If there’s any place in America that epitomizes the term “great outdoors” it is probably the state of Montana. The large expansive state is natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Green hills and mountains, wildlife and beauty landscapes are just the average day for people in Montana. The town of Polson was founded by a pioneer and rancher, David Polson, and with a population of only just under 5,000 people, it is a pretty small town. But just because Polson enjoys that small-town laid-back atmosphere that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot of cool things to check out and do. Get to know Montana in all its natural beauty. Here are some of the best things to do in Polson, Montana.
1. Learn about local history at Polson Flathead Historical Museum
Opened in 1972, the Polson Flathead Historical Museum aims to preserve the history of the local Mission Valley and the Flathead Indian Reservation. A few of the most notable pieces of history in the collection is the lambert trading post, which was the first building in Polson, a chuck wagon, Allard Stage Coach from 1908, antique tools, boats and recreations of homes and schools.
Polson Flathead Historical Museum
Address: 708 Main St, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Polson Flathead Historical Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
2. Spend a day by the water at Sacajawea Park
Named after the famed Native American woman who helped on the Louis and Clark expedition, this lovely park in Polson should be your go-to hangout spot on a summer day. Sacajawea Park is located right on the waterfront so people can hang out by the water and go boating or fishing. There are fields and playgrounds nearby for kids and there is also often live performances and shows where you can watch by the water. Of course, if you simply feel like lounging around in the sun and relaxing, that’s a good option too.
Sacajawea Park
Address: Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Sacajawea Park
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Practice your swing at Polson Bay Golf Course
Opened to the public in 1938, Polson Bay Golf Course is the place to go in Polson, for golfing. With vast rolling landscapes in the Montana countryside, Polson Bay Golf Course not only has some of the best links around but there is absolute beauty at every hole. Located on the Polson Bay, the lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. If you’re a newbie, there are instructors around to help you get acquainted with the game and if you’re not you’ll feel right at home and impressed with the level of service offered at Polson Bay Golf Course.
Polson Bay Golf Course
Address: 111 Bayview Dr, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Polson Bay Golf Course
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 40 - 60 USD
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4. Experience the local art scene at Sandpiper Gallery
Founded by local artists in the 70s, Sandpiper Gallery has remained in Polson as an artists’ collective ever since. It’s a great place to check out local artists’ work or perhaps even buy a piece for yourself. All area artists are welcomed to apply for membership and every six weeks, the gallery opens its doors to a new exhibition showcasing both members’ work and invited artists. On top of that, there are two shows every year where artists from anywhere are welcomed to submit their work in a non-juried show.
Sandpiper Gallery
Address: 306 Main St A, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Sandpiper Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm
Price: Free
5. Go swimming or fishing at Point Salish Park
Much of public life revolves around Flathead Lake in Polson and there’s a good reason for it. As one of the largest freshwater lakes around, the people of Polson head here to swim, fish and go boating on the crystal shimmery lake. Point Salish Park is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family or friends, enjoying the lakefront, especially in the humid summer months. Build up a tan and jump into some of the freshest and cleanest freshwater lakes around.
Point Salish Park
Address: Polson, MT 59860, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Check out the weird collections at Miracle of America Museum
Known as the “Smithsonian of the West”, the Miracle of America Museum is a must-visit destination in Polson. Started by Gil and Joanne Mangels, the museum takes up over 35 buildings and various outdoor areas. Gil and Joanne are collectors in the very literal sense of the word. The museum is eclectic and diverse with no real overarching theme to it. From a 1880s hearse to moonshine stills, to victorian hair art, UFO’s, Vietnam-era bumper stickers, tanks, Native American folk art and just about anything else in between can be found here. Vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and eras including 3,000 motorcycles and a helicopter can be climbed into. In fact, using and touching a lot of the things here are encouraged. Spend an entire day here and feel like a kid again, or bring your kids and watch them wonder about the trinkets of the past.
Miracle of America Museum
Address: 36094 Memory Lane, Polson MT 59860
Website: Miracle of America Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
7. Go rafting with Flathead Raft Company
Whether you’re into the more extreme sport of white water rafting or you’re looking for something a little more casual and laid back, Flathead Raft Company will help you figure out how to spend a day outdoors. Kayak through the remote island around Flathead Lake or head down the Buffalo Wild Rapids in the upper canyon. Either way, the experienced staff will take you on a journey around Polson that many people don’t get to experience. There are also overnight Native American experiences where you’ll be paired with local tribe members and guided through their culture, customs and stories.
