In ancient times the region that is now Bigfork would have been the domain of the Pend d’Oreille Tribe, although it had started to become populated with other settlers by the end of the 19th century.
No-one knows for sure if it is fact, but apparently, the name to what is today a town with a population fast approaching the 5,000 mark is based on its location at the ‘big fork’, where the Swan River merges with the vastness of Flathead Lake.
When Everit Sliter arrived on the scene towards the end of the 19th-century, things gradually began to develop after he had established both the first general store and a hotel in the town. He also implemented orchards and served as the postmaster in the place that he had discovered on a fishing trip.
The construction of the dam, the power plant, and roads followed soon after, and as this was the steamer era Bigfork Bay became something of a harbor for large lake steamers.
To say that Bigfork has developed since those days of the steamer is putting it mildly. The population has quadrupled in the last two decades alone.
Many visitors to the place fall for its charm and decide to move once they have had a taste of a town that is lively and cultured yet close to nature and some amazing recreation and other outdoor opportunities.
It is no small wonder that people come from all over just to experience the forests and waters of the Flathead Valley region considering just how vast and scenic it is.
With the continuous increase of people so there has followed an increase in local developments in terms of restaurants, bars, hotels, and other accommodation options.
Bearing in mind this area would have just been a small, eastern farming town on the banks of one of the largest natural bodies of water in the state not too long back, that’s some achievement.
And yet the real charm of the place is the small-town vibe that has somehow been retained for the most part. These days though, amenities in Bigfork include galleries, theater, and fine dining, although the splendor of nature is never more than a walk or a short drive away.
All this is reason enough to come to Bigfork, along with the fact that the town hugs the sparkling and picturesque blue bay of Flathead Lake.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Bigfork, Montana, including activities, accommodations, and culture, to help you get the most out of your next visit.
Your Guide to Bigfork, Montana
The Top 3 Hotels in Bigfork
