What are some of Glacier Country’s towns and cities like?
No matter the beat — outdoor recreation, history, dining, the Western experience, arts and culture — you’ll find plenty to write about in Glacier Country.

Surrounded by lofty mountain ranges and selected as America’s number one small town by Outside magazine, Missoula is a thriving community of 60,000, offering dining, shopping, hospitality and recreational activities. A student population of about 11,500 further rounds out this vibrant community.

Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Polson— a few hours north of Missoula — combine to create an unforgettable destination for families and couples seeking the full complement of recreation, culture and stunning landscapes. Collectively known as the Flathead Valley, the area boasts lakes, rivers, mountains, world-class golf courses and plenty of cultural diversions. Kalispell is the area’s economic and county seat. History and art fans will enjoy the Hockaday Museum of Art, the Museum at the Central School and the Conrad Mansion. The National Bison Range, located near Moiese, is a federally established area for the protection of a specific species and allows visitors driving through the range to see bison, antelope, elk, bighorn sheep and heart-stopping vistas.

Whitefish is a vibrant mountain community comfortable with its historic railroad roots. Visitors will find great restaurants, shops and boutiques, and plenty of lodging. Home to Glacier Country’s premier ski destination Big Mountain Resort, the town is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts and only 30 minutes from Glacier National Park.

An often overused word, “charming” truly applies to any accurate description of Bigfork, Montana. The community is situated on the north shore of Flathead Lake and serves up an array of galleries, fine dining, shopping, golf, and boating opportunities. During the summer months, theater buffs will want to grab tickets for dinner and a show at the Bigfork Summer Theater.

Beyond the bigger towns, it is the small communities that add flavor to the region. In towns such as Browning, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Darby, Essex, Hamilton, Libby, Lolo and Troy, visitors will enjoy huckleberry festivals, antique shopping, Native American culture, holiday celebrations, rodeos, community theater, and art walks and exhibits.