Polson Montana
About 10 miles south of Dayton is Polson, a charming lakeside
community located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Polson has
several city parks on the lake offering spectacular views, picnicking,
sunbathing, and lake access. The Polson Country Club is a beautiful
18-hold golf course on the shores of the lake.
While in Polson, visit its quaint local shops, restaurants, and
fine art galleries. Learn more about local history at the Polson-Flathead
Historical Museum which contains the original Allard Stagecoach,
Calamity Jane’s saddle, displays of Polson’s past,
and a pictorial history of Kerr Dam construction. See the
largest collection of antique artifacts in western Montana at the
Miracle of America Museum. Polson is also home to the Glacier Brewing
Company where visitors can taste locally made brews in their tasting
room.
Polson is the trading center for one of Montana’s most fertile
farming areas. Polson holds an annual Cherry Festival to celebrate
its location in a prime cherry growing region and as home to numerous
cherry orchards. Other events that are not to be missed include
the annual Main Street Festival, the Sandpiper Gallery Art Festival,
and performances by the Port Polson Players who produce classic
comedies and musicals.
Incorporated April 5, 1910, Polson has a history of lumbering,
ranching and steamboats. The city was named after pioneer rancher
David Polson. Before roads were built along the lake, Port Polson
was the transportation hub for travelers from the south. Steamboats
played a major part in early transportation of freight and passengers.
Today, the town’s population is 4,041.
Kerr Dam, which is a concrete arch-type dam standing at 204 ft.
high, is located at the outlet of Flathead Lake in Polson. A 1,000
foot boardwalk takes visitors right above the falls to enjoy an
amazing view of the canyon.
The Mission Valley south of Polson is bordered by the rugged,
snow-capped Mission Mountains. Must-see attractions in the Mission
Valley include the People’s Center, National Bison Range,
Ninepipes and Pablo Wildlife Refuges, Ninepipes Museum of Early
Montana, and the St. Ignatius Mission.
The People’s Center in Pablo focuses on the Salish, Pend
d’Orielle, and Kootenai tribes, with a learning center, exhibit
gallery, and gift shop. It also offers Native Ed-Ventures such
as a traditional encampment, powwow or reservation tour with a
Native American escort.
At the 18,500-acre National Bison Range at Moiese, visitors can
spot bison, elk, deer, antelope and barn sheep on self-guided auto
tours. Established in 1908, this is one of the oldest big game
refuges in the United States. The Ninepipes and Pablo Wildlife
Refuges are a birder’s delight. Together they offer more
than 5,000 acres of water, marsh and upland grasses. During the
fall migrations there may be up to 80,000 waterfowl. Tundra Swans
and shorebirds use the refuge as a stopover and bald eagles can
be spotted year-round.
The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana tells the story of the area’s
early peoples as well as the trappers, miners, loggers, and settlers
of the area.
The St. Ignatius Mission National Historic Site was built in 1891
by Indians and Jesuit missionaries from a million bricks created
from local clay. On its walls and ceilings are 58 vivid frescoes
and murals depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments painted
by Brother Joseph Carignano, a self-taught artist who served the
mission as a cook and handyman.
Polson Chamber of Commerce
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