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Tag: montana

  • Glacier National Park and West Glacier KOA

    Glacier National Park and West Glacier KOA

    Glacier National Park

    Our goal is to visit all of the United States national parks in our lifetime and we recently checked Glacier National Park off our travel list! Included in that list was capturing this photo. The fishing boat was a bonus. When I saw the boat leaving the dock, I was so excited because I knew it would add perspective to the rugged glacier mountains.

    *Written in 2021 – the ticketed entry system no longer applies.

    I wasn’t sure if I would have the opportunity to see this iconic view of Lake McDonald due to the new ticketed entry system. But, we found a way, and I share our entry hack below. I also share our favorite things about Glacier National Park and this trip, like the ever-changing colorful rocks, the refreshing scent of pine, and West Glacier KOA.

    mountains and lake at glacier national park

    Glacier National Park, also referred to as the Crown of the Continent, was established in 1910, making it the 10th National Park in the United States. It is also part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park along with Waterton National Park in Canada. This designation makes it the first international peace park in the world. The park offers grand rocky mountains, over 700 lakes (only 131 are named), tall pine-filled forests, and beautiful meadows. There are endless things to do and see with so many lakes, trails (700 miles), and the scenic Going-To-The-Sun-Road. This road is specifically what you will need an extra ticket for when entering the park.

    West Glacier KOA 5 out of 5

    During our visit, we lodged at the West Glacier KOA. I have to say, our stay was an unexpected, delightful surprise. I’ve always enjoyed our KOA experiences, but the West Glacier KOA goes above and beyond. The staff at the front desk was so helpful at check-in and when asked any questions during our visit. After the first night, we decided to extend our stay. We had to move cabins to extend, and the KOA team made it so easy. The layout of the campground gives ample space, so it doesn’t feel overcrowded.

    There are so many amenities beyond the regular KOA standards, including ice cream served every night at Scoops (of course, I list the priorities first), espresso bar, hot breakfast and dinner, a children’s pool and separate adult pool, dog-friendly cabins and two dog parks, a walking trail, basketball court, and live entertainment plus other planned activities. I suggest the huckleberry ice cream! In fact, check out the Huckleberry Patch store filled with everything huckleberry when you enter Glacier National Park at the west entrance. I couldn’t get enough. 🙂 Speaking of the west entrance, it is only a short 3.9-mile drive from the KOA.

    The deluxe cabins include linens, have a fire ring and propane grill, full bath and shower, partial kitchen, lofts, and are pet-friendly.

    cabin in the woods at west glacier koa

    The grounds are impeccable with beautiful views in every direction.

    Glacier National Park’s New Ticketed Entry System And More

    From what I’ve read online, it seems many people are frustrated with the Glacier National Park new ticketed entry ticket reservation system. Your best bet for getting a ticket to Going-To-The-Sun-Road is planning ahead. Tickets go on sale 60 days before your date of arrival. They also sell a small number of tickets 2 days ahead, but it’s hard to snag one of those. The other option, which is our hack, is arriving before 6 am or after 5 pm. We loved going during these times because the park is less crowded and the sunrise/sunset is fantastic!

    glacier national park

    The rocky beaches are amazing! The rocks change based on the time of day. The sun, shadows, and water dance together creating so many different colors. We also enjoyed the fresh cool mountain air during the morning and evening especially after leaving the Minnesota heat.

    Going-To-The-Sun-Road was actually closed while we were there in June due to snow, so it’s good to stay flexible and have a backup plan. There are so many other things to see and do in the area, including at West Glacier KOA. We could have stayed at the campground all day and been just as happy. Whitefish, Montana is an easy 20-minute drive, and Bigfork, Montana is 45 minutes. This whole area of northwestern Montana offers tons of adventuring, wildlife, delicious restaurants, unique shopping, live theater, breweries, and so much history. We were there for two weeks and barely scratched the surface.

    Cheers KOA! We appreciate the awesome service and can’t wait to visit again.

    Learn more about one of our other favorite parks, Grand Teton National Park by clicking HERE.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    © Tracy Blowers

  • One Night in Livingston, Montana

    One Night in Livingston, Montana

    Do you only have one night to spend in Livingston, Montana, on your way to or from Yellowstone National Park or further west? I got you!

    One Night in Livingston, Montana

    After a long day of driving, Chico Hot Springs is the perfect spot to unwind and relax.

    Chico’s 100% natural geothermal pool is fantastic. Get a Day Pass for $14 and enjoy an afternoon of soaking in mineral-rich waters! Plus, you can purchase pool-side appetizers and drinks. You can also visit the Chico Saloon for Happy Hour.

    Lodging in Livingston, Montana

    Stay at the historic Murray Hotel.  Anthony Bourdain rated the Murray Hotel as one of his TOP TEN Worldwide favorite hotels. Built in 1904 in the heart of downtown Livingston, you have easy access to everything you need. There is even an outdoor shop on the block for your fishing, hiking, biking, and skiing needs. If you watch the Yellowstone spinoff 1923, keep an eye out for the Murray! We loved taking the 1905 Otis cranked elevator that is still in service to our floor!

