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Montana | One of Three | Western Wonders
On the Road with Lou | Episode One: Montana – Western Wonders Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), and let’s hit the road.
Welcome to Big Sky Country. Just 45 minutes from Kalispell is Glacier National Park—“Crown of the Continent” for a reason. Picture towering peaks, turquoise lakes, glacier valleys, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. You might spot a mountain goat—or a bear (from a safe distance).
Time Tip: Minimum: 1 day for the scenic drive and short hike. Ideal: 2–3 days to hit trails like Avalanche Lake or Grinnell Glacier.
Stay in Kalispell: The perfect Glacier gateway—small-town vibes, comfy beds, and supply stops before you head into the wild.
Next: Flathead Lake in Polson (1 hr 15 min south). It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—and it’s gorgeous. Clear water, wide skies, and time that seems to slow down.
Time Tip: Quick stop: 2 hours for a stroll or picnic. Half-day: Paddle or hit the quirky Miracle of America Museum. Full-day: Swim, boat, and watch an unforgettable sunset.
Stay in Polson: Right on the lake. Laid-back, lakeside charm with breezes, coffee, and postcard-worthy views.
Now head to Garnet Ghost Town (2 hrs from Polson). One of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns. Walk through 30+ original buildings and feel the hush of history.
Time Tip: 2–3 hours to explore, or half a day if you want to hike or linger.
Next stop: Butte (2 hrs from Garnet). A gritty, proud mining town with Irish roots and underground tunnels. Don’t miss the eerie Berkeley Pit, old mansions, and hearty food.
Time Tip: Half-day for highlights. Better yet? Stay overnight to soak in the history and catch Butte at night.
Then cruise 40 minutes to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Explore epic limestone caverns on a guided tour (it’s a cool 50°F year-round) and hike through stunning terrain above ground.
Time Tip: 2–3 hours for the cave tour. Half a day if you want to hike or picnic.
From there, it’s 3 hours to Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings. Walk through caves marked with over 100 ancient images—some more than 2,000 years old. Short trail, big vibes.
Time Tip: 1.5–2 hours to walk, reflect, and connect with the past.
Wrap up in Billings: Montana’s biggest city is the perfect landing spot—great food, cozy stays, and easy flights out of Billings Logan International (BIL). Want to reverse the route and start here instead? Totally works.
From glacial peaks to ghost towns, underground caves to ancient art—this is more than a road trip. It’s a story waiting to be told.
Thanks for rolling with me on Episode One of On the Road with Lou. Stay tuned for more, and remember: the best journeys don’t just take you places—they stay with you.
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By Lou JasikoffOn the Road with Lou | Episode One: Montana – Western Wonders Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), and let’s hit the road.
Welcome to Big Sky Country. Just 45 minutes from Kalispell is Glacier National Park—“Crown of the Continent” for a reason. Picture towering peaks, turquoise lakes, glacier valleys, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. You might spot a mountain goat—or a bear (from a safe distance).
Time Tip: Minimum: 1 day for the scenic drive and short hike. Ideal: 2–3 days to hit trails like Avalanche Lake or Grinnell Glacier.
Stay in Kalispell: The perfect Glacier gateway—small-town vibes, comfy beds, and supply stops before you head into the wild.
Next: Flathead Lake in Polson (1 hr 15 min south). It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—and it’s gorgeous. Clear water, wide skies, and time that seems to slow down.
Time Tip: Quick stop: 2 hours for a stroll or picnic. Half-day: Paddle or hit the quirky Miracle of America Museum. Full-day: Swim, boat, and watch an unforgettable sunset.
Stay in Polson: Right on the lake. Laid-back, lakeside charm with breezes, coffee, and postcard-worthy views.
Now head to Garnet Ghost Town (2 hrs from Polson). One of Montana’s best-preserved ghost towns. Walk through 30+ original buildings and feel the hush of history.
Time Tip: 2–3 hours to explore, or half a day if you want to hike or linger.
Next stop: Butte (2 hrs from Garnet). A gritty, proud mining town with Irish roots and underground tunnels. Don’t miss the eerie Berkeley Pit, old mansions, and hearty food.
Time Tip: Half-day for highlights. Better yet? Stay overnight to soak in the history and catch Butte at night.
Then cruise 40 minutes to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Explore epic limestone caverns on a guided tour (it’s a cool 50°F year-round) and hike through stunning terrain above ground.
Time Tip: 2–3 hours for the cave tour. Half a day if you want to hike or picnic.
From there, it’s 3 hours to Pictograph Cave State Park near Billings. Walk through caves marked with over 100 ancient images—some more than 2,000 years old. Short trail, big vibes.
Time Tip: 1.5–2 hours to walk, reflect, and connect with the past.
Wrap up in Billings: Montana’s biggest city is the perfect landing spot—great food, cozy stays, and easy flights out of Billings Logan International (BIL). Want to reverse the route and start here instead? Totally works.
From glacial peaks to ghost towns, underground caves to ancient art—this is more than a road trip. It’s a story waiting to be told.
Thanks for rolling with me on Episode One of On the Road with Lou. Stay tuned for more, and remember: the best journeys don’t just take you places—they stay with you.