FLATHEAD LAKE // Area Intro & Highlights

FLATHEAD LAKE

Welcome to the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, a shimmering body of water picturesquely situated below the peaks of the Swan and Mission Mountain Ranges. Flathead Lake is so massive that the earth’s rotation affects the lake’s currents, a phenomenon normally seen only in oceans. This means that there is plenty of room for all sorts of fun, with almost 200 square miles of water, 185 miles of shoreline, and a variety of lakeside communities to choose from.

The neighboring towns of Somers and Lakeside line the northwest corner of the lake, perfectly positioned for both summer and winter fun with their proximity to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area as well as the joys of the water. Cherry orchards spread down the eastern shore from tight-knit Bigfork to Polson, a charming community that anchors the southern end of the lake. Located about halfway between Whitefish and Missoula, Polson is well-positioned for easy access to all parts of northwest Montana. It is also the commercial hub of the cherry industry and home to the annual Flathead Cherry Festival. These towns, along with the many small communities in between, offer a variety of places to stay, play, or settle down on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Malmquist Construction offers unsurpassed expertise in building luxury custom homes. Malmquist Construction offers unsurpassed expertise in building luxury custom homes. Malmquist Construction offers unsurpassed expertise in building luxury custom homes. We view ourselves as “dream builders.” For over 30 years, we’ve been building dreams in natural wood, native rock, steel, glass, and stone…dream homes with the greatest of attention to design, materials, unique details, and the environment. Though each project begins as a dream, in the end we think it is our quality craftsmanship and integrity that you will remember. Malmquist Construction offers unsurpassed expertise in building luxury custom homes. We view ourselves as “dream builders.” For over 30 years, we’ve been building dreams in natural wood, native rock, steel, glass, and stone…dream homes with the greatest of attention to design, materials, unique details, and the environment. Though each project begins as a dream, in the end we think it is our quality craftsmanship and We view ourselves as “dream builders.” For over 30 years, we’ve been building dreams in natural wood, native rock, steel, glass, and stone…dream homes with the greatest of attention to design, materials, unique details, and the environment. Though each project begins as a dream, in the end we think it is our quality craftsmanship and integrity that you will remember. We view ourselves as “dream builders.” For over 30 years, we’ve been building dreams in natural wood, native rock, steel, glass, and stone…dream homes with the greatest of attention to design, materials, unique details, and the environment. Though each project begins as a dream, in the end we think it is our quality craftsmanship and integrity that you will remember. The team is extremely knowledgeable, exceptional communicators, dedicated to quality integrity that you will remember. The team is extremely knowledgeable, exceptional communicators, dedicated to quality The team is extremely knowledgeable, exceptional communicators, dedicated to quality craftsmanship–while never losing sight of the project’s budget & timeline. The most impressive craftsmanship–while never losing sight of the project’s budget & timeline. The most impressive craftsmanship–while never losing sight of the project’s budget & timeline. The most impressive aspect of working with the Malmquist team is their integrity and the sheer FUN we had on the aspect of working with the Malmquist team is their integrity and the sheer FUN we had on the The team is extremely knowledgeable, exceptional communicators, dedicated to quality aspect of working with the Malmquist team is their integrity and the sheer FUN we had on the project. Equally important: the end result was nothing short of stunning. I was actually a little project. Equally important: the end result was nothing short of stunning. I was actually a little craftsmanship–while never losing sight of the project’s budget & timeline. The most impressive project. Equally important: the end result was nothing short of stunning. I was actually a little sad to see the project end. Don’t think I’ve EVER said that about a build. sad to see the project end. Don’t think I’ve EVER said that about a build. aspect of working with the Malmquist team is their integrity and the sheer FUN sad to see the project end. Don’t think I’ve EVER said that about a build. we had on the project. Equally important: the end result was nothing short of stunning. I was actually a little sad to see the project end. Don’t think I’ve EVER said that about a build.Malmquist Construction | 100 Baker Ave Whitefish MT 59937 | 406-862-7846 | www.malmquist.com Malmquist Construction | 100 Baker Ave Whitefish MT 59937 | 406-862-7846 | www.malmquist.comMalmquist Construction | 100 Baker Ave Whitefish MT 59937 | 406-862-7846 | www.malmquist.com

LAKE FUN FOR EVERYONE

FLATHEAD LAKE ADDS GREAT PUBLIC ACCESS

For years, access to the seasonal sandy beach on the north shore of Flathead Lake had been one of those “in the know” activities: if you knew where to park and how to find the footpath through the tall grass, you could enjoy the vistas stretching south across the lake from the wide, sandy shores that appear each winter as the lake recedes and disappear in late spring as it fills again. On clear midwinter days, skaters might carve across the wild ice or groups appear with hockey sticks and pucks for a friendly game. As the first vestiges of spring appeared, so would families with buckets of sand toys and frisbees. But it was always hard to tell exactly where the boundaries were, and there were no garbage cans, let alone bathrooms.

Now, thanks to the generosity of the Sliters family, the descendants of Bigfork founder Everit Sliter, this incredible 106-acre property is being transformed into Somers Beach State Park. Though what amenities the park will offer are still being decided, one thing is for sure: this state park will be an enduring gift to the Flathead Valley for generations of lakegoers to enjoy.

If there were any doubt about the appeal of public parks on Flathead Lake, the incredible popularity of Volunteer Park shows just how much they are enjoyed by the local

communities. The park first opened in 2010, then a small slice of its current size, after local philanthropic couple Bruce Ennis and Margaret Davis generously purchased the land and donated the park to the county. They purchased more land as it became available and Volunteer Park now totals 4.8 acres and features multiple docks, a detached swim platform, and a large grassy area with pavilions perfect for birthday parties or family reunions. It’s named in recognition of all the people who have given their time, money, and talents over the years to make Lakeside and the west shore of Flathead Lake a wonderful place to live.

A new boat launch is also under development near Dayton. The Montebello Fishing Access Site, almost 15 acres of day-use land, will have a boat ramp, picnic shelter, and other basic amenities, some of which should be completed by the fall of 2022. Its location makes it an excellent launching point for a day of exploring Wild Horse Island State Park.

HOME SWEET LAKE HOUSE

MAKING THE MOST OF WATERSIDE LIVING

Alake house is so much more than a home that happens to be on the water. Just as the priorities for your time are different at the lake, so are the priorities for your lake house. Whether you’re building from scratch or looking for creative ways to make the most of the home you already have, here are a few tips:

Dock appeal. At the lake, the front of your house is the side you see from the water. Treat the lakeside door like the front door, and landscape accordingly. It’s also great to have a small water toy room or standalone shed off the side of the house for storing everything from pool noodles to paddleboards without tracking puddles inside.

Bedrooms are for sleeping. When everyone is outside all day, there’s no reason to use more square footage than necessary on bedrooms. If you have a home with larger rooms, think bunkbeds! A lake house certainly never lacks for willing houseguests.

Indoor-outdoor spaces. Maximize your lake days with a space that transitions seamlessly from home to water. Pocket doors on the lake side of the house are great for letting the summer breeze in, and a pergola or sail shade on the deck or dock provides a welcome respite from the August sun. When choosing furniture, you’ll thank yourself for selecting durable pieces that will stand up to a wet swimsuit or two.