Western Montana's Glacier Country

Welcome to Western Montana's Glacier Country. As the westernmost region of Montana, Glacier Country has earned the reputation as an outdoor paradise, one made up of spectacular places like Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Flathead Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake in the West. Encompassing more than 35,400 square kilometers, this corner of Montana is home to pristine rivers, majestic wildlife, natural hot springs, glacial peaks, blue-ribbon trout streams, charming communities and two Indian reservations—the Flathead and Blackfeet.

Anchoring Western Montana is Glacier National Park. Often called the “Crown of the Continent” and “Backbone of the World,” Glacier National Park includes more than one million acres of glacial-carved terrain, stunning 400-foot waterfalls, alpine meadows, striking rock faces, more than 1,181 kilometers of hiking trails and the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park is also home to plentiful wildlife—including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions and moose—historic lodges and active glaciers. For a guided excursion in the park, we recommend taking a boat ride with Glacier Park Boat Company, setting out on a trail ride with Swan Mountain Outfitters, hiking with Glacier Guides or taking a guided tour in one of the iconic red buses. To learn about the park from the perspective of the Blackfeet Indian Tribe, book a trip with Sun Tours.

While it’s no surprise that Montana’s stunning scenery takes center stage, it’s safe to say that its natural beauty inspires the artists, musicians and storytellers that make their home here. With a rich and diverse cultural heritage made up of native traditions, western lore and a splash of cosmopolitan flair, the arts come alive in Western Montana.

Touchable experiences include American Indian Pow Wows, visiting the trail of Lewis & Clark or strolling the grounds of the Daly Mansion—built by Irishman and Montana Copper King Marcus Daly. Round out your stay with a visit to regional festivals, farmers markets, rodeos, summer playhouses, state parks and self-guided artistry tours. Wash it all down by tasting Montana at a local brewery and enjoying one of the fastest growing micro-brew scenes in the United States.

While Western Montana’s Glacier Country is a big place, getting here is easier than you may think. Our region welcomes flights into two international airports—Missoula (MSO) and Glacier Park (FCA). Direct flights regularly arrive from Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Seattle, providing plenty of routes to provide a smooth start to your Montana adventure. Amtrak’s Empire Builder operates daily from Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis and Chicago and takes travelers through the northern tier of Glacier Country, with ample opportunities to see the state’s stunning scenery. Combine all that with wide-open roads and a well-maintained highway system and starting your journey in Western Montana is easier than ever.  

And with comfortable accommodations, ranging from mountain lodges to cozy family inns and downhill ski resorts to guest ranches, rest assured you will rest easy in Glacier Country.

Western Montana's Glacier Country
Debbie Picard, Tourism Sales Manager
4852 Kendrick Place, Suite 101
Missoula, MT 59808 406.532.3234
[email protected] – www.glaciermt.com