible scenery—with family and friends. If you’re […]

One of the things that makes Montana so special is that we share the land with an abundance of beautiful, wild creatures. Western Montana is comprised of millions of acres of public land that is home to 83 species of mammals and 393 species of birds—and seeing them is easier than you think. There are plenty of undesignated places to watch wildlife in Glacier Country, but some amazing spots have been set aside specifically for Montana’s mammals, birds and reptiles. Explore our year-round wildlife refuges and viewing areas that offer a diversity of habitat and a look at some of the region’s most majestic inhabitants.

In the picturesque, rolling foothills just east of Glacier National Park, the culture and traditions of the Blackfeet Nation thrive. The largest community on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Browning is a cultural center where museums, shops, galleries and annual celebrations preserve the Blackfeet way of life and give travelers a glimpse into the tribe’s culture […]

Indoor exploration in Western Montana can be as memorable as exploring our outdoor scene. Sometimes, strolling a museum, watching live theater or sampling local craft beer is exactly what you need on a rainy day, to beat the summer temps or to dodge wildland fire smoke. We’ve listed 17 of our favorite things to do indoors that […]

Exploring Western Montana’s Glacier Country in summer is an unforgettable experience, and, while you’re here, it’s essential to prioritize safety and recreate responsibly for the well-being of yourself and those around you, as well as that of our natural resources. Here are five key areas for safety consideration. BEAR SAFETY Bears live throughout Western Montana. […]

Recreation opportunities exist throughout Western Montana; no matter the season, we’re chock-full of amazing activities. To give you a sampling of the unique adventures you’ll find here, we’ve created an A to Z list of activities for your next Glacier Country getaway.  A – Air adventures offer a bird’s-eye view of our spectacular scenery. From […]

Glacier Country is known for its big blue skies and endless views, but the view doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. While Glacier National Park is internationally recognized as a Dark Sky Park, all of Western Montana’s dark skies deliver a stellar show night after night. We’ve got observatories across the region and plenty […]

Motorboating is a classic summer pastime in Western Montana, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amount of water to play in. Each of our lakes is uniquely beautiful—from Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake West of the Mississippi, to Lake Como, a mountain lake surrounded by alpine forests—our lakes are some of the wildest […]

The Pickleball craze has hit Western Montana, transforming it into a vibrant hub for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages. As this paddle sport gains popularity, communities are coming together, local clubs are thriving, and new courts are popping up across the region. Here’s a look into the pickleball scene in Western Montana and where you […]

Come see what’s SUP in Western Montana. Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is an increasingly popular way to explore Montana’s sparkling alpine lakes and scenic, lazy rivers. In fact, SUP is the fastest-growing water sport in the world. Surfing meets kayaking in this epically fun way to play on the water.

Summer in Western Montana has it all—warm temperatures, long daylight hours, impossibly blue skies and spectacular sunsets are just some of what makes it so magical. Another reason summer is a favorite around here is our events lineup of rodeos, concerts, pow wows, festivals, car shows and more. We’ve rounded up some of our best […]

When we refer to Montana by its nickname “The Treasure State,” we’re usually thinking of all the beauty and wonder that makes this place extraordinary—stunning landscapes, charming small towns, and world-class recreation. But Montana has been a place of rich mineral reserves, and, in 1852, gold was discovered here. This revelation not only led to Montana’s nickname, but to an immediate boom in mining, which became an economic stronghold in the region.

If you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious stay among the stunning landscapes of Western Montana, Glacier Country offers an array of splurge-worthy accommodations. From serene mountain retreats to elegant lakeside lodges, here are some top picks for an unforgettable “splurge-stay” experience. BITTERROOT VALLEY TRIPLE CREEK RANCH, DARBY Situated in the picturesque Bitterroot Valley, Triple […]

If you plan to visit Glacier National Park this summer, you’ve hopefully heard of the vehicle reservation required to enter parts of the park from May 24 through September 8, 2024. If not—don’t panic. This blog will provide you with options to enter the park without a vehicle reservation. First, it’s important to note that […]

With more than 22,000 square miles, there’s a lot of ground—and water—to cover in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Our advice? Go with a guide. A guided tour ensures a more memorable adventure, regardless of your experience level. That’s why we recommend leaving everything to the experts—the professional, friendly guides in Glacier Country are ready to lead the […]

We all know that Montana’s Glacier National Park is amazing. It just is. I mean, does it get much better than 1 million acres of glacial-carved terrain, the epic Going-to-the-Sun Road and the feeling you get just being in Glacier National Park? Maybe not. But I’m here to tell you, it gets pretty darn close.

Here’s a little something you may not know about us. In Western Montana, one of our best features is the wonder of our wildflower blooms. Just when you thought we couldn’t be any more jaw-dropping, these miniature miracles of nature brave cold nights and dramatic spring weather to sprout their way up into Montana’s landscape in a striking display of beauty. During our heavenly warm season, our mountain woodlands, prairie grasslands, foothills and alpine meadows are sprinkled with the splendor of nature’s loveliest and most colorful artwork. Montana’s rich flora thrives in several different ecosystems, drawing wildflower aficionados, visitors and locals alike on a quest for the carpet of color or the elusive stem hidden high on an alpine ridgeline.

