Experience luxurious accommodations and a host of amenities such as a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, indoor heated swimming pool with waterslide, whirlpool, business center, fitness area, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Each well-appointed room has a microwave, fridge, iron, ironing board, coffee maker and a 42’’ flat screen TV. We also offer flexible meeting space that can comfortably accommodate up to 120 people. Our location places you a short distance from Glacier Peaks Casino, Blackfeet Community College, and the Museum of the Plains Indian. Glacier County is known for a limitless assortment of scenic views and outdoor recreation such as hunting, golf, camping, hiking, rodeos, Pow Wow, Native American celebrations, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross country skiing.
50 Museum Loop, Browning, MT 59417 (406) 338-2400 www.hiexpress.com/browningmt
Take Winning to New Heights! Glacier Peaks Casino and Hotel Accommodations!
Babb
Just 40 Minutes from Alberta!
St. Mary 89 Kiowa E. Glacier Pk.
Columbia Falls
Essex
2
Browning owning
2
86 Rooms Swimming pool More than 300 liberal slots High Action Bingo Lucky’s Lounge Aces High Poker Room Glacier Grind Coffee House
89 BLACKFEET INDIAN RES.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Located at the Junction of Highways 2 & 89 West in Browning, MT
87 7. 238.99 4 6 / w w w.Gl ACieR Pe A k SC A Sino.com
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Scenic Byways: Take A Drive.
With diverse terrain ranging from jagged mountain peaks to lush valleys, it’s no wonder Western Montana is home to numerous scenic drives and byways. During the summer, take a drive along Chief Mountain International Highway and cross into Canada before visiting Waterton Lakes National Park. For a leisurely drive through one of the region’s loveliest valleys, travel Highway 83 through the Seeley-Swan. As you pass the valley’s plentiful lakes and trailheads, be sure to keep your eyes Located in the Seeley Valley, Highway 83 will take you past Salmon Lake—one of the most picturesque lakes on the open for deer and elk that Clearwater River. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM call this area home. And for a winding backcountry route, travel Skalkaho Highway in the Bitterroot Valley. This primitive seasonal route connects the communities of Hamilton and Philipsburg, taking travelers through the Sapphire Mountains and past Skalkaho Falls.
A STOP IN BUTTE
OF A STORY.
Hiking near Butte? Our downtown is home to new restaurants, distilleries, breweries and shops. Not to mention, the stories of miners and magnates, iconoclasts and daredevils, and if you stop by . . . you.
WAKE UP TO BUTTE
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The Chinese Wall, located in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, is a huge natural rock formation that reaches a length of 22 miles and an average height of more than 1,000 feet. © CHEFF GUEST RANCH
PLAY PAPARAZZI WITH OUR FIRST CELEBRITY: BOB MARSHALL. For many Montanans, we think of the Bob Marshall Wilderness as one of our famous locals. Known fondly as “The Bob,” this vast area is made up of rugged peaks, placid lakes, sparkling Rocky Mountain streams and wide valleys coming together to create one of the most completely preserved mountain ecosystems in the world. Designated as wilderness in 1964, its elevations range from 4,000 to more than 9,000 feet, its trails number in the thousands and its wildlife include everything from lynx and wolf to mountain goat, grizzly bear and elk. The Chinese Wall—a huge, 22-mile-long escarpment with 1,000-foot vertical faces—typifies the area’s dramatic beauty. With more than one million acres and countless pathways and trails, the Bob Marshall Wilderness is ideal for adventure seekers, from hiking families to hardcore backcountry explorers. Many guides and outfitters take trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, including Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters in Ovando, Cheff Guest Ranch in Charlo, Diamond R Guest Ranch in West Glacier, Rich Ranch in Seeley Lake, Swan Mountain Outfitters in Swan Lake and Dropstone Outfitting in Choteau.