    The suites are spacious and comfortable with a sitting area, excellent WIFI, and kitchenette amenities.

    Restaurants in Livingston, Montana

    Enjoy dinner downtown at the Fainting Goat or The Mint. Both restaurants are walkable from the Murray Hotel. We love the Fainting Goat Pub‘s atmosphere, food, and service. The outdoor patio is cozy and comfortable, with great music playing. My favorite menu item is the Apple Walnut Salad with a Hot Bacon Vinaigrette! We recommend the burgers, too. We haven’t been, but we heard fantastic things about The Mint. It’s part of the downtown historic district and was once the Montana Hotel.

    Treat yourself to dessert at Yellowstone Valley Grill. They offer farm-to-table delicious food with the BEST views of the Yellowstone River.

    End the night with live music at Pine Creek Lodge. If you love live music, you have to experience Pine Creek Lodge. It feels like a family backyard party up close with the musicians. And the quality of the bands that play is top-notch.

    The next day, rise and shine and hit the park!

    Yellowstone National Park is approximately 60 miles from Livingston, making it a great base camp. It’s a beautiful drive along the Yellowstone River. That’s how it started for us, but now we make it THE destination!!

    If you prefer camping or rustic lodging, see our blog post about the Livingston Paradise Valley KOA.

    Life is crazy and everything can change in an instant. Find what stirs your soul! ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Montana Camping Near Yellowstone

    Montana Camping Near Yellowstone

    Montana Camping Near Yellowstone National Park

    Are you looking for Montana camping near Yellowstone National Park? We really enjoyed the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday.

    The campground was the perfect stop on our way back to Minnesota. It is nestled on the Yellowstone River with 500 feet of frontage and beautiful mountain views. It is also a great base camp while exploring Yellowstone National Park.

    camper cabin, hammock, and dog at koa campground in montana

    Livingston, Montana KOA Campground

    The campground was really busy during our stay but we felt tucked away in the deluxe cabin by the river. We really liked that there was an Albertsons grocery store down the road (about 11 miles) and other conveniences (a coffee shop 😁). The store at the KOA also offered groceries and pretty much all the essentials that you would need.

    The KOA offers deluxe cabins, camper cabins, RV sites, and tent sites.

    yellowstone river at livingston, montana koa

    We loved listening to the river flow, it was awesome for sleeping especially after filling our bellies with s’mores.

    The cabins and campground are dog-friendly including a dog park. Allen loved going for walks by the river, watching people fishing, and just chilling. Other amenities include a pool, wifi, pavilion, fishing, basketball, playground, laundry, and bike rentals.

    As the sun set, the views of the river and mountains were breathtaking. Nothing better than the golden hour.

    yellowstone river

    More Montana Camping

    This stop was on our way home after exploring Montana. Read about our Glacier National Park visit and West Glacier KOA stay HERE.

    We were only here for one night on our way through but next time we plan on exploring historic Livingston. There are museums, fine-dining, live music, and a pro rodeo. This time, it was nice just to enjoy the campground and a quiet night by the fire.

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Bigfork and Flathead Lake, Montana

    Bigfork and Flathead Lake, Montana

    Bigfork and the Flathead Lake Area

    Are you planning a trip to Glacier National Park? Then, Bigfork and the Flathead Lake area in Montana is a must-add to your itinerary. Take a beautiful 45-minute drive from Glacier National Park and hang out in the eclectic small town of Bigfork. As Flathead Lake appears when driving into town, it will take your breath away. Not to mention, the area is filled with excellent restaurants, breweries, fun shops, local music events, parks, and genuine people.

    Flathead Lake State Parks

    Sculpted by the Glaciers, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the United States. Six (yes, six!) state parks surround the lake, including Wild Horse Island State Park, which is only accessible by boat. The 2,160-acre island is home to a band of wild horses, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and more. The other five state parks are as follows: Wayfarers State Park, Big Arm State Park, West Shore State Park, Finley Point State Park, and Yellow Bay State Park. The state parks offer camping, picnicking, hiking, and endless water recreation.

    dog looking out over flathead lake, montana

    Our first stop was Wayfarers State Park for a short hike on the rocky cliffs along the shoreline. Then, lunch to-go from Flathead Lake Brewery and a picnic at Everit L. Sliter Memorial park right next to the Swan River and historic bridge. This is a lovely dog-friendly park with picnic tables right next to the water.

    Bigfork Lodging

    We found the sweetest lodging at Mountain Lake Lodge. The rooms are very spacious with local art decor, spectacular views, and two on-site restaurants; Schafer’s Restaurant and Riley’s Pub. We loved the wood-fired pizza (gluten-free crust available) at Riley’s, along with their made in-house desserts and their dog-friendly patio. Additional amenities include an infinity pool overlooking Flathead Lake, a fire pit, lawn games, hot tubs, and putting green.

