Copper King Mansion
STOPS:
- 1Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
- 2The Copper King Mansion
Begin in Butte, a historic mining town with a rich history. Overnight in Butte the night before, or drive from West Yellowstone after breakfast to arrive by noon. Take a tour at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. The information provided about Greek Orthodox history and religion is interesting for people of all backgrounds, plus the church is beautiful and is a favorite stop among groups. Afterward, make your way to The Copper King Mansion, home of William Andrews Clark—a former Montana senator and one of the world's wealthiest men in the 1900s. For dinner, plan a meal at Metals Sports Bar & Grill. Located in the historic Metals Banc Building, the infrastructure of the original bank vault and marble teller counters can still be found in the restaurant. An evening tour option is the Spooks & Spirits Tour, where you can visit Butte's haunted locations while the guide tells ghost stories. Overnight in Butte.
Holt Heritage Museum
STOPS:
- 3Historic Trolley Tour
- 4World Museum of Mining
- 5Travelers’ Rest State Park
- 6Holt Heritage Museum
Wake up and hop aboard a Historic Trolley Tour. Learn about Butte's colorful history while making stops at the World Museum of Mining, the Berkeley Pit and The Granite Mountain Speculator Mine Memorial. For lunch visit Sparky's Garage, which has great food in a fun, Americana garage motif atmosphere.
Depart Butte and make your way to Missoula, with the option to check in to the hotel before continuing to Lolo, Montana. This small town has two stops that are worth the short drive.
Visit Travelers' Rest State Park, the only archeologically verified campsite of Lewis and Clark, and the Holt Heritage Museum, a private museum collection of cowboy and American Indian memorabilia. For dinner, you have two great options, either opt for cocktails at Lolo Distillery before dinner at the Lolo Creek Steakhouse, or craft beer and Americana food at Lolo Peak Brewery & Grill. Overnight in Missoula.
Garden of One Thousand Buddhas | Credit Andy Austin
STOPS:
- 7Smokejumper Visitor Center
- 8National Museum of Forest Service History
- 9Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- 10Montana Museum of Art & Culture
- 11Missoula Art Museum
- 12UnSeen Missoula
- 13Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
- 14Ninepipes Museum of Early American History
- 15Miracle of America Museum
Missoula is Western Montana's art and culture hub, with a vibrant downtown and thriving museum scene. You can easily add another full day in Missoula with these unique stops. The Smokejumper Visitor Center, National Museum of Forest Service History (opening in 2025), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Museum of Art and Culture, Missoula Art Museum, UnSeen Missoula guided walking tours, and downtown walk/shop time are a few of many things to do.
However, for this itinerary we are going to depart after breakfast for Arlee. An optional shopping stop is Big Sky Sasquatch, which is an excellent place to pick up Montana souvenirs and huckleberry milkshakes. Also in Arlee, visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. The location and architecture of the garden was born out of a prophetic vision that Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche had as a child, and it's easy to find your Zen as you stroll through the 1,000 Buddha statues, botanical garden and Buddhist center.
Make your way to Charlo to visit the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana History. The museum captures the history and culture of the Flathead Indian Reservation and early Montana with artifacts, historical photographs, beadwork, guns, bows and arrows, and a diorama room filled with mounted wildlife and an American Indian camp. The museum is a true hidden-gem, and groups who stop appreciate learning about this piece of Montana history. Outside, if it's warm, walk the short nature trail with spectacular views of the Mission Mountains—you can even request a biologist walk with your group if you plan it ahead of time. When you're done, don't miss Great Gray Gifts right next door, a boutique with Montana-made goods. Then walk next door to Ninepipes Lodge and Allentown Restaurant for lunch, which offers spectacular views of the Mission Mountains.
After lunch, make the short drive to Polson. Polson is located on the shores of the largest natural freshwater lake in the West—Flathead Lake—which is surrounded by the Mission, Salish, Swan and Whitefish mountains. Stunning scenery, local flair and small-town vibes with a walkable shoppable downtown, are a few of the reasons to stop. Visit the eclectic Miracle of America Museum, which houses a collection of over 340,000+ curiosities. For dinner, go to Finley Point Grill, where exceptional food and outstanding service make an unforgettable meal. Overnight in Polson.
Far West Boat Tours | Credit Andy Austin
STOPS:
- 16Water People Tours
- 17Far West Boat Tours
- 18Purple Mountain Lavender
- 19Conrad Mansion Museum
In the morning, depart Polson and make your way to Elmo for a stop at Camp Kapapa and the Water People Tours. Owners Keya Birdsbill, descendant of a chief, shares American Indian history with Flathead and American Indian stories. Afterward, depart for Kalispell, with two optional tour activities along the way, Far West Boat Tours and Purple Mountain Lavender in Lakeside.
Once in Kalispell, make a lunch stop at the Dusty Star Saloon, known for their delicious barbecue, large portions, house-made sauces and friendly service. After lunch, schedule a docent-guided tour at the Conrad Mansion Museum. Home of Kalispell's founder, with almost all original furnishings, the 26-room house is an example of luxury pioneer living at its finest. Add some free time into your schedule for your group to walk and explore Kalispell's quaint downtown, including shopping at the Western Outdoor store, Montana's largest western retail store.
Check in to the Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch in Kalispell for some warm Montana hospitality. Experience the tranquility of a peaceful setting, explore scenic trails on horseback with trail ride options, and savor mouthwatering “country gourmet” dining. For a truly unforgettable group experience, gather around for a chuckwagon dinner under the big blue sky.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Spend day 5 and beyond exploring Glacier National Park. For more information on what to do in Glacier National Park, check out our One Day in Glacier National Park itinerary.
