Flathead Lake Lodge
While many visitors to Montana come during the summer months, here at Flathead Lake Lodge we’re also big fans of spring. The lake is beautiful, the ranch is starting to welcome various shades of green to our meadows and lawn, birds are migrating, the days are getting longer and the surrounding landscapes are accented by snow-covered mountains.
And while summer gets most of the glory in our corner of Big Sky Country, we wanted to share six of our favorite things to do in Montana during the spring from a local’s point of view.
1. Bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
Truth: our backyard national park is beautiful year-round. But in the spring, while road crews are working on removing snow from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, it’s also closed to vehicular traffic and instead is accessible by foot or bike. Make plans to pedal up the road – you can bring your own or rent bikes at a number of places in the Flathead Valley – and see the park from a different perspective. Good to know: carry bear spray, water and food, as services are limited during spring. Get the latest info on the park here.
2. Raft the Flathead River.
Raft trips start on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in the spring (they run from May – September) with half-day and full-day options. If you’re a guest at the ranch during one of our adults-only packages or the summer, you have the option to add rafting onto your stay as an offsite experience.
3. Visit Flathead Lake.
While the water in the lake is freezing this time of year – it’s fed by glacial runoff and snowmelt – it’s also beautiful. Plus, the sunrises aren’t quite so early this time of year which means you have a solid chance of catching the early-morning colors that cover the lake.
4. Explore Bigfork.
We know we’re partial since Bigfork is where we hang our hats, but a stroll through downtown is nothing but pleasant during the spring. Shop owners have their doors open and it’s a cheery atmosphere no matter where you go, from local restaurants to watering holes or the Swan River Nature Trail.
5. Visit the National Bison Range.
Sitting a one-hour drive south of our Montana guest ranch is the National Bison Range in Charlo. During spring, you’ll be able to see plenty of birds and wildflowers, as well as bison calves that are typically born between mid-April and mid-May. If you want to drive through the entire range, you’ll take Red Sleep Mountain Drive, a 19-mile-long one-way road, but keep in mind that it doesn’t open until mid-May. You can access West Loop and Prairie Drive anytime of the year. Insider tip: never approach wildlife.
6. Take a road trip.
From Bigfork, you can do a complete loop tour around Flathead Lake on U.S. Highway 93, Montana Highway 82 and Montana Highway 35. At times you’ll hug the shore of the lake, while at others you’ll be given a higher bird’s-eye view of the lake.
If you’re looking to see more of Montana, one of our favorite loop tours takes us over to the Rocky Mountain Front and back up to Bigfork. We suggest traveling north to Glacier and taking U.S. Highway 2 along the southern border of the park, connecting with U.S. Highway 89 (time it right and you can see thousands of birds at Freezeout Lake) before cutting closer to the mountains on Highway 287. From there, loop back up to Bigfork on Highway 200 and cruise up Montana Highway 83 through the Seeley-Swan Valley and back to Bigfork.
During spring at our guest ranch, we offer specials and deals – including our adults-only packages that can be easily combined with any of above-mentioned activities and an Early Summer Package that runs from June 2 – 6 – to help our guests make the most of Montana’s secret season.
If you’d like to learn more, call us at 406-837-4391 or visit our website.
Until next time, happy trails.
-Chase
While horseback trail rides have been a part of the ranch for the last 75 years, this year we’re offering a new way to ride — a Ladies AllRide Mountain Bike Retreat.
With 10 miles of mountain biking trails (and an additional 4+ miles that will be ready for this fall’s retreat) that weave their way through our 2,000 acres, attendees will have the chance to focus on mountain bike skills work and riding, complemented by guest ranch activities. This fall retreat takes place September 17 – 20, 2021, is created with ladies in mind and is open to adults over the age of 18 of all levels, from novice to experienced.