GO SEE HIM. From Kalispell, travel south on Highway 93 and turn left onto Highway 82. Next, turn right onto Highway 35, then left onto Highway 83. Follow 83 south through the Seeley-Swan Valley. From Glacier National Park, follow the Flathead River’s Middle Fork south. From Missoula, travel north on Highway 200 and turn left onto Highway 83 at Clearwater Junction. From Browning, travel south along the Rocky Mountain Front to Choteau before heading west into The Bob. No matter which path you choose, you’ll end up in Montana’s largest wilderness.
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WARM UP WITH MONTANA’S WINTER ADVENTURES. 40
In Western Montana, winter comes in wild and free, dropping an average of 300+ inches of light and fresh snow on the Rocky Mountains as it creates a destination that can only be described as one thing: a powder utopia. And when you combine our snow-covered paradise with blue skies, ample amounts of sunshine, thousands of miles of groomed trails, untracked lines, crisp mountain air, frozen waterfalls and lakes, stunning mountains, charming towns and winter festivals, you have the perfect winter playground.
Western Montana has six well-rounded ski areas that provide ample opportunities for catching air, playing in light powder or cruising down tree-lined runs. © NOAH COUSER
WINTER WONDERS. BOTH DAY AND NIGHT. You may choose to spend your day snowshoeing to scenic vistas, cross-country skiing along the Going-to-theSun Road, snowmobiling hundreds of miles of groomed trails or shredding down runs at our world-class ski resort. No matter your pleasure, there are plenty of ways to warm up after a day playing in the snowy outdoors. Western Montana has a variety of accommodations to suit any kind of winter vacation, any type of winter vacationer and of course—any budget. For the family ski trip, we offer a healthy dose of kid-friendly resort options and convenient slopeside lodging. For the romantic couple getaway, an inviting bed-and-breakfast tucked in a quiet meadow is sure to offer all the amenities you need—elegant suites, spa treatments and a cozy sleigh ride under the clear night sky. Or for a group getaway, we have fine dining, nightlife and lodging deals to help sweeten your trip just a little more.
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5 lifts, no lines
Glacier Country has thousands of miles of trails and play areas for snowmobiling. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
A DOWNHILL HAVEN—NO MATTER YOUR EXPERTISE. Glacier Country features six well-rounded, full-service ski and snowboard areas, ranging from well-known resorts to more undiscovered destinations. With a combined total of more than 7,000 acres of skiable terrain and affordable lift ticket prices, your options for fun on the slopes are as vast as Montana’s big blue sky. Anchoring the northern end of the region is Whitefish Mountain Resort. A worldclass ski resort, it boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, 105 marked trails, views into both Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley from its summit and plenty of on-mountain amenities. It’s also located minutes from the quintessential mountain town of Whitefish. Situated on the Montana/Idaho border is Lookout Pass. It’s here that the snow comes early and in full force, dropping around 400 inches per year. This family friendly resort is easily accessible from I-90 and offers a mix of easy, intermediate and expert runs, as well as on-site dining and three terrain parks.
Located at top of Lost Trail Pass on the MT/ID border. 5 lifts, 1 terrain park hundreds more acres of new terrain, groomers, steeps, trees ...and powder.
406-821-3211 Sula, Montana
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www.losttrail.com
Located a short drive north of Missoula, Montana Snowbowl pulls double-duty as a local favorite and vacationer’s gem. With deep powder bowls and a 2,600foot vertical drop, Snowbowl rounds out its offerings with the tastiest Bloody Mary in Montana and the best wood-fired pizza in the West, as well as an on-mountain lodge. Anchoring the southern end of Glacier Country is Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Sitting atop the Continental Divide on the Montana/Idaho border off Highway 93, powder lovers will feel right at home here. One of Montana’s best-kept secrets, Lost Trail receives an average of 350 inches per year with more than 50 marked trails across 2,120 skiable acres on two mountains. For more information on downhill ski and snowboard areas, visit www.glaciermt.com/skiing.php.
With miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, Western Montana is fun for various levels of adventure. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
Rounding out our winter offerings are world-class cross-country ski trails in and around Glacier National Park, ice fishing on frozen lakes or gliding behind a team of well-trained dogs. Top it all off with a soak at a natural hot springs resort, a glass of local wine, a roaring fire and star gazing. And to experience the best of winter in Montana, check out these notable events: Whitefish Winter Carnival, Montana Pond Hockey Classic in Kalispell and Seeley Lake Winterfest. For more ideas on winter adventures, visit www.glaciermt.com/winter-fun.php.
A VIBRANT
MOUNTAIN TOWN NESTLED AT THE EDGE OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
E X P LOR EW H IT E FI S H.CO M
Photo © GlacierWorld.com
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Winter Fun:
Glacier Country is home to natural hot springs that are ideal for soaking away the winter chills.
© GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
Skiing And Snowboarding Are Just The Beginning. 1. SNOWMOBILING. The wilds of wintered Montana are the perfect place to get your fix for snowmobiling fun. Take in the views of the Swan and Mission mountains as you ride trails in the Seeley-Swan Valley. Or cruise the groomed connecting trails between the Lolo and Clearwater national forests. Other places to explore: Crane Mountain, Marias Pass Trail Complex, Kootenai Country, Lolo Pass and Hamilton/Skalkaho. 2. HOT SPRINGS. Ward off the winter chills with a soak at one of our natural hot springs resorts. Try the warm pools at The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort or Symes Hot Springs Hotel & Mineral Baths. 3. DOG SLEDDING. Bundle up in your sled behind a team of dogs and mush your way through our snow-covered forests. Dog sled adventures can be found in Greenough and the Flathead Valley.
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4. SLEIGH RIDES. A perfect ending to a winter day, cuddle up under a blanket behind a horse-drawn sleigh and breathe in the crisp mountain air, with the jingling of sleigh bells as your lullaby. Sleigh rides can be found in Seeley Lake, Whitefish and Swan Lake.
5. ICE CLIMBING. Cut your teeth at Mission Falls, a popular ice climbing destination near St. Ignatius. For mixed climbing, check out Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley. And if you’re a seasoned climber, visit Glacier National Park for direct, exposed and logistically complicated climbs. 6. SNOWSHOEING. Strap on your snowshoes and head out for a hike through a winter wonderland. Some of our favorite spots: Glacier National Park and the Bitterroot National Forest. 7. FAT BIKING. Explore winter terrain on two wheels by renting a fat bike from Whitefish Bike Retreat. Recommended terrain includes The Whitefish Trail, backcountry gravel roads and nearby frozen lakes. 8. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING. Offering a healthy, hearthappy alternative to downhill skiing, cross-country ski trails are abundant throughout Western Montana. A few to consider: Whitefish Mountain Nordic Center, Glacier Nordic Center, the trails at Izaak Walton Inn, Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails, Lolo Pass and Pattee Canyon National Recreation Area.
Fall Foliage:
Montana’s Most Colorful Season. Hands down, fall in Montana is one of the prettiest times of year. While many places in Glacier Fall colors in the Mission Mountains Wilderness. © NOAH COUSER Country are surrounded by the changing colors of autumn, there are a few places that top the list in terms of viewing our fall foliage. Visit Glacier National Park for a stunning juxtaposition of rising mountain peaks, high alpine valleys and bright shades of red and yellow. Or travel south to Missoula—Montana’s second largest city—and take in the view of the valley, Clark Fork River and The University of Montana from Mount Sentinel.
Peeking at the peak s of Glacier National Park from Lake Five. #GlacierMT
Kandahar
Lodge
Luxurious lodge • 7 miles from Whitefish
For a colorful road trip, drive Highway 83 as it makes its way through the SeeleySwan Valley. Be sure to keep your eyes open for lovely shades of gold on the area’s tamarack trees. Peruse more fall road trip ideas at www.glaciermt.com/fall-road-trips.php.
www.Kandaharlodge.com
800-862-6094
these are the good old days. There’s still a place where fresh powder lasts, locals make you feel at home and your dollar goes fur ther Welcome to Whitefish.
