With the most important pure freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, thousands and thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, and the epic Glacier Nationwide Park, Western Montana doesn’t must do a lot to impress its guests. However with that type of magnificence and pleasant locals who need to share it, Glacier Nation has grow to be one in every of our favourite locations. We’ve road-tripped Montana extensively and upon revisiting areas like Missoula, Flathead Lake, and Glacier Nationwide Park, it appeared as contemporary as ever due to the superior Montanans behind every place.
Moderately than writing one other generic “finest issues to do in Glacier Nation” article, we needed to go deeper in our number of high points of interest, accommodations, eating places, outlets. As a substitute, we’ve pinpointed the small companies whose artistic choices and unbelievable hospitality make every place so particular and a highway journey that a lot better. From the fifth-generation farmer making grain-to-glass whiskey in Missoula to the Blackfeet information risking all of it to share Glacier Nationwide Park’s First Nation story, permit us to introduce you to the Better of Glacier Nation. They stay up for assembly you too.
The Hip Strip, Missoula
A college city and the second largest metropolis in Montana, Missoula has a cosmopolitan-meets-mountain tradition that we love. There are superior indie companies throughout city, however no avenue says it higher than The Hip Strip. Stretching from the intersection of Brooks and Higgins to the south finish of the Higgins Road Bridge, this distinctive assortment of retailers is 100% regionally owned and operated, and splendidly Missoula. Like Strongwater Mountain Surf, which nurtures the unsuspecting surf tradition that’s fashioned from the Clark Fork’s constant waves, or the Jeannette Rankin Peace Heart, which goals to construct a socially simply and environmentally sustainable world by considerate and humorous presents. (My favourite was that Revolutionary Struggle flag with the coiled snake, with their tackle it: “Nobody is treading on you, sweetie.”) And classic outlets like Betty’s Divine and Rockin Rudy’s File Heaven made this place a pleasure to buy.
Missoula Journey Suggestions
Missoula might definitely warrant its HoneyTrek weblog for purchasing, eating, and adventures alongside their 4 rivers and surrounding mountains. However to get you began, eat breakfast at Veera’s Donuts (all vegan and un-BE-lievable), caffeinate with freshly roasted espresso at Clyde’s, sip grain-to-glass cocktails at Montgomery Distillery, positive dine alfresco at Scotty’s Desk, line dance the night time away at Union Membership, and get a superb night time’s sleep at The Wren.
Meridian Farm & Forge, Mission Valley
We all the time love so as to add glamping to our journey itineraries and Meridian Farm & Forge embodies every part we love about this experiential lodging fashion. Not only a place for visitors to sleep, Meridian is a working flower farm, blacksmithing studio, and the collective dream of a husband & spouse staff pursuing their inventive passions. We stayed in Meridian’s lovable yurt, embellished with Zach’s metallic sculptures and Danielle’s floral preparations, and soaked up views of the attractive Mission Mountains. Then we acquired to attempt our hand at their crafts. Danielle confirmed us the very best flowers to reap and the artwork of wreath making, and Zach taught us find out how to forge uncooked metallic into our new favourite bottle opener!
We celebrated by opening their homebrewed mead and sharing dinner constituted of veggies grown of their backyard. It was such a beautiful keep, one which despatched us away with new abilities and new associates. Don’t miss the video above for magic of this place.
Mission Valley Journey Suggestions
Cease at Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, to study extra concerning the area’s first peoples–from the Kootenay, Salish, and Pend d’Oreille, to the Western pioneers with their fascinating artifacts and interpretive trails.
Miracle of America Museum, Polson
If the title alone doesn’t flip your head, the World Struggle II fighter planes, 65-foot logging towboat, and wild assortment of relics within the Miracle of America parking zone can have you pulling over for a more in-depth look. Undecided what we had been stepping into, we learn the signal on the entrance door and it swung open. Gil, the founder and lifelong collector behind this nonprofit welcomed us into his world…40 historic buildings stuffed with over 340,000 items of Americana! “After I was three years outdated, I discovered my first arrowhead it felt like a treasure, mentioned this candy older gentleman, “I need to share that pleasure of discovery with others.”
