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How to Plan the Perfect Flathead Lake Vacation

logoDiscover The Flathead Valley’s captivating wilderness when you want to escape the grind of daily life and connect with nature. Here is everything you need to know to plan a perfect Flathead Lake vacation:

When to Visit

The Flathead area experiences all four seasons, so you must consider the weather conditions when you choose to come. The high season is June through August, when you will find warm, sunny weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. July is cherry harvest season, when roadside stands selling the fruit can be found everywhere. May and September still have nice mild weather with fewer crowds than you will find in summer. Yet, some snow bunnies prefer winter scenery and skiing in Whitefish. 

How to Get Here

There are two airports near Flathead Lake: Glacier International Airport (FCA) to the north side of the lake and Missoula International Airport (MSO) to the south. Getting around without a car is possible, but most visitors rent a car for convenience. 

Where to Stay

There are many options for accommodation available at Flathead Lake, to suit any budget, from campgrounds to luxurious resorts. Other alternatives to consider are cabins with a kitchen and living space, boutique hotels, or hotel chains. Flathead Lake vacation rentals may come with calming views of the lake or surrounding nature or be located in one of the lake’s towns so that they are conveniently close to restaurants. Opting to stay in nearby Kalispell can be cheaper.

What to Do

Now for the fun part! The Flathead area is full of things to do and see on miles of wild terrain, while its rich history provides opportunities to learn about life in the past.

Sailing and Watersports

The best way to enjoy Flathead Lake’s clear and calm water is to leave the shore and explore from a boat, kayak, or SUP board. The lake has several islands, many of which are completely uninhabited and can only be accessed by boat or renting a kayak. The islands are perfect for day trips and observing wildlife. If fishing is your favorite pastime, the Flathead is full of trout, bass, and perch for fishing. 

The lake is also a great place to sail, especially if you’re a beginner. To get the most out of your Flathead Lake vacation, you can learn to sail with Montana’s only ASA sailing school, Go Sail Montana. Or, you can let us show you around the lake on a sailing tour, where your captain will give informal sailing instructions and experience if you want.

Other Outdoor Activities

The Flathead Valley is a paradise for nature lovers! If you like hiking, there are endless trails in the six state parks around the lake. Additionally, the world-famous Glacier National Park, where you will find even more stunning views and wildlife to observe, is only thirty miles away. However, if you recreate on the Flathead Indian Reservation on the south end of the lake, please note that you will need to purchase a recreation permit. 

Finally, golfers will delight in the ten well-maintained and challenging golf courses around Flathead, with a different breathtaking vista at every hole

Cultural Activities

The numerous museums in the Flathead area reflect Northwest Montana’s proud history. For example, the Conrad House Museum offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Montana pioneer. They host seasonal events in addition to their regular tours. Likewise, for a sense of Americana, The Miracle of America Museum in Polson displays a huge, eclectic collection of items like antique cars and World War II memorabilia. And the Hockaday Museum of Art honors the cultural history of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. 

Now that you know all the details that you need to consider, the next step is to make your reservations as early as possible to ensure that you can have a flawless Flathead Lake vacation. Check out Go Sail Montana’s availability soon to secure your spot before it’s too late!