SKI & STAY Since 1947 it’s been about having fun and making our guests feel at home. We invite you to come visit us this winter. With over 3,000 acres to explore, 2,353 feet of vertical, an average of 300” of snow annually, 14 lifts, 7 restaurants, and unbelievable views of Glacier National Park - there is a lot to smile about. Visit us online for winter lodging deals.
W H I T E F I S H , M O N TA T NA SKIWHITEFISH.COM 877-SKI-FISH
Partially Located on National Forest Lands Photo © GlacierWorld.com
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The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell is home to numerous exhibits, public tours and special events. © DONNIE SEXTON
A HEARTY HELPING OF CULTURE. ARTS & THEATRE THRIVE IN GLACIER COUNTRY. Tucked gently into our pristine Montana landscape are cultural treasures that aren’t necessarily expected in a state known more for its natural beauty than its entertainment. But we think it’s the natural beauty that provides inspiration for the artists, novelists, performers and musicians that create here. With a rich and diverse cultural heritage that includes native traditions, western lore and a splash of cosmopolitan flair, the arts truly take center stage in Western Montana in the form of galleries, museums, live theatre and notable events. In towns both big and small, you’ll find galleries that showcase work from local Montana artists. Combine that with summer playhouses, local theatre groups and museum exhibits, and you have a cultural haven that’s ready to be explored. Start your journey in Montana’s cultural hub—Missoula. Stroll through the city’s historic downtown for a well-rounded taste of arts and culture. Recommended stops include A Carousel for Missoula, Missoula Art Museum and Monte Dolack Gallery. For live theatre, be sure to take in a performance from the Missoula Children’s Theatre/MCT Community Theatre. Additional Missoula highlights include Fort Missoula and Museum of Mountain Flying. Another hotbed of cultural activity is the expansive Flathead Valley—located a scenic drive north of Missoula. The Flathead Valley is home to historical highlights that include Conrad Mansion, Hockaday Museum of Art, Polson-Flathead Historical Museum and The Museum at Central School. Rounding out its offerings are Whitefish’s Alpine Theatre Project, Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Bigfork, Glacier Symphony & Chorale in Kalispell, Nancy Cawdrey Studios and Gallery in Bigfork and Port Polson Players in Polson. Other not-to-be-missed highlights include the Daly Mansion in Hamilton, Glacier County Historical Museum in Cut Bank, Montana House in Apgar and The Sapphire Gallery in Philipsburg. Glacier Country is also home to notable arts and culture events, including River City Roots Festival in Missoula, Festival Amadeus in Whitefish, Bitterroot Scottish Irish Festival in Hamilton, Montana Baroque Music Festival in Paradise and Alpine Artisans Tour of the Arts in the Seeley and Blackfoot valleys.
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Learn more at www.glaciermt.com/arts-culture.php.
Golf:
Swing Away. Here in Montana, golf comes with a rare combination of renowned courses, stunning scenery and affordability. With perfectly mild shoulder seasons, our typical golf season lasts from mid-April through mid-October, allowing you to swing your clubs for months on end. With 28 golf courses in Glacier Country, we’re home to some of the most undeniably beautiful courses in the United States. Our courses range from lake-view to mountain courses, with each designed to take advantage of its surrounding, varied terrain and scenic views.
• Man of La Mancha • Footloose • The Addams Family • Annie P.O. Box 456 • Bigfork, MT 59911 After May 13, phone: (406) 837-4886 Or visit our website: www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com
BROADWAY
IN THE ROCKIES atpwhitefish.org
10 courses.
One incredible gOlf destinatiOn.
Our recommendations: Buffalo Hill Golf Club in Kalispell, Canyon River Golf Club in Missoula, Double Arrow Golf Resort in Seeley Lake, Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course in East Glacier Park, Indian Spring Ranch in Eureka, Wilderness Club in Eureka and Whitefish Lake Golf Course in Whitefish. Golfers can also schedule tee times at several courses in the northern tier of Glacier Country through the Northwest Montana Golf Association. For more on golfing in Glacier Country, visit www.glaciermt.com/golf.php.
