Montana
Glacier National Park
A must see for anyone visiting Montana, Glacier National Park preserves over 1,000,000 acres of forests, alpine meadows, and lakes. Its diverse habitats are home to over 70 species of mammals, including the famed Grizzly Bear, and over 260 species of birds. The spectacular glaciated landscape contains 700 miles of maintained trails that lead deep into one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states.
Flathead Valley
Part of the Flathead Valley's charm is its unique collection of diverse villages, communities and towns. Kalispell, the largest city (population: 35,000) and hub of the valley, is the major metropolis (a term we use loosely) in Northwest Montana. To the north, the mountain resort village of Whitefish nestles below The Big Mountain Ski & Summer Resort. Columbia Falls is the western gateway to Glacier National Park, and Bigfork, at the mouth of Flathead Lake, is a scenic town filled with antique shops, galleries, fine dining, festivals and special events. Any one of these destinations will make for a fabulous day trip from Paws Up.
Missoula
Missoula is Montana's fastest growing city. Sitting in the scenic Bitterroot Valley, this charming town of 60,000 is home to the University of Montana, and continues to be the first choice as a place to live for those who are relocating to Montana from out of state.
Missoula has a breathtaking and historic downtown area. Tree-lined streets with quaint specialty shops and fine restaurants welcome visitors. Known as the cultural capital of Montana, Missoula boasts many theaters and museums. However, the most beautiful exhibit is of the surrounding mountainous valleys.
Garnet Ghost Town
Located just down the road from the Resort, the remains of this historic mining town are a highlight for visitors. Dilapidated by several fires, Garnet was once home to more than 1,000 residents. This fascinating town endures along with the spirits of the rugged gold miners and their families who carved this community in the heart of the Garnet Mountain Range at the end of the nineteenth century.
Great Falls
Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery first discovered Great Falls – named for a series of waterfalls on the Missouri River. Great Falls is now known as "The Electric City," because the falls that Lewis and Clark marveled at have been tamed by a series of dams to provide electric power.
Today, the country around Great Falls looks much as artist, Charlie Russell, found it and painted it at the end of the 19th century. Russell made his home in Great Falls, and did much of his painting in his studio there.
Great Falls is also home to the Malmstrom Air Force Base.
Shopping
When the itch comes to crash the racks, you won't have to travel far to scratch it. Missoula offers a variety of retail establishments from box stores to specialty shops. Just up the road, the small communities of Seeley Lake and, a little further up the road, Big Fork, offer wonderful shops, galleries and festivals catering to a more exclusive clientele.
