Communities:

Kalispell

Kalispell is the hub of Montana’s Flathead Valley and Flathead County seat. It is Montana’s seventh largest city and the largest town for 110 miles. Greater Kalispell’s population in 2005 was an estimated 34,000 people, with over 82,000 in the county. Contact the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce at (406) 758-2800 or you can visit the Kalispell website at http://www.kalispellchamber.com/

Whitefish

Whitefish is tucked tight against Big Mountain and the peaks of Glacier National Park. Whitefish is a year-round resort town steeped in the romance of the rails. From its historic railroad depot to its charming Central Avenue, Whitefish was built on the personalities, generosity, and wisdom of its residents. Cafes mix with gourmet restaurants, general stores share the downtown with galleries and boutiques, and a variety of western bars will suit any mood. You will also find amenities like B&B’s, inns, hotels, rustic lodges, ski and board shops, outdoor gear stores, and more. Contact the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce at 406-862-3501 or go to their website at www.whitefishchamber.org; http://www.gonorthwest.com/Montana/northwest/Whitefish/Whitefish.htm

Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls is just northeast of Kalispell and 17 miles west of Glacier National Park on U.S. Highway 2. It is called "The Gateway to Glacier" as it is the last major town on Highway 2 before Glacier National Park from the West. It is also the beginning of the North Fork Road (County Road 486), which is a rustic and scenic alternative route to Glacier Park through the Camas Creek entrance. The road follows along the North Fork of the Flathead River, which serves the Western boundary of the park and has been designated a Wild and Scenic River. The North Fork Road extends 69 miles to Canada and offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and snowmobiling in the beautiful wilderness on the way. http://www.columbiafallschamber.com/

Big Fork

The town of Bigfork is a picturesque and charming arts community. World class art galleries, fine restaurants, a 27-hole golf course, live theatre, and unique shops can all be found within a quaint Western setting. Big Fork is located near Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall and the Swan Wilderness areas that are full of wildlife and offer endless recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Chosen as "One of the 50 Great Towns of the West" and designated as "One of the 100 Best Small Art Towns of the Nation," Bigfork offers you and your family a part of the West that you will never forget.. http://www.bigfork.org/

Polson

Polson is the trading center for one of Montana’s most fertile farming areas. Polson holds an annual Cherry Festival to celebrate its location in a prime cherry growing region and as home to numerous cherry orchards. Other events that are not to be missed include the annual Main Street Festival, the Sandpiper Gallery Art Festival, and performances by the Port Polson Players who produce classic comedies and musicals. Polson has a history of lumbering, ranching, and steamboats. The city was named after pioneer rancher David Polson. Before roads were built along the lake, Port Polson was the transportation hub for travelers from the south. Steamboats played a major part in early transportation of freight and passengers. Today, the town’s population is 4,041. Go to Polson Chamber at: polsonchamber.com

West Shore of Flathead Lake

Somers sits at the north end of Flathead Lake about 8 miles south of Kalispell. Somers began as a “company town” of the Great Northern Railway. Today, visitors can enjoy excellent restaurants, studios and galleries, and historic sites in this town of 556. The town has beautiful lake views and ospreys can be sighted nearby along the north shore of the lake during the summer months. A swimming beach, a boat launch and a yacht club surround Somers Bay and offer access to water sports and lake adventures.

South of Somers is Lakeside, which sits along the northwest shore of Flathead Lake and at the base of Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, which provides great downhill skiing as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the surrounding forest land. The town of Lakeside has several small shops, as well as bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.

Continuing south, down the west shore of the lake, you will reach Dayton, where consistent winds make a perfect location for sailing. Dayton Yacht Harbor serves both new and experienced sailors by providing summer slips, sailboat sales and rentals, workshops, and winter dry storage. Dayton is also a perfect spot to embark for a trip to Wild Horse Island, a 2,200 acre primitive state park that is home to bald eagles, osprey, big horn sheep, deer and wild horses. http://www.lakesidesomers.org/ 

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Getting Here:

By Air: serving the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)

Delta/Sky West – (800) 221-1212

Horizon/Alaska – (800) 547-9308

Northwest Airlines – (800) 225-2525

United Airlines – (800) 864-8331

United Airlines - non-stop to Denver and Chicago
The airport is centrally located between Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls.

By Train: Amtrak's Empire Builder pulls into the historic Whitefish Depot daily from points east and west from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL. .

By Car: Automobiles and RV's can utilize I-90 to Highway 93 or take US 2 into the Flathead Valley.

Distances: To the Flathead Valley from:

Billings: 420 mi / 676 km
Missoula: 120 mi / 194 km
Helena: 196 mi / 315 km
Great Falls: 240 mi / 390 km
Seattle: 543 mi / 874 km
Spokane: 245 mi / 394 km
Calgary: 315 mi / 507 km
Edmonton: 504 mi / 811 km
Fernie: 122 mi / 196 km
Lethbridge: 200 mi / 322 km
Cranbrook: 138 mi / 221 km

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