Activities

Glacier National Park is the number one attraction that brings visitors to Northwest Montana. With over 700 miles of trail, one million acres of lakes, plunging valleys and glacier-carved mountains, Glacier is a unique, stunning paradise. There are more than 175 named mountains in the park, six of them over 10,000′ and 43 over 9,000’

It’s called the “The Crown Jewel of the Continent” and you will know why after traveling the awe inspiring “Going-to-the-Sun” highway. Biking, hiking, birding, boating, guided tours, horseback riding and white water rafting are all available. There are 2 ways to explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road; travel by car, or in a uniquely narrated “jammer” red bus tour. A third way to ’travel’ is by whitewater rafting! Ask us about what weather to expect, the highest point accessible by car, what level of hiking you would enjoy – easy to difficult – and what’s available during different times of the year. We have family members who work in the Park and have first-hand knowledge of daily events, and things you should see and do.

Glacier’s native wildlife includes wolves, grizzly bear, lynx and other natural predators. While running into a grizzly hopefully is a rare event, you may have to share the trail with elk, an occasional moose and higher up, mountain goats. Drive along the scenic North Fork Road on the edge of Glacier National Park. This West side of Glacier trip should include a hike to Bowman Lake for amazing views and great paddling at Kinta Lake too.

Lake McDonald is the largest lake, followed by St. Mary Lake. We encourage guests to visit the original lodges (3) to experience the beautiful stone and wood architecture made possible by the Great Northern Railroad baron, J. Hill. On the south side of the park, be sure and visit the historic Izaak Walton Inn.

Explore Whitefish, a picture perfect small western town for that impromptu picnic lunch, a place for the kids to play and swing. There are tennis courts, river access walking paths and observation decks too. Your visit might overlap these special events: Taste of Whitefish; Oktoberfest; or Huckleberry Arts Festival Days.

Visit Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the west, explore Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort and play golf at 9 excellent courses! If you have time, visit Bob Marshal Wilderness; the Salish/Kootenai Indian Reservation and Cultural Center; Museum of the Plains Indians in Browning; and the National Bison Range. Area beaches abound: Whitefish Lake offers sandy beaches, Lion Lake is so secluded (a favorite swimming lake for locals), Lake Five is just outside the Park, and Lake Blaine is nestled at the base of Columbia Mountain, Hungry Horse Reservoir is just four miles away — all are crystal clear and easily accessible.

There is so much to do in the area and yet, you could easily stay “home” at the ranch and spend the day relaxing, reading, and playing games with the family. Enjoy the large lawns, flowers, open meadows and mountain views. We look forward to seeing you at the Homestead!