One of many things that makes Montana special is that we have four seasons, and each season is beautiful and unique in its own right. Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and sets the stage for the harvest of summer’s distinctly Montana fruits—Flathead cherries, Dixon melons, and wild huckleberries are our favorite flavors of a Glacier Country summer. Whether you attend a festival, pick your own fruit, or stop by a local farmers market, you’d be hard pressed to find a more authentic, and tasty, Western Montana experience.

Lambert, Bing, Rainer, Chelan—Flathead area orchards grow many types of cherries. Photo: Andy Austin

FLATHEAD CHERRIES

Some of the world’s best cherries grow right here in Montana’s Flathead Valley. The Flathead Valley offers ideal growing conditions for cherries, with warm days and cool evenings that extend the growing season, deepening the cherries in color for a sweeter taste. When driving along Flathead Lake—the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—you’ll pass many cherry orchards. Pop-up fruit stands line the main roads, and it’s easy to pull over and purchase a bag of cherries. The harvest begins in late July, so plan a trip to a u-pick orchard—a fun activity for the whole family that lets you pick out the ripest and best-looking cherries. Try Hockaday Orchards on the west side of the lake or K & J Orchard in Bigfork, both open daily  during harvest time. You’re likely to see other u-pick orchards with signs out welcoming you, so don’t hesitate to stop—you’ll be greeted by warm western hospitality.

Stop at a u-pick orchard and pick your own cherries. Photo: Andy Austin

Festival: The annual Flathead Cherry Festival puts on a family-friendly, mouthwatering good time that’s not to be missed. See, eat and splurge on Flathead cherries, cherry-infused treats, local artwork and handcrafted goods. Test your prowess in a cherry pit-spitting contest or cherry pie eating contest. On Main Street in Polson, July 30 – 31, 2022.

HUCKLEBERRIES

Huckleberries are a small, dark purple, sweet berry that grow in Western Montana. This beloved berry is a real Montana prize. While visiting, you’re sure to see it infused into everything from honey and vodka to huckleberry pie topped with huckleberry ice cream. Treat yourself to this Montana taste and you’ll understand why this berry is unrivaled. While sampling the fare is sure to delight, you can also pick wild huckleberries, which grow well on slopes between 3,500 and 7,200 feet, with minimal tree coverage. However, a good huckleberry picking spot is like a good fishing hole; some secrets are best discovered on your own. Bears love huckleberries as much as we do, so it’s always a good idea to pick huckleberries in groups and carry bear spray.

These small berries pack a flavorful punch. Photo: Brian Chorski

Festival:

The Huckleberry Festival, held in Trout Creek, is celebrating its 42nd year in 2022. More than 100 arts and crafts vendors will be selling their wares, and events include a parade, huckleberry pancake breakfast, 5k fun run, auction, horseshoe tournament, huckleberry dessert contest and much more. Food vendors offer a range of huckleberries in a variety of desserts to cap off your day. At Trout Creek Park, August 13 – 14, 2022.

FARMERS MARKETS

Our very popular outdoor community markets are a big part of Western Montana’s charm, and they provide the perfect opportunity to explore our lively small towns. Imagine strolling through a farmers market on a warm summer morning, coffee carts and baked goods in abundance, fresh produce, locally sourced food, and locally-made arts and crafts like pottery, paintings, jewelry, woodcarvings and more for sale. You’re likely to find our beloved huckleberries and Flathead cherries for sale here, too. Glacier Country’s market scene boasts gatherings big and small, each one truly unique. Head to a farmers market for a quintessentially Western Montana experience, and take the time to talk with locals—these vendors are some of the friendliest folks around.

Farmers market vendors sell a wide—and colorful—variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers and more.

Pro-Tip:

Look for the Dixon Melon truck. The best melons in Montana are a market favorite from this vendor, serving up honeydews, crenshaws and cantaloupes right from the truck.

GLACIER COUNTRY 2022 FARMERS MARKETS:

Mondays: Bigfork

Tuesdays: DarbyMissoulaWhitefish

Wednesdays: BigforkEurekaTrout Creek

Thursdays: AlbertonColumbia FallsLibby

Fridays: East Glacier ParkPolson, TroyWest Glacier

Saturdays: East Glacier Park, FlorenceHamiltonKalispellMissoula, Noxon, Stevensville, Superior

Sundays: Missoula, Seeley Lake

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly and build an inclusive outdoors. Travel responsibly by reviewing Western Montana’s COVID-19 information and guidelines at SafetyFirstMT.com.

June 27, 2022

Related: Alberton, Arlee, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Darby, Dixon, East Glacier Park, Eureka, Events, Family Fun, Farmers Market, Flathead Corridor, Florence, Food, Hamilton, Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Noxon, Plains, Polson, Seeley Lake, Stevensville, Summer Fun, Superior, Trout Creek, Troy, West Glacier, Whitefish

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