With the most important pure freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, and the epic Glacier Nationwide Park, Western Montana doesn’t should 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 considered one 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 recent as ever due to the superior Montanans behind every place.
Somewhat than writing one other generic “greatest issues to do in Glacier Nation” article, we needed to go deeper in our collection of high sights, inns, eating places, outlets. As an alternative, we’ve pinpointed the small companies whose artistic choices and unimaginable hospitality make every place so particular and a street 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 look ahead to assembly you too.
The Hip Strip, Missoula
A college city and the second greatest 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 Avenue 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 shaped 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 Document Heaven made this place a pleasure to buy.
Missoula Journey Ideas
Missoula may definitely warrant its HoneyTrek weblog for buying, 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, nice 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 the whole lot we love about this experiential lodging model. Not only a place for visitors to sleep, Meridian is a working flower farm, blacksmithing studio, and the collective dream of a husband & spouse group pursuing their inventive passions. We stayed in Meridian’s lovable yurt, adorned with Zach’s metallic sculptures and Danielle’s floral preparations, and soaked up views of the beautiful Mission Mountains. Then we obtained to strive our hand at their crafts. Danielle confirmed us one of the best flowers to reap and the artwork of wreath making, and Zach taught us how you can forge uncooked metallic into our new favourite bottle opener!
We celebrated by opening their homebrewed mead and sharing dinner constructed from 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 Ideas
Cease at Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, to be taught extra concerning the area’s first peoples–from the Kootenay, Salish, and Pend d’Oreille, to the Western pioneers with their attention-grabbing 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. Unsure what we have been moving 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 previous, I discovered my first arrowhead it felt like a treasure, stated 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 stated pointing to a smattering of trinkets from across the globe. “America is from in all places, so every time folks carry me issues from their residence nation, I welcome that piece of our story.” We’re unsure what was higher at this roadside attraction…the artifacts themselves or assembly this one-of-a-kind character.
2FlyUs Scorching Air Ballooning, Flathead Valley
Floating anyplace in a scorching 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 group Kevin & Debbie Flanagan of 2FlyUs, and their zest for all times was instantly evident. “My father used to say that should you discover one thing you like to do, you’ll by no means work a day in your life,” Kevin instructed us as we drove to the take-off website, “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 all the way 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 previous! And when winter is available in Montana, they snowbird all the way down to Arizona to share their love of ballooning year-round. They have been clearly dwelling their greatest life, doing a job that makes a visitor really feel like they’re doing the identical.
Flathead Valley Journey Ideas
Spending time on Flathead Lake is definitely the most effective issues to do in Glacier Nation Montana. We spent days exploring the lake on our final journey and had an unimaginable time kayaking to Wild Horse Island, cherry selecting 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 important streets with charming outlets adorned with flower bins and lit with wrought-iron lamp posts. But when the partitions of these false-front buildings may speak, 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 capturing vary…and for the final 45 years, it’s been the world’s premier western put on clothing store due to 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 footwear in each colour 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 Ideas
For extra gems on Predominant Avenue, 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 suggestions from true outdoorsmen, pop into Rocky Mountain Outfitters. The group is so educated and candy, they gave us tons of native climbing and kayaking suggestions! 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 may throw on the ground, it’s a dive bar dream! Need to keep the night time? Strive the superbly located and chicly appointed Sherman Lodge TK.
Zero-Waste Farmers Market, Whitefish
We arrived at Whitefish on farmer’s market day, simply when their group spirit shines brightest. Whitefish is a premier ski resort city and so they’ve properly used that success to spend money on the atmosphere and group. They’ve not too long ago 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 liked most? A zero-waste farmer’s market and celebration of excellent meals and native artwork! On Tuesdays from early Might by September, the gorgeous 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 Little one.” The proprietor handed us a protracted checklist of substances, “Decide as many as you need, no additional cost.” Edamame, avocado, almonds, cucumbers, sesame, seaweed salad, tofu…we obtained all of it! The generosity of this meal and the whole lot about this sundown market, made our night time.
Whitefish Journey Ideas
Whitefish is on a shocking 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. Regardless of the way you spend your day on Whitefish Lake, it’s the most effective issues to do in Glacier Nation, Montana
Dan d’ Lion Eatery, Hungry Horse
As a vegan, it may be powerful 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 seen the rising variety of folks with gluten allergic reactions 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 a giant smile to inform us concerning the day’s specials intimately. “In the present day, now we have Lebanese Backyard Hash, manufactured 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? Unbelievable. We obtained 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 stated, “Individuals with dietary restrictions should eat properly too.” Regardless of your favourite method to eat, you’ll love Meg’s model.
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 essentially 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 Street, the 50-mile switchback route, and historic Civil Engineering Landmark. We made stops at beautiful lookouts like Jackson Glacier, Chicken Lady 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 have been glowing. Dan concluded the tour with a language lesson, educating us the phrase “Oki” which implies “so long,” as a result of in Blackfeet tradition you by no means say goodbye.
Greatest Issues to Do in Glacier Nationwide Park
The Crown of the Continent deserves all of the hype it will get. After all, driving Going-to-the-Solar Street for the massive overview of the park and pull over in any respect the picture stops. We’d extremely advocate climbing the paths round Two Medication 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 Medication Lake providing a number of the greatest views and boat rental operations. If in case you have your individual 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 considered one of our favourite journey tales try 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 center of the Blackfeet Reservation and residential to the most effective museums on Plains Indian historical past and tradition. The displays of ceremonial clothes, baskets, weapons, toys, and extra have been in a blinding 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 isn’t just a sequence of historical past displays, there was a up to date gallery that includes Native American artwork from across the nation and a working studio for native artists.
Paints, pencils, and palettes have 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. Generally 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 immune to reservations have been thrown.
We requested the gallery attendant concerning the value of this beautiful piece of horse ledger artwork and she or he stated, 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 bit 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.
Greatest Time to Go to Montana
Montana has a correct 4 seasons, with wonderful snowboarding and a bounty of water sports activities, however to us, getting in September felt just like the candy spot. Beautiful fall foliage gave our journey an unimaginable backdrop and the shoulder season meant there have been no crowds, notably within the wildly standard Glacier Nationwide Park. Come after September tenth and also you received’t want a park reservation, you may simply get last-minute lodging, and all companies are nonetheless open by the month.
Everytime you get to Montana, remember to try the small companies above for one of the best issues to do in Glacier Nation and allow them to know Mike & Anne say whats up!
Many due to Glacier Nation Tourism for inviting us to return to their area and share tales of its lovely locations and other people! 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 group.
