Whitefish Stage Organic Farms offers a 3500 bale straw bale maze, a  super bouncing pillow,  a barn jungle gym, a power jump bungee trampoline, barrel train ride, giant corn bins, tiny farm animals and much more! https://www.whitefishstage.farm/fall-harvest-event/

Going to the Sun Road is open in Glacier Park

Visitors can drive 2.0 miles from the west entrance to the foot of Lake McDonald, and 18.5 miles from the St. Mary entrance to Logan Pass.

  The section of the road between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass is closed due to a fire. On the west side, the road is closed between the Apgar Loop Road junction at the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass due to fire danger.

To check the current road status, click here. This website is updated regularly with important travel information for visitors to Glacier National Park.

Kelley’s Market Trends: Residential 1 to 10 Acres

By JIM KELLEY; FLATHEAD BEACON; SEPT 20, 2017

In the first eight months of 2017, residential properties with one to ten acres of land made up 22.2 percent of the residential sales. This is nearly the same as it was in 2016. The average lot size for this class of residential property is 3.72 acres and the median size was 3 acres.

Read the whole story…click here.

Fall is here. There are plenty of things to do in Whitefish.

Fall just may be our finest season here in the northwest corner of Montana. Temperatures are cool and fall colors are brilliant. For a variety of activities, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.

Walk A Trail.
Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout Whitefish. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks (and extends all the way to City Beach). www.whitefishlegacy.org

Take A Trail Ride.
The Bar W Guest Ranch has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. Take a riding lesson or a relaxing trail ride. www.thebarw.com

Take A Boat Ride.
Rent a boat, or other watercraft at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina. A full service marina on Whitefish Lake that offers a gas dock to fill your boat or wave runner, a snack bar and a Tiki Bar. www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Take In A Live Performance.
Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. ATP specializes in producing musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year featuring talent from Broadway, film, and television. www.atpwhitefish.org

Oktoberfest is taking place in Depot Park!

Join us in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for the second weekend of authentic German beer, food, music and fun – Montana style!

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 4:  6 pm to 8 pm (at the Firebrand Hotel)

Thursday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm

Friday, October 6: 5 pm to 11 pm

Saturday, October 7: 12 noon to 11 pm

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park (unless otherwise noted in the schedule), located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Click here for the complete schedule:   http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/schedule/

Whitefish Mountain Resort Lands in Top 10 Ski Resort Readers’ Poll

BY BEACON STAFF // SEP 26, 2017

Whitefish Mountain Resort was named the 10th best ski resort in the West by SKI Magazine readers.

Photo by Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

SKI Magazine released its annual Resort Guide, which features top reader-ranked resorts and ski amenities, and once again Whitefish Mountain Resort has earned accolades.

Readers ranked Whitefish 10th behind Beaver Creek, Colorado. The local love marked the second best ranking in the Resort Guide. Whitefish Mountain Resort ranked ninth in 2015-16 and 11th in 2016-17.

Read the whole story…click here.

Whitefish Stage Organic Farms offers a 3500 bale straw bale maze, a  super bouncing pillow,  a barn jungle gym, a power jump bungee trampoline, barrel train ride, giant corn bins, tiny farm animals and much more! https://www.whitefishstage.farm/fall-harvest-event/

Going to the Sun Road is open in Glacier Park

Visitors can drive 2.0 miles from the west entrance to the foot of Lake McDonald, and 18.5 miles from the St. Mary entrance to Logan Pass.

  The section of the road between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass is closed due to a fire. On the west side, the road is closed between the Apgar Loop Road junction at the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass due to fire danger.

To check the current road status, click here. This website is updated regularly with important travel information for visitors to Glacier National Park.

Kelley’s Market Trends: Residential 1 to 10 Acres

By JIM KELLEY; FLATHEAD BEACON; SEPT 20, 2017

In the first eight months of 2017, residential properties with one to ten acres of land made up 22.2 percent of the residential sales. This is nearly the same as it was in 2016. The average lot size for this class of residential property is 3.72 acres and the median size was 3 acres.

Read the whole story…click here.

Fall is here. There are plenty of things to do in Whitefish.

Fall just may be our finest season here in the northwest corner of Montana. Temperatures are cool and fall colors are brilliant. For a variety of activities, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.

Walk A Trail.
Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout Whitefish. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks (and extends all the way to City Beach). www.whitefishlegacy.org

Take A Trail Ride.
The Bar W Guest Ranch has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. Take a riding lesson or a relaxing trail ride. www.thebarw.com

Take A Boat Ride.
Rent a boat, or other watercraft at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina. A full service marina on Whitefish Lake that offers a gas dock to fill your boat or wave runner, a snack bar and a Tiki Bar. www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Take In A Live Performance.
Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. ATP specializes in producing musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year featuring talent from Broadway, film, and television. www.atpwhitefish.org

Oktoberfest is taking place in Depot Park!

