Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge

Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge occupies 2,000 acres on the south shore of Flathead Lake at 150 Flathead Lake Lodge Road in Bigfork, Montana, bordering one of the largest natural freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi. Family-owned since 1945 and consistently ranked among the top dude ranches in North America, the lodge operates on an all-inclusive weekly basis from late May through early September. Lodge rooms in the main timber building and lakeside log cabins scattered through the ponderosa pines offer a relaxed, rustic atmosphere defined by hand-hewn logs, stone fireplaces, and expansive lake views framed by the Mission Mountains. Meals are served buffet-style three times daily in the main dining hall, with Montana beef, fresh-caught fish, and seasonal produce. The activity programme centres on horseback riding with a string of more than 100 horses and daily trail rides through the Mission Mountains foothills. Watersports on Flathead Lake include sailing on the lodge's own sailboats, waterskiing, windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking, all included in the weekly rate. Additional activities encompass fly-fishing clinics, tennis, volleyball, archery, and guided hikes. A separate children's programme keeps younger guests engaged with age-appropriate riding, crafts, and waterfront activities while parents enjoy the lake independently. Evening programming typically includes cookouts, square dancing, talent shows, and stargazing. The lodge accommodates approximately 100 guests per week, and many families return annually for decades, making advance reservations essential.