If you’re looking for a unique destination with a wealth of activities for the traveler, there is no destination like Flathead Valley. With an international airport, one of the nation’s most popular Amtrak stops and lots of stunning wilderness to explore at your own pace by car—you might want to use all three ways of travel on your trip to the Flathead.
If you want to ride a little history, the oldest running transportation route is via train—the Empire Builder—was first inaugurated in 1929. The train is timed to pass through Glacier and the Rocky mountains during the day so that passengers can enjoy the views as part of their vacation package. The train brings visitors from the Midwest to the Flathead and also from the Seattle/Portland area inland to our area. And judging by ridership numbers, the train is an increasingly popular way to travel—every year for the past five years train passengers have increased. Trains can accommodate families, couples or individuals in their own sleeper. Take in the majestic views from the panoramic windows of the Sightseer Lounge—the best seats in the house! And if you want a quick trip once you reach the Flathead—consider taking the quick two-hour ride from Whitefish to East Glacier for just a taste of the beauty of Glacier Park.
If plane is more your style, the Glacier Park International Airport central location in the valley means anything is possible upon landing. Terminal services include a grill, gift shop, ATM, Visitor Information Center and a US Customs site. Plentiful parking means pick up and drop off are easy. This full service airport offers regular service for Delta, Horizon, United/Skywest and Allegiant Air. The airport also boasts plenty of runways for private jets and smaller charter planes—which makes anything possible.
Acquiring your own personal vehicle can’t be more convenient—both the airport and the Amtrak station offer rental cars. The airport has a variety of choices including Avis and Budget on-site, with nearby Dollar Rent A Car available to pick up at both the airport and the Amtrak station. If a spur of the moment day trip into Glacier or the Bob Marshall Wilderness strikes your fancy each of the surrounding towns offer rental cars—Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish—all offer in town rental services. Local rental agencies know the needs of the Flathead traveler, so you can choose from four wheel drive, all wheel drive or two wheel drive vehicles to get you where you want to go.
Another option for travelers is Missoula International Airport—this airport sits right next to the town of Missoula and may offer more convenient flight options. You can rent a car in town and take the spectacular drive up to the Flathead—taking in the emerald colored waters of Flathead Lake on the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sunset as it reflects off the Mission Mountains just as you arrive in the area.
And while online services offer convenient access for the out of town traveler, keep in mind that no one knows the area like local travel agents. In the Flathead, it means you can talk one-on-one with a real person who knows the area and can provide recreation choices that match your tastes. With so many different activities to choose from in the Flathead, a little local guidance goes a long way—and no one beats a local travel agency for real knowledge about an area.
The Flathead Convention & Visitor Bureau offers specifics on all the options for getting to the Flathead. Visit them on the web at www.montanasflatheadvalley.com or call 1-800-543-3105.
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