Join us in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for the second weekend of authentic German beer, food, music and fun – Montana style!

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 4:  6 pm to 8 pm (at the Firebrand Hotel)

Thursday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm

Friday, October 6: 5 pm to 11 pm

Saturday, October 7: 12 noon to 11 pm

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park (unless otherwise noted in the schedule), located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Click here for the complete schedule:   http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/schedule/

Whitefish Mountain Resort Lands in Top 10 Ski Resort Readers’ Poll

BY BEACON STAFF // SEP 26, 2017

Whitefish Mountain Resort was named the 10th best ski resort in the West by SKI Magazine readers.

Photo by Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

SKI Magazine released its annual Resort Guide, which features top reader-ranked resorts and ski amenities, and once again Whitefish Mountain Resort has earned accolades.

Readers ranked Whitefish 10th behind Beaver Creek, Colorado. The local love marked the second best ranking in the Resort Guide. Whitefish Mountain Resort ranked ninth in 2015-16 and 11th in 2016-17.

Read the whole story…click here.

Whitefish Stage Organic Farms offers a 3500 bale straw bale maze, a  super bouncing pillow,  a barn jungle gym, a power jump bungee trampoline, barrel train ride, giant corn bins, tiny farm animals and much more! https://www.whitefishstage.farm/fall-harvest-event/

Going to the Sun Road is open in Glacier Park

Visitors can drive 2.0 miles from the west entrance to the foot of Lake McDonald, and 18.5 miles from the St. Mary entrance to Logan Pass.

  The section of the road between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass is closed due to a fire. On the west side, the road is closed between the Apgar Loop Road junction at the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass due to fire danger.

To check the current road status, click here. This website is updated regularly with important travel information for visitors to Glacier National Park.

Kelley’s Market Trends: Residential 1 to 10 Acres

By JIM KELLEY; FLATHEAD BEACON; SEPT 20, 2017

In the first eight months of 2017, residential properties with one to ten acres of land made up 22.2 percent of the residential sales. This is nearly the same as it was in 2016. The average lot size for this class of residential property is 3.72 acres and the median size was 3 acres.

Read the whole story…click here.

Fall is here. There are plenty of things to do in Whitefish.

Fall just may be our finest season here in the northwest corner of Montana. Temperatures are cool and fall colors are brilliant. For a variety of activities, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.

Walk A Trail.
Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout Whitefish. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks (and extends all the way to City Beach). www.whitefishlegacy.org

Take A Trail Ride.
The Bar W Guest Ranch has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. Take a riding lesson or a relaxing trail ride. www.thebarw.com

Take A Boat Ride.
Rent a boat, or other watercraft at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina. A full service marina on Whitefish Lake that offers a gas dock to fill your boat or wave runner, a snack bar and a Tiki Bar. www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Take In A Live Performance.
Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. ATP specializes in producing musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year featuring talent from Broadway, film, and television. www.atpwhitefish.org

Oktoberfest is taking place in Depot Park!

Join us in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for the second weekend of authentic German beer, food, music and fun – Montana style!

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 4:  6 pm to 8 pm (at the Firebrand Hotel)

Thursday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm

Friday, October 6: 5 pm to 11 pm

Saturday, October 7: 12 noon to 11 pm

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park (unless otherwise noted in the schedule), located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Click here for the complete schedule:   http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/schedule/

Whitefish Mountain Resort Lands in Top 10 Ski Resort Readers’ Poll

BY BEACON STAFF // SEP 26, 2017

Whitefish Mountain Resort was named the 10th best ski resort in the West by SKI Magazine readers.

Photo by Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

SKI Magazine released its annual Resort Guide, which features top reader-ranked resorts and ski amenities, and once again Whitefish Mountain Resort has earned accolades.

Readers ranked Whitefish 10th behind Beaver Creek, Colorado. The local love marked the second best ranking in the Resort Guide. Whitefish Mountain Resort ranked ninth in 2015-16 and 11th in 2016-17.

Read the whole story…click here.

Whitefish Stage Organic Farms offers a 3500 bale straw bale maze, a  super bouncing pillow,  a barn jungle gym, a power jump bungee trampoline, barrel train ride, giant corn bins, tiny farm animals and much more! https://www.whitefishstage.farm/fall-harvest-event/

Going to the Sun Road is open in Glacier Park

Visitors can drive 2.0 miles from the west entrance to the foot of Lake McDonald, and 18.5 miles from the St. Mary entrance to Logan Pass.