He led us by the maze of artifacts and classic vignettes…an old-time soda fountain, gasoline station, hair salon, and even a spaceship touchdown strip. It appeared like something was potential right here. “That is my roots part,” he mentioned pointing to a smattering of trinkets from across the globe. “America is from all over the place, so each time individuals deliver me issues from their residence nation, I welcome that piece of our story.” We’re undecided what was higher at this roadside attraction…the artifacts themselves or assembly this one-of-a-kind character.
2FlyUs Sizzling Air Ballooning, Flathead Valley
Floating anyplace in a sizzling air balloon could be romantic, however with views of Western Montana’s jagged mountains, the huge Flathead Lake, fall foliage, and a glimpse into Glacier Nationwide Park, we knew this balloon trip could be a dream. We met husband and spouse staff Kevin & Debbie Flanagan of 2FlyUs, and their zest for all times was instantly evident. “My father used to say that in the event you discover one thing you like to do, you’ll by no means work a day in your life,” Kevin advised us as we drove to the take-off web site, “so I suppose, I haven’t had a job in 30 years.”
Collectively they rolled out the 84-foot-long balloon, then fired up the fan to fill it with air and the flames to make it rise. Simply 4 visitors and our pilot Kevin boarded the basket, as Debbie sped off on a photograph safari to seize us from under. We soared a mile excessive for eye-level views of the mountains and a glimpse into Glacier Nationwide Park. We dipped right down to catch our colourful reflection within the river and teardrop silhouette towards the bushes.
Kevin shared a bit concerning the historical past of flying, a strong geography lesson on the area, and their adventures as a household of balloonists. Enjoyable reality, the Flanagan’s daughter is now the youngest balloonist within the nation at 17 years outdated! And when winter is available in Montana, they snowbird right down to Arizona to share their love of ballooning year-round. They had been clearly residing their finest life, doing a job that makes a visitor really feel like they’re doing the identical.
Flathead Valley Journey Suggestions
Spending time on Flathead Lake is definitely among the finest issues to do in Glacier Nation Montana. We spent days exploring the lake on our final journey and had an unbelievable time kayaking to Wild Horse Island, cherry choosing on the fifth-generation Bowman Orchard, and glamping at Camp Kapapa proper on the water. Learn all about issues to do on Flathead Lake right here.
Western Outside, Kalispell
Kalispell has a type of good Western primary streets with charming outlets adorned with flower containers and lit with wrought-iron lamp posts. But when the partitions of these false-front buildings might discuss, they’d have some Wild-West tales to inform…notably at Western Outside. This Eighteen Nineties constructing was as soon as a pool corridor, opera home, and taking pictures vary…and for the final 45 years, it’s been the world’s premier western put on clothes shop because of the Pirrie household.
It was the legit stagecoach on the second-story touchdown that caught our eye, however once we walked in, it was the aisles of two,500 cowboy boots! Wandering the maze of sneakers in each coloration and embellishment, led us by an archway to an old-time soda fountain with spinning stools and a grand bar. When the Pirries’ daughter-in-law Beth joined the household, they determined to purchase the neighboring Norm’s Soda Fountain and reconnect the Nineteenth-century constructing. We bellied up for a yummy breakfast burrito which they reimagined as a scrumptious vegan meal for us. Historical past, shock, delight, and Western hospitality, that’s what this place is all about.
Kalispell Journey Suggestions
For extra gems on Important Road, head to Sassafras Artwork Coop options all Montana artists, working in each medium, from ceramics to watercolors in one other lovely historic constructing. For any of your journey wants, or simply to get ideas from true outdoorsmen, pop into Rocky Mountain Outfitters. The staff is so educated and candy, they gave us tons of native climbing and kayaking ideas! And final however not least, have a drink at Moose’s Saloon. With each floor etched with patrons’ signatures from their 66 years in enterprise and serving frosty mugs of beer and peanuts, you’ll be able to throw on the ground, it’s a dive bar dream! Wish to keep the night time? Strive the peerlessly located and chicly appointed Sherman Lodge TK.