Here’s what sets it apart from other mountain biking clinics:
-The retreat is all-inclusive, with meals, lodging, recreation, tax and gratuity included (it’s also the only one that includes lodging)
-Attendees will experience a mix of mountain biking and guest ranch activities, like morning yoga on our platform overlooking Flathead Lake, boat cruises, campfires at the beach, tours of the elk preserve, horseback trail rides and one of our most-loved events, the mountain meadow steak fry
-You’ll be riding on our private trails during one of the most beautiful times of year in Montana, complete with stunning fall foliage, sun-soaked days and crisp evenings
If you’ve been looking to start your journey into mountain biking or if you’d like to hone skills like body positioning, technical climbing and descending, bunny hops and pump tracks, we invite you to learn more about the Ladies AllRide Retreat or call us at 406-837-4391.
Happy shredding,
Chase
A lot changed in 2020. Family vacations were cancelled, birthdays were celebrated at home, many folks spent time on the computer virtually attending dance recitals, connecting with family over Zoom and revising their plans. And most of all, we missed each other.
Here at Flathead Lake Lodge, we’re looking forward to 2021 and beyond, and we’re certain that good things are on the way…things like hugging friends, attending school music programs and vacationing with the ones you love the most.
When it comes to planning a multigenerational family trip, we know you have lots of options to choose from. And as you think about what kind of vacation you want to experience, here are five reasons why Flathead Lake Lodge is an ideal multigenerational family vacation.
1. All-inclusive stay.
At Flathead Lake Lodge, every stay is all-inclusive, meaning that the cost of your stay includes activities and experiences (like guided horseback trail rides, sailing on Flathead Lake, swimming in our heated swimming pool, daily arts and crafts), as well as all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
2. Activities the whole family can enjoy.
During your time at the ranch, you’ll be able to experience as many (or as few) of our activities as possible. And with more than 30 activities to choose from, every person in your multigenerational group will find something that fits their needs and interests. Plus, our staff at the lodge works hard to create an environment and setting where your family will naturally be able to spend time together and reconnect, like an afternoon sailing adventure, a fly-fishing lesson, an evening beach fire, team penning competition and more.
3. Robust youth programs.
A big part of a family stay at the lodge is kids being able to explore the ranch safely, while making friends, experiencing life at our Montana guest ranch and making memories. During the summer season, our family program is something we focus on, with well-rounded offerings for children of various ages. Activities are offered for kids 0 – 6 years old, 6 – 12 years old and teens. Explore offerings for all ages here.
4. Private lodging options.
On our 2,000 acres, we have a few lodging options to choose from, including historic lodges with private rooms (with a shared great room) and cabins that have one to three bedrooms. When it comes to setting up where your family of all ages will be sleeping, you can have more alone time by choosing one of our private cabins or selecting a room configuration that places you all in one of our three lodge buildings.
5. Accessibility.
One of the elements that makes Flathead Lake Lodge ideal for a family trip of all ages is how accessible it is, in terms of getting around, selecting activities for various experience/comfort levels and more. If you have some folks in your family who want more adrenaline-pumping action, they can set out on our 10+ miles of mountain biking trails (with a guide) or try their hand at wakeboarding. If there are others that prefer a more low-key adventure, they can take a guided hike, a boat cruise or a guided tour of our onsite elk preserve. After your family gets their kicks in with our activities, you can all come together for a sailing excursion, a team penning competition or mouse races.
To learn more, visit us at FlatheadLakeLodge.com or call us at 406-837-4391.
Happy trails,
Chase
When it comes to spreading cheer around the holidays, we spent some time thinking about what we could give you. With 2020 being a bit of a wild ride for all of us, we wanted to give you something good. And while it would be nearly impossible to send you all something from Flathead Lake Lodge, we wanted to give you the next best thing: the recipe for Maureen’s Undone Brownies.
If you’ve been a guest of the lodge, you’ve likely dug into one of these chocolate delights during your stay, as they are staple during our Wednesday night steak fry. From us to you, we hope you enjoy this “sweet” gift.
