Flathead Lake is the largest natural body of freshwater (by surface area) in the western U.S. and is also one of the cleanest lakes in the world. Flathead Lake State Park (FHLSP) has five mainland units circling the lake’s 191 square miles and covering 160 miles of shoreline. The distribution of park units around the lake gives each site a unique feel and view of the valley and surrounding mountains. The Wild Horse Island unit is the largest of several islands on Flathead Lake at 2,160 acres.

Summer is a great time to visit the Bitterroot National Forest. Recreation opportunities abound here including camping at 24 developed campgrounds and 5 group sites, hiking on more than 1,600 miles of trails, fishing for brook and rainbow trout in crystal-clear Alpine lakes, boating, biking,horseback riding and more. The Forest is home to many species of wildlife including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and moose, plus many varieties of smaller animals and birds. You can view them in their natural habitat from one of our Wildlife viewing areas.

In 1886 Marcus Daly purchased the existing Anthony Chaffin homestead, including the farmhouse, and had it completely remodeled by 1889. Because the Daly family did extensive entertaining, the Mansion was remodeled again in 1897 to a Queen Anne style Victorian home. This home, when completed, reminded Marcus of a church, so once again, remodeling plans were begun. Marcus Daly died in November of 1900 before the remodeling was started in April of 1909. Mrs. Daly contracted with architect A. J. Gibson of Missoula for the remodeling plans. The Queen Anne home was to be incorporated into the new Georgian-Revival style home. The remodeling was completed in August of 1910.

The home has over 50 rooms, with 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, as well as 7 fireplaces, 5 of which have imported Italian marble. The home is three stories for a total of 24,000 square feet, plus a full basement. Some of the main rooms include a large living room, music room, formal dining room, sun room, trophy room which was added in 1914, and upstairs sitting room and a third floor billiard hall.