It's hard to put into words the magic of this place. Everything about it is amazing. The property, the activities, the placement of the property on the lake - especially if you like sunsets, the food, and the service. But, what is best about it is the people. They genuinely care, they get to you the guests by name and they are the reason it's so amazing. Plus, this lodge gives back each year with the Week of Hope to families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. Top notch people and top-notch ranch!
This was truly an amazing place that we all fell in love with! From the moment we drove up the driveway to Flathead Lake Lodge it was breathtaking! The staff when we checked in were so helpful. They took us to our lodge room that took my breathe away....it was so clean and beautiful. The lodge is right on Flathead Lake and a big pool right in front of the Lake where you can swim. The Food was amazing for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One morning we went by horseback up to the mountain where they cooked the best pancakes, eggs and bacon!! Dining at dinner is family style in the large dining area in the main lodge. We made so many friends while we were there it was amazing. One of the nights there was a steak fry where they take everyone in to the mountains with 3 open top fire engines .....so much fun for the adults and the kids. Live music and wine and Mr. Averill was there talking to everyone like family! There is so much to do here from horseback riding, archery, laser tag, fishing, going to the Elk Preserve to see Elk, watersports, sailing and motorboat ride around the lake where you see so much wildlife and more, swimming in Lake or pool, rodeo, live music with dancing in the pasture and so much more......the biggest thing is deciding what you want to do that day, you will never be bored. One night they had a bonfire for the adults with amazing fun music and one for the kids with s'mores. Another night we all sat on the porch in front of the Lake and listened to live music (amazing). I could go on and on about this lodge ......it was one of the best experiences I've had in my travels and I travel alot. To the Averill Family and their staff, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this trip one we will never forget and making our family feel at home on your ranch. I know we will never forget it (my 13 year old son met so many friends that he is keeping in touch with and I make many friends I will keep in touch with for the years to come) We can not wait to come back. If you are looking for a one of a kind vacation for your family that is perfect, visit Flathead Lake Lodge.....it will be a trip your family will talk about for years to come. Thank you so much for an amazing vacation! The Wallace Family (Sally, Don and Luke, Travel Inc Beverly, MA)…
So, this was our first time on a dude ranch. We’d never taken a vacation quite like this and frankly did not know what to expect. We wanted to experience Montana and this looked like a fun way to do that. We were armed with a recommendation from someone who had been here a few years back (and gave it lots of praise). We signed up for the Early Summer package (4 nights/5days), thought that would be a nice way to give it a try. Got a great feel for the place during the initial phone call to set up the reservation, super friendly and helpful. I also had several questions before our stay that I emailed in, they were very promptly answered. Arrival and check-in was a breeze and we were soon enjoying the resort. The main resort area is simply gorgeous, photos don’t do it justice. Everything is super clean and maintained - yet still kept rustic and ranch like. Within an hour of our arrival, we were on horseback enjoying a beginner trail ride. Our room was a two level unit near the marina, with two bathrooms and a king bed. Very spacious unit!! One caveat to this unit was that it is attached and some neighbor sounds can be heard. From the day of arrival, our stay was completely stress free. Do as much or as little as you want here. Food is very good, with multiple options for all meals. Not to be missed are the trail side campfire breakfast and the steak fry. Our package included free wine/beer and cocktails every night with premium selections. We personally participated in: horseback riding, hiking, pool and water activities and elk preserve touring. Aside from the natural beauty of the 2000 plus acres of ranch, we were most impressed with the staff. To a member, the were the most gracious and helpful group we have encountered on any vacation anywhere. The amount of repeat vacationers they get are certainly a testament to that!! Now for a couple of caveats. There is no a/c here. It would actually ruin the open air feel and the overall quiet of the place. Normally this is not an issue but we had one freakishly hot day. The staff got us a fan for our bedroom that night which solved the problem. The other caveat is that the sign up for activities (done day of check in) is a bit challenging because of the repeat people who quickly fill up the most desirable ones. Do not despair though, we were able to do everything we wanted but needed to simply ask stalk members to help us get the slots we needed.. In summation, this was a different and great vacation for. We highly recommend Montana and this ranch in particular. We are already thinking ahead to when we can return with both kids and grandkids. We saw quite a few multigenerational groups during our stay that were having a total blast!!…
