When you think of all-inclusive properties and resorts, what do you normally think of? Beach getaways, remote islands, and tropical destinations? How about all-inclusive properties out West in the heart of the Great Plains? If you love all-inclusive destinations and have always wanted to visit a dude ranch for a Western adventure, look no further than Flathead Lake Lodge. This family-owned and operated all-inclusive guest ranch sits on the shores of the majestic Flathead Lake located near Bigfork, Montana. The ranch started in 1945 and has been in the same family ever since. Today, it is managed by the third generation of the Averill family. Covering 2,000 acres including a private elk reserve, this ranch offers summer weeklong stays for entire families (kids included) and adults-only getaways during the fall.
Think of Flathead Lake Lodge as an all-inclusive summer camp for adults except way better. Whether you are up for a solo Western ranch adventure or a Montana mountain getaway with your partner, perhaps even an adult-only family vacation with multiple generations travelling together here is what you can expect when you book an adult-only stay at Flathead Lake Lodge.
All-Inclusive Montana Ranch
When you first arrive at Glacier International Park Airport (FCA), six miles northeast of Kalispell, you will be greeted by a friendly team member donning a checkered Flathead Lake Lodge shirt and a classic cowboy hat – Welcome to Montana! You will then be whisked away for a brief 35-40 minute drive to this all-inclusive lakeside resort. Oh, and if you are worried about flights, do not worry. FCA has multiple non-stop flight options to most major cities making your travel plans a breeze.
Upon arrival at the ranch, you will check in and have the opportunity to wander around the property grounds as you wait for your cabin keys. If you are hungry, a lunch buffet awaits you, complete with a giant platter of homemade cookies (we recommend the classic chocolate chip and triple chocolate chip) for dessert. If you miss them, do not worry, there is a fresh tray baked every morning for you to enjoy. After lunch, you can head to your cosy yet rustic, mountain-chic cabin and unpack. Enjoy the leisurely walk through the lush green space and take in the bright sights and sensational scents of the property’s many flowers planted throughout the property.
Unlock your mountain getaway when you step inside your TV-free cabin (yes, we’re serious) complete with log furnishings, comfy quilts, and the most comfortable bed you will ever sleep in. Between the soft pillows, the crisp clean sheets, and the fluffy white down comforter, it feels like you are sleeping on a cloud. The lack of a TV was the first thing we noticed but during your week at Flathead Lake Lodge, you’d be so busy with activities and relaxing, only time you are ever in your cabin is to kick off your cowboy boots after a long day and hit the hay. Plus, all cabins include some vintage Outdoor Life magazines and books to peruse.
Dining at Flathead Lake Lodge
When you stay at Flathead Lake Lodge, a Montana all-inclusive property, you will never have to worry about answering the question, “What’s for dinner?” Instead, you get to ask it, and boy will your taste buds be pleased. Flathead Lake Lodge offers fine dining with a Western flare. Meals are cooked and created by Chef Rob while Pastry Chef Bri brings her baked goods front and center. (You remember those cookies from earlier? Yeah, those are all her). For breakfast, think of things like freshly baked cinnamon rolls slathered in delish drizzle, crispy honey-cured bacon from Montana-raised local meat, and hearty homestyle staples like scrambled eggs and homestyle potatoes.
For lunch, enjoy a rotating daily menu featuring items like Mediterranean falafel bowls, tacos, and crispy chicken sandwiches. A salad bar is available during lunch as well so you can get your daily fill of fresh vegetables. Some are even grown right on property in the sprawling gardens. On the adults-only retreat, a lakeside welcome dinner awaits you on night one. Night two consists of a fine dining experience in the historic rustic lodge accompanied by a wine pairing. The third night is by far our favorite with one of the best traditions of the week – a vintage steak fry nestled in the mountains.
Guests can choose to arrive by horseback or vintage fire truck and will enjoy the tunes from live country music performed by a man who legit looks like Santa Claus. Grab a drink, get your cowboy boots and hats branded at the branding station, and enjoy the delicious smell of steaks while they simmer and sizzle as they are cooked over an open flame in the property’s mountain meadow. (Yeah, it is just as amazing as it sounds). Oh and let’s not forget the Saddleshore Saloon. Located inside the historic main lodge, the saloon is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm and holds a daily happy hour every day at 5:30 pm complete with a selection of chef’s appetizers and a daily handcrafted cocktail. We recommend the Huckleberry vodka lemonades.
Flathead Lake Lodge Activities
With 2,000 private acres of beautiful Montana land, this all-inclusive ranch starts on the pristine waters of Flathead Lake and runs up to the top of the Swan Mountains. A true all-inclusive stay, Flathead Lake Lodge has a robust on-ranch activities program, even on the adults-only retreat. Summer may be coming to a close and the crisp smell of fall may be in the air, but the all-inclusive activities will keep you as active as a kid at sleepaway summer camp. Some of our favourites include the breakfast trail ride, sporting clays, which can be enjoyed at an additional charge, and archery complete with a full walking course. Watch out for the T-Rex too!
The property is also about a 45-minute drive from Glacier National Park if you want to do some additional exploring and hiking. Be sure to stop in Whitefish for a bite to eat and some shopping as the area has plenty of art galleries, boutiques, and local shops. You can also hitch a ride into the local nearby town of Big Fork for some small-town shopping near the Flathead Lake Lodge property. Just ask the front desk to arrange a lift for you by one of their team members on staff.
There are even nightly activities such as Flowers After Hours, Sip & Craft, and live music every night on the patio from some pretty talented musicians. Flowers After Hours is a casual floral arranging class, where you can learn how to make flower arrangements from the fresh florals handpicked from the property’s gardens and the gardener herself. Sip & Craft includes arts and crafts over drinks. You can also do your own thing and curl up by the big cozy fireplace in the historic main lodge. Grab a book or a board game, thumb through every National Geographic you could ever want to read, or finally finish that book you have been wanting to complete. Enjoy a glass of lemonade or a hot tea cup while eating a cookie or two. Oh, and it is important to note that the main lodge has a filtered water system and ice is always available so you can fill up your reusable water bottles at any time. Plus, the lodge is open 24/7 so you can come and go as you please.
On the last night, enjoy a property tradition – mouse races, where you can bet money and split the pot. Half of the winnings go to you while the other half goes to their Week of Hope, where the property hosts terminally ill children and their entire families – all free of charge. After the mouse races, you can enjoy more boot branding and an authentic cowboy barn dance, complete with a live band performing under twinkle lights. Do not forget to wear your cowboy hat!
Flathead Lake Lodge also has an onsite spa where guests can enjoy a variety of services including facials and massages. Only a short walk from the cabins, the spa at Flathead Lake Lodge is another way to indulge in the property’s all-inclusive offerings. (Please note spa services are a la carte pricing per service).
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