Glacier Country

Mountains | Lakes | Skiing

Western Montana’s Glacier Country is the officially recognized destination stewardship organization for the region encompassing Western Montana, including Glacier National Park. We are essential to the economic and social well-being of the 75+ communities we represent, balancing quality of visitor experience with quality of life for the people who call this place home.

Ours is a region steeped in natural wonders, cultural richness and unforgettable experiences. Western Montana is renowned for its iconic landscapes, yet its allure extends far beyond the majestic mountains and pristine rivers. Here, you’ll discover world-class year-round recreation, genuine western experiences, and some of the most welcoming mountain communities you’ll ever explore. Come for what you had in mind—hiking, fishing, skiing and horseback riding—and saddle up for the unexpected. Be immersed in a diverse tapestry of arts, cultures, culinary experiences, local vibes, unique lodging and vibrant downtowns. Glacier Country is a place like no other. It’s also a place to treasure. Please recreate responsibly and travel respectfully so we can preserve and protect this extraordinary place for generations to come.

Aerial view of a Montana town along the shoreline of a large lake, with a marina and boats along the river inlet and surrounding forests

Flathead Lake isn't just the largest natural body of freshwater in the West, it's one of Western Montana's biggest playgrounds. Located in the glacial-carved Flathead and Mission valleys and surrounded by the Mission, Salish, Swan and Whitefish mountains, it's a 30-mile-long, nearly 15-mile-wide, 300-foot-deep recreation hot spot.

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Flathead Lake

Lake and mountain peaks in western Montana at dusk, with pine trees along the shoreline under a colorful sky

Explore things to see and do in Glacier National Park. Established as a National Park in 1910 it is a land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers. It features alpine meadows, deep forests, waterfalls, about 25 glistening glaciers and 200 sparkling lakes. The vistas seen from Going-To-The-Sun Road are breathtaking, a photographer's paradise. Relatively few miles of road exist in the park's 1,600 square miles of picturesque landscape, thus preserving its primitive and unspoiled beauty.

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Glacier National Park

Native dancer in traditional regalia walking at an indoor powwow, with other dancers and spectators seated in the background

The allure of Montana lies in the beauty and awe of the landscape and its natural wonders, which stand alone as vacation destinations. But, the scenic roads, mountain vistas and wide open spaces happen to be enriched with thriving communities brimming with arts and culture like farmers markets, brew festivals and whitewater festivals, live music, performing arts and First Nation celebrations.

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Western Montana Events

Downtown storefront buildings along a Montana main street with wooden architecture and storefront signs under a blue sky

Named one of the "Top 25 Ski Towns in the World" by National Geographic, Whitefish is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and at the base of Big Mountain-home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. A short jaunt to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a year-round destination with plentiful attractions and a mixed array of shops, coffee houses, restaurants, accommodations. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, boating and live professional theater, as well as stellar dining. Amtrak's Empire Builder stops daily in Whitefish, while Glacier Park International Airport is only 15 minutes away.

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Whitefish

Front entrance of a Montana cabin with a person standing in the doorway and flower planters along the porch

Stay & Play

Lodgepole Gallery & Blackfeet Culture Camp

The Lodgepole Gallery is open to the public from June to September, and by appointment throughout the rest of the year. The Blackfeet Culture Camp welcomes visitors from May to September. The gallery and camp are located 2 1/4 miles west of Browning, Montana, on U.S. Highway 89, 15 minutes from Glacier National Park.

Small Town Hidden Gems

Downtown storefronts and shops along a mountain street in Montana, with parked cars and a view of the surrounding hills

Bigfork, Montana

Bigfork has been distinctly honored with designations in the following publications: The 50 Great Towns in the West, 100 Best Small Art Towns, The Great Towns of America and National Geographic Guide to Small Towns Escapes. Bigfork is an exceptionally lovely, upscale, year-round resort village that is brimming with art galleries, fine restaurants, golf, high-end boutiques and live theater.

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Two-lane rural road through Montana hills with evergreen trees and distant mountains under an overcast sky

Hamilton, Montana

The town of Hamilton is the central trade area for hundreds of small farms, ranches and orchards that fill the valley. Hamilton is home to the Daly Mansion built in the late 1800s for Marcus Daly, one of Montana's colorful "Copper Kings." Ravalli County Museum is located in the original Ravalli County Courthouse built in 1900. Saved from the wrecker's ball in 1979, it is now listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings and considered one of the finest museums for a town of this size.

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Regional
Guidebooks

Central Montana Travel Guide Glacier Country Travel Guide Indian Country Travel Guide Missouri River Country Travel Guide Southeast Montana Travel Guide Southwest Montana Travel Guide Yellowstone Country Travel Guide