MAUREEN’S UNDONE BROWNIES
Ingredients:
-4 cups butter, melted
-1 pound of unsweetened chocolate
-8 cups of sugar
-16 eggs
-5 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour
-8 teaspoons of vanilla
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease desired baking dish (we suggest a large sheet pan or two).
Melt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and add the eggs, sugar and vanilla. Gradually whisk in the flour. Pour into greased baking dish and bake for approximately 20 minutes (or until the sides begin to pull away from the edges of the pan).
Allow the brownies to rest for 15 minutes. Cut, serve and enjoy!
From our family to yours, we wish you the sweetest holiday season and a very Merry Christmas. May it be full of making new traditions, honoring old ones and a season of beautiful memories.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from our family to yours.
-Chase
While many people across the country and around the world are continuing to work from home, do school from home and catch up with their loved ones in the comforts of home, we’ve all been spending more time than ever on the computer. And while snow has officially landed in the wilds of Montana, we wanted to bring a hearty dose of summer at Flathead Lake Lodge to you.
To do this, we’ve created six zoom backgrounds that you can use on your next company call, family gathering and more. We hope you like them and we hope that they transport you to Montana and Flathead Lake Lodge, even if it’s just for a minute. *To save the images for zoom, right click and download them to your computer.
Happy trails and happy zooming,
Chase
At Flathead Lake Lodge, we know that planning a wedding is a massive undertaking. We also know that selecting your wedding venue is an important part of the process. And with 2021 wedding trends that include micro weddings, customizable experiences, personal touches and longer celebrations, we’d like to introduce you to our Montana guest ranch and invite you to consider us for your small destination wedding.
And while our standard wedding packages is for 100-125 people (which includes lodging, meals and unlimited access to one of the country’s most expansive recreation programs), the lodge is a prime location for a smaller, more intimate wedding.
Here’s why:
1. Sense of family.
We know that when it comes to planning a small wedding, you want to have your closest friends and family present to celebrate the occasion. Here at the lodge, our foundation was built on family and we specialize in making connections and memories. Over the past 75 years, we’ve seen numerous couples exchange their vows here and it’s been an honor for us to be the place where they start their lives as a couple.
2. Intimate spaces among our 2,000 acres.
While our guest ranch has 2,000 acres set along Flathead Lake and stretching up into the Swan Mountains, there are several locations that are ideal for intimate wedding vows, including our main lodge (the fireplace makes a great backdrop), one of our lookouts points that has Flathead Lake in the background, the island and more.
3. Personalized touches.
When it comes to smaller weddings or micro weddings, personalization is key. From customized itineraries and menus to add-on amenities and live music, our team can work with you and/or your wedding planner to create the event you want. In addition, our controller/gift shop expert Jena Barrows can work with you to create a customized welcome box with items from Flathead Lake Lodge, as well as personal touches that are significant to you and your partner. In addition, a member of our team can also brand cowboy boots, hats and more for your wedding guests.
4. A longer celebration.
At Flathead Lake Lodge, all of our destination wedding packages include three full days and three full nights with your friends and families. While much has changed over the last several months, one of the standout things we’re taking away from 2020 is the importance of what matters most–the people we love. With longer celebrations at our Montana guest ranch, we work with each of our couples to create custom experiences, with activities that can include sailing, sunset lake cruises, horseback trail rides, a mountain meadow steak fry, sunrise yoga and more. Plus, by incorporating a longer stay, you’ll be able to have more time with each of your guests and allow you to create those closer connections.
Weddings at Flathead Lake Lodge are typically held in spring (May/June) and fall (September/October). If you’re interested in learning more about the lodge for your small wedding, visit FlatheadLakeLodge.com. To inquire about wedding dates for 2021 and 2022, email deb@flatheadlakelodge.com.
Happy planning,
Chase
Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to host countless guests, dignitaries, groups, weddings and more, and it has been our absolute pleasure to introduce everyone who drives in our gates to Flathead Lake Lodge. And while we have loved every minute with so many guests, we’re still soaking in the magic from A Week of Hope. It’s one of those experiences that will go down in the history of the lodge and in the memory of our staff forever.
