Whether you are looking for a Big Sky Country escape or you want to channel your inner cowboy, there is a dude ranch, specifically a Montana dude ranch, that fits the bill. Enter Flathead Lake Lodge. Nestled on the sandy shores of Flathead Lake in northwest Montana, this Glacier National Park tourist attraction is a cowboy’s and cowgirl’s dream come true. Consider it your very own Western paradise.
A Montana Dude Ranch on Flathead Lake
A Montana tradition since 1945, this incredible dude ranch is located on the shore of Flathead Lake in Bigfork, MT. This family-owned and -operated ranch has been welcoming guests to the heart of Big Sky Country for three generations. One of the best dude ranches in Montana, Flathead Lake Lodge is a genuine family tradition, not only for the Averill family – the third generation is now at the helm and raising the fourth right here on the ranch – but also for guests, many of whom return every year with their own families. From grandparents to parents, and even the littlest of kiddos, this Montana ranch is a family affair for guests and staff alike.
Flathead Lake Lodge is an all-inclusive Montana dude ranch, which means a stay here will get you accommodations, three square meals each day (they do not skimp on food), lots of snacks and sweet treats in between, beverages for both the kiddos and adults (alcohol included, so cheers to that), and countless on-site activities the whole family will enjoy. Not only is a visit to this property one of those affordable family dude ranch vacations (yes, they actually do exist), it’s also the best dude ranch for adults, offering two adult-only weeks throughout the fall season. You read that right – no kids allowed.
Flathead Lake Lodge Accommodations
When booking a stay at this Montana dude ranch, guests have a few options when choosing accommodations. First, guests can book a room in the Main Lodge. Located above the main lobby, where guests check in and dine, these cozy lodge rooms are tucked out of sight for privacy, but come equipped with all the creature comforts of home. Plus, it is right near the cozy stone fireplace that anchors the lodge and the homemade cookies baked daily, but more on that later.
If you want to stay in a lodge room, but maybe not the Main Lodge, consider the South Lodge. Constructed in the 1930s, the South Lodge shares a central lobby complete with a fireplace and comfy couches and chairs to kick back in and relax after an adventurous day on the ranch. The South Lodge also offers flexible rooms, which can be tailored to small families and large families alike. Configure and create your own room? Okay!
Another popular Flathead Lake lodging option is the rustic western cabins. These accommodations are a favorite among guests. Choose from one, two, or three bedrooms, perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to book one of those affordable dude ranch vacations. One of the best features about these cabins is that they do not have televisions. Yes, you read that right. No TVs! With all of the ranch activities at your fingertips, you will not want to stay inside your cabin unless it is to sleep and rest up for the next day’s schedule of events. Plus, the beds, pillows, and bedding are super plush, making you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. It is quite the blissful experience.
For larger groups, consider the Hillside Suites and Cedar Suites, which offer one and two-bedroom (and bathroom) options. Finally, for the largest of groups, there is The Homestead. Book rooms individually or rent out the whole house, which includes 10 bedrooms making this space perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, family reunions, or large friend groups traveling together.
Dining Near Flathead Lake
When choosing between dude ranches, Flathead Lake Lodge has some of the best dining west of the Rockies. Think of the food at Flathead as fine dining with the perfect touch of Western flair. Many meals are made from local ingredients sourced from northwest Montana and the Flathead Valley. Daily dishes and menu items are crafted by the ranch’s chef, Chef Rob, while the baked goods and pastries come from the oven of Pastry Chef Kaitlin. If you cannot get enough cinnamon buns or coffee, head over to the new on-site bakery, which includes sweets, treats, and espresso drinks, all of which are included in the all-inclusive package. Yeah, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
So, what is on the menu at this Montana dude ranch? For breakfast, think of hearty homemade staples like home fries, honey-cured bacon, and scrambled eggs. Lunch at the lodge is always a themed meal, usually channeling international cuisines. Think of things like Mediterranean bowls, Southern chicken-fried sandwiches, and tasty handheld tacos. Lunch also comes complete with a cookie of the day. Every day, a new cookie flavor debuts, so be sure to grab two when you find one that you really enjoy.
Dinner is always a culinary affair and includes items like bison tenderloin and pork shank, among others. While you’re here, try a local favorite – huckleberry. From desserts to pancakes to sauces, a touch of huckleberry can be found almost everywhere. You can also grab a drink (cocktail or mocktail) at the Saddlesore Saloon. Open every day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a daily happy hour starting at 5 p.m. The saloon features domestic and local beers, premium liquors and spirits, and wines.
If you prefer to mix up meals, sign up for a breakfast trail ride. This leisurely sunrise horseback ride takes guests up a forested ridge, where they are warmly welcomed with a giant campfire complete with coffee, crispy bacon, and homemade pancakes. If you prefer an afternoon ride, there are plenty of options to ride throughout the day, from beginner to intermediate and advanced. Some rides include lunch on the mountain, with views that overlook Swan Lake.
Finally, mark your calendars for Wednesday night, which is a weekly ranch tradition during the summer family season (don’t worry, it’s also part of the adults-only schedule). On this night, guests can enjoy a mountain meadow steak fry as they arrive by horseback or vintage fire trucks. Yeah, it is just as cool as it sounds, so be sure to bring your cowboy hat and wear your cowboy boots to get them branded by the ranch staff.
Dude Ranch Activities
Alright, so what is there to do at this dude ranch? Lucky for you, this dude ranch knows how to do activities right. With nearly 2,000 private acres of Montana running from the shores of Flathead Lake to the Swan Mountains and with 140+ horses on the property, guests have plenty of places and spaces to play in and roam. A true all-inclusive property, this dude ranch has a well-rounded activities program for adults and children alike. With 60+ activities to choose from, you will never be bored. Some ranch activity options include:
- An archery field course
- Boat cruises, kayaking, and sailing on Flathead Lake
- Clay shooting (Additional cost)
- Fly-fishing (This would require reservations with a third-party fly fishing group. The front desk can help with this.)
- Guided hikes
- Morning yoga on a mountaintop
- Mountain biking on the ranch’s 10+ miles of trails, Pinzgauer tours to look for elk
- Shopping in downtown Bigfork, Montana
- Scheduling an on-property massage (Additional cost)
- Swimming in Flathead Lake or the lakeside pool
- Watersports like skiing, surfing, and wakeboarding
There is also a barn dance on the very last night of the week and a weekly mouse race to raise money for the ranch’s Week of Hope, a week that hosts critically ill children and their family members completely free of charge. No wonder Flathead Lake Lodge is one of the best dude ranches in Montana – they are a real class act.
Near Glacier National Park
If you are interested in exploring Glacier National Park, you may be asking about nearby hotels or even Glacier National Park tourist attractions. Well, you are in luck because Flathead Lake is only about a 45-minute drive from Glacier National Park. Whether you decide to make it a day trip or longer, Glacier National Park is a beautiful national park to visit. Be sure to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road and soak up the gorgeous sights of Glacier National Park. You can also schedule a private tour in the park if you prefer to explore the Crown of the Continent with a guide. Whether you decide to drive it, hike it, or walk it, Glacier National Park is definitely worth exploring.
Not Just Any Dude Ranch, An All-Inclusive Montana Dude Ranch
If you are looking for places to stay at Flathead Lake, head over to Bigfork, Montana, where you can expect authentic Montana hospitality from check-in to check-out. Whether you book an adults-only week or a weeklong family vacation, this property is one of the best Montana dude ranches in Big Sky Country.
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