• Buffalo Hill Golf Course – Kalispell, MT
• Mission Mountain Golf Club – Ronan, MT
• Cabinet View Golf Club – Libby, MT
• Northern Pines Golf Course – Kalispell, MT
• Glacier View Golf Course – West Glacier, MT
• Polson Bay Golf Course – Polson, MT
• Indian Springs Ranch Golf Course – Eureka, MT • Village Greens Golf Club – Kalispell, MT • Meadow Lake Golf Resort – Columbia Falls, MT • Whitefish Lake Golf Course – Whitefish, MT
Glacier Country’s varied courses offer diverse terrain and gorgeous views. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
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MAKING MEMORIES IN MONTANA.
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO GET AWAY. Maybe it’s a weekend jaunt to Missoula, the region’s largest city. Perhaps it’s a girlfriend getaway to Whitefish for on-mountain adventure followed by fine dining and lively nightlife. Or maybe it’s your annual three-generation family trip to Glacier National Park where you fill your tummy on various huckleberry delights. Whatever it is, we’re glad you’ve chosen Western Montana to create your lasting Montana moment.
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Here in Glacier Country, there’s a special kind of bonding power that comes from combining the region’s natural beauty with fresh air and outdoor recreation. For family adventure, take a whitewater rafting trip on the Flathead River, hike along a ridgeline in the Bitterroot Mountains or take a guided snowmobiling trip in the Swan Mountains. Or if you prefer a more leisurely family outing, swim in Holland Lake, pick huckleberries on Blue Mountain or explore Garnet Ghost Town—one of the most wellpreserved ghost towns in the state.
With diverse accommodations and plentiful activity options, Western Montana is perfect for a family getaway. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
After a day (or two) of family fun, reenergize by bunking at one of our lodging properties. Western Montana is home to a variety of accommodations, ranging from rustic to luxe. For luxury travel, try one of our upscale guest ranches like The Ranch at Rock Creek, The Resort at Paws Up and Triple Creek Ranch. If you’re looking to bunk in Montana’s great outdoors, consider pitching your tent at one of our state parks, designated campgrounds or fire lookouts—nestled high in Montana’s mountains. For a cozy country getaway, consider Alta Ranch near Darby or Bison Creek Ranch in East Glacier Park. And for a comfortable and tasty stay, make reservations at one of our numerous bed-and-breakfasts, including Gibson Mansion in Missoula, Hidden Moose Lodge in Whitefish, The Way Less Traveled in Polebridge and Running Horse Inn in Huson. For a complete list of lodging options in Western Montana, visit www.glaciermt.com/stay.php.
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Glacier National Park provides an ideal backdrop for a wedding. © LATASHA HAYNES PHOTOGRAPHY FOR GLACIER PARK WEDDINGS AT GREAT NORTHERN RESORT
STOP DREAMING. START DOING. With hundreds of inspiring event destinations, Glacier Country is outfitted to accommodate groups of practically any size at a variety of locations, complete with extensive amenities and activities. LOVE LASTS IN GLACIER COUNTRY. If you’re looking to exchange vows with your sweetheart, Western Montana is home to plentiful options that are almost as abundant as your love. Wedding venues include quaint inns, lakeside resorts, luxury ranches and mountaintop retreats. For information, resources and ideas on planning a destination wedding in Montana’s Glacier Country, visit www.weddings.glaciermt.com. GET YOUR FAMILY BONDING ON. For generations, families of all sizes have been making memories in Western Montana. Whether it’s boating on Flathead Lake, learning to ski on a powdery slope or hiking to Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park, there are endless ways to bring your family together. Utilizing the special kind of bonding power that can only come from the region’s natural beauty, fresh air and outdoor adventures, unforgettable family memories are waiting around every corner. Want more? Visit www.reunions.glaciermt.com or www.glaciermt.com/family-fun.php. MEET IN WESTERN MONTANA. In Glacier Country, your meeting or corporate retreat will enjoy the ideal mix of convenient big city features and a quiet solitude, courtesy of the Rocky Mountains. Take advantage of our extensive meeting facilities complete with advanced communications technology, accommodations for large groups, championship golf, on-site activities and easy accessibility to various off-site team building experiences. For more information on planning a meeting in Western Montana, visit www.meetings.glaciermt.com.