  The section of the road between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass is closed due to a fire. On the west side, the road is closed between the Apgar Loop Road junction at the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass due to fire danger.

To check the current road status, click here. This website is updated regularly with important travel information for visitors to Glacier National Park.

Kelley’s Market Trends: Residential 1 to 10 Acres

By JIM KELLEY; FLATHEAD BEACON; SEPT 20, 2017

In the first eight months of 2017, residential properties with one to ten acres of land made up 22.2 percent of the residential sales. This is nearly the same as it was in 2016. The average lot size for this class of residential property is 3.72 acres and the median size was 3 acres.

Read the whole story…click here.

Fall is here. There are plenty of things to do in Whitefish.

Fall just may be our finest season here in the northwest corner of Montana. Temperatures are cool and fall colors are brilliant. For a variety of activities, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.

Walk A Trail.
Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout Whitefish. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks (and extends all the way to City Beach). www.whitefishlegacy.org

Take A Trail Ride.
The Bar W Guest Ranch has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. Take a riding lesson or a relaxing trail ride. www.thebarw.com

Take A Boat Ride.
Rent a boat, or other watercraft at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina. A full service marina on Whitefish Lake that offers a gas dock to fill your boat or wave runner, a snack bar and a Tiki Bar. www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Take In A Live Performance.
Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. ATP specializes in producing musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year featuring talent from Broadway, film, and television. www.atpwhitefish.org

Oktoberfest is taking place in Depot Park!

Join us in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for the second weekend of authentic German beer, food, music and fun – Montana style!

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 4:  6 pm to 8 pm (at the Firebrand Hotel)

Thursday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm

Friday, October 6: 5 pm to 11 pm

Saturday, October 7: 12 noon to 11 pm

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park (unless otherwise noted in the schedule), located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Click here for the complete schedule:   http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/schedule/

Whitefish Mountain Resort Lands in Top 10 Ski Resort Readers’ Poll

BY BEACON STAFF // SEP 26, 2017

Whitefish Mountain Resort was named the 10th best ski resort in the West by SKI Magazine readers.

Photo by Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

SKI Magazine released its annual Resort Guide, which features top reader-ranked resorts and ski amenities, and once again Whitefish Mountain Resort has earned accolades.

Readers ranked Whitefish 10th behind Beaver Creek, Colorado. The local love marked the second best ranking in the Resort Guide. Whitefish Mountain Resort ranked ninth in 2015-16 and 11th in 2016-17.

Read the whole story…click here.

Whitefish Stage Organic Farms offers a 3500 bale straw bale maze, a  super bouncing pillow,  a barn jungle gym, a power jump bungee trampoline, barrel train ride, giant corn bins, tiny farm animals and much more! https://www.whitefishstage.farm/fall-harvest-event/

Going to the Sun Road is open in Glacier Park

Visitors can drive 2.0 miles from the west entrance to the foot of Lake McDonald, and 18.5 miles from the St. Mary entrance to Logan Pass.

  The section of the road between the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass is closed due to a fire. On the west side, the road is closed between the Apgar Loop Road junction at the foot of Lake McDonald and Logan Pass due to fire danger.

To check the current road status, click here. This website is updated regularly with important travel information for visitors to Glacier National Park.

Kelley’s Market Trends: Residential 1 to 10 Acres

By JIM KELLEY; FLATHEAD BEACON; SEPT 20, 2017

In the first eight months of 2017, residential properties with one to ten acres of land made up 22.2 percent of the residential sales. This is nearly the same as it was in 2016. The average lot size for this class of residential property is 3.72 acres and the median size was 3 acres.

Read the whole story…click here.

Fall is here. There are plenty of things to do in Whitefish.

Fall just may be our finest season here in the northwest corner of Montana. Temperatures are cool and fall colors are brilliant. For a variety of activities, visit www.explorewhitefish.com.

Walk A Trail.
Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout Whitefish. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks (and extends all the way to City Beach). www.whitefishlegacy.org

Take A Trail Ride.
The Bar W Guest Ranch has developed the most advanced and diverse equestrian program in the West. Take a riding lesson or a relaxing trail ride. www.thebarw.com

Take A Boat Ride.
Rent a boat, or other watercraft at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina. A full service marina on Whitefish Lake that offers a gas dock to fill your boat or wave runner, a snack bar and a Tiki Bar. www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Take In A Live Performance.
Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. ATP specializes in producing musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year featuring talent from Broadway, film, and television. www.atpwhitefish.org

Oktoberfest is taking place in Depot Park!

Join us in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, for the second weekend of authentic German beer, food, music and fun – Montana style!

