Montana Magic and the Gift of Being Present

I missed my connection to Kalispell, Montana in Denver, delaying my arrival at Flathead Lake Lodge in nearby Bigfork by about 12 hours. But for the next full week, that was the only connection I missed. As it turns out, connection is at the heart of everything Flathead Lake Lodge is about.

Founded in 1945 by the Averill family, the Lodge is still owned and operated by the same crew, now in its third generation. Situated on the edge of Flathead Lake, the 2,000-acre wooded property feels like summer camp, but one where the parents are as eager to return as the kids. In fact, the week I was there, was one of their signature family-sessions, with returning guests from New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Reno, Nashville, and New Orleans. Coming in solo, I was a bit unsure how I would fit in with these established groups but from meal-one—each served family-style—I felt immediately at home. 

I did a morning breakfast ride with a multi-gen group from Nevada and an afternoon paddleboard trip with cousins from California and Hawaii. At Steak Fry night I heard “sit with us!” from Dallas guests. The same was true when bellying up to Saddlesore Saloon for a pre-prandial cocktail. Over a bourbon one evening, patriarch Doug Averill pulled me aside and whispered “it’s a pretty special place, isn’t it…” My perma-grin belied my answer. 

Beyond the horseback riding and vintage Pinzgauer tours through the elk preserve, outside of the stellar fireworks show, and the morning spent at the five-stand shooting a series of Berretas, the biggest gift I experienced was the sense of being amongst people who were truly present. Nothing flashing on anyone’s cell phone could compete with the sunsets and giggly chatter of children. Kids filtered through the dining room after dinner with pink sun-kissed cheeks and scads of stories to share. Not a single one clamored for an iPad. There was zero digital noise which is rare in these times.

Just a few days in at Flathead Lake Lodge, that word “present” was all I could think about; how being in the moment with others was indeed a gift—combining the two meanings of the word. I may have arrived alone (and 12 hours late), but I left with a summer’s worth of memories and a whole group of new friends. I cannot wait to return to this slice of Montana heaven. And I won’t miss the connection this time.

To book your all-inclusive stay or learn more visit: flatheadlakelodge.com