Category: Getting Around

Travel matters. It matters to the traveler, and it matters to the destinations and communities where adventure seekers are spending their hard-earned vacation resources. National Travel and Tourism Week is May 5 – 11, 2019, and in Glacier Country we’re celebrating the fact that we’ve got endless once-in-a-lifetime experiences to offer, and so many travelers helping our small towns thrive. We’re grateful for this amazing place we call home, and we’re extending a hearty helping of warm western gratitude to all of our visitors. How can you celebrate? Come visit again. You’ll be glad you did.

The Crown of the Continent beckons outdoor enthusiasts. With more than 1 million acres of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, wild meadows and sparkling waters—the sheer beauty of Glacier National Park is jaw-dropping from every angle. However, it can be a little intimidating. For those of you who don’t want to bite off more adventure than you can chew, but still want to get out of your car and away from the crowds, here’s an insider’s guide for a low-key introduction to the park.

It’s impossible to hit the road in Western Montana and not find adventure. Every one of our highways, scenic routes and backroads leads to discovery, and the stretch of State Highway 200 from Bonner to Ovando is no exception. Traveling along the Blackfoot River offers quintessential picturesque Montana moments. In the summer the river is full of boaters, floaters and anglers, but during the winter the Blackfoot Corridor offers incredible off-river recreation opportunities.

We’re sweet on every season here, but we’re especially smitten with autumn. The tapestry of golden hues and hillsides dusted with the first snow complemented by the impossibly blue sky gets us every time, and fall brings a few of our favorite things: flannels, festivals, scenic road trips, seasonal microbrews and farmers markets brimming with pumpkins, heritage apples, ciders and more of our favorite harvest flavors.

Beyond the well-known highlights of Glacier Country, you’ll find a wealth of lesser-traveled public lands to explore, including peaceful state parks and rustic riverside campsites. Pro tip: Always check current conditions, closures and restrictions before heading to any state park or campsite. MONTANA STATE PARKS Montana’s state parks are preserved for their natural beauty and […]

Set against the sweeping eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, Cut Bank is a welcoming community just under an hour from Glacier National Park. Located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Cut Bank blends history, outdoor opportunities and small-town hospitality. 1. EVENTS + FESTIVALS Community pride shines in Cut Bank’s annual events. Montana Shakespeare in the […]

With glacially carved landscapes, a million-acre national park, more than 75 welcoming small towns and seemingly endless ways to explore, planning a trip to Western Montana’s Glacier Country can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. To help you make the most of your time, we’ve mapped out a six-day itinerary that blends iconic highlights with meaningful […]

Tucked into a bay where the Swan River meets the northeast edge of Flathead Lake, Bigfork delivers nature, creativity and small-town allure.. This lakeside community is known for its thriving arts scene, memorable dining and endless opportunities to get outside. BIGFORK VILLAGE In Bigfork Village, the walkable waterfront downtown is lined with locally owned shops, […]

Just minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls offers a mix of small-town character and everyday Montana life. This welcoming community is worth the stop for a morning stroll, an afternoon by the river or a relaxed meal with a local craft beer. Columbia Falls is home to locally owned shops, […]

Traveling from Dallas to Western Montana is simpler than you might expect. With year-round nonstop flights between Dallas and Missoula on American Airlines, Western Montana is just a few hours away—making it easy to trade busy city streets for open landscapes, mountain air and a slower pace. In less than three hours, travelers can arrive […]