Glacier Country, Montana - Glacier National Park, tourism and travel in Northwest Montana

FLATHEAD VALLEY

Flathead Valley Map
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This valley has it all. The western gateway to Glacier National Park, it also has mountains, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West (Flathead Lake), and lots of outdoor fun. In Summer, that includes hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and golfing--the valley is a golf mecca with eight courses. (Call the Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800/543-3105.) In Winter, The Big Mountain (800/ 858-4137) is the star with 67 runs and 3,000+ acres of skiing.

FLATHEAD VALLEY
DRIVING TOUR

Start on Highway 35 in Bigfork, a lakeside resort town with galleries, resorts, cherry orchards and some of the state's best restaurants in a three-block area. Continue north on 35 another nine miles to the Creston Fish Hatchery, a 26-acre complex that produces rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Flathead Lake
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Then, it's on to Kalispell for a stop at the Conrad Mansion (406/ 755-2166), built in 1895 by the city founder C.E. Conrad. Kalispell is also the retail center of the valley with shopping, dining and other entertainment.

Find Hwy. 93 North and head for Whitefish, the recreational hub of the Flathead. Here you'll enjoy The Big Mountain Ski & Summer Resort, with gondola rides during the Summer, and sparkling Whitefish Lake. On Highway 2 as you head to Glacier National Park, stop in Columbia Falls for snowmobiling in the Winter or the state's largest waterslide in Summer. Other area communities to visit include Hungry Horse, Martin City and Coram near Glacier; Somers and Lakeside are on Flathead Lake.