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More Flathead Valley
Bigfork
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Bigfork quite aptly calls itself the Village by the Bay, as it is sheltered in a bay on Flathead Lake, right where the Swan River joins the Lake. It has great Flathead Valley views of mountain ranges that drop off dramatically into the Lake's edges.
Bigfork is known as a leading arts community in Montana, and it's population is growing quickly with urban refugees. In summer the number swells still more with visitors who have come to enjoy its art galleries, live theatre, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants.
Despite the beginnings of urban sprawl, Bigfork retains a genteel, village atmosphere closer to the Lake. Here, there are no shopping malls or franchise businesses, rather unique food establishments and galleries. You will find much art with a Western theme, including excellent sculpture work, which is supported by two bronze foundries in the region. Contemporary art is also starting to make a breakthrough. Local artwork can be found in nontraditional venues such as the Bigfork Inn, and the main art event is the Bigfork Festival of the Arts the first weekend in August.
The performing arts scene is alive with year-round activity. Residents and visitor alike enjoy indoor and outdoor performances at the 400-seat Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, and Sliter Memorial Park.
Each Christmas season, hundreds of elves decorate the Bigfork village in an event that has attracted national media attention. You might like to coincide your visit with the May's White Water Race on the Wild Mile of the Swan river, or the Tamarack Times Festival in October.
Getting to Bigfork
Road
Main routes in are US 2, US 93, MT 35, MT 82, MT 83. Closest
Interstate is I-90 to the south.
Air
Glacier Park International Airport is north near Kalispell. Services include
Big Sky Airlines, Delta Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Northwest Airlines and
Holman Aviation (private charters).
Rail
The daily Amtrak passenger service the
Empire Builder runs between Seattle/Portland and Chicago. Nearby depots
are in: Whitefish (35 miles north, toll free phone: 800-862-7245) and West
Glacier.
See also the Go Northwest! guide to the Flathead Valley
Explore Bigfork in more detail by clicking through the pages listed below and the links they provide to more detailed descriptions and presentations:
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Click on Flathead Valley Area Map above for more Northwest Montana. |
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Handbooks: Montana
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low-to-mid-priced lodgings and dining options, this guide also contains
vignettes on the theatrical career of Calamity Jane and how Meriwether
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The Yellowstone Handbook: An Insider's Guide to the Park. by Susan Frank, Phil Frank. March 1999, Paperback, 240 pages, (guidebook). Practical categories include getting there, park attractions, getting around, lodging and dining, camping and backpacking, and recreational opportunities.
Montana
Atlas & Gazetteer. Paperback, 96 pages, May 2001.
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Adventure Guide.
By Genevieve Rowles. 550 pages.
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The Insiders' Guide to Yellowstone & Grand Teton. by Candace Burns, Jo Deurbrouck. May 1999, 2nd edition, Paperback, 527 pages, (guidebook). Covers a variety of budget levels and interest, including rock climbing, trout fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, hiking, river rafting, skiing, camping, world-class resorts, restaurants, fabulous art and architecture.
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