Flathead Lake is a large freshwater lake in Montana that has more than 200 square miles of water. It’s one of the many amazing places to visit in The Treasure State. Public access sites around the lake are maintained by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, while the southern part of the lake is part of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation and accessible by tribal recreation permit. This is an exciting area for all types of water sports and exploring the nearby towns of Kalispell, Bigfork, and Polson. To help you plan your trip, here are the top hotels near Flathead Lake, Montana.
Mountain Lake Lodge - Bigfork
Located just above Flathead Lake and five miles from Bigfork, Mountain Lake Lodge offers 30 fireplace suites in a relaxed setting. It also has an infinity pool, spa, exercise room, putting green, laundry facilities, and fire pit. This is a pet-friendly hotel that provides Wi-Fi, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and cozy decks and patios too. The pet fee is charged per day, per pet, and there are a limited number of pet-friendly rooms. There are two restaurants on the property – Schafer’s for casual fine dining and Riley’s Pub and Sports Bar. The Mountain Lake Lodge is a fun place to be in summer for golf, rafting, horseback riding, and boat rentals. In the winter, there are snow sports, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
Flathead Lake Lodge - Bigfork
The Flathead Lake Lodge is a ranch property in Bigfork, Montana that offers all-inclusive ranch-style vacations. It’s a family-friendly spot and an authentic “dude ranch” that’s family owned and operated. Book your stay here any time of the year for a unique experience. For lodging, there are historic lodge rooms and log cabins. There is Wi-Fi here but no TVs or telephones to keep it light on technology. There’s a children’s program where kids can participate in water activities, arts and crafts, a rodeo, and daily horseback rides.
Outlook Inn Bed and Breakfast - Somers
There are a few wonderful bed and breakfast accommodations in this part of Montana as well, such as the Outlook Inn B&B. It’s above the north shore of the lake with views of the Rocky Mountains. The inn dates back to 1997 and is on seven private acres. It offers homemade breakfasts, Wi-Fi, and a relaxing vibe all year long. There are five Montana-themed guest rooms with great views here. You can add on special touches, like champagne and chocolates, if you’re celebrating an occasion.
The Islander Inn - Bigfork
You can stay at the Islander Inn when you visit Flathead Lake and enjoy a quaint, eight-room inn on the shores of Woods Bay. It’s a beautiful place to stay with tranquil elements both outside and in. The inn is five miles from the village of Bigfork, where you can check out restaurants and galleries. The rooms here offer flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, hair dryers, coffeemakers, refrigerators, heat, and A/C. The Raven Bar & Grill is right across the street for waterside dining, drinks, and live music in the summer.
KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino - Polson
It’s fun to be at the KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino when you’re planning a Flathead Lake-area trip because of the proximity to the lake and onsite entertainment. The resort is affiliated with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. This friendly resort and casino has beautifully remodeled guest rooms. It’s located at the south end of Lake Flathead and within the Polson city limits. Glacier National Park is about 70 miles away to explore in the region as well. There are plenty of video gaming machines here to try your luck, and many people plan their weddings and business events here. There’s a restaurant onsite called Falling Waters that serves all three meals every day of the week and also offers a new wine list.
Somers Bay Log Cabin Lodging - Somers
Here’s a lodging option that’s in Somers, Montana, in the Flathead Valley and about eight miles from Kalispell. You’ll be in a cozy log cabin on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake when you make a booking here. The cabins were built by a couple and their son who moved to the Flathead Valley from Jackson Hole. There are lots of fun summer and winter activities that you can do when you stay here, such as the bike path, boat rentals, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing.
Swan River Inn - Bigfork
Located in Bigfork, the Swan River Inn is at the northeast end of Flathead Lake with a majestic backdrop. The rooms have international design themes and serve as your home base for water sports, wildlife watching, and horseback riding. There are downtown suites for easy access to town activities, as well as a country location that’s five miles south by the lake. The Bohemian Manor House is also down this way and has three rooms on the second floor available for rent. The different accommodation options each have their own prices.
Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites - Kalispell
Best Western is a familiar hotel chain and a great pick for many people visiting Flathead Lake. This property is in Kalispell and has king rooms, queen rooms, executive suite, and a presidential suite with balcony and mountain views. Some rooms here are pet-friendly. Guests can enjoy the complimentary full hot breakfasts in the mornings and also the indoor pool and hot tub. Fridges and microwaves are provided in the rooms. There are even ballrooms here for events and wedding ceremonies. The cocktail lounge onsite offers a light menu that includes pizza, appetizers, beer, and wine.
Red Lion Inn & Suites Polson - Polson
The Red Lion Inn & Suites in Polson is an excellent location for a Flathead Lake vacation. The hotel serves breakfast and the property features free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, business center, onsite dining, and pet-friendly rooms. There are also meeting rooms available to rent here. You’ll be along the southern shore of Flathead Lake and be in part of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Bring your dog along for a fee per night. Additional reasons to stay here are the fitness center, some rooms with their own kitchens, and a pub/grill right at the hotel.
Bridge Street Cottages - Bigfork
Another option is to stay at the Bridge Street Cottages in the village of Bigfork for your trip to the lake. These luxury cottages have Wi-Fi, A/C, daily housekeeping, and a 24/7 manager. You can walk from here to theater performances, galleries, and restaurants. There are 13 cottages here, and each one is unique. Check out the official website to read a description of each of the cottages and choose the one that sounds best to you.
Many Springs Flathead Lake Resort - Bigfork
The Many Springs Flathead Lake Resort is on the east shore of Flathead Lake and nestled on a hillside in Yellow Bay. When you stay here, you’ll be just minutes from seven golf courses and near kayaking, rafting, and hiking opportunities. There are a few different condo styles to stay in here – some even with Jacuzzis and lake views. The resort is about 15 minutes from Bigfork and has a Marina with slips to accommodate boats.
Timbers Motel - Bigfork
You’ll be just off Highway 35 and adjacent to Flathead Lake State Park when you book at room at the Timbers Motel. You can walk to the lake from here and also check out downtown Bigfork and scenic hikes. There are a few different queen-style and king-style rooms at this motel that you can reserve. The hotel offers promotions that give discounts to Montana residents and includes a distillery tasting package. You can bring up to two dogs to stay with you for a fee per dog, per night.
Whispering Pines Cabins - Lakeside
These cabins overlook Flathead Lake in Lakeside, Montana, and are a wonderful place to stay for a vacation. They are private and in the woods but still close enough to town. There are new cabins onsite that sleep four adults and are pet-friendly. Something fun to do while staying here is to book a Flathead Lake fishing charter because there are discounts for cabin guests who also want to go fishing with Captain Norm. It’s also a fun place to stay in the winter. All of the cabins here are 24 feet by 20 feet, totaling 480 square feet in size. They come equipped with a stocked kitchen, bedding, shower, Wi-Fi, and large deck with views of the lake and mountains.
The Inn on Bigfork Bay - Bigfork
The Inn on Bigfork Bay is on Bigfork’s main street and close to art galleries, shops, and restaurants. You’ll have all the typical hotel amenities here, such as a smart TV, internet, fridge, and microwave. The rooms here are charming and themed though, and there’s a hot tub as well. You’ll find a rec room with a pool table, card table, and jukebox on the lower level. Overall, it’s located at the northeastern tip of Flathead Lake and has six rooms available.
Marina Cay Resort - Bigfork
Located at the head of Flathead Lake, the Marina Cay Resort gives you easy access to all kinds of water recreation. At the resort, you can book everything from a studio space to a three-bedroom condo. It’s a perfect place for overnight stays and weeklong vacations too. You can dine onsite at the Bigfork Bar & Grill with the whole family, while there’s a marina-side tiki bar where you can get a cocktail and enjoy some live music. This is a popular spot for weddings, reunions, and business retreats. At the resort’s marina, there is a large selection of boats and water sport accessories available to rent.
