Things to Do in Polson Montana
Polson Montana is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake . Polson celebrates many annual events, including the Cherry Festival in downtown Polson. The Main Street Cherry Festival.
The broad, sweeping Mission Valley south of Polson is bordered by the rugged, snow-capped Mission Mountains. The Flathead River that flows from Polson features whitewater rafting and Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam (formerly Kerr Dam). The National Bison Range at Moiese with its large herds of bison, elk, deer, antelope and barn sheep is nearby, as well as the Ninepipes and Pablo Wildlife Refuges for bird watchers.
Two museums, each part of the Mission Valley Museums group , The Miracle of America and Polson-Flathead Historical Museum, offer many displays and memorabilia. Polson also has several city parks located on the lake. Visitors are advised to keep their cameras ready for the area’s own “Flathead Monster,” sightings of which date back over a hundred years. Also, don’t miss the Polson Golf Course.
Museums and Historic sites:
The nine Mission and Jocko Valley Museums bring to life the rich history of the area. Located along Highway 93 from Arlee to Polson, the museums include:
Arlee/Jocko Valley Museum: Outdoor Veterans Memorial, memorabilia from area Veterans, Pioneer Day Photographs and more.
Fort Connah Historical Site: Constructed in 1847, the last Hudson’s Bay Trading Post built in the U.S.
The People’s Center Tribal Museum & Gift Shop: Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes authentic Native American History, Museum exhibits.
Garden of the Rockies Museum: Pioneer memorabilia from our Community.
Miracle of America Museum: Montana’s largest and most diversified museum. Vintage motorcycles dating from 1923. Vehicles from 1914. Huge military collection. 41 village buildings. Outdoor metal sculptures. Kid friendly.
Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana: Native American and early Montana artifacts, photographs and dioramas.
Four Winds Indian Trading Post: 1870 historic log buildings. Beads, craft supplies, moccasins, herbs, pipes, hides, artifacts, replicas and books.
Polson Flathead Lake Museum: Reservation Pioneer and Native American exhibits (stagecoach, buggies, daily living). Home of the Flathead Lake Monster!
St. Ignatius Mission Church: Church established in 1854 featuring 58 frescoes and murals, 1864 Sisters of Providence Residence.
Entertainment in Polson Montana
Port Polson Players Theater, Phone: 406.883.9212
Blue Goose Aviation Phone:719.393.5550
Website: www.bluegooseaviation.com
Boat Rentals and Rides Phone:406.260.5090
Website: www.boatrentalsandrides.com
Miracle of America Museum, Inc., Phone:406.883.6804 Website: www.miracleofamericamuseum.org
Polson Bay Golf Course, Phone:406.883.8230 : www.polsonbaygolf.com
Polson Fairgrounds Inc. Phone:406.883.1100, Website: www.polsonfairgroundsinc.com
Polson-Flathead Historical Museum, Phone:406.883.3049 www.polsonflatheadmuseum.org
Sandpiper Art Gallery, Phone:406.883.5956 www.sandpiperartgallery.com
Three Dog Adventure Tours, Phone:406.883.3696 Website: www.threedogdown.com
Places to Stay:
Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino
Phone: 800.882.6363
Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson
Phone: 406.872.2200
Richwines Burgerville:
(406) 883-2620
Incorporated April 5, 1910, Polson has a history of lumbering, ranching and steamboats. The city was named after pioneer rancher David Polson. Steamboats played a major part in early transportation of freight and passengers. The tugboat “Paul Bunyan” was instrumental in early logging operations.
Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake. This charming lakeside community is the trading center for one of Montana’s most fertile farming areas. In a prime cherry growing region and home to numerous cherry orchards, Polson celebrates with an annual Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival.
The broad, sweeping Mission Valley south of Polson is bordered by the rugged, snow-capped Mission Mountains. The Flathead River that flows from Polson features whitewater rafting and Kerr Dam. The National Bison Range at Moiese with its large herds of bison, elk, deer, antelope and bairn sheep is nearby, as well as the Ninepipes and Pablo Wildlife Refuges for bird watchers.
Two museums, The Miracle of America and Polson-Flathead Historical Museum, offer many displays and memorabilia. Polson also has several city parks located on the lake and is home to the Polson Bay Golf Course, a magnificent golf course which is nestled near the Mission Mountains and at the base of Flathead Lake.
Provided by: Montana’s Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.