While we know we’ve shared various bits of information about A Week of Hope (you can read past blogs here and here), we had some very kind friends who volunteered to make a video recapping the week. And in the interest of full disclosure, we also have to tell you that we have watched this video countless times and each time, tears of gratitude, hope and thankfulness fill up our eyes. (Yes, cowboys do cry.)
We invite you to take a few minutes and watch it below.
When we look back on this week, the relationships that were formed are best described as magic. Families met one another and bonds were created over shared experiences and an understanding of what each other and their families are going through as they fight for their kids, cheer them on and bring them hope and joy, in spite of health battles that are faced every single day.
Here are a few photos from the week. (The full albums can be seen here and here.)
One of our guests from the week said it best, “We’re not promised tomorrow, any of us. And the ability to do these things as a family and have something that will stick with us is nothing but pure joy.”
To our dear families, thank you for trusting us to keep you safe and well in the wilds of Montana. And thank you for allowing us (and our incredible staff, partners, volunteers, vendors and donors) to be involved in a week of pure joy. This week was one we’ll never forget and for that, we’re forever thankful.
Happy Trails,
-Chase
Like they always say, all good (and bad!) ideas start on a bar stool. Well, A Week of Hope can officially be added to that (good) list. I remember sitting in the crowd at a tourism conference listening to Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel talking about the importance of travel to kids. It reminded me of how my Dad always jokes that at Flathead Lake Lodge we “take care of the kids and just deal with the adults.” Not true, but kinda…
So how, after 75 years can you possibly say thank you to all those who have helped? From the neighbors, the Bigfork community, our staff, our guests, family members, vendors, local kids who just wanted to trade barn chores to learn to ride horses and on and on and on. For over 75 years it has taken so many people to help make Flathead Lake Lodge what it is today.
Our goal was that A Week of Hope could be our thank you. Our way of giving kids and their families who need it most a chance to experience Flathead Lake Lodge. What I don’t think we were prepared for is how much this week gave us.
75 years ago my Grandpa Les started this place with a strong back, ingenuity and above all else a way of treating people that 75 years later— built on being genuine, kind, authentic, selfless and fun—hasn’t gone out of style. In a time where everyone seems caught up in what is wrong with each other and overwhelmed with negatively, Grandpa Les’s way of life stands strong at Flathead Lake Lodge.
This week, during A Week of Hope, in the middle of a pandemic, we hosted 20 families from across the country who have critically or terminally ill children. We had fun, we laughed, we adventured, we cried, we built relationships and we made memories. We leaned into what Flathead Lake Lodge stands for and I can honestly say the humanity of this last week at the ranch might have been the most special things we have ever done in 75 years.
There are so many thank yous that need to be mentioned for making this happen that I doubt I will remember them all, but I’m going to try. First and foremost to the families. Your enthusiasm, openness and determination is something every person should learn from. To our staff who went above and beyond to make this a week to remember in so many ways. To our vendors who donated trips, time and experiences that were amazing. To our volunteers and locals who helped babysit, donated golf carts and more. To all the donors who helped make this week happen. And lastly to our great partners, Hope Kids and Montana Children’s Hospital. Day in and day out they are doing great work; thank you for letting us talk you into letting this experience happen.
After being knocked down by numerous strokes, Grandpa Les re-learned how to write and in shaky, hard to read writing, when he could barely talk anymore, penned this:
To My Grandchildren,
May you rise up to meet any challenge, live to your fullest potential, fly high, be reverent, honest and trustworthy. Be remembered for being loyal, helpful, courteous and kind to all you meet. Remain cheerful and fun to be with.
Lester W. Averill
It was an amazing 75th season, capped by the most memorable week of them all. I know Grandpa Les would be proud.