RELAX. PLAY. Experience premier lodging and dining amid the most spectacular views western Montana has to offer. Try your luck at KwaTaqNuk Casino, with the highest payouts in the region, or cruise Flathead Lake on the resort’s 65-foot boat, The Shadow.
DINE. CRUISE.
Revitalize Your Spirit AT FLATHEAD LAKE
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49708 49708 US US Highway Highway 93 93 E E || Polson, Polson, MT MT || 800.882.6363 800.882.6363 || www.kwataqnuk.com www.kwataqnuk.com
ADVERTORIAL
WELCOME TO POLSON
“THE SMALL TOWN ON THE BIG LAKE.”
Located halfway between Missoula and Kalispell on the Flathead Indian Reservation is the quaint community of Polson. Situated on the southern end of Flathead Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—Polson has breathtaking views of the Mission Mountains and easy access to the expansive lake. The town is also home to boating, hiking, river rafting, fishing and kayaking, making it an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Throughout the specialty shops and locally run restaurants that fill Polson’s delightful downtown, visitors are greeted with both a warm welcome and service with a personal touch. Walk into any one of the charming businesses and you’ll be instantly drawn in by the hometown feeling as you’re treated to a shopping experience filled with an incredible selection of merchandise, complete with a distinctive Montana flair that puts big box stores to shame. Polson celebrates summer with numerous fun-filled annual events like the Fourth of July celebration, Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival (filled with the sweetest cherries you’ve ever tasted and held the third weekend in July), a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Sandpiper Art Show, Water Daze, Fly In, downtown farmers market every Friday from late May to mid-October and Cruisin’ by the Bay Classic Car Show. Additional highlights include rodeos, concerts, Port Polson Playhouse, Miracle of America Museum, Polson Flathead Historical Museum and Kerr Dam—a 204’ tall dam with beautiful views.
ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM
Beer, Wine and Spirits: Tasting Montana. It’s no secret: Montana is beer country. The micro-brew industry in Montana has taken off over the last few years, with locally owned breweries taking root in both large and small communities throughout the region. For a refreshing berry-infused beer, try the Wild Huckleberry Wheat Lager at Great Northern Brewing Company in Whitefish. After a day playing on Flathead Lake, head to the rooftop patio at Kalispell Brewing Company A beer sampler at Kettlehouse Brewing Company in Missoula. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM for a local libation. Or try a Yaak Attack IPA at Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company—Montana’s only female-owned brewery—in Libby. While you’re here, be sure to try one of the state’s most popular beers, a Cold Smoke Scotch Ale from Kettlehouse Brewing Company in Missoula. Western Montana is also home to eight wineries and five distilleries, with each creating and capturing the flavors that make this area so special. Many of our winemakers import grapes from nearby states, combining those with locally grown fruit like Flathead Cherries, wild huckleberries and local honey. For tasty small batch wines that use 100 percent Montana grown fruit, visit Flathead Lake Winery north of Columbia Falls and sample their huckleberry, cherry and apple wines. And for folks looking for a little more kick in their beverage of choice, Montana distilleries are busy brewing up batches of rum, whiskey, gin and moonshine that are handcrafted from local grains. Go behind the scenes with a tour and tasting at Glacier Distilling Company’s Whiskey Barn in Coram. For more information on our made in Montana brews, wines and spirits, visit www.glaciermt.com/breweries.php or www.glaciermt.com/wineries.php.
Taste the Big Sky! Call for Tasting Hours: 406-387-WINO (9466) 8.6 Miles N of Columbia Falls on the North Fork Road (MT Hwy 486)
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www.flatheadlakewinery.com
thetaproomtours.com thet oomt taproomtours@gmail.com 406.396.4839 • Missoula
We also offer day tours around Western MT
These may be the cutest cookies I’ve ever seen. #GlacierMT #IHeartMontana