Category: Thompson Falls

Montana’s cinematic landscapes have provided the settings for legendary films like “A River Runs Through It” and “The Horse Whisperer” and these scenic locations make the perfect spot for film festivals. Here’s a list of renowned film festivals and well-preserved historic theaters in Western Montana’s charming small towns.

Montana’s main draw is its natural beauty and world-class outdoor recreation, so it can be a quite a pleasant surprise to find out the state’s rugged exterior belies a highly developed artistic sensibility. Many of Western Montana’s communities boast big-city-worthy galleries and artists with talent galore. Local art makes a lovely souvenir, so take some time to browse and shop.

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.

Part of what makes Western Montana’s great outdoors so great is the abundance of explore-worthy, off-the-beaten-path public lands. Admittedly, we’re a little obsessed with visiting the lesser-known gems of Glacier Country, where crowds are light or non-existent and the adventure is always one of discovery.

Western Montana’s history lives not only in well-known landmarks, but also in small museums tucked into quiet valleys and rural communities. These lesser-known cultural sites offer meaningful opportunities to explore the stories that shaped Glacier Country—from American Indian heritage and homesteading life to early industry, community traditions and regional art. Visiting these museums is a […]

Winter in Montana isn’t only for adventurous powder plungers and downhill dreamers. It’s also for paradise seekers looking for a peaceful escape in an enchanting frosty forest of white. We hike all year here, and taking a walk in the snow is high on our list of things we love—it just requires a little extra gear. Snowshoes make it possible to head onto the trails and into backcountry quiet places that might otherwise not be accessible this time of year. This easy—and family-friendly—snowsport is a must-do winter activity, bound to leave you with some pretty incredible Montana memories.

Montana Highway 200 stretches across a quiet and scenic corner in northwest Montana, offering travelers a chance to experience landscapes and communities that often fly under the radar. This route connects river valleys, forested foothills and mountain corridors while providing access to outdoor recreation and welcoming small towns along the way. From Sčilíp (formerly known […]

Part One of this series highlighted several favorite trails in the southern portion of Western Montana, including routes throughout the Seeley Swan Valley and the Bitterroot Valley. In this post, we continue the journey north, exploring trails near State Highway 200, the Jewel Basin, Tobacco Valley and Glacier National Park. Here are a few reminders […]

Summer in Western Montana is a season defined by sunlight, long days outdoors and moments that stay with you long after the season ends. Warm weather, clear skies and wide-open spaces set the stage for everything from quiet mornings on mountain lakes to unforgettable rides along iconic roadways. It’s a time that invites both adventure […]