Enjoying Flathead Lake by sailboat. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
When you think of Montana, the first thing that probably comes to mind is mountains. So, one of our beloved destinations—Flathead Lake— tends to fly under the radar, which is surprising since it’s over 27 miles long, nearly 15 miles wide and 300 feet deep. As the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake provides unparalleled fishing and recreational opportunities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, fishing and sailing. Plus, with 185 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to stop, stay and play. There are multiple islands on the lake, the largest of which is Wild Horse Island. Created more than 17,000 years ago by heavy glacial activity, this 2,160-acre island serves as a day-use state park. Only accessible by boat, Wild Horse Island is pretty explore-worthy and is a prime wildlife-watching destination, home to wild horses, bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer and a variety of birds.
EAT + DRINK: Taste Flathead flavor by picking up the coveted local fruit—Flathead cherries—at various stops along State Highway 35 around the east side of the lake or U.S. Highway 93 around the lake’s west side. For local grub and lakeside dining, visit Marina Cay, The Raven, Riley’s Pub or Flathead Lake Brewing Company— all in the charming town of Bigfork. STAY: A variety of lodging options can be found around the lake. Be sure to check out these properties: Red Lion Inn & Suites in Polson, Mountain Lake Lodge in Bigfork and Edgewater R.V. Resort & Motel in Lakeside. See a full list at glaciermt.com/stay. PLAY: From sailing to kayaking to fishing, lake recreation is abundant. Set sail with Flathead Lake Lodge, take a boat tour with Far West or book a dinner cruise with Kwataqnuk Flathead Lake Resort & Casino. Local outfitters, including Bagley Guide Service and Crane Mountain Guide Service, offer guided fishing excursions on the lake. EXPLORE: The charming communities around the lake—including Big Arm, Bigfork, Dayton, Elmo, Lakeside, Polson, Rollins and Somers—offer the kind of small-town hospitality for which Montana is known, with amenities ranging from lakeside lodging to live theater and friendly breweries.
Learn more about recreation opportunities on Flathead Lake at glaciermt.com/lakes. Watching the sunrise over Flathead Lake. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
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