-Chase
Over the years, Flathead Lake Lodge has had the distinct privilege of seeing couples from all over the country exchange vows. We feel lucky to have been a small part of these weddings…call us sentimental, but we’re looking forward to being a part of future celebrations.
For brides, grooms, spouses and partners looking for a perfect wedding destination, Montana’s Flathead Lake Lodge may be the place for you. At our family-owned and -operated guest ranch, your backdrop could be Flathead Lake or gorgeous mountain views. Each wedding at the lodge is customized to meet your style and preferences, with options that range from country chic to beautifully elegant black-tie affairs.
If you’re considering a destination wedding in Montana or the West, here are four reasons we invite you to consider choosing Flathead Lake Lodge to exchange vows.
1. Rustically Beautiful Location
Flathead Lake Lodge is a family-owned guest ranch that has been hosting guests from all around the world for 75+ years. The lodge is located on the shores of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West. With 2,000 acres and shoreline access, our wedding parties can choose from various ceremony locations, including an island on the lake, a lush mountain meadow or a shaded tree-lined setting. Your guests also stay on-property in lodge rooms and cozy cabins, giving them the ability to combine your wedding celebration with the perfect three-day getaway in the heart of Montana, where everyone will make memories for years to come.
2. Custom Wedding Packages
Each wedding at the lodge is completely customizable based on your vision for the day. Imagine riding a horse up the aisle or cruising in on one of our historic sailboats to meet the love of your life to say “I do” with the waters of Flathead Lake as your backdrop. Or maybe you’ve always dreamt of having a reception in the outdoors and dancing to live music under twinkling lights. No matter your vision, chances are we can make it come to life.
Each of our wedding packages include a three-day/three-night stay for groups of 100 – 125 people, with lodging, meals and expansive activities that include horseback riding, 10+ miles of mountain biking trails, sailing, kayaking and rodeo activities, all included within your wedding package.
3. Vibrant Colors of Spring and Fall
Destination weddings at the lodge are typically slated for May through early June and September through early October, which means your wedding will be set against two of the most vibrant times of year in Montana. While summer gets abundant amounts of attention in Big Sky Country, a wedding in spring or fall may be one of our best-kept secrets.
4. Onsite Wedding Specialist
To help make your perfect day (and three-day celebration) run smoothly, our onsite wedding expert is here to help you. With 27 years of experience at Flathead Lake Lodge, Deb has tackled everything you can possibly imagine and will make sure your vision comes to life for your wedding day, from custom menus to picking your ceremony and reception locations and group events to additional add-on amenities.
At the end of the day, our primary goal for your destination wedding is to help make your perfect day come to life. At Flathead Lake Lodge, we see every wedding as an opportunity to provide a unique and customized experience for you and the ones you love most, with the goal of creating a memorable and positively unforgettable experience for everyone.
For more information about planning your destination wedding in Montana and Flathead Lake Lodge, call us at 406-837-4391 or email Deb at Deb@flatheadlakelodge.com.
Until next time,
Chase
Here at Flathead Lake Lodge, there are lots of things to do in, on and around our 2,000 acres. And while we may not talk about it much, one of the coziest (and most fun) places to visit at our Montana guest ranch is our onsite gift shop.
Each of the items in our gift shop is hand-picked with our guests in mind by members of the Flathead Lake Lodge family and staff. Many of our items come from the Made in Montana show (held each year in Helena, Montana,) that features the work of local artists, makers and creators. In the shop, you’ll also find plenty of vintage-inspired hats, Flathead Lake Lodge branded apparel and some of our most favorite things for both work and play.
With that in mind, here are 10 of our favorite items from the Flathead Lake Lodge gift shop.
1. Around here, we’re firm believers that every cowboy (or cowgirl) needs a solid pair of leather work gloves.
2. Custom Flathead Lake Lodge mugs, perfect for sipping your morning coffee or evening hot chocolate.
3. Made right here in Big Sky Country, Montana Wild Crafted Honey is some of the best you’ll find anywhere. The honey is not heated, filtered or messed with, which also means you are enjoying as many health benefits as possible. Plus, it’s delicious and comes in huckleberry.
