Montana
Flathead Lake
The more time you can spend on the lake, the better. Boat rentals, water sports, lakefront restaurants, Flathead has it all. Fun fact: Sam first met Ken's family at the lake, and they have spent time at the Lakehouse every summer since they met :)
Missoula
Ken's hometown, Missoula is a fun, quirky, crunchy place to spend a few days! A few favorite summer activities are time in Caras Park by the river (watching folks surf Brennan's Wave, which Jack Lincoln knows how to do!), a hike up Mount Sentinel to the "M" or Mount Jumbo to the "L" (pegged for Loyola, Ken and Jack's high school), or an ice cream -- biggest debate is Sweet Peaks vs Big Dipper. Fun fact: Kendell's parents met at Stockman's Bar in Downtown Missoula!
Glacier National Park
You truly, truly cannot beat a visit to Glacier; it is peak Montana beauty. Park reservations sell out fast and are most often sold by car. Driving in Glacier is NOT for the faint of heart; the roads are narrow, winding, and there are far too many overconfident drivers that visit. Ken recommends utilizing the shuttle system in the park and taking one of their available buses up Going to the Sun Road to Logan Pass. A favorite easy hike is Hidden Lake; for those who like a longer day hike, the Highline Trail is a can't miss. Insider tip: if you cannot reserve your car's entrance for the day, getting into the park before 6am is free. The easiest entrance for those in Flathead Valley is West Glacier.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a bit of a drive from Missoula (about 4h) but worth it if you have time to spare in Montana. You can combine Yellowstone with the Grand Tetons (asked Ken, Giselle, and Emelie about Jenny Lake) and visit Jackson Hole, WY as well. Access to the park books up fast these days, so check the website for availability!