Flathead Lake Resort features approximately 20 rentals with overnight prices ranging anywhere between $35-$400. The rentals emulate a rustic, vintage style, some of which include the original interior of when they were first built in the 1970s. Most visitors come during the summer season when many outdoor activities and water sports such as canoeing, paddle boarding, or boating are available. Water sports are one of the main attractions in Montana. The owner of Flathead Lake Resort has mentioned that Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake are the two leading providers for outdoor activities. Flathead Lake Resort gives guests beach access and private access to the lake without them having to go through a state park to get there. In 1948 the construction of Flathead Lake Resort began from the very first owner, Martin, who had the desire to own and operate a motel with his wife, Mary. Years later, Jenny discovered the property and dreamed of owning it in the future. In 2016 her dream came true, and Jenny and Chris have been running the resort ever since.
Flathead Lake Resort is located in the northwestern region of Montana, situated along the beaches of Flathead Lake. The property includes 20 rentals available for guests of all ages, featuring hotel rooms, a hostel house, private vintage campers, studio cabins, a one-bedroom cabin, a two-bedroom house, and several camping spots for tents. Prices for rentals range from $35-$400 per night, with the most popular rentals being the vintage campers. Each cabin covers up to two acres of land, in contrast to the two-bedroom house, which takes up half an acre of land. The exterior of the property resembles a rustic roadside hotel. The rustic style is inspired by a warehouse in Germany that was turned into a vintage campground. One of the most unique rentals included in Flathead Lake Resort is the 1971 Streamline, which, like many other available campers, includes the original interior from when it was first built. Several guests have stated that the 1971 Streamline gives the feeling of stepping back into the 1970s.
The best season of operation for Flathead Lake Resort is during the month of July when temperatures are warmer, and outdoor water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding are available to guests. One of the characteristics of the resort is its close proximity to Flathead Lake. Guests have private access and are able to visit the lake without having to go through a state park. Some of the amenities at the resort include property-wide Wi-Fi for all guests, outdoor grilling, and six firepits within the area. Additionally, the majority of rentals include a private bathroom and kitchen setup. The two studio cabins, the hostel house, and the two-bedroom house all include TVs.
The classic style two-bedroom house resides on a half-acre of land, while the cabins take up one and a half to two acres. The cabins have a wooded outer exterior with a small porch area, surrounded by trees and woodlands. The blue Bird Isand House is a newly renovated studio cabin, also including a porch area with benches.
Flathead Lake Resort is only half a mile away from several nearby restaurants and entertainment venues. A local favorite among the restaurants is The Raven, located right along the waters of Flathead Lake, guests can have the opportunity to enjoy their meal as they experience views of the lake. Another popular dining option is the Traditions Restaurant, which includes a French-inspired menu. Additionally, Saketome draws in guests who prefer seafood, with the restaurant's main dish being sushi.
The owners of Flathead Lake Resort, Jenny and Chris, and the co-owners, Britain and Josh, hope for their guests to feel a homey, comfortable atmosphere during their stay. Furthermore, the owners want their guests to feel like they are part of an extended family even when their stay at Flathead Lake Resort comes to an end. The particular area of Montana near Flathead Lake Resort features numerous things to do outside. Many guests visit Flathead Lake mainly for the water sports and water activities on the lake. In addition to Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park is known to draw in the most visitors in the area.
Less than ten minutes away from Flathead Lake Resort is a popular theater playhouse located in the central area of downtown, which features live performances. Although set events aren't hosted by Flathead Lake Resort, at times Jenny and Chris will send out texts to guests about s'mores at the campfires or other occasional activities. Guests staying at Flathead Lake Resort are invited to the local organic store, Max's Market, and they are given a 10% discount. Max's Market is the sister property owned by Jenny and Chris.
The peak season for the most visitors at Flat Head Lake Resort is from July to August, when temperatures are generally warmer. One guest, in particular, mentioned, "The resort rents paddleboards and kayaks and is a short paddle away from some great restaurants where you can pull your paddleboard or kayak up for a quick snack before heading back on the water." Guests have also praised the cleanliness along the beaches of the lake.
Flathead Lake Resort was built in 1948 and completed in the early 1950s. The building was hand-built by the very first owner, Martin, who constructed it for lodging purposes and the property has been used for such ever since. The original owners, Martin and Mary, named the resort M&M Motel and Campground. Fast forward to today, Jenny and Chris, the current owners, are the fourth owners of Flathead Lake Resort and have been such for nearly five years. Jenny had discovered the property when she came all the way from Alaska every summer to visit her aunt who lived near the resort. Each year, Jenny drove past Flathead Lake Resort, dreaming of owning the property in the future, which eventually became a reality in 2016.
Before Josh and Britain met Jenny and Chris in 2020, they both had about four years of experience in renting their hostel out to guests, back in 2014. After living in one of their air streams for a while, Josh and Britain quickly learned that they enjoyed the camping lifestyle. Eventually, they too had a dream of owning and operating a lodging resort and they began working to pursue it. In 2020 they joined Jenny and Chris in working together to guide Flathead Lake resort throughout its future endeavors. Jenny and Chris plan on giving each room its own unique charm and character in the near future. For the first few years, the campers were not being utilized. This motivated Jenny and Chris to add the vintage campers to the rentals, which, in turn, boosted the overall popularity of Flathead Lake Resort. The owners have future plans to create a Montana-inclusive package, so that guests have unlimited river rafting, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing, without paying for each individual use.
14871 Hwy 35
Bigfork, Montana 59911
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Jenny and Chris
Martin & Mary