Zero-Waste Farmers Market, Whitefish
We arrived at Whitefish on farmer’s market day, simply when their neighborhood spirit shines brightest. Whitefish is a premier ski resort city and so they’ve correctly used that success to spend money on the surroundings and neighborhood. They’ve lately added 17 EV charging stations, planted pollinator gardens with native vegetation, and created a composting program by Discover Whitefish’s sustainability grant.
Although the sustainability initiative we beloved most? A zero-waste farmer’s market and celebration of fine meals and native artwork! On Tuesdays from early Could by September, the attractive Depot Park is lined with distributors —produce, worldwide meals, and handmade crafts—all utilizing compostable or recyclable packaging and nary a single-use plastic! For dinner, we opted for buddha bowls at “Wild Youngster.” The proprietor handed us an extended record of components, “Choose as many as you need, no further cost.” Edamame, avocado, almonds, cucumbers, sesame, seaweed salad, tofu…we acquired all of it! The generosity of this meal and every part about this sundown market, made our night time.
Whitefish Journey Suggestions
Whitefish is on a surprising lake, the stays of an ice-age glacier. Get pleasure from it from the sandy Metropolis Seashore or the lake’s two state parks. Drive up the east aspect to play the scenic Smith Lake Disc Golf Course, funded by native companies. Irrespective of the way you spend your day on Whitefish Lake, it’s among the finest issues to do in Glacier Nation, Montana
Dan d’ Lion Eatery, Hungry Horse
As a vegan, it may be robust touring by rural areas, so when Dan d’ Lion Eatery appeared alongside the freeway to Glacier Nationwide Park, we couldn’t have been extra excited. Meg Blakney was a caterer for many years and observed the rising variety of individuals with gluten allergy symptoms and visitors preferring plant-based dishes. She didn’t simply need to go away them hanging with a salad, so she began the Earth Angel Organics meals line and finally this gluten-free, plant-based, 95% natural, and ultra-delicious restaurant.
Meg was behind the counter, within the kitchen, and ready tables, however as busy as she was, came to visit to our desk with an enormous smile to inform us concerning the day’s specials intimately. “At the moment, we’ve got Lebanese Backyard Hash, fabricated from inexperienced bean, potatoes, and zucchini in a tomato sauce of cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon. It’s served over millet rice and topped with edamame and toasted pumpkin seeds.” Say no extra, Meg. We ordered that and their pizza simply to see how good gluten-free, dairy-free pizza with do-it-yourself vegan sausage could possibly be. The reply? Unimaginable. We acquired chatting with Meg about her kitchen backyard of experimental varietals and once we requested her about her inspiration to create this restaurant as a non-vegan she mentioned, “Individuals with dietary restrictions should eat effectively too.” Irrespective of your favourite solution to eat, you’ll love Meg’s fashion.
Solar Excursions, Glacier Nationwide Park
Earlier than Glacier grew to become a Nationwide Park, UNESCO Biosphere, and Worldwide Peace Park, it was residence to the Blackfeet Nation. They consider it to be the “Spine of the World” and it stays probably the most sacred place of their tradition, however these tales weren’t being heard till the founding father of Solar Excursions, Ed DesRosie, raised his voice. He was decided to run excursions led by the data keepers in his tribe–regardless of getting his concessionaire license denied and getting fined for main excursions anyway. Three years of authorized battles and protests later, the park realized the significance of Solar Excursions’ perspective. Flashforward 30 years, Ed has served on the Montana Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council and earned a spot among the many “Native Enterprise High 50 Entrepreneurs.”
