Encompassing the northwest corner of Montana including Glacier National Park, Western Montana’s Glacier Country is one of the Treasure State’s six tourism regions, steeped in natural wonders, cultural richness and bucket-list experiences. The region’s 75-plus vibrant and diverse communities are surrounded by rugged mountains, wildflower-filled meadows and glacial waters—and they all have different experiences for groups to discover.
“Western Montana offers something special,” said Debbie Picard, director of sales for Western Montana’s Glacier Country, “a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life in a mountain setting, rich with outdoor activities that can seamlessly integrate into your meeting agenda.”
With the largest conference hotels in the region, Missoula is ideal for groups of around 300 and easily accessible via Missoula Montana Airport (MSO). The city will welcome a new 180-room hotel and 15,000-square-foot conference center to its downtown core in late 2026.
Kalispell, with a Hilton Garden Inn offering 14,000 square feet of meeting space, also has a sweet spot of around 300 for groups, and Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell has undergone renovations and runway rehabilitation to accommodate larger aircraft.
In Whitefish, which is suitable for 150 or fewer, boutique offerings include Grouse Mountain Lodge, with 11,000 square feet of space plus a new 8,250-square-foot pavilion that will open this fall. The destination lends itself to incentive programs, which is where Western Montana’s Glacier Country is really shining right now.
Montana’s high-end guest ranches and boutique resorts offer an intimate setting for top performers as well as smaller leadership meetings and retreats. Attendees can enjoy private homes or cabins, luxury glamping, spa experiences and gourmet dining, all set against the backdrop of natural beauty.
“Our incentive properties are in demand,” Picard said. “As global events continue to evolve, the conversation around international travel is top of mind for many meeting planners. Shifting advisories, increased traveler [concern] and added complexities have prompted organizations to take a fresh look at their incentive travel strategies.
“Western Montana presents a compelling solution,” she continued. “It’s a destination that provides the exclusivity, luxury and adventure expected of an incentive trip while remaining within the U.S. This alleviates concerns about international travel hurdles, ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to departure.”
[Related: Taking Off: Upgrades and Renovations Create a New Norfolk, Virginia, Experience for Groups]
Where to Stay in Glacier Country
For smaller programs of 30 or fewer, the luxury boutique hotel Larch House opened in Whitefish in January and offers an upscale experience with 39 guest rooms and alpine-inspired dining. Groups of 200-plus will find a true conference hotel in Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown (to be rebranded soon), with renovated guest rooms and 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting space along the Clark Fork River.
Where to Eat in Glacier Country
In Whitefish, Enga is a new restaurant within the Larch House hotel that is ideal for small groups. Its menu showcases locally sourced, Montana-inspired fare, with dishes featuring trout, huckleberry, bison and elk. For larger groups, dine-arounds are a popular option throughout the region, allowing attendees to choose from many farm-to-table and seasonally focused restaurants.
Fun Activities in Glacier Country
“If you’re looking to switch things up, Montana in winter is an unforgettable experience,” Picard said. “Imagine ice skating on a private pond, taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy forests or trying skijoring (being pulled on skis by a horse).” Glacier National Park is the region’s most notable attraction, offering tours on its historic red buses, and makes for a perfect pre- or post-event day trip.
Read more meeting and event news in Montana.
Taking Off is a column from the desk of destinations content manager, Taylor Smith, which uncovers the destinations you haven't thought of for meetings or events, from under-the-radar locales to new neighborhoods you should know about. Read more Taking Off columns here.