    On the second day, we drove to the quaint town of Lakeside, Montana, to check out Tamarack Brewing Co. and West Shore State Park. This was one of my favorite meals! You have to try the Huckleberry Salmon. Delicious! Also in Lakeside, is a really nice city park. The city park isn’t dog-friendly, but the state parks are, and Allen had a blast. He wanted to swim out and meet the kayakers.

    lakeside montana city park

    On the third day, we headed to Finley Point State Park to skip some rocks. This is one of the smaller state parks with a secluded campground. The drive from Mountain Lake Lodge offers gorgeous views of the lake and cherry orchards. I can’t wait to go back someday in early August to buy from the cherry stands around the lake.

    Then, in the evening, we went to Max’s Market to hear live music. This local organic market is AMAZING! The market offers organic groceries, wine, beer, kombucha, unique gifts, healthy lunch/dinner/snacks, and live music. Plus, they are dog-friendly! Including, their adorable dog named Charley, who lovingly greets all the guests.

    Last, our favorite restaurant in Bigfork is Echo Lake Cafe. This iconic family-owned restaurant has been serving homemade food since 1960. We ate there four times during our stay because the food is so good. 🙂 They have a wonderful patio and also offer gluten-free options. The gluten-free french toast, pictured below, was crazy yummy!

    Follow along on Instagram at @whatstirsyoursoul for more photos and videos.

    Read our Glacier National Park blog post here: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2021/06/27/glacier-national-park-and-west-glacier-koa/.

    Enjoy the road and keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Virginia City, Montana Ghost Town

    Virginia City, Montana Ghost Town

    If you’re into history and ghosts towns, add Virginia City to your bucket list when road tripping through Montana.

    Virginia City – Montana’s Living Ghost Town

    Virginia City, Montana, is a National Historic Landmark District and a living ghost town. A piece of the old west frozen in time. After gold was discovered in Alder Gulch in 1863, the stampede to this area was on. Many cities popped up during this time but Virginia City is the only sole surviver. As I stood on the wooden sidewalk and looked around, it’s amazing how well-preserved the town is and there is so much to take in. You can imagine, visualize, and feel the history.

    virginia city ghost town

    After reading and learning about Virginia City, we decided to add it to our route traveling from Butte to Ennis. We stopped for breakfast at the Virginia City Cafe and had the delicious Miner’s Breakfast. The food, atmosphere, and service was great. People also recommended a stop at Cousins Candy Shop. We stopped in for dessert and a haul for the road. It was fun watching them making the home-made treats and taffy in the front window.

    virginia city cafe signage

    The gentleman at the Indian Trading Post was so nice, patient, and helpful. A great story teller.

    indian trading post in virginia city

    We didn’t stay long due to time constraints but from what I hear, there is always something going on in town if you stick around.

    The oldest courthouse in the state built in 1863 and still used for its original purpose. Can you imagine the stories this building could tell?!

    Virginia City court house

    This was such a beautiful route, and don’t forget to stop in Whitehall and check out their murals on your way.

    montana landscape

    If you’re looking for lodging in the area, check out Sportsman’s Lodge in Ennis just 20 minutes away. Read more HERE.

    You can learn more and see events here – virginiacity.com.

    Enjoy the road and never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Rustic Log Cabins – Montana

    Rustic Log Cabins – Montana

    Rustic Log Cabins in Ennis, Montana

    The historic Sportsman’s Lodge, built in 1945, is surrounded by 18 rustic log cabins and 11 mountain view rooms. This one-stop destination offers everything you need after a long day on the road or while exploring Yellowstone Country; not only the cozy rustic log cabins but also a family-friendly restaurant, sports bar, and a casino. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, a place where everyone shares their fishing and adventure stories. The lodge is located 0.8 miles from Ennis State Park/Fishing Access Area, 1.5 miles from Madison Meadows Golf Course, 17 miles from Montana’s living ghost town, Virginia City, and 72 miles from Yellowstone National Park.

    cowboy on sportsman's lodge bar deck

    The history from Sportsman’s Lodge website:

    The town of Ennis is full of rich history, dating back to 1805, when Lewis and Clark entered the Madison Valley. The Madison County was later settled in 1863, following the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch. William Ennis , whom the town is named after, is credited with homesteading the area. Originally the town was a draw for its water access, farming potential, and wild game. As a result, the settlement continued to spread and provided a draw for ranching, which is still predominant in the area today. The town of Ennis today is just as majestic and beautiful as when it was discovered all those years ago. Visit www.sportsmanslodgemt.com to read more.

    Sportsman’s Lodge Cabins

    The charming cabins have western decor and are no-fuss, simple, and clean; perfect for a good night’s rest after a big day of fishing or exploring. Each cabin has a little deck area with seating to enjoy the fresh mountain air and big sky views.

    cabin at sportsman's lodge ennis montana

    In addition, not far (walking distance) from the Sportsman’s Lodge, they also offer more rooms at the Silvertip Lodge.

    The restaurant is open 6 days a week and sports bar is open 7 days a week. See hours here https://www.sportsmanslodgemt.com/.

    Everyone loves a to-go option while on the road!

    We traveled to Virginia City and Ennis after visiting Glacier National Park. Read more about Montana’s living ghost town, Virginia City – HERE.

    Read our lodging and entry tips to Glacier National Park post by clicking HERE.

    Enjoy the road and keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers


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