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40 | APRIL 8, 2015
REAL ESTATE
tive system between Hungry Horse and Kerr Dam. Flathead Lake is a national treasure and is conserved as such.
This idyllic community is the center of all recreation as the summer months approach. The Polson Bay Golf Course is world class, situated on the shores of the lake and surrounded by the grandeur of the Mission Mountain and Swan Moun- tain ranges, the views are incomparable. The climate is temperate in the summer and residents play “host” to the visitors who travel from all over to enjoy the lovely landscapes and leisure activities. Flathead Lake is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Fishing, canoe- ing, kayaking, water sports and races and of course swimming or lounging by the shore. There are many places to en- joy a meal overlooking the lake or local
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MONTANA LIFESTYLES
Let’s Picture Polson
By LISA KINYON
It’s hard to say this without sound- ing cliché, but Polson is charming. If you think of all the quaint things you have ever experienced or heard about small town life, Polson has them. I recall an original television series being writ- ten about communities like this. Who knows, maybe Andy Griffith still lurks on the streets of Main Street, USA?
Polson is located at the south end of the Flathead Lake in Northwest Mon- tana. You will notice it immediately, it is breathtakingly beautiful; serene and pure, and on the shores the largest nat- ural freshwater lake west of the Missis- sippi. A dramatic 73,877 acres of crystal clear glacial lakes and pristine alpine wilderness surrounds this area. The Mission Valley is bordered by the rug- ged, snow-capped Mission Mountains and the gorgeous Swan Mountain Range. Heading into Polson from the south, the views are spectacular. On a clear day, the stunning Glacier Park peaks are vis- ible and the panoramic “postcard” is al- most unbelievable.
This welcoming, lakeshore commu- nity is the trading center for one of the most fertile farming areas in Montana. It is the prime cherry growing region and home to dozens of orchards. Each summer the Main Street Cherry Festi- val is host to over 125 vendors and exhib- itors, an old fashioned street fair in the heart of downtown Polson. Cruisin’ by the Bay, the largest car show in the Pa- cific Northwest is hosted in August each year and 500 custom and classic hotrods line the streets of downtown Polson. The Norman Rockwell ideal immortal- ized: imagine people walking around town carrying bags of fresh vegetables and homemade bread from the farmers market, businessmen dressed in aprons
Polson. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
and chef hats competing with each other in the local chili cook-off, adorable little kids waving flags at a Fourth of July pa- rade, Main Street closed off and neigh- bors milling around eating ice cream at a sidewalk sale, a pie eating contest at the Cherry Festival, a hometown football game ... may sound trite, but it really ex- ists, in Polson.
Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and so is surround- ed by a rich heritage of Native Ameri- can culture. The Flathead River runs through Polson and whitewater raft- ing is a favorite pastime. The Kerr Dam is located nearby and is a massive and awesome structure, over 200 feet high and 540 feet long. Flathead Lake’s wa- ter level is controlled seasonally and its management is the result of a coopera-
parks to pack a picnic and have a day in the sun. The lake can be an ideal “day trip” on motorcycle, or a bicycle for the more adventurous.
Begin in the south, travel up the east shore stopping at each local eatery and land in Bigfork, the headwaters of the Flathead. Travel south on the west- ern shore to complete the journey. Pass through Lakeside and Rollins, and enjoy a tasting at the local winery on the shores of Flathead Lake. The scenery is unique and alluring. Recreation at its finest.
Polson boasts three museums that offer an insight through hands on dis- plays and a varied collection of historic memorabilia. Just south of Ronan, there is the National Bison Range which is home to large herds of bison, elk deer and antelope. Pablo Wildlife Refuge pro- vides a safe haven for water fowl and lo- cal bird species of all kinds. A perfect destination for a man and his binoculars.
Northwest Montana is a destina- tion location. Travelers and explorers have historically found the spectacular terrain both challenging and soothing. Many become residents, unable to leave this “last best place.” Polson is a holdout from days past. The irresistible combi- nation of old fashioned sensibility and charm and some modern conveniences. They wouldn’t call it a slow pace, just slower. Relationships happen there – you see the same people over and over. The cost of living isn’t increased with toll- booths or parking meters. City sounds, traffic and pollution are nowhere to be found. It’s fresh air, fresh water and wide open spaces. Take all of the nostalgia and camaraderie, packaged along with Flathead Lake, Mission Valley and Swan Mountain Range and you have discov- ered the beauty and simplicity of Polson.
Lisa Kinyon is a broker with Keller Williams Realty.
R-4 Zoning - (Medical, Adult daycare/group home, veterinarian, church. MLS 324262 .$975,000
Possible additional land available.
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406–407–4834
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