Montana

on location: west ❖ coley nelson

GORGEOUS

GLACIER COUNTRY

tality makes Northwestern Montana’s Glacier Country the perfect pick for a group destination.

Bordered by Canada’s Alberta province to the

north and Idaho to the west, this gem is one you have got to see for yourself because pictures and postcards do not do it justice. Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Bigfork have plenty to offer group travelers.

Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains, sparkling waters and picturesque landscapes bring in over two million visitors each year to enjoy sightseeing, hiking, camping or just breathing in the crisp clean air. Perhaps the park’s most popular attraction is Going-to-the-Sun Road, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It stretches over 50 miles of glacier-carved valleys through winding mountainsides and is sure to evoke “oohs” and “ahs” from the entire group. Keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, including mountain goats, elk and possibly a bear. Stop at designated spots for photo opportunities and extended views, especially at Logan Pass. At 6,646 feet, it’s the highest peak on the drive, providing a magnificent panorama.

Pretty as a postcard, the state’s northwestern corner offers delightful towns, classic lodges, watchable wildlife and eye-popping scenery

Drinking in the view at Glacier National Park, one of Montana’s crown jewels

64 June 2012

Montana Office of Tourism

MONTANA’S

N

atural beauty combined with small-town hospi-

Obtain Montana visitor guides and itineraries and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info

If your vehicle is over the size limit, the park offers shuttle

Guided tours are available. Another popular attraction in

systems, boat rides and horseback riding as modes of trans-

Kalispell is Wild Horse Island, the largest island in Flathead

portation. The Red Bus tours transport your group around the

Lake, the largest lake in Montana. The island is home to pro-

park and back in time in old-fashioned buses circa 1936. Hop

tected wildlife such as bighorn sheep, wild horses and bald ea-

on for the “Huckleberry Mountain,” “Evening Discovery” or

gles, often seen on an island visit. Another way to view

“Mountain Majesty” tours. After completing your tour, hike a

Flathead Lake is on Far West’s boat tours. Board its historic

few trails and see the park’s many crystal-clear lakes. Lake

cruise ship for a narrated ride around the lake.

McDonald is the park’s largest lake at 10 miles long, and moun-

Be sure to try some of Flathead Valley’s sweet cherries.

tain reflections on the water create

These juicy delights can be found

a mirror image of endless skies.

at roadside vendors or orchards, such as Bowman Orchards right

stay at one of the park’s historic ac-

outside of Bigfork, during the mid-

commodations like Many Glacier

dle of summer. For treats more on

National Park Service

After a full day of sightseeing,

Hotel or Lake McDonald Lodge.

Many Glacier Hotel opened in 1915 and recreates a Swiss atmosphere

the tart side, try wild huckleberries.

Favored by residents and critters alike, Montana’s succulent huckleberries have got to be sampled in a

alpine splendor. The five-story hotel

pie, milkshake or right from the

provides guests Old World-style

huckleberry patch.

Montana Office of Tourism

through its themed architecture and

rooms with rustic charm. Lake McDonald Lodge is a charming Swisschalet hotel that sits on the shore of the lake and has been open since 1914. It is known as the most laid-

Whitefish Mountain Resort is among the nation’s top 10 largest ski resorts by acreage, so there is plenty of room to ski and board in the powdery Rocky Mountain snow

back lodge on site because of its

in winter. During the summer sea-

signature rocking chair-filled back

son, guests can ride the gondola to Montana Office of Tourism

porch overlooking the lake. Both properties are National Historic Landmarks.

There are seven Indian reservations and 12 tribal nations within Montana’s borders including the

Visitors can see bighorn sheep, learn about the Blackfeet Nation and go biking in Glacier National Park.

Flathead Indian Reservation, home

the top, go ziplining or hike the area. Affordable lodging, unique restaurants and charming shops add to Whitefish Mountain Resort’s appeal during any month. Other activities in Western-style Whitefish include horseback riding at the Bar

to Salish and Kootenai tribes, and Blackfeet Nation, home of

W Guest Ranch, hunting for crafts and produce at the local

the Blackfeet tribe, both in the heart of Glacier Country. During

farmer’s market and walking among forest treetops on a sus-

the second week of July attend North American Indian Days,

pended boardwalk.

one of the largest gatherings of tribes from the United States

Bigfork, where Flathead Valley begins, is a small town with

and Canada, to enjoy a parade, rodeo and traditional music.

a sophisticated feel featuring many restaurants, shops and arts

For a cultural immersion, attend the Annual Arlee Fourth of July

establishments. Bigfork’s Summer Playhouse has been raising

Celebration, where guests can stay in a traditional tipi, watch

its curtains on Broadway classics the past 52 years. Bigfork

dance competitions and play games. The Museum of the Plains

also boasts an abundance of bed and breakfasts and rustic

Indians in Browning and The People’s Center in Pablo show-

lodges. Swan River is great for kayaking, tubing and canoeing

case the history and culture of Montana’s American Indians.

on a warm summer day, and Bigfork Museum of Art and His-

Montana’s Flathead Valley offers recreational activities ga-

tory is perfect for an educational afternoon outing.

lore and historic sites to behold. The Conrad Mansion Museum

Whether summer or winter, rain or shine, Montana’s Gla-

in Kalispell is a beautifully preserved mansion built in 1895.

cier Country is a stunning area packed with a variety of attrac-

Charles E. Conrad, a founder of Kalispell, had this elegant

tions and activities. Don’t miss the chance to eat huckleberry

home built for his family in what was then dense wilderness.

pie after a long hike at Glacier National Park. LGT

LeisureGroupTravel.com

June 2012 65

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Yellowstone National Park

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