4. During a Montana summer, daylight hours are long and it’s easy to spend lots of time in the sun. One of our favorite ways to protect our faces is by wearing a baseball hat.
5. There are some occasions that call for full-blown cowboy boots and others, like the barn dance, where cowboy-inspired ankle boots are just what you need. (I also have it on good authority from the ladies in my life that these are comfortable and cute.)
6. Grandpa Les founded Flathead Lake Lodge in 1945, which means that this year we are celebrating our 75th anniversary. To celebrate this special and meaningful year, we have custom ornaments that are sweet and easy to pack. Truth be told, we’re looking forward to hanging one on our tree this year.
7. Every now and again, we’ve been known to have a nip of whiskey. And we think it tastes even better in a cowboy shot glass and Flathead Lake Lodge flask.
8. Stuffed animals (with bandanas) in the form of elk and horses.
9. One of our newest offerings and perhaps one of our most favorite additions to the shop are these new charms.
10. These shirts are also one of our new favorite items, as they’re lightweight but offer enough protection and warmth on chilly mornings and evenings.
While you’re at the lodge, we invite you to take a walk over to the gift shop, chat with the gals and maybe even take home a piece of Flathead Lake Lodge. And if you’re not here but see something you like (or if you want to snag a little something as a present), feel free to call us at 406-837-4391.
Until next time,
Chase
For a variety of reasons, vacation plans have changed for many this summer. And as trips have been rescheduled and priorities for family vacations have changed, we’re happy to share that we have openings for this summer and that Flathead Lake Lodge has taken many steps to ensure the safety of our guests, employees and community.
As of June 1, 2020, Montana entered the second phase of our reopening plan and the 14-day quarantine on out-of-state travelers was lifted.
For this summer, Flathead Lake Lodge is opening for the season on Sunday, June 21 and guests, as always, will enjoy weeklong stays at our guest ranch on the shores of Flathead Lake. While things will look slightly different this year, we’ve been working behind the scenes to make sure that we can provide peace of mind with an authentic, unforgettable family vacation on our 2,000 acres of terrain, which breaks down to one person per every 10.5 acres (including our full-time staff, seasonal staff and weekly guests).
A few things you can expect on a summer vacation to our Montana guest ranch:
-Activities, programs and ranch spaces have all been evaluated and occupancy for all spaces has been adjusted to make sure that adequate space is available for all of our guests.
-For breakfast, lunch and dinner, we’ve added additional seating areas and have spaced the tables to provide for social distancing. For all dining experiences, we have implemented a “we serve you” policy. Plus, all self-service areas will served by a Flathead Lake Lodge staff member.
-To ensure that public traffic to the ranch will be limited, we are not taking individual public sailing reservations this season. The only folks who will be on our horseback trail rides, sailing vessels and more will be guests of the ranch.
-We’ve always been big of washing our hands around here, but this year we’re taking it a step further and adding both handwashing and hand sanitizing stations throughout the ranch.
-You’ll see friendly faces making their way through all public spaces during your stay, as we have a dedicated employee who will be continually cleaning and sanitizing all high-traffic areas of the ranch. We’re also ramping up sanitation practices throughout the ranch, including horseback rides, shuttle vehicles, mountain biking and more.
-All of our employees and staff have gone through training practices that will help ensure that we meet all standards in sanitation, hygiene, social distancing and more (you can read the full plan here). We’re also recording and logging the health and temperature of all employees at a health station each day. In addition, upon arrival, all guests will be temperature screened.
As we’ve taken several steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our greater Flathead Lake Lodge family, we also want you to have the opportunity to vacation as a family, soak up plenty of Montana moments and have a wonderful experience. (See a sample itinerary here.)
For more information about available dates for this summer, call Jodi at 406-837-4391 or email us at info@flatheadlakelodge.com.
Until next time,
Chase