When thinking of Montana, many might picture wide-open spaces framed by towering mountains. Maybe it is cowboys and cowgirls on horseback at a dude ranch you will think of, or you might conjure up images of the stunning landscapes that make up renowned Glacier National Park.
Indeed, Montana has an abundance of diverse recreation, culinary experiences, and bucolic natural landscapes that can decorate meetings and events. Western Montana—which claims Glacier National Park and the hubs of Missoula, Kalispell, and Whitefish—and other communities exude passion for connecting with the outdoors, especially as autumn and winter set in. For planners considering this sprawling western part of the state for their gathering, each of these three cities has its own menus of exceptional meeting opportunities. Attendees can expect to see a stunning show of autumn yellows and oranges as the tree leaves change colors, followed by a glorious dusting of glistening white snow upon winter’s arrival.
Access into Missoula is often through Missoula Montana Airport, a quaint yet polished transportation hub just northwest of downtown, although access is also available via Amtrak or by car. In summer, attendees are greeted by rolling green hills that are subsequently coated in snow in winter, and the drive into the downtown area is 10 minutes or so.
“Fall is fantastic in Glacier Country, with crisp mornings and golden afternoons,” says Debbie Picard, director of sales at Western Montana’s Glacier Country, a tourism bureau that serves the western region of the state. “The bustle of summer slows down as fall kicks in, and shoulder-season pricing makes it an attractive time to visit.” Hotels are plentiful in downtown Missoula, including the Residence Inn Missoula Downtown and AC Hotel Missoula Downtown. The former features 1,506 square feet of function space, its largest room able to accommodate up to 160 attendees, while the latter has 935 square feet of function space with its largest able to host up to 50.
Between meetings, the downtown streets and surrounding neighborhoods are full of local experiences and activities. “Take in some live music at one of Missoula’s many venues, like the historic Wilma Theatre or the KettleHouse Amphitheater,” Picard says. “Check out the newly opened Montana Museum of Art and Culture, do a historic tour of the former brothels and barrooms of downtown, or hike up to the ‘M’ on the side of the mountain above the University of Montana.” The Montana Museum of Art and Culture features a collection of works that spans thousands of years in permanent and rotating exhibits. It is free to visit, and planners can arrange custom private tours.
Planners also might immerse attendees in ranch life Montana-style with an event at Paws Up Montana, located in Greenough, about a half-hour east of Missoula. “Paws Up Montana combines luxury with unforgettable adventure on a 37,000-acre ranch—that’s about 60 square miles—featuring untamed Montana wilderness steeped in Lewis and Clark history,” explains Drew Bigda, director of sales and business development at the property. “Every season in Greenough brings change and wonder. Fall brings a pageantry of gold, orange, and fiery reds, accompanied by brisk days and chilly nights. Winter is a time for any sport that makes use of a land blanketed by white, from snowmobiling to snowshoeing, dogsledding, and cross-country skiing.” Designated gathering spaces here include the 10,000-square-foot Bull Barn, the 72,000-square-foot Saddle Barn, two on-site restaurants—Pomp, as well as Tank & Trough—and several others.
Events in this region of Montana are special, in part due to two things as noted by Autumn Kozimer, founder and owner of Events by Autumn, an event-planning company in Stevensville just south of Missoula. “It’s the more laid-back lifestyle and also the landscape,” she says. Kozimer has planned and hosted an expansive collection of events across Montana and enjoys the access to local communities and natural spaces in this western part of the state. “It’s a really unique place to visit, and it’s one of those bucket-list trips that people love.”
And when it comes to private group dining, Missoula is home to some fantastic eateries. Pangea Bar & Restaurant serves up a tasteful blend of global and regional flavors, with menu highlights including saffron cashew coconut curry and chicken piccata. “Pangea’s private barrel room is a unique dining space that can be customized to fit the group’s needs, providing a comfortable and stylish setting,” says Picard. Additional restaurants include Plonk Wine, which features a menu of fresh salads and Montana-raised beef and lamb dishes. Groups can gather in its private wine cellar or on its rooftop. And located next to the Residence Inn Missoula Downtown hotel is 1889, a steakhouse serving up delicious menu items, where groups up to 14 can convene in its private dining room.
