Things To Do
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana, nicknamed the "Crown of the Continent," is known for its stunning glacial-carved mountains, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes, offering activities like hiking, camping, and scenic drives, most famously the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, protecting diverse ecosystems with abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats. The park features historic lodges, over 700 miles of trails, and is a prime example of a largely intact ecosystem in the Rocky Mountains.
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, known for its clear, cold water fed by glaciers, and offers extensive recreation like boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. It's a popular destination with numerous state park units, islands (like Wild Horse Island), and roadside fruit stands, with its southern half managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Swan River Nature Trailhead
The Swan River Nature Trail is an easy, 4.2-mile out-and-back gravel path (approx. 2 miles one way) in Bigfork, Montana, offering scenic views of the "Wild Mile" section of the Swan River. Suitable for hiking, running, and biking, this forested, non-motorized trail is accessible from Grand Drive or Swan River Road and features benches, picnic tables, and a restroom.
A Bar, Montana
A Bar in Ferndale/Bigfork, Montana is a popular, rustic venue at the junction of Highways 83 and 209, known for its 1970s A-frame structure, scenic views of the Swan Range, and welcoming atmosphere. It serves hand-crafted food—specifically noted for burgers and nachos—alongside cocktails and local beer, featuring a large garden area with a stage and outdoor bar suitable for events.
Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster
The Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster in Lakeside, Montana, is a year-round mountain coaster where riders control their own speed on a stainless steel track through forests and turns, offering scenic views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding landscape. It's a family-friendly attraction with a 4,000-foot track, reaching speeds up to 25 mph, and provides an adrenaline rush with options for both slow, scenic rides and fast, thrilling descents. The facility is well-maintained, offers other activities like gem mining, and is praised for its friendly staff and smooth ride.
Wayfarers State Park
Wayfarers State Park, part of Flathead Lake State Park near Bigfork, Montana, offers camping, hiking, boating, and picnicking on the shores of Flathead Lake, with amenities like showers, a dump station, and a boat ramp. It features a mature forest, wildflowers, and scenic overlooks, with a popular loop trail and a hike-bike campsite for cyclists on the Continental Divide route. The park is open seasonally for camping (April-October) but has a year-round day-use area.
Echo Lake Cafe
Echo Lake Cafe in Bigfork, Montana, is a popular, long-standing American restaurant known for its breakfast and lunch, serving fresh, homemade food in a rustic, Western-themed setting. It's famous for all-day breakfast, house-made items like hollandaise and baked goods, and has been a local favorite since 1960, often with a wait due to its popularity.
Bigfork Summer Playhouse
The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is a professional theater in Bigfork, Montana, known for high-quality, Broadway-caliber musicals and plays performed by nationally recruited talent during the summer season. It's housed in the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), a 435-seat venue that also hosts other events, including children's theater, concerts, and movies. The playhouse is praised for its intimate setting, professional productions, and reasonably priced tickets, attracting both local and national audiences.
Kehoe's Agate Shop
Kehoe's Agate Shop in Bigfork, Montana, is a family-owned business known for its unique combination of a fine jewelry store and a rock shop, offering a wide variety of Montana agates, crystals, fossils, and custom jewelry. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, praised for its knowledgeable staff, extensive selection, and ability to cater to different budgets, from rare finds to affordable gifts.
