Polebridge, Montana Field Guide

Jun 16

Located a mile from Glacier National Park and far away from everything else, you’ll find one of the last outposts in Montana.

17 miles from Canada. Population of 168. No electricity. No cell service. No wifi. And surrounded by wilderness and breathtaking views.

Whether you find yourself enjoying a few moments off the grid while taking it all in, or find yourself wanting a more permanent life here, you’ll appreciate the fresh experience this town has to offer.

We're sharing our favorites from the area that you won't want to miss. Check it out below and then get to planning your next road trip to Polebridge, Montana. Have fun!

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Tag us in your photos to let us know where YOUR favorite places are on this road trip!

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POLEBRIDGE MERCANTILE

The Polebridge Mercantile was built in 1914 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It remains a classic piece of Montana history and, combined with the scenic drive along the North Fork Flathead River and the edge of Glacier Park, it’s a destination you don’t want to miss! You’ll find the shelves stocked full of items for adventurers and explorers alike, and the renowned bakery offers cookies and other baked goods, as well as basic pantry essentials, hats, water bottles, hiking gear, and tourist trinkets. And while you’re there, be sure to stock up on the legendary huckleberry bear claws!

NORTHERN LIGHTS SALOON

Directly next door to the Mercantile is the Northern Lights Saloon, which originally served as the homestead for the Merc’s original owner, William L. “Bill” Adair. Adair and his wife Emma built the Mercantile a mere four years after Glacier Park became a national park in 1910, and the interior rafters, still an original aspect of the building, bear his ax marks, and one of his saddlebags still hangs near the coffee station.

If you’re looking for a meal in Polebridge, or a stiff drink, the Northern Lights Saloon is your place. And not just because it offers great food and drinks in an authentic setting, but it’s also the only bar and grill for miles. Open during the summer months, the saloon serves food and drinks, including some specialty brews from the area. It also hosts live music under the stars and other events when the weather is nice.

One more thing: be sure to grab a huckleberry pie here while you’re in town - it’s a recipe that has been passed down from baker to baker through generations and it’s just as good as you can imagine.

TRANSBOUNDARY FLATHEAD RIVER INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

The Mercantile and Saloon are surrounded by grassland and the nearby North Fork of the Flathead River, and you’ll find the Transboundary Flathead River Interpretive Trail in the field across from the saloon, which offers stunning views into Glacier National Park while teaching about the local ecosystem. The trail is a 25-mile loop with eight stops offering information about the history, people, and efforts that have kept the land so pristine. The entire area boasts incredible views of the mountains in the national park.

POLEBRIDGE MERCANTILE CABINS

The Mercantile has cabins right outside its back door if you’re looking to stay the night. Be forewarned: the refurbished rental cabins do not offer running water, so it’s rustic living at its finest and all part of the incredible Polebridge experience!

NORTH FORK HOSTEL + SQUARE PEG RANCH

Located in the North Fork Valley just west of Glacier National Park, the North Fork Hostel + Square Peg Ranch offers guests a choice of accommodations in a rustic atmosphere. Get away, relax, meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. There’s even a teepee you can rent if you want to sleep outside.

Propane lights brighten the nights (remember, there’s no electricity in Polebridge) and propane stoves and refrigerators are available for food storage and prep. Although the area is off the power grid, the hostel does have a small solar system and allows recharging of your devices during the power hour.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Perhaps the best thing about Polebridge is that it provides access to a part of Glacier National Park that many tourists don’t visit. If you follow the winding gravel roads through Polebridge and into Glacier, you can visit Bowman Lake, one of the most stunning parts of the national park. This northwest corner of the park is much less-visited than the crowded portions to the south and east. Also worth noting: this side of the park has the coolest welcome sign, just sayin’.

BOWMAN LAKE

Perhaps the best thing about Polebridge is that it provides access to a part of Glacier National Park that many tourists don’t visit. But honestly, they’re missing out. If you follow the winding gravel roads through Polebridge and into Glacier, you can visit Bowman Lake, one of the most stunning parts of the national park.

KINTNA LAKE

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:

Glacier National Park Welcome Sign
Polebridge Mercantile
Polebridge Welcome Sign
Northern Lights Saloon
Polebridge mailboxes
Hornet Lookout
Kintla Ranger Station
Northern Lights Saloon stage
Polebridge Produce Company stand
Abandoned Volkswagen bus
Weeping Wall