THE ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Experience three days in Western Montana, starting in the Bitterroot Valley. See Glacier Country through the eyes of missionary settlers, Lewis and Clark. Spend the night at Montana’s arts and culture hub – Missoula. Travel north to explore the Bison Range or take a scenic cruise along Flathead Lake. Top off your trip at the Crown of the Continent – Glacier National Park
The River City Roots Festival in downtown Missoula is a wonderful atmosphere.
Enjoy These Great Western Montana Attractions and More:
- Founding of Historic St. Mary’s Mission
- Stop at the Smokejumper Visitor Center
- Explore the Bison Range
- Bigfork Summer Playhouse
- Full day tour with Sun Tours, or Red Bus Tours
- Stay in East Glacier at Glacier Park Lodge
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Glacier National Park boasts 1 million acres of stunning peaks, vast valleys, hidden alpine lakes, and more than 200 waterfalls.
WESTERN MONTANA DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive in Stevensville, the first permanent pioneer settlement in Montana. Tour well-preserved artifacts, learn about the founding of Historic St. Mary’s Mission, and stroll through Main Street’s locally owned shops in this Bitterroot Valley community. Continue your trip through Western Montana’s past with an interpretive tour of the only archeologically verified site of Lewis and Clark at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo. The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery stopped both on their journey west and their return. Lolo Peak Brewery & Grill is a favorite for lunch.
It’s just a 12-mile drive to Missoula and a stop at the Smokejumper Visitor Center for a guided tour of the largest smokejumper base in the country. Learn about the jump gear and firefighting tactics these parachuting, wildland firefighters use to protect the West. Check in at a group-friendly Missoula hotel. This vibrant mountain town is home to gourmet restaurants, popular breweries, and its very own cidery, all offering plenty of local flavor for tonight’s dinner. Take time this evening to explore Missoula’s vibrant local scene with its numerous galleries and shops that line the main street.
DAY 2
Wake up in Missoula and enjoy breakfast at your hotel or check out a local’s favorite hot spot. Then head north for about 55 miles to explore the Bison Range—an 18,500-acre national wildlife refuge on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Established to for the conservation of the American bison the Range offers views of the Mission Mountains and ample chances to see bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, and bear.
Continue your scenic tour through Western Montana along the eastern side of Flathead Lake—the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Grab lunch in the picturesque, lakefront community of Bigfork and spend the afternoon shopping at world-class art galleries and numerous shops and boutiques. Check into your hotel, resort lodge, or motel. Bigfork caters to every taste and budget. This evening, take in a Broadway-caliber performance at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.
OPTION: After shopping and having dinner in Bigfork travel to nearby Kalispell or Columbia Falls. Enjoying an evening sunset cruise with spectacular views on Flathead Lake aboard a Far West Boat Tour before checking into your accommodations for a good night’s rest.
DAY 3
Wake up in Bigfork, Kalispell or Columbia Falls and enjoy breakfast in one of these three charming towns before heading to Glacier National Park for an interpretive full day tour with Sun Tours, or Red Bus Tours on the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park boasts 1 million acres of stunning peaks, vast valleys, hidden alpine lakes, and more than 200 waterfalls for an exceptional scenic tour. On the east side of the park, include a stop at St. Mary Lake. Take a historic boat ride for incredible views from the second largest lake in Glacier National Park. See a variety of wildlife and the iconic Wild Goose Island, often featured on magazine covers and post cards.
Stay in East Glacier at Glacier Park Lodge, just outside the boundaries of Glacier National Park— where Great Northern Railway history comes alive and you can learn more about the Blackfeet Nation. Enjoy a laid-back classic dinner and evening at historic Glacier Park Lodge—a timbered lodge built in 1913 that offers a great setting to recap your day’s adventures and plan your next Glacier Country getaway.
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Glacier Country Tourism
Debbie Picard
406-532-3231
wwwtouroperators.glaciermt.com
Hashtag: GlacierMT
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