Second Weekend:

Wednesday, October 4:  6 pm to 8 pm (at the Firebrand Hotel)

Thursday, October 5: 5 pm to 11 pm

Friday, October 6: 5 pm to 11 pm

Saturday, October 7: 12 noon to 11 pm

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place under the “Oktoberfest Bigtop” in Depot Park (unless otherwise noted in the schedule), located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, Montana. Depot Park is located on the corner of Spokane Ave. and Railroad St., in front of the historic Whitefish Train Depot.

Click here for the complete schedule:   http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/schedule/

Whitefish Mountain Resort Lands in Top 10 Ski Resort Readers’ Poll

BY BEACON STAFF // SEP 26, 2017

Whitefish Mountain Resort was named the 10th best ski resort in the West by SKI Magazine readers.

Photo by Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

SKI Magazine released its annual Resort Guide, which features top reader-ranked resorts and ski amenities, and once again Whitefish Mountain Resort has earned accolades.

Readers ranked Whitefish 10th behind Beaver Creek, Colorado. The local love marked the second best ranking in the Resort Guide. Whitefish Mountain Resort ranked ninth in 2015-16 and 11th in 2016-17.

Read the whole story…click here.

Measuring Montana’s Outdoor Economy

New report says outdoor recreation pumps $7.1 billion into state economy and supports 71,000 jobs

BY JUSTIN FRANZ // AUG 29, 2017 // FLATHEAD BEACON Photo by Greg Lindstrom

COLUMBIA FALLS — For more than a century, the mountains that surround the Flathead Valley have inspired legions, from artists trying to capture the beauty on canvas to teenagers sharing the scenery through the perfect Instagram filter. But a new report suggests Montana’s scenic wonders are worth a lot more than a pretty picture.

“Montana’s public lands aren’t just for creating memories or snapping pictures for Facebook,” Sen. Jon Tester declared last week at an outdoors round table at the Cedar Creek Lodge, which was followed by a rally for public lands. “These lands bring $7.1 billion to the state’s economy every year, support 71,000 jobs and bring numerous new businesses and entrepreneurs here.”

Tester was referencing data published in a report by Headwaters Economics for the nonprofit Business for Montana’s Outdoors. The report noted that some of Montana’s fastest-growing counties are also close to federally managed public lands. Between 2000 and 2015, five counties — Gallatin, Yellowstone, Missoula, Flathead and Lewis and Clark — were responsible for 75 percent of the state’s job growth.

READ MORE…click here.

 Housing Plan

Update set for Wednesday night, Sept. 13 at City Hall

Whitefish Chamber members and the public are invited to take part in an Open House & Workshop on Wednesday, September 13th at City Hall, to get a progress report on – and offer input to – the Whitefish Strategic Housing Plan.

Set for 5-7 p.m. next Wednesday evening at Whitefish City Hall, Open House attendees will hear about the goals and objectives established by the Housing Plan Task Force, and the programs, projects and tools that have been identified to help tackle the housing shortage.

They’ll also get an update on the work done to-date by the Task Force and its six subcommittees, and provide valuable input to the Task Force and consultants as they work to fine-tune the Plan prior to submitting it to the City Council in November.

For more information, call the Chamber 406.862.3505  or visit www.whitefishhousing.com.

Kelley’s Market Trends: Western Montana Home Prices

Over the last 12 years, Flathead County’s median home price has been on average the highest of six western Montana counties.

BY JIM KELLEY // SEP 6, 2017 // FLATHEAD BEACON

​

This week let’s take another look at how Flathead County’s home price trend relates to other counties in Western Montana. At the peak of the market in 2007, Flathead County had the highest median home price of any of the surrounding counties. Flathead’s median was 13 percent higher than Missoula County, 4 percent higher than Lake County, 13 percent higher than Ravalli County, 35 percent higher than Lincoln County and 45 percent higher than Sanders County.

Over the last 12 years, Flathead County’s median home price has averaged 4.4 percent higher than Lake County, 44.8 percent higher than Lincoln County, 43.2 percent higher than Sanders County, 4.8 percent higher than Ravalli County and 1.6 percent higher than Missoula County.

In the first eight months of 2017, Flathead County’s median was the 14.6 percent higher than Lake County, 73.8 percent higher than Lincoln County, 50.9 percent higher than Sanders County, 3.8 percent higher than Ravalli County and 1.9 percent higher than Missoula County.

Of these six counties, Flathead County had a 7.8 percent increase in the median home price in 2017, which is higher than any of the surrounding counties. Lake County has had a 5.9 percent decline, Lincoln County has had a 12.3 percent decline, Sanders County had a 2.1 percent increase, Ravalli County has had a 6.6 percent increase, and Missoula County has had a 5.2 percent increase.