The Flathead Valley
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of NW Montana, the Flathead Valley has it all. Famous for its diversity, the Flathead boasts four-season recreation from skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling to hiking, boating, rafting and more. Making the Flathead Valley the charming and eclectic place it is are some of the best small towns in the state. Let’s explore a few shall we?
Kalispell
Centrally located at the north end of one of the largest fresh water and crystal-clear lakes in the United States, Flathead Lake, Kalispell is home to a variety of attractions. From the Conrad Mansion built by Teddy Roosevelt’s dear friend Charles Conrad to the world-renowned Moose’s Saloon and those wonderful and sweet Flathead Lake Cherries, Kalispell is jam packed with fun and interesting things to see and do.
Whitefish
Tucked in just below the world class ski facility, the Whitefish Mountain Resort (known to locals forever as The Big Mountain) Whitefish is full of history and fun Nicknamed Stumptown from the days of logging and the railroad, Whitefish was built from hardy and fun-loving folks. A testament to that is the long tradition of the Whitefish Winter Carnival. The brainchild of a handful of local businessmen in the late 1950’s, the first Carnival was held in 1960. From there it has only grown in popularity and draws folks from far and wide every year. You have not lived until you’ve not been kidnapped by a Yeti in downtown Whitefish, MT during Carnival!
Columbia Falls
Known as the gateway to Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls once a sleepy little Montana town is growing by leaps and bounds. Craft breweries and a local farmer’s market, to a locally mined Yogo sapphire shop and newly renovated downtown area are all recent additions to an already fabulous place to raise a family. Head east from Columbia Falls on your way to Glacier and you will find waterslides, Hungry Horse Dam, huckleberry everything and some of the most stunning views in the world. Not to mention some great people too.
Bigfork
Known for its rough and rowdy history, Montana is often thought of as somewhat unrefined. But Bigfork, MT has long proven that misconception wrong. From humble beginnings in 1960 as a summer stock production to its current year-round performing arts center, the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts has helped launch the careers of many young actors and actresses. Art galleries and retail stores feature local artisans from all walks of life line the streets of Bigfork MT. Where else would you find that much culture, friendliness, and beauty along the shores of a stunning freshwater lake? You wouldn’t. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Flathead Valley is a unique and interesting place to live or vacation. Many come to spend a few days and end up staying a lifetime.
You will not find more down to earth and friendly people than those who have chosen to make Montana and the Flathead Valley their home.