Springtime Splendor  
Western Montana’s Undiscovered Season

Adventure is a year-round priority in Montana, and spring is no exception—we like to play in every season. With winter in the rearview and the temps starting to warm up, spring skiing is underway. There’s nothing quite like surfing the coveted soft spring snow under bluebird skies in a short-sleeved shirt. Take advantage of closing-day specials and end-of season festivities. Along with big runoff comes big whitewater. Make your way to the Bigfork Whitewater Festival May 27 – 28. This community event draws competitors to the Flathead Valley from all over the world. Bigfork also offers perfect small-town exploration. And, although hiking is an all-season Montana must, spring treks offer a certain kind of special. If you haven’t seen a Montana meadow or hillside blanketed with wildflowers and backed by snowcapped peaks, you’re in for a stunning treat. Ready to start swinging after a season on the slopes? Western Montana is home to some of the most scenic golf courses in the U.S. It’s time to tee up and get ready for the warm Montana sunshine. Get a jump-start on summer at the Garden City Brewfest on May 6 in Missoula’s Caras Park. We’ll see you there.

Find more spring travel inspiration or get help planning your warm-season Montana
getaway here.

Glacier, Post-Winter

Between the Crown of the Continent’s winter wonderlands and heavenly summers are undiscovered springs boasting a serene beauty all their own. When Glacier National Park begins to thaw, the snowmelt creates a lush, vibrant landscape with roaring waterfalls, rushing creeks, fertile green hues and wildflowers in full bloom. One of the best ways to see the park post-winter is to pedal it. Traffic is light (or non-existent) and visitation is quiet, making it an excellent time for taking in the sights and sounds of nature, complete with more-frequent wildlife spotting. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers an 18-mile, jaw-dropping stretch from St. Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass that isn’t open to motorized vehicles in the spring. Or, cycle 14 miles of waterfalls and shallow canyons along the southern shore of Lake McDonald beginning at Apgar Village. Hiking is also a favorite springtime activity, with the trails at the edge of the park being the first to lose their snow cover. Come discover the pure magic of a shoulder season in Glacier National Park.

Montana Arts + Culture

From the cultural heritage of our First Nations to the museums, live music and performing arts of our thriving small towns, the greatness of the cultural landscape in Western Montana is on par with the natural one. And, lucky for us, Montana’s cultural hub—Missoula—is right here in Glacier Country. On the first Friday of every month, locals and visitors can stroll Missoula’s lively downtown arts scene, meeting artists and viewing new exhibits. Springtime rings in outdoor market season, with the Missoula Peoples Market offering handcrafted jewelry, clothing, pottery, bags, photography and woodworking by local artists. You’ll hear local musicians as you make your way through the streets. Missoula also plays host to events like the International Wildlife Film Festival. Cultural treasures abound north of Missoula too. Check out Kalispell’s Hockaday Museum of Art for exhibits and events, as well as Whitefish’s Alpine Theatre Project for upcoming performances. In Western Montana, nature’s inspiration is apparent around every corner.

© 2017 Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any material must be with the consent of the Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission. Produced with Accommodations Tax Funds.