Life + Culture

Hat's Off to You

Bigfork's favorite DIY hat bar Article by Sydney Ludden | Photography by 406 Hat Bar I have a weakness for a good hat. There’s something about a new color or the right style that makes you stand up a little straighter and walk like you’ve got somewhere to be. So the first time I wandered into 406 Hat Bar in Bigfork, I didn’t need much convincing. 406 Hat Bar sneaks up on you, whether you already love hats or have never given one a second thought. When I caught up with co-owner Jamie Eliason...

Home Services

Smart Yet Simple

Home technology comes to life with Simple Tech Article by Chelsea Agro | Photography by Simple Tech You may have first heard the term “smart house” back in 1999 when Disney released an original science fiction comedy by the same name. The plot centered around a teenager who won a fully-automated dream house in a competition, but the computer-controlled home took over and life became more troublesome than ever before. For a rather anti-tech user like myself, I remember the film with fondness...

Life + Culture

Honoring a Heritage

Cultural centers, hoop dancing, and princess programs protect Indigenous peoples Article and Photography by Diana Dalke Nestled in Montana's Mission Valley, the Flathead Indian Reservation is far more than a place of breathtaking mountains, rivers, and wildlife. It is home to the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai Tribes, where culture, history, and tradition remain vibrant through education, storytelling, and community celebrations that connect generations. One of the...

Education

The Trail Guide

Kids build forts and confidence at Ancient Traditions Ranch Article by Kristi Sellers | Photography by Ancient Traditions Ranch For many parents, summer camp serves a practical purpose. It fills long days, provides entertainment and gives children a break from screens and daily routines. But at Ancient Traditions Ranch in Montana, the mission reaches far beyond simply keeping children busy.  From the beginning, founder Lindsey Jean envisioned something deeper. She wanted a place where her son...

Home + Design

Craftsmanship and Connection

HAVN Outdoor Living creates intentional spaces for families Article by Kate Heston | Photography by HAVN Outdoor Living After nine children, and another on the way, Aaron Loukusa is familiar with the importance of having space for family time. It’s a notion that led him in part to start HAVN Outdoor Living, a contracting business focused on custom decks, patios and outdoor living areas. “We want to entertain people; we want to have people over. The things that we have at home can help create...

Life + Culture

From Carr to Caton

Six generations of raising animals with the Flathead 4-H program Article by Susie Wall | Photography by Nikity Nak Creatives It’s 6:30 in the morning. The temperature is below freezing, and the Montana sky is still black as pitch. The warm bed is magnetic and powerful, but nine-year-old Scarlett’s spirit of discipline is stronger.   With a heavy coat, a bucket of feed, and a sense of responsibility, Scarlett marches out to the pens to care for her pigs. Her mother, Aubrie Caton, has offered...

Life + Culture

Don't Call It a Side Hustle

How two teens built a thriving business from scratch Article by Summer Zalesky | Photography by Nikity Nak Creatives They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The treasure in this case, however, isn’t just monetary. It’s a lifelong lesson in resiliency, communication, and entrepreneurship. I could hardly believe I was talking to a 15-year-old during my conversation with Connor Riska, co-owner of Partner Pickup Junk Removal. Well-spoken, venturesome, and determined to succeed, Connor...

Style + Beauty

Cruising the Coast

The Ultimate Flathead Lake Road Trip Guide Article by Julie Schneiders | Photography by Virginia Hudson The bright Montana sunshine shone through the windshield as my husband and I set out on a road trip around Flathead Lake. 160 miles of shoreline, seven state parks, and one notorious lake monster. We started at West Shore State Park. It’s off of Highway 93 just a few miles south of downtown Lakeside. It has a public boat launch, campsites, a beach, and easy to moderate hiking trails. It’s...

Entertainment

As Above, So Below

The duality of equestrian culture in the Flathead Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Shannon Brinkman and Bigfork Rodeo Montanans certainly don’t have a monopoly on horse culture, but what probably feels like an outlier in most regions is widespread and vibrant here in the Treasure State. This July, the Flathead Valley plays host to a perfect duality of this heritage with two high-stakes equestrian events that, on the surface, are entirely different worlds, but underneath, share the...

Entertainment

The Sound of Summer, Montana Style

Under the Big Sky brings unforgettable sets and the unmistakable spirit of the West Article by Rachel Jackson and Summer Zalesky | Photography by Outriders The stage is set. Cowboy hats and turquoise beads are everywhere. A whoop rises up from the crowd as folksy-blues-country singer Sierra Ferrell prances up to her place in the spotlight. She’s prancing, of course, because she’s arriving on horseback, as any good country artist would. A song rises up to the breathable, uncluttered Montana...