When you talk about Montana, you’re talking about the great outdoors. Especially in the northwest portion called Glacier Country.
"This part of Montana is bigger than some states," says Jan Watkins, sales manager for the Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission, which acts as the primary DMC for the region.
"We’ve got pristine rivers, stunning scenery, majestic wildlife, natural hot springs, glacial peaks and idyllic lakes, including Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West," she says.
Surrounded by such natural resources, groups arrive here and hit the ground running for the abundant outdoor activities. The Tourism Commission routinely sets up excursions such as rafting and fishing the Flathead Wild & Scenic River, kayaking through mountain lakes, hiking through the Bob Marshall Wilderness, or cowboy-themed trips like trail rides, cattle drives and pack trips. Other popular day trips favored by groups include scenic boat rides and tours of Glacier National Park aboard the legendary Red Jammer buses.
The abundant winter snowfall makes the area ideal for skiing and sled-dog trekking, with the most popular destinations being Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort. One current adventure the commission is now promoting, "Rails, Trails, and Ales," takes a group via Amtrak from Whitefish to West Glacier for guided snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing. The trip includes dinner at the Belton Chalet and returns with a scenic train ride.
"We are a year-round destination," Watkins adds, and points to regional festivals, farmers’ markets, rodeos, county fairs, summer playhouses, microbreweries and artisan tours as other warm-weather options often requested by delegates and planners.
Glacier Country’s summer sunshine is also perfect for mountain biking, championship golf, tours of organic farms and working ranches, or just enjoying the amazing views of the Bitterroot Valley. One new addition, a Flathead Lake boat cruise for up to 140, departs from the Best Western KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson, and is offered as a cruise/lunch package for motorcoach groups.
With groups of any size, there’s always interest in cultural history, and this region of Montana is filled with sites and activities, from the legacy of frontier explorers Lewis and Clark to museums and galleries—even one-of-a-kind options such as a tribal Pow Wow with one of the two Native American tribes, the Blackfeet and Salish Kootenai.
In summer 2010, Glacier National Park will turn 100 years old, and its Centennial Celebration—already in progress—has kicked off a year-long series of educational programs, legacy projects and commemorative events that are being held in the park and surrounding area.