Bigfork, MT

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism

Bordering a large freshwater lake near tall mountains, this region offers year-round recreational activities. In the town itself, find diverse cultural attractions.

Plan a family vacation in Bigfork, nestled high in the mountains of northwestern Montana. Play for days in the waters of the Swan River and Flathead LakeOpens in a new window and enjoy the cultural attractions in the town.

Bigfork is located at 2,900 feet (880 meters) elevation, offering easy access to hiking, camping and rock climbing to the east in Flathead National Forest, including the Swan Lake and Bob Marshall Wilderness areas. North of the forest is Glacier National ParkOpens in a new window, where you can observe rugged mountains, receding glaciers and wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, elk, lynx, wolverines, cougars, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. See the pretty reflections of the Rocky Mountains in the calm waters of the park’s Lake McDonald. About an hour’s drive west of Bigfork brings you to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.

Canoe or float down the Swan River. Just past the Bigfork Dam, the river has challenging Class III to Class IV rapids, perfect for experienced rafters. Sail, kayak, waterski, swim and glide on a stand-up paddleboard on Flathead Lake’s calm waters. The lake has more than 180 miles (290 kilometers) of shoreline, with plenty of bays perfect for fishing in the cool shadows for lake trout, whitefish and yellow perch. In the winter, try ice fishing on the frozen coves.

Wander through Bigfork to visit galleries and boutiques. In early August, visit the annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts, a weekend filled with arts, crafts, food, music and entertainment. Year-round, the 435-seat Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts presents plays, musical theater, live music, concerts, ballet and movies. The Summer Playhouse has been providing live entertainment for more than 50 years.

Fly to Glacier Park International Airport north of KalispellOpens in a new window and drive about 30 minutes to reach Bigfork. Stop at the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center where friendly volunteers will answer questions and provide information, maps and brochures.

Mountain Lake Lodge

Mountain Lake Lodge

3.5 out of 5
14735 Sylvan Drive, Bigfork, MT
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (716 reviews)
"Beautiful property, 24hr pool, comfy bed, nice staff. We loved it!"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Mountain Lake Lodge
Timbers Motel

Timbers Motel

2.5 out of 5
8540 Hwy 35 South, Bigfork, MT
The price is ¥14,418 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
¥14,418
¥16,359 total
Oct 2 - Oct 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Eva ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (662 reviews)
Convenient and comfortable!
"We’re so happy to have found the perfect place to stay when we want to enjoy the Bigfork Summer Playhouse! Next time we’ll arrive early enough to enjoy the pool before the show. Until next year!"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Timbers Motel
The Islander Inn

The Islander Inn

2.5 out of 5
14729 Shore Acres Dr, Bigfork, MT
The price is ¥19,723 per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
¥19,723
¥21,513 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Beardance Picnic Area and Flathead Picnic Area are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (216 reviews)
Great one for Flathead Lake!
"Very nice place with private jetted hot tub in the room, roku tv, good wifi, kitchen utensils (even if we don’t use them but will be useful for those who plan to cook), and easy access to the lake with nice breakfast included."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

The Islander Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
River LodgeTipi's at Stepping Stone

River LodgeTipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"He was so kind and accommodating. Our plans got skewed but he took care of us. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2025

River LodgeTipi's at Stepping Stone
Fill your soul w/ 400' of PRIVATE waterfront w/ dock, lift, diving board & more!

Fill your soul w/ 400' of PRIVATE waterfront w/ dock, lift, diving board & more!

Bigfork
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Beardance Picnic Area and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"We had an absolutely wonderful trip. The home fit our family very well. Plenty of separate space. Location is exceptional. The steps were a little rough on our parents. The rest of us appreciated the work out! Thanks for everything!"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

Fill your soul w/ 400' of PRIVATE waterfront w/ dock, lift, diving board & more!
Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"This was an excellent quiet getaway that added to our Glacier experience. It was so peaceful and nice to sit out and watch the deer play with the mountains as a backdrop."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bigfork

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
40
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very cute and quaint town with one stoplight.

4/5 - Good

Laura

The lake is the main attraction, 30 miles long!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Didn’t find a ton to do in the area but that was the purpose to disconnect and not be in the hamster wheel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

A quaint little town, everything winds down early except the Bigfork Summer Lyric Playhouse - wonderful young actors and actresses and crew put on Fabulous stage plays. Went to a different play every night. Also visited the National Glacier Park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

When I travel to the mountains I push myself to the limit physically. The gift of Candlewycke is that a highly physical active person can retreat here and find physical comfort and mental peace. If this is what you are like this is THE place for you!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice town, nothing to do after 8-9:00 PM though.

Cities near Bigfork