Kalispell’s origins date back to the late 1800s. Today, it exudes and preserves a rich history while also offering modern amenities, all of which make it a charming city to host a meeting. “I like to describe it as a place with big-city amenities and small-town charms,” says Dawn Jackson, group sales manager at Discover Kalispell. “Steeped in history, Main Street has beautiful storefronts from the late 1800s that are home to modern-
day businesses, from restaurants to boutiques and shops.
Today, visitors can immerse themselves in its early history by touring the Conrad Mansion Museum and the Northwest Montana History Museum.” The Conrad Mansion Museum was the original home of Charles Conrad—Kalispell’s founder—and his family, and is still adorned with eye-catching architectural quirks and filled with antiques of the time.
Kalispell is just over a two-hour drive from Missoula, during which the road winds around sprawling Flathead Lake. Groups can also fly into Glacier Park International Airport, which is 6 miles from town. Autumn here is filled with fall colors and cozy activities like visiting a local pumpkin patch, while winter is blanketed in white. “Winter isn’t for everyone, but I certainly love it,” says Jackson. “This area of northwest Montana welcomes snow-covered peaks, powdery snow, and frosty mornings. Winter brings an array of activities in Kalispell, with two downhill ski areas within easy reach, as well as sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowmobiling.”
Event-friendly lodging options in Kalispell include the Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell, Hampton Inn Kalispell, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell, MT. The Hilton Garden Inn was recently remodeled and provides 14,000 square feet of function space across several conference rooms, while the other three properties are better suited for smaller gatherings and cocktail hours. The city has several nonhotel meeting venues , too, specifically the Northwest Montana History Museum, Wachholz College Center, and the aforementioned Conrad Mansion Museum, according to Jackson.
Planners can satisfy attendee appetites with a visit to Kalispell’s newest restaurant, Freestone Restaurant, which serves up a menu of farm-to-table dishes and a private dining space for 30.
Head north again and you will land in Whitefish, one of the last major towns in the region before you arrive at Glacier National Park. “Long before Whitefish became one of the top mountain destinations in the northern Rockies, this land was the hunting grounds for the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille tribes,” notes Julie Mullins, executive director at Explore Whitefish. “The first white settler, John Morgan, built his cabin on Whitefish Lake in 1883. Soon after, loggers from Michigan joined Morgan, and our beloved town earned the nickname ‘Stumptown.’” Today, the local community and organizations thrive on protecting the surrounding wild spaces to maintain the town’s character and authenticity.
“Whitefish in the fall and winter is a truly captivating experience, offering two distinct, yet equally enchanting seasons,” says Mullins. “In the fall, Whitefish takes on a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere as the summer crowds diminish, leaving behind a town that feels almost like a hidden gem. It’s the perfect time to explore Glacier National Park without the hubbub of the summer tourists, whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the beauty on a scenic drive,” she continues. “When winter arrives, Whitefish transforms into a true winter wonderland. The first snow signals the beginning of ski and snowboard season at Whitefish Mountain Resort, one of the most beloved ski destinations in the country.”
Meeting-friendly lodging options here include The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, a lakefront property featuring multiple gathering spaces for events of up to 300 attendees. Grouse Mountain Lodge offers meeting spaces that can best accommodate groups of up to 150. The Firebrand Hotel is downtown and is ideal for smaller corporate retreats and intimate board meetings. “There are also several private venues available to planners looking at alternatives to hotel-based meetings and events,” says Mullins. These include the Second Story at 101 Central and the O’Shaughnessy Center.
And, of course, adding a visit to Glacier National Park to the meeting agenda is practically a must. Scenic excursions like a drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road or guided hikes through the forests can awe attendees with stunning panoramas. Mullins notes that fall is best for viewing elk as they roam on a carpet of fallen leaves, and the national park has some areas and services that close or become limited during the winter months, so planners might contact Explore Whitefish for information on closures.
destinationmissoula.org
discoverkalispell.com
eventsbyautumn.com
explorewhitefish.com
glaciermt.com
nps.gov/glac
