Never have I experienced a place where kids can roam freely while parents play a game of tennis or go horseback riding. In fact, I didn’t think it was possible such a place existed. But it does. It’s called Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge – a Montana dude ranch located in Bigfork, Montana. This family-owned property is located only 45 minutes from Glacier National Park. While Montana is massive and many towns seem isolated, the ranch is easy to get to. My family took the driving option from Minnesota, but there are number of flights into Glacier Park International Airport in nearby Kalispell.
When you go to Flathead Lake Lodge, there is a good chance you will return. The family-friendly ranch boasts a 60 to 80 percent guest return rate. After you experience everything the ranch has to offer you will know why. This all-inclusive lakeside ranch is like heaven on earth.
My family has been to dude ranches before and while they have been wonderful experiences, we have discovered, and can fairly say, that Flathead Lake Lodge is an extraordinary choice for families.
This past week we’ve been sharing the ranch with several other families including two large extended families who are here for annual reunions. The grounds are filled with kids of all ages and my children have been having the time of their lives (they’re already asking if we can make a photobook of this vacation!). The kids can rent bicycles, hang out in the game room (which includes ping pong and pool), spend the night in a teepee and so much more. Here are other kid-friendly highlights from our week:
Friendly animals. One of the first things we noticed as we hopped out of our car upon arrival were the dogs roaming the grounds. The friendly various-sized pups are conditioned to being around people and casually lay around watching the action. The two St. Bernards, Daisy and Dally, are sisters. But the four-legged pals don’t stop with dogs. Since this is a working ranch you’ll see dozens of horses, a herd of cattle and a pen of kids (not children, baby goats).
My son has particularity bonded with the kid siblings.
Horses. Being that this is a dude ranch, it’s comes as no surprise that there are plenty of horseback riding options from breakfast trail rides in the morning to kid trail rides later in the day. The first day we were here the kids took horseback riding lessons. Instruction included how to stop, steer and trot. The entire group did great and our two children couldn’t stop grinning.
While we were here a foal was born! This photo was taken when she was only hours old.
Cozy accommodations. There are several lodging options at Flathead Lake Lodge, including private cabins. Our room is in the south lodge and overlooks the main lodge and the volleyball court with views of the lake. What I really like about this setup is the loft upstairs which holds two twin beds. It’s nice the kids have their own space.
Delicious meals. Just like any upscale lodge, the food is a treat at every meal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the weekly price. What makes lunch and dinner especially wonderful is the kids’ buffet (always kid-friendly) starts a half-hour before the adults sit down for their meal. In between meals, the kids (and adults) can stop into the main lodge where there are always snacks, fresh fruit and hot and cold beverages.
Watersports. As a lakeside resort there is plenty of water play amongst Alaska-like scenery. Swimming is a big deal, but the best part is you have a choice. There’s a heated pool or gorgeous lake (that’s my daughter in the pool and my husband kayaking in the background).
Then there’s stand up paddle surfing. These kids were good!
Canoeing and kayaking
Activities. The entire week has been full of fun. One of our first evenings we went down to the ranch’s island for live music and s’mores by the campfire. Other evenings have been spent watching cattle roping, mouse races and enjoying live music at the barn dance.
Kids’ room. Three times a day the kids’ room opens for special crafts. Alisha runs the kid crafts and the kids adore her. My children have practically lived in the craft room this week having fun designing jewelry, making special projects and participating in scavenger hunts and games.
Thank you Flathead Lake Lodge for opening your home to us!
I think this sounds like heaven on earth! What a totally delightful place to escape modern day
hub bub! I’m already yearning to be in a canoe and eating a s’more. I want to go!
This looks like the complete vacation. Wish we could have been there, too! I’m jealous of Beth’s husband — kayaking in the lake looks like great fun.
This place looks awesome! Especially with dogs. So cute. I have a dog and it would be heaven for her to be able to roam freely. Don’t have kids, though.
Thanks for sharing about this place.
Oh, this *does* look heavenly! So glad you’re having a great time!
Flathead Lake Lodge sounds fabulous! I am going to check this place out for a family vacation. It sounds like the perfect place to get away from city living. Thanks for the great pictures/article.
Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge sounds like a winner. Horseback riding and lake activities, served alongside great food…that I don’t have to cook myself. Where do I sign up?
You know I’d welcome a guest post from you and your kids about this Bigfork, Montana horseback riding vacation.
What a trip!
Sounds like a good time for all ages. It would be a fun place for a family reunion. That 60 – 80 percent return rate is quite impressive, too. Love all the photos, too. Sign me up!
Thanks for joining me for this week’s Traveler’s Show & Tell over at the blog Mental Mosaic: Even home is a travel destination Hope to see you there again!
~Tui
Looks like an all-around relaxation station to me. ^^
And those fruits look delicious!
And congrats, this article is going to be included in the 7th Byteful Travel Blog Carnival! It goes live July 26th at Byteful.com, and I’ll be sure to mention @thevacationgals in a tweet about it. If you could retweet and help spread the word, it would mean a lot.
Thanks!