Category: Moiese

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 […]

Montana has some big names and well-known places (I’m talking about you Glacier National Park), but the truth of the matter is this: some of the coolest places are located off the beaten path and come in the form of small towns, destinations at the end of gravel roads, local shops and colorful characters. Keeping this in mind, last week I set out to explore one of Western Montana’s most-underrated places: the Mission Valley. And you guys, it was a perfect fall day that had picture-perfect views around every corner.

There are certain places that exist in the world that are so beautiful, they almost don’t seem real. One such place: Western Montana. Glacier Country is filled to the brim with amazing scenery and picture-perfect scenes. From the glacier-carved peaks of Glacier National Park in the north to the Old West town of Darby in the south, Montana is filled with awe-inspiring views. Taking pictures is a key part of vacationing, and to help you snag some of the most iconic images in Glacier Country, we’ve created a list of the 31 best locations for photo opportunities.

Spring is a time of renewal—a time to refresh, restore and rediscover. The thing about exploring Western Montana this time of year is that spring is our largely undiscovered season. As the region emerges from winter, hiking and biking trails are clearing, and the landscape comes alive with wildflowers, wildlife and rushing rapids and waterfalls. Here’s where […]

Fall is here in Western Montana and it’s the ideal time to load up the family and hit the road to explore. Family fun abounds during our most vibrant season. From getting spooked at Garnet Ghost Town, to basking in the cool mountain air at hot springs, to surrounding yourself in a tapestry of golden […]

Fall in Western Montana brings brisk mornings, cozy sweaters and jaw-dropping golden hues. While the colors lure leaf peepers from across the country, our outdoor recreation, art and music scenes, museums, and authentically Montana adventures keep them here. Between the hustle and bustle of activities and sightseeing, stop by one of our many local bakeries and treat yourself to a warm pastry while reflecting on the day. From award-winning bakeries serving up the classic pastries you crave, to innovative bake shops creating treats “outside the breadbox,” our culinary contributions are unexpectedly phenomenal. The foodie in you will thank us later.

Explore the rich heritage of American Indians and time-honored traditions like pow wows in Western Montana’s Glacier Country, where you’ll find two of the seven Indian reservations that fall within Montana’s borders—the Blackfeet Nation of the Blackfeet Reservation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. In addition to multiple year-round tribal events, you’ll find museums, galleries, shops and organizations dedicated to preserving the American Indian history and way of life with compelling exhibits and artifacts, and authentic arts and crafts.

One of the things that makes Montana so special is that we share the land with an abundance of beautiful, wild creatures. There are plenty of undesignated places to watch wildlife in Western Montana, but some pretty amazing spots are set aside specifically for Montana’s mammals, birds and reptiles. Glacier Country’s year-round wildlife refuges and viewing areas boast a diversity of habitat and offer a look at some of the region’s most majestic inhabitants.

Western Montana’s pristine landscape makes for prime bird habitat. Our skies are graced with soaring raptors, our lakes and rivers are flush with waterfowl and shorebirds, and our grasslands and woodlands are visited by beautiful songbirds. Whether you’re an avid birder checking birds off a life list, or someone who just wants a look at something wild and free, there’s plenty of opportunity to catch some good glimpses of Glacier Country’s feathered residents.

It’s no secret that we’re serious Griz fans here in Western Montana. The college-football community of Missoula boasts mountains of pride for the Division 1 Montana Grizzlies. Every football season Griz fans flock to the University of Montana’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium to cheer on our beloved team.