We joined Solar Excursions’ East Glacier half-day tour. On the St Mary Customer Heart, half-hour from the headquarters of the Blackfeet Reservation, we boarded our small bus tour with our information and driver Dan. We ascended the park’s Going To The Solar Highway, the 50-mile switchback route, and historic Civil Engineering Landmark. We made stops at beautiful lookouts like Jackson Glacier, Fowl Girl Falls, and St Mary Lake’s Wild Goose Island. Dan shared the Blackfeet legend of two forbidden lovers being chased onto the island and the Nice Spirit turning them into geese to fly away in peace.
Climbing to six,000 toes, the mountain peaks swirled with clouds and a flash snowstorm greeted us on the continental divide. Dan navigated the icy roads like a champ whereas we admired the snow-dusted peaks (one more reason we’re glad we took their tour!). By the point we returned to St Mary’s Customer Heart, the solar was shining and the autumn leaves had been glowing. Dan concluded the tour with a language lesson, educating us the phrase “Oki” which suggests “goodbye,” as a result of in Blackfeet tradition you by no means say goodbye.
Finest Issues to Do in Glacier Nationwide Park
The Crown of the Continent deserves all of the hype it will get. In fact, driving Going-to-the-Solar Highway for the massive overview of the park and pull over in any respect the photograph stops. We’d extremely suggest climbing the paths round Two Drugs Lake and gearing up for the 10-mile round-trip to Iceberg Lake, the place icebergs actually float within the water into July and also you float on high of them like a penguin. To kayak among the many reflections of the lakes is a dream, with Swiftcurrent Lake and Two Drugs Lake providing among the finest views and boat rental operations. If in case you have your personal kayak, take this professional tip from our associates at Rocky Mountain Clothing store to paddle from McDonald Lake down McDonald Creek…subsequent time! For extra summertime concepts and one in every of our favourite journey tales take a look at our Fb Gallery from our earlier journey.
Museum of the Plains Indian, Browning
Most individuals don’t go east of Glacier Nationwide Park, however that’s the guts of the Blackfeet Reservation and residential to among the finest museums on Plains Indian historical past and tradition. The displays of ceremonial clothes, baskets, weapons, toys, and extra had been in a stunning array of types from the Blackfeet, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux, Assiniboine, and extra Plains Indian tribes spanning Canada to Texas. Although The Museum of the Plains Indian is not only a sequence of historical past displays, there was a recent gallery that includes Native American artwork from across the nation and a working studio for native artists.
Paints, pencils, and palettes had been scattered throughout the tables with completed items on show. There have been colourful Western scenes painted on high of handwritten journal entries from the flip of the twentieth century. This was our first encounter with Native American Ledger Artwork. Typically chosen by Native Individuals as a desired canvas for its flourish and moveable nature and different occasions it was the one paper accessible, like within the jails the place Native Individuals proof against reservations had been thrown.
We requested the gallery attendant concerning the worth of this attractive piece of horse ledger artwork and she or he mentioned, let’s ask Ernest. 5 minutes later the artist himself appeared from his close by residence and proceeded to share the that means of his Ledger Artwork and sparked our fascination with the legacy of this medium. We bought a chunk of Ernest Marceau’s work, and as a thanks he gave us two sketches accomplished on Museum of the Plains Indian Letterhead…an ideal canvas and memento from our time collectively.
Finest Time to Go to Montana
Montana has a correct 4 seasons, with wonderful snowboarding and a bounty of water sports activities, however to us, entering into September felt just like the candy spot. Attractive fall foliage gave our journey an unbelievable backdrop and the shoulder season meant there have been no crowds, notably within the wildly common Glacier Nationwide Park. Come after September tenth and also you received’t want a park reservation, you’ll be able to simply get last-minute lodging, and all companies are nonetheless open by the month.
Everytime you get to Montana, make sure to take a look at the small companies above for the very best issues to do in Glacier Nation and allow them to know Mike & Anne say hiya!
Many because of Glacier Nation Tourism for inviting us to return to their area and share tales of its lovely locations and folks! As part of our Bloggers Give Again initiative, we’ve donated to FAST Blackfeet and 5 Valleys Land Belief to point out our appreciation to the neighborhood.