Western Montana’s rivers are among our most treasured natural assets, and these pristine waterways offer endless adventures. From fly-fishing and canoe floats to whitewater thrills, there’s an experience for every water enthusiast. As winter melts away and the rivers swell with snowmelt, both locals and visitors are drawn to the promise of peak-season rafting. Whether […]

This spring, Western Montana’s Glacier Country is the perfect place for a fresh perspective and a breath of fresh air. The snow is melting from the region’s hiking and biking trails, and the landscape is greening up with wildflowers, wildlife, rushing rapids and waterfalls. It’s our most undiscovered season, and is arguable one of the […]

While we believe that every day is Earth Day around here, this special day is the time to show our planet some extra love and appreciation. In Western Montana’s Glacier Country, we’re gearing up for a week of Earth Day celebrations dedicated to treasuring this place we call home. EARTH DAY EDUCATION Expand your eco-consciousness […]

Spring has sprung in the heart of Western Montana’s Glacier Country, and the trails are calling us out for hiking and biking adventures—an ideal way to get out and see the region. Check out our expansive networks of trails, whether on foot or bike, and discover routes tailored to every level of adventure and ability. […]

Spring is in the air—the fresh mountain air—here in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Each year spring is full of activities and events that bring our communities together, outside and in, for some Western Montana fun. From farmers markets to rodeos, international film festivals to outdoor concerts in the park, our events calendar is full. SPRING EVENTS Plan your […]

Spring is one of Western Montana’s best-kept secrets. It’s the season to get out and explore the region’s emergence from winter, which includes greening landscapes, baby wildlife and raging waterfalls, not to mention uncrowded adventures and shoulder-season prices. Here are nearly two dozen ways to explore our most underrated season. 1. BIKE IN GLACIER NATIONAL […]

It may come as a surprise that this corner of Montana boasts live concerts that rival those of even the biggest cities in the country. From cozy, intimate venues to open-air amphitheaters with breathtaking views, check out these live music destinations and discover Western Montana’s diverse and vibrant music scene. BIG SKY BREWING COMPANY AMPHITHEATER, MISSOULA Big […]

As winter’s chill gives way to the gentle warmth of early spring, Western Montana awakens with opportunities, inviting travelers and locals alike to experience the best of what this season has to offer. Here in Glacier Country, we’re not just waiting for summer to start our adventures; we’re diving headfirst into the season with our […]

A surprising culinary landscape awaits in Western Montana. Here, both local and renowned chefs have embraced a cornerstone of America’s food scene—the food truck—infusing their passion for cooking with innovative twists on beloved classics. Glacier Country’s food truck scene is a testament to this creativity, offering an adventure in flavor that you won’t want to […]

Western Montana’s Glacier Country is filled to the brim with amazing scenery and picture-perfect backdrops. From the glacier-carved peaks of Glacier National Park in the north to the Old West town of Darby in the south, Montana is chockful of awe-inspiring views. Taking pictures is a key part of vacationing, and to help you snag some of […]

To enhance the visitor experience, Glacier National Park has again implemented a vehicle reservation system for the 2024 peak season—May 24 through September 8. This system helps manage congestion within the park, and it applies to the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork and Many Glacier during peak hours. Each location has unique […]

By TravelingMel As winter blankets the Bitterroot Valley in a pristine layer of snow, an enchanting world emerges, inviting adventurous couples to embark on a perfect winter getaway. To explore this Montana gem, my husband and I loaded up our Subaru with skis, snowshoes, swimsuits and winter gear —plus some “Montana casual” outfits — ready […]

Montana’s remarkable natural beauty and rich history have long inspired fine artists, and many of them call Glacier Country home. The small towns scattered throughout the region are arts and culture hot spots where quaint downtowns are lined with galleries and art shops, and where local artists are revered. Visit a local gallery and even take home a treasured piece of Montana art for yourself.

Winter in Western Montana is more than just wintry-weather adventures—it’s time for getting cozy, exploring our welcoming mountain towns, or just snuggling up with a warm blanket, a good book and breathtaking views. Here’s where to find the perfect winter retreat in Glacier Country. Double Arrow Lodge – Seeley Lake Adventure is at your doorstep at Double […]

Western Montana is known for outdoor recreation, and for good reason—instant access to the outdoors makes this place a world-class destination. That said, sometimes the weather or mood makes you want to hunker, and, if that’s the case, we’ve got you covered. Here’s an A-to-Z list of our favorite indoor activities in Glacier Country—and take […]

Glacier Country is a year-round playground, and winter does not disappoint. You can take full advantage of our snowy landscape while keeping in mind that it’s important to play it safe for your own protection, the protection of those around you and the protection of our treasured landscapes and natural resources. Here’s how to recreate […]

We have fun year-round here, and a bit of snow on the ground doesn’t keep us from going outside or holding events. In fact, winter brings some of the most unusual, unique and fun events to cure your cabin fever. From renowned film festivals to barstool races and dog-sled races to a half marathon, there’s an adventure […]

Hello, new year—hello, new and exciting things in Western Montana! With a fresh year in full swing, we’ve got some new businesses to shine a light on. Make it a point to add one of these Glacier Country spots to your itinerary while you’re out and about exploring the region.   WHAT’S NEW IN KALISPELL […]

Winter is one of our favorite seasons in Western Montana. We play year-round here, but when the snow falls exploration is exponential—we gear up and get out, and you should too. Glacier Country on average boasts 300 inches of snow yearly, rendering the landscape a winter wonderland and offering endless winter activities for the whole […]

There’s no question Western Montana is a downhill ski destination. But what makes this place so sought-after is the epic landscape, charming small towns and 300+ inches of snow the region sees every winter, all making it a popular destination even for those who don’t ski. Here are seven ways to play in a Western […]

From wildlife to wild and wintry landscapes, winter is a magical time to experience Glacier National Park. And while it’s perfect for a peaceful, winter wonderland adventure, there are some important things to note while planning your trip to the park this time of year. Please know before you go and plan accordingly to ensure […]