Arts and Culture in Northwest Montana

Whatever your passion – arts, history, culture – you'll find magical new ways and places to explore it throughout the Flathead Valley. The area boasts a rich cultural heritage that reflects its western and Native American history. Our thriving cultural scene is often a surprise to visitors, but even though the valley’s population is small, hundreds of award-winning artists and scores of outstanding musicians and performers call the Flathead home.

There’s always something to do to get your fill of Montana arts and culture on your Flathead Valley vacation, with year-round cultural attractions and arts events for your whole family to enjoy. Shop for arts and crafts at Arts in the Park in Kalispell in July and the Bigfork Festival for the Arts in August, or take a walking tour of historic buildings and homes. Take in a concert by a local band during the summer Picnic in the Park outdoor concert series. Visit some of the Flathead Valley’s numerous galleries. Explore one of several museums to view changing and permanent exhibitions highlighting Montana’s artistic talent, heritage and the history of Northwest Montana.

Conrad Mansion  http://www.conradmansion.com

Built in 1895, this National Historic site was the home of Kalispell founder, Charles E. Conrad, a Montana pioneer, Missouri River trader, and freighter. The 13,000-square-foot home was designed by Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter and today sits on three beautifully landscaped acres. Victorian-garbed guides conduct tours of its 26 registered rooms from May through October. Along with original furnishings and accessories, extensive collections include original family clothing dating from the 1880s to 1940s, and three generations of children's toys and dolls.

Hockaday Museum of Art  www.hockadaymuseum.org

A fine arts museum housed in a turn-of-the-century Carnegie Library building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Hockaday Museum of Art in historic downtown Kalispell features a permanent collection and rotating exhibits focusing on the art and culture of Montana and artists of Glacier National Park. The Museum’s “Crown of the Continent: Glacier National Park Gallery” is a permanent exhibition of works by significant contemporary and historic authors, photographers, sculptors and painters, as well as Park collectibles. The Museum offers a Discovery Gallery with hands-on activities for children, a gift shop with unique items created by local artists, and sponsors Arts in the Park, an annual art and music festival the fourth weekend in July.

Museum at Central School www.yourmuseum.org

The Museum at Central School is housed in the recently renovated 1894 Central School Building – one of the first such buildings in the Flathead Valley and one of the few lasting examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture that still retains its original appearance. The Museum at Central School features exhibits that illuminate local Northwest Montana history. Exhibits include Northwest Native American Culture, Montana pioneer Frank Bird Linderman, the Northwest Montana timber industry, U.S. Forest Service, early Kalispell, and a display of photographs of the turn-of-the-century community of Demersville. The Museum also offers the School Bell Gift Shop.

Alpine Theatre Project www.alpinetheatreproject.org

Founded by three Broadway veterans, David Ackroyd, Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath, the Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) has become one of the most respected professional theatres in the Northwest United States. Its roster of world-renowned artists includes Olympia Dukakis, Dawn Didawick, John Lithgow, Harry Groener, Jim Nabors, James Naughton, Henry Winkler, and Louis Zorich. ATP presents musicals, plays and concerts throughout the year, including regional and world premieres. Using imagination and creativity as its tools, ATP seeks to inspire its audience with transformative entertainment that moves the spirit, excites the imagination, challenges assumptions and shifts perspectives.

Glacier Symphony and Chorale www.glaciersymphonychorale.org

The Glacier Symphony is a full regional community symphony orchestra performing classical series, holiday and pops concerts each season (October through July) with world-class and emerging guest artists. The Glacier Chorale is a 75-voice, auditioned adult symphonic choir performing the great orchestral and choral repertoire. The Chorale performs with the Glacier Symphony for holiday concerts and other special concerts. The Glacier Symphony and Chorale perform at locations throughout the Flathead Valley.

Miracle of America Museum www.miracleofamericamuseum.org

The largest & most diversified in the state. Kid friendly. Over 50 antique motorcycles. 35 buildings in the Pioneer Village include many ladies items, like the beauty shop, sewing shop, one-room schoolhouse and general store. Huge tribute to the Veterans include over 30 vehicles, 2 jet airplanes and a real “Huey” helicopter that kids can sit in. Allow at least 2 hours to rush through. Picnic tables are available for all day visitors. Sculpture art abounds.