Flathead Lake Lodge

Flathead Lake Lodge

Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge is a place unlike any other. When it comes to family vacations or adult getaways, this Montana ranch has the best selection of activities for one all-inclusive rate. During a stay at the lodge, each day offers a variety of options to choose from, including everything from horseback trail rides to sailing on historic sailboats on Flathead Lake and mountain biking to fly-casting lessons, the opportunity for adventure is endless.

Unique Features: World Famous, and often imitated. The Mouse Races are a high stakes, action packed event that every kid and adult alike should experience. And, yes it does involve racing mice.

Accommodations: All accommodations feature traditional log furnishings and country quilts, with lodging ranging from log cabins to historic lodge rooms. The cabins, each featuring one to three bedrooms, sit among tall pines and are surrounded by lush grounds filled with flowers on the lake’s edge, while the lodge rooms share a central lobby and a fireplace. All accommodations have daily maid service, with guest laundry services offered twice each week.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for the Log Cabins. Sprinkled throughout the property are several cabins, with a mix of one-bedroom, two- bedroom and three-bedroom options. Offering individual accommodations for couples and families of varying sizes, the cabins have outdoor seating areas that are perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or simply taking in the view.

Dining: Meals at the ranch are a mix of Western dining and satisfying home cooking that’s been in place for more than seven decades. All meals are made from scratch and highlight fine cuts of local meat, fresh produce and decadent desserts. From bison tenderloin to homemade huckleberry pancakes, baked beans and the famous undone brownies, as well as a bevy of snacks and treats throughout the day, the chef and kitchen team make sure you leave with satisfied taste buds and a true taste of Montana.

Activities: The lodge’s history is steeped in horses, from generations of cattle and bison ranching, packing and rodeoing around the West. Today, the riding program is one of the best and there’s no better way to explore Montana’s wild landscapes than on horseback. The crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake are the playground for guests of Flathead Lake Lodge. With the ideal location on the shores of Flathead Lake, guests can easily enjoy sailing, lake cruises, stand-up paddleboarding, wakesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and lakeside campfires.

Spa & Fitness: There is no spa or fitness center. They can arrange for a massage in your room though. A wonderful way to indulge, unplug and unwind during your dude ranch vacation, professional visiting masseuses offer on-property massages to soothe away your aches and pains. Services include hot stone, rejuvenating deep tissue and more.

Location: Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. Recreation on and around the lake includes: sailing, power boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. In the summer, roadside stands along the east shore offer a variety of locally grown cherries, apples, plums, and other fruits.

Closest Airport: The nearest airport to Bigfork is the Kalispell (FCA) Airport which is 18.9 miles away. Other nearby airports include Missoula (MSO) (79.5 miles).

Children’s Programs: Yes. With a friendly and trusted kids staff to help guide your children, they offer activities to engage and inspire children of all ages, including arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, laser tag, junior wrangler program, kid’s rodeo, mountain bike lessons, canoe races and more.

Pet Friendly: No, unfortunately pets are not allowed.

Weddings: Yes. This Montana guest ranch provides a perfect setting for bridal parties looking to exchange vows in a destination wedding. They work with each wedding to create their dream weekend, with Thursday-Sunday packages that include customized itineraries, group events and more.

Meetings: Yes. Inspire and motivate your meeting attendees, board executives and colleagues when you host a retreat, event or conference at Flathead Lake Lodge. Specializing in corporate retreats of all sizes and for all types of business, they have a separate onsite meeting facility designed to give you the space you need, with Montana’s natural views providing additional inspiration.

Extra Info: In 1945, Les Averill returned from World War II, purchased the ranch and started the uphill task of making his home on this wild land, restoring vacant lodges and building new cabins to hosts guests for generations to come. After Les retired, the second generation, Doug and Maureen Averill, became stewards of the ranch and ensured that the family legacy and love for the West is still found in abundance on every corner of the ranch. Today, the third generation of the Averill family, Chase and Kate, are at the helm.

www.flatheadlakelodge.com