Flathead Raft Company
Address: 50362 US-93, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Flathead Raft Company
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 50 - 300 USD
8. Spend some time by the water at Flathead Lake State Park
The Flathead Lake State Park is located on none other than Flathead Lake. In case it isn’t obvious at this point, Montana has lots of beauty, and if you want to spend tons of time outdoors, then maybe paying a visit to Flathead Lake State Park is the thing for you! The state park has spaces for camping and RV’s, but if you’re not into staying the night, a quick kayak trip along the lake is still a great way to spend an afternoon. Float along the crystal clear lake and take in nature and marvel at its beauty.
Flathead Lake State Park
Address: 31453 S Finley Point Rd, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Flathead Lake State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Enjoy a local craft beer at Glacier Brewing Co
After a long day of kayaking or exploring the natural landscapes around Polson, why not grab a pint or two? The Glacier Brewing Co is Polson’s own craft brewery. Making over five different kinds of beer in house, they also have a tasting room where guests are welcome to come by and sample some of their finest beers or simply just hang out and enjoy a pint or two. In the summer months, lounge in the beer garden and have a couple of pints in the sun.
Glacier Brewing Co
Address: 6 10th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Glacier Brewing Co
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 3pm - 8pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 6 - 20 USD
10. Go skating at Polson Skate Park
Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, Polson Skate Park is a place where people of all ages and skill levels can come a have a good time. Bring your board or your bike or whichever self-propelled method you choose and ride the ramps and half-pipes of the Polson Skate Park. The story of the park is one of the community coming together to build a skate park in 1995, and since then, the park, known colloquially as 7th and 7th, has been a staple in the Polson skateboarding community.
Polson Skate Park
Address: 613 7th Ave W Polson, MT 59860
Website: Polson Skate Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
11. Enjoy a meal at Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge
When the weather isn’t cooperating with you but you still want to go out, then why not head to the local bar? The Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge is a great place to have some food, hang out with friends and enjoy a drink or two and watch the game. Showcasing all types of sports on their TV’s, you’ll never miss a game no matter who you’re cheering for. But if you want to be a little active while you hang out here, make sure to book a lane and do a little bowling while you eat and drink.
Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge
Address: 101 Heritage Ln, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Sportspage Bowl Grill & Lounge
Opening hours: 8am - 2am (daily)
Price: 5 - 15 USD
12. Satisfy your pizza craving at MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub is a chain restaurant operating in a few states and their location in Polson is a perfect place to go if you’re in town and have to satisfy that pizza craving. If you’re not into pizza, they have a selection of sandwiches as well as beers and wine available in a casual and rustic setting.
MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
Address: 207 Ridgewater Dr, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 30 USD
13. Have a barbecue at East Shore Smoke House
You don’t have to go all the way south to enjoy good barbeque if you’re in Polson. East Shore Smokehouse is there to satisfy any barbecue craving you might have. Their extensive menu of food and drinks will make you want to come back and try out a few more delicious meals and cocktails and if you’re having a party, they also can host it in their outdoor venue which seats up to 75 people. The East Shore Smoke House combines tasty food with a casual-classy type of atmosphere.
East Shore Smoke House
Address: 35103 MT-35, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: East Shore Smoke House
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 15-50 USD
14. Have some of the best Mexican food at Fiesta En Jalisco
For some of the best Mexican food in Polson, Fiesta En Jalisco restaurant has you covered. Serving authentic and classic Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas, you will enjoy some of these delectable dishes with some of Fiesta En Jalisco’s famous tequila cocktails. Enjoy a few tasty dishes right on the waterfront.
Fiesta En Jalisco
Address: 110 Main St, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Fiesta En Jalisco
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 20 USD
15. Explore Boettcher Park
Boettcher Park is the place to go to just sit back and admire the beauty and serenity of nature. The low-key park usually has some people having a picnic or going for a jog, but it’s also a good swimming spot on Flathead Lake. After all that food, why not lay back a little and take in the scenery of Polson’s most famous lake?
Boettcher Park
Address: 31 Country Club Dr, Polson, MT 59860, USA
Website: Boettcher Park
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm (closed on Sat)
Price: Free
Serenity in Polson
Whether you’re looking to spend some time immersed in mother nature or you are looking to kick back with some friends and enjoy some great food and good times, Polson has you covered. Enjoy great amenities with a small-town vibe.