ROAD TRIP: Yellowstone to Glacier via Flathead Lake

With multiple routes that can take you from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park it's hard to decide which one is best for you. Each has its own unique stops along the way. One option is to take Interstate 90 west, visiting the town of Missoula before heading north around Flathead Lake. Check out these stops along your way.

1. Lewis and Clark Caverns, Whitehall 

Discover one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America. Camp, hike and experience amazing geological wonders at Montana's first and best-known state park. Cave’s are only accessible by tour so check the schedule ahead of time. Campsites, a teepee and cabins are also available to rent here. 

2. Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, Butte 

From the outside the Holy Trinity Church can be misleading, inside you will find a vibrant sanctuary. Rebuilt in 1964 six iconographers were recruited to paint the inside of this church. Visit for a service or schedule a tour by calling.

3. Town of Philipsburg 

Take a quick detour off the interstate and down the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway to the town of Philipsburg. A charming town off the beaten path you can dig for treasure at the sapphire mine, visit an old fashion candy store, grab some homemade ice cream at the creamery or soak in the Fairmont Hot Springs. 

4. Town of Missoula 

Missoula is a bustling college town with a lively downtown community full of shops and restaurants. Some of the highlights are the many breweries, walking along the Flathead River and their many music venues. Take your pick with this stop. 

5. Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee 

Get out and stretch your legs on the way to Flathead at the Garden of OneThousand Buddhas. Located at the Buddhist center in the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism is this public park, and botanical garden. Stroll the grounds admiring the 1,000 handmade buddhas. Entrance is by donation and tours are available.

6. Miracle of America Museum, Polson 

Founded in 1981 this museum has it all, from hairpins to harleys. Dedicated to preserving history this collection has grown to include a half dozen buildings. With displays inside and outside you could spend a whole afternoon here. 

7. Wild Horse Island State Park, Flathead Lake 

Located along the west shore of Flathead Lake is Wildhorse Island, a 2,165-acre state park. Historically the Kootenai people used the island to pasture their horses and today it is still home to five wild horses. This park is accessible only by boat and is for public day use and picnic area. Boats are available for rent on the shore line. 

8. Conrad Mansion Museum, Kalispell 

Visit this Mansion built by the founders of Kalispell. This 13,000 square foot mansion was completed in 1895. Check out their website for information on the rotating exhibits. Docent or self guided tours available year round. Ghost tours available seasonally. 

9. Whitefish Farmers Markets, Whitefish 

From the end of May through September you can head over to the Depot Park for food, and fun at the farmers market. Join the town every Tuesday from 5 - 730 pm to grab a bite to eat or check out some local artists.