Bigfork, MT Road Trips

Drivers starting from Bigfork, MT have 1 mapped routes to choose from, making it a small but connected base in the Mountain West. Routes from here tend to cover serious ground — the average trip runs 566 miles, so plan for multi-day adventures. Most routes from Bigfork, MT head east, giving the route network a clear directional lean.

census designated place in Flathead County, Montana, United States

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Trip Routes

6

Longest Drive

565.8 mi

Sidney, MT

Quickest Drive

4h 10m

Great Falls, MT

Plan Around Bigfork, MT

Popular Incoming Routes

Useful if Bigfork, MT is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.

Lockwood, MT to Bigfork, MT 436.9 mi · 7h 38m Billings, MT to Bigfork, MT 431.3 mi · 7h 35m Livingston, MT to Bigfork, MT 315.1 mi · 5h 39m Havre, MT to Bigfork, MT 268 mi · 5h 16m

Continue From Bigfork, MT

Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.

Bigfork, MT to Sidney, MT 565.8 mi · 10h 52m

Trips from Bigfork, MT

Bigfork, MT to Sidney, MT

565.8 mi 10h 52m

Driving from Bigfork, MT

On average, trips departing from Bigfork, MT run 566 miles with a drive time of roughly 10h 52m. This is long-haul territory. Most routes stretch past the 250-mile mark, so pack snacks and plan fuel stops. The longest mapped route runs 566 miles (10h 52m), while the shortest is just 566 miles.

Popular Destinations

Top road trip destinations from Bigfork, MT are Sidney, MT (565.8 mi, 10h 52m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.

Planning & Costs

For the average 566-mile drive from Bigfork, MT, expect to burn about 22.3 gallons of fuel one way at 25 MPG. Check local pump prices before you go to lock in your budget.

Routes tend to go east, so afternoon departures put the sun at your back on the return leg. These are full-day drives. Start by 7 or 8 AM if you want to arrive at a reasonable hour without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 1 mapped routes leaving Bigfork, MT and 5 routes heading into Bigfork, MT, covering 6 total connections. Distances range from 566 to 566 miles.

The longest mapped route from Bigfork, MT covers 566 miles and takes approximately 10h 52m. Shorter options start at just 566 miles.

The average route from Bigfork, MT runs about 566 miles with a drive time of roughly 10h 52m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.

The most popular road trip destinations from Bigfork, MT include Sidney, MT. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.

Bigfork, MT by the Numbers

Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.

Population

5,249

Median Income

$82,648

Median Home Value

$614,300

Median Age

53.7

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.

Traveler Guide to Bigfork, MT

Bigfork is a small town on northeast shore of Flathead Lake in Northwestern Montana. About 5,100 people lived there in 2020.

Bigfork is located on a blue bay where the Swan River flows into Flathead Lake, named "One of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in the Nation". The western border of the town is marked by the Flathead River. Cherry orchards abound in this area. Throughout Montana you will see products made with "Flathead Cherries". The Flathead refers to the region grown, not a particular variety of cherry. Delicious flavor from this ideal location make whatever the product worth trying.

Bigfork Summer Playhouse, 526 Electric Ave, ☏ +1 406 837-4886. Each season, Known for bringing the best of Broadway to "the theater by the Bay." (updated Oct 2021) 1 Bigfork Art & Cultural Center, 525 Electric Ave, ☏ +1 406 837-6927. Summer M-Sa 11AM-5PM, Su 11AM-3PM; Winter W-Sa 11AM-5PM. Exhibits mainly for area artists. Offers workshops and lectures. Next door to 2 art galleries and 1 jewelry gallery. (updated Aug 2023)

Flathead Lake Sailing & Charters, 150 Flathead Lodge Road, ☏ +1 406-837-4391. (updated Oct 2021)

1 Flathead Lake Brewing Co. & Pubhouse, 116 Holt Drive, ☏ +1 406 837-2004, [email protected]. Tu-Sa Noon-8PM. Microbrewery and restaurant. 16 beers on tap plus wine and liquor. Cocktails created using locally distilled alcohol. Main floor has pub with pub food. Downstairs is the Pizza Cellar, which still has a full bar and 14 beers on tap. Both floors have decks to savor the view of the lake as you savor your drinks. (updated Aug 2023)

Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge, 150 Flathead Lodge Road, ☏ +1 406-837-4391, [email protected]. (updated Oct 2021) Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge, 14735 Sylvan Drive, ☏ +1 406-837-3800. (updated Oct 2021) The Islander Inn, 14729 Shore Acres Drive, ☏ +1 406-837-5472, [email protected]. (updated Oct 2021)

The nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell. By car take US-93 on the western side of the lake to Hwy 82. On the eastern side take either Hwy 83, a long but beautiful drive, or Hwy 35 from Polson.

While the population of the town is small you will still need a car, or bicycle, to get around.

Travel tips adapted from Bigfork on Wikivoyage, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Content summarized; visit the source for the full article. See our methodology for how we use it.