Farming Around Flathead Lake Montana

In the fertile Flathead Valley, the area around Flathead Lake is known for producing some of Montana’s most sought-after fruits and vegetables. From cherries and apples to a variety of other crops, local farms thrive thanks to the region's unique climate, with warm days, cool nights, and abundant water from the lake itself. Let's dive into the region's agricultural offerings and discover where to find the freshest produce and handcrafted products at local farmers markets and farm stands.

Cherries: The Crown Jewel of Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is famous for its sweet cherries, a perfect blend of the region’s crisp nights and warm summer days. These cherries are grown along the lake's east shore, primarily harvested in July and early August. You can pick up fresh cherries from farms like Farmers O’Dell, where you can even go for a U-pick experience to gather cherries yourself. These farms often offer unique cherry products as well, such as cherry jams, dried cherries, and even cherry barbecue sauces that capture the sweet and tart essence of this local favorite. Cherries grown around the lake, are highly praised for their quality and unique flavor, which benefits from the extended summer daylight hours unique to northern latitudes. Montana Cherries is a great resource for additional information; FAQ, Calendar of Events, Nutritional Information and more.

Apples, Peaches, and Other Orchard Fruits

Beyond cherries, Flathead orchards grow a variety of fruits, including apples, peaches, plums, and pears. These orchards benefit from the same climate that helps cherries thrive, producing crisp apples perfect for cider, fresh eating, and baking. Flathead-grown peaches and plums are often found at farm stands and farmers markets as well, providing a late-summer treat.

In addition to cherries, The Orchard at Flathead Lake also produces a range of fruit-based products, including cherry-rhubarb jam and apple butter. Many of these orchards follow sustainable farming practices, creating a balance with nature that enhances the quality of their produce and attracts local wildlife.

Pecans and Other Unique Crops

While not as common as fruits, some farms in the area experiment with unique crops like pecans, taking advantage of innovative agricultural techniques. These pecans are a niche crop in Montana but reflect the diversity and creativity of local farmers who are always looking to add new products to their offerings.

Farmers Markets and Farm Stands

Flathead Valley is home to several farmers markets, each providing a glimpse into the region’s agricultural abundance:

• Bigfork Village Market (Mondays) and Bigfork Farmers Market Cooperative (Wednesdays): Bigfork’s markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and artisan products, all set against the scenic Swan River. It’s a great place to find locally harvested honey, handmade breads, and fresh seasonal produce.

• Whitefish Farmers Market (Tuesdays): Located in downtown Whitefish, this lively market showcases everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to prepared foods, crafts, and live music. It’s a bustling spot where local vendors sell their best produce and hand-crafted goods.

• Columbia Falls Community Market (Thursdays): Featuring live music, food trucks, and an array of farm-fresh vegetables and fruits, this market provides an energetic community atmosphere where you can interact with farmers and artisans alike.

• Polson Farmers Market (Fridays): Situated near the shores of Flathead Lake, the Polson Farmers Market offers a wide variety of local produce, including cherries, apples, and much more, along with artisanal crafts and homemade treats.

For a truly local experience, these markets offer not only fresh food but also a chance to connect with the community and learn directly from the growers themselves. Bring a reusable bag and arrive early to get the best selection.

Farm Stands and Agritourism

Several farms around Flathead Lake open their doors for tours and hands-on experiences. U-pick orchards, like Farmers O’Dell, let you pick your own cherries during harvest season, making it a fun family activity and a way to taste the freshest fruit straight from the tree. Other farms, like The Orchard at Flathead Lake, offer seasonal products and experiences, allowing visitors to see where and how their food is grown.

A Year-Round Bounty

The Flathead Valley’s farming season typically runs from late spring to early fall, but many farmers offer products throughout the year, including dried fruits, jams, sauces, and other preserved goods that capture the essence of Montana’s growing season. This year-round availability helps keep the connection between local food and the community alive, even in winter.

Whether you're a visitor or a local, exploring the farms, markets, and orchards around Flathead Lake offers an authentic taste of Montana's agricultural heritage. From cherries to apples and more, this region celebrates the natural bounty that thrives in its unique climate. So next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by a market or farm stand to sample the best that Flathead Lake has to offer.

By Dalon Pobran,
Flathead Lake Realtor