Flathead Valley

A visit to Montana's Flathead Valley is like an expedition to discover unchartered territory. The surrounding mountains offer a beautiful view, and visitors will be warmly welcomed by the locals, who host many recreational and cultural activities. Though the area itself is modest, it is a great starting point for exploring the phenomenal surrounding Montana wilderness, including Glacier National Park.

The wilderness area of Flathead Valley is the size of Vermont, providing plenty of space to explore. Visitors will enjoy a trip to nearby Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Great Bear Wilderness, Jewel Basin, National Bison Range, Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area, Flathead National Forest, and Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir. Outdoor activities to consider at any of these sites include winter sports, biking, rafting, fishing, camping, golfing, horseback riding, hiking and camping. For each activity that you want to pursue, there are several facilities to rent equipment, provide tours, and accommodations. Fishing is a particularly popular sport, and fishing equipment and boat rentals are available. Avid fishers enjoy finding trophy-size trout, yellow perch and whitefish. Keep in mind that certain waters belong to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Native American tribes, who require fishermen to obtain a tribal fishing permit, available at most area sporting goods stores.

Flathead Valley is on the way to Glacier National Park, a popular site due to the Big Mountain ski resort and Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Within the lake you will find Wild Horse, the lake's largest island, which is a large wildlife refuge for more than 75 species of birds and other animals. Around Flathead Lake are the communities of Polson, Lakeside, Somers and Bigfork. To the north is the resort community of Whitefish, as well as Columbia Falls.

Within Flathead Valley, one will find museums, galleries, shopping, fine cuisine and golfing, all within a pleasantly mild climate. There are also frequent events such as concerts and festivals. For example, in July, you can shop for arts and crafts at Arts in the Park, in August you can sample local dishes at the Bigfork Festival for the Arts, and throughout the summer you can hear music at the Picnic in the Park outdoor concert series. Meanwhile, walking tours are available of the historic buildings and homes of Flathead Valley. Other attractions in town include the Conrad Mansion, built in 1895, which is now a National Historic site, full of antique furniture and clothing; the Hockaday Museum of Art, which features a permanent exhibit of the art and culture of Montana; and activities for children at the Museum at Central School, an old school building from 1894, the Alpine Theatre Project, a professional Equity theatre, or the Glacier Symphony and Chorale, a full regional community symphony orchestra performing classical series, holiday, and pops concerts each season. If you're looking for souvenirs, there are many shops at the Kalispell Center Mall as well as more unique shops and boutiques in Bigfork, Whitefish, and Kalispell. Restaurants are not quite as plentiful, but a couple of independent places are recommended, namely the Back Room and Nite Owl Restaurants, and Norm's News.

Flathead Valley was initially discovered in 1810, when Jasper Howse was sent there to establish a trading post. Few people settled in the area until the 1890s, when the Great Northern Railway set up a stop in the valley. Not long after, the first school was established there, and other communities began to sprout nearby. Heavy tourism followed the creation of Glacier National Park in 1910, and almost a decade later, the town was booming with real estate prospectors.

Since Flathead Valley is so secluded from other major cities, it is recommended to stay a few days if possible. The area offers resorts, motels, hotels, and B&Bs. There are also many cabins and dude ranches where you can rent a room, as well as camping grounds in the wilderness. Many of the resorts in the area are fairly fancy for a small town, and offer conference centers, pools, spas, room service, shuttle service to and from the airport and fine dining.

Flathead Valley is located in the northwest corner of Montana in the city of Kalispell Flathead Valley can be reached easily from the Glacier Park International Airport, and is found off Highway 93 or US 2.

Flathead Valley is an unusual tourist destination, which makes it a great place to visit if you want to see something unique and unspoiled while you still can. With plenty to do and see, Flathead Valley is the perfect spot for the adventuresome tourist!