We traveled to the Lodge last week with very few expectations and absolutely fell in love with this place. It is like going to sumer camp if summer camp were gorgeous, clean, filled with fun, good food and remarkable staff . The Lodge is beautiful and cozy and we loved gathering for meals, relaxing by the fire and listening to music. Our little cabin had lovely lake views, a relaxing porch to relax and a spacious lofted bedroom with comfortable bed. The bell rings three times a day to invite you to the lodge for delicious meals from scratch. The homemade bread, pastry and deserts are impossible to pass. Happy Hour each day features excellent music from a talented couple. My husband and I rode horses, hiked trails, learned to paint, did yoga, took boatrides, kayaked, had fly fishing lessons, shot clay pigeons, spotted elk, rode a firetruck to a steak fry, jumped off the tower into the lake, sang by the campfire under the Milky Way, took naps, laughed and remembered what joy it is to be in nature. We were both sad to leave. What a beautiful experience. What heightens the experience are the kind, hard working, smart, talented staff that work here. They love what they do and where they work and it is contagious. We learned much from them and felt so welcome. This is not an inexpensive trip, but it is worth it. Really, a once in a lifetime experience. Honestly, we never stopped smiling.…
This place is absolutely amazing! My husband and daughter love to ride horses and our daughter did the teen ride almost everyday. The breakfast ride was a highlight of our vacation. The rest of our family was able catch a ride in a vehicle to the top of the mountain to join the horse riders so we could all enjoy breakfast together. I participated in the guided hikes every day, while my son who loves mountain biking, was able to ride either the intermediate or the advanced trail at least once a day (sometimes twice). Our other son enjoyed fishing and the sporting clays range. We all enjoyed the outdoor laser tag adventure. We definitely needed all this activity to counteract the extra calories from the amazing food. The ultimate family vacation - everyone is able to pick their favorite activities but you are still together for all meals and evening activities.…
I was a member of a (52) person social group who spent 4 nights at this location in September, 2019. We had an incredible experience! From horseback trail rides, hikes, elk preserve tours to boat cruises on the lake, country line dancing, cook outs and mouse races, there was something for every interest and everything is included. Food was great too. Breakfast was buffet style and had minor changes daily to avoid boredom. Lunch was also buffet style & dinner was plated. Rooms are either in stand-alone cabins or "hotel" style in one of two lodge buildings. My lodge room was ranch rustic...pine wood, comfortable bed, shower/no tub. Housekeeping was provided daily and the laundry facility is free with soap included. The grounds were immaculate and the setting was beautiful! At the end of the trip the overall group consensus was "let's come back again!"…
My wife and I, on recommendation from a colleague, stayed here for 4 days after several days in Whitefish/Glacier. We had an excellent time! Nice, comfortable cabin feet away from the main lodge, a plethora of activities and some of the nicest staff we have ever encountered. The food was outstanding but the best thing was that you felt like you just became part of the family for a while. We enjoyed horseback riding, elk watching, trap shooting, massages and some very welcome downtime! Special call out to some special people at Averill's: Allie (sp) in the office, Rick the shooting instructor, Mykaela, Zeb and John from GT (all wranglers), Martin (food & great beverages!) and Scott the boat captain. It is hard to get a reservation here but it is well worth it! We will definitely be going back! Montana is a magical place but these folks made it even better.…
We were busy every day, and finished each day exhausted, happy and with full bellies. Every interaction with the staff, from the wranglers, the arts/crafts room, the tour guides (hikes and bikes), the front desk, the kitchen staff and the cleaners, was incredible. They make a real effort to get to know your family over the course of the week. Much respect and appreciation to Chase and also to Doug, who spent the better portion of the week giving my in-laws a rundown on the history of the ranch, and also letting my daughter ride with him during the steer roping demonstration.
This was our first time at the Lodge and right away you can tell that they want you to be part of their family. We went for July 4th Week and that is a week of many returners, but as a first timer you are welcomed into the pack just as everyone else. Never experienced a vacation quite like this one. The Averill family has created something very special and I look forward to bringing my family back. Chase, Kate, Doug, Maurene, Jody, Dax, Rick and the whole crew..... Well Done!!!! The Texas Thorpes
Excellent accommodations, outstanding food, attentive service, very good range of activities on the property. Whenever a request was made, the answer was always "yes." When the weather was not ideal for a planned activity, there was a back up plan. A superb destination for an all-inclusive package.
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