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When there are wildfires, here are a few things to keep in mind: You’re safe. Most wildland fires, when they happen, are in the back country, miles from civilization and any structures. Montana is home to 3,443,038 acres of wilderness, and most fires happen there. If, by chance, a wildland fire gets close to a community, our firefighting experts communicate, evacuate and communicate some more. If you are in an area that is being evacuated, don’t panic. Someone will notify you before you are in an emergency situation. Road access will also be blocked off if a road in unsafe to travel. You will not find yourself unwittingly in the midst of a wildfire. Ever. Public safety is always the first concern. If an area is open, it is safe. Here is a map of current fires in 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 […]

Western Montana’s Glacier Country offers a treasure trove of enchanting winter landscapes and snow-season adventures. Here’s our guide to the top 8 winter destinations in this incredible place. Whether you seek powdery slopes, festive villages or cozy escapes, each destination promises an unforgettable winter-in-Montana experience. WHITEFISH + WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT The quintessential mountain town of […]

Where do we begin? There are many—many—things to be thankful for here in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Without stating the obvious, our natural resources are always top of mind when we’re feeling grateful—our forests, wilderness areas, rivers, lakes and streams, flora and fauna, wide-open spaces and fresh mountain air are all reasons to give thanks.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with the holiday season comes gift giving—a tradition we love. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling a list of some of our favorite local shops and markets in Western Montana, as well as some unique finds. A Montana-made treasure makes the perfect gift, and […]

Before winter officially even begins, holiday festivities are well underway here in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. This is a magical time of year, and we’ve got the events—and the enchanting wintry landscape—to make it even more festive.   Historic Holiday Happenings + Classic Christmas Events Mark your calendars for holiday décor, gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies, hot […]

November is Native American Heritage Month, and here in Glacier Country—the traditional, ancestral territory of the Amskapi Piikani, Kootenai, Séliš, and Ql̓ispé 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 […]

Western Montana’s Glacier Country is known for its iconic mountain peaks and meandering rivers, but a deeper look into the landscape showcases a diverse and awe-inspiring geography. In addition to the breathtaking Crown of the Continent—Glacier National Park—the region boasts vast and pristine wilderness areas, lush alpine forests, crystal-clear lakes, rugged canyons and sweeping valleys, […]

Hunting in Montana was once a way of life, fundamental to surviving and feeding our families. Today, hunting holds a special place in the hearts of many Montanans who recall our rich history of tradition and necessity. It is also a vital wildlife management tool, helping to keep nature at a healthy balance with available and supportive habitat. Western Montana boasts an abundance of diverse wildlife and expansive hunting terrain on both public and private lands. Glacier Country is prime for the hunt with elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, upland birds and waterfowl; there’s an adventure for nearly every type of hunter. Our hunting outfitters and guides can help you plan a world-class hunting expedition. Learn about wild animals and local outfitters in the region—a treasure trove of wildlife awaits.

When planning your next getaway, consider your impact on the environment and choose a destination that prioritizes eco-friendliness. Here are a few notable ways businesses and cities in Western Montana’s Glacier Country are taking steps to ensure that your visit is not only memorable but also environmentally responsible.   WHITEFISH The quintessential mountain town of […]

Western Montana, with its vast landscapes and storied past, has a shadowy side just waiting to be explored. From spine-tingling tours, 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 […]

Nature isn’t the only thing putting on a spectacular show in Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Talented performing artists flock to the region, inspired by the sheer beauty and wide-open landscapes for artistic expression. Long-running theater companies and symphony orchestras have staged captivating performances here for decades. From community plays to Broadway-caliber theater to live concerts, Western Montana boasts a critically acclaimed performing arts scene.

One of the things that makes Western Montana so extraordinary is our landscapes—alpine forests and sweeping meadows plus glacier-carved peaks and mountains. When the snow falls, it transforms into an unbeatable winter playground home to seven ski areas that boast affordable lift tickets, ridiculous vertical drops, consistently excellent snowfall and more than 11,723 acres of […]

Welcome to authentic Montana, where the pristine landscapes and vibrant small towns of Sanders County await. Nestled along the Clark Fork River, this hidden gem of the Treasure State offers a road trip to remember. Come explore the Clark Fork Corridor, where adventure, history and breathtaking scenery converge to create an unforgettable Montana experience. Start […]

The crisp autumn air, a canopy of fall foliage and the spirited energy of a bustling campus are a few reasons why parents enjoy Family Weekend at the University of Montana in Missoula. From October 27 to 29, 2023, this weekend will offer a perfect blend of bonding, exploration and immersion into Grizzly pride. Whether […]

Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit Western Montana. It’s not only gorgeous—it’s also jam-packed with dozens of not-to-be-missed concerts, harvest festivals, Halloween events and more. Our events calendar is full of fall fun, so come explore Glacier Country as we celebrate our favorite season. We’ve got some exciting events to […]

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. Read on for insider tips and local knowhow, and find a few reasons why we’re so passionate about […]

Long weekends are the perfect time to get away, and Labor Day Weekend is an excellent time of year for an escape to Western Montana. The crowds are beginning to ease, and the landscape is just as gorgeous as ever. Here are five ideas to inspire a holiday weekend getaway in Glacier Country. FLATHEAD RIVER […]