Craving mountain solitude, outdoor adventure, and hidden gem charm? Head to Libby, Montana! Tucked in Montana’s remote northwest, Libby offers breathtaking scenery, world-class hiking, and small-town hospitality. It’s a gateway to wilderness with plenty of room to roam and relax.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Libby is in late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and exploring the Kootenai River. Fall offers stunning foliage, and winter invites snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in quiet, snow-covered landscapes.
How to Get There
- By Car: Libby is located on US-2 and MT-37, about 3 hours from Kalispell and 2 hours from Sandpoint, Idaho.
- By Air: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell or Spokane International Airport (GEG), then drive to Libby.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops in Libby, with scenic service between Seattle and Chicago.
Where to Stay
- The Country Inn Libby – Comfortable, family-owned inn with friendly service and easy access to downtown.
- Venture Inn – Mountain lodge-style accommodations with a pool, on-site restaurant, and cozy rooms.
- Cabins & Lodges – Scenic rentals and rustic cabins are available near the river or tucked in the woods.
Top Attractions
⮕ Ride, Rope, and Reconnect at McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch
Experience authentic cattle drives and enjoy a peaceful, rustic retreat.
© McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch
McGinnis Meadows Cattle and Guest Ranch is an authentic working cattle ranch with a horse program that trains horses using the Buck Brannaman style of horsemanship, which his based on the 300-year-old Vaquero tradition. The ranch caters to guests and riders of all levels who come to further their riding skills and learn more about horsemanship, as well as working on the cattle program. Non-riders can enjoy an array of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, inner tubing and fishing on a lake on the property, or simply relaxing with a book on the outdoor deck.
6220 Mc Ginnis Meadows Rd, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-5000
⮕ Explore Endless Trails and Towering Pines in Kootenai National Forest
Hike scenic trails and admire breathtaking mountain and river views.
© Howie Garber Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com
The Kootenai National Forest is a national forest in the north-western corner of Montana that covers over two million acres of land and offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and camping to fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The Kootenai and Clark Fork Rivers run through the forest, along with several smaller rivers and their tributaries and there are 141 lakes scattered around the forest, including the1,240-acre Bull Lake. The forest features over 1,400 miles of hiking trails, miles of backcountry roads, and 40 developed campgrounds, as well as over 70 miles of well-maintained trails for snowmobiling, off-trail riding, cross-country skiing, and snow machines.
12557 MT Highway 37, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7773
⮕ Ski Uncrowded Slopes with Big Views at Turner Mountain Ski Area
Enjoy exciting winter adventures and affordable skiing on uncrowded slopes.
© Turner Mountain Ski Area
The Turner Mountain Ski Area is a ski and snowboard paradise and boasts wide-open slopes, excellent snow conditions, beautiful scenery, inexpensive lift tickets. Located 22 miles outside the town of Libby up the Pipe Creek Road, the ski area rests at an elevation of 5,952 feet and provides world-class downhill skiing. Facilities in the area include a 5,600-foot double chairlift, a cozy day lodge with a snack bar, and ski equipment rentals. The area is home to rugged landscapes, and a diverse array of wildlife such as elk, whitetail and mule deer, black and grizzly bears, and mountain lion, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
Pipe Creek Rd, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-2468
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Drive the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway for Stunning Montana Landscapes
Drive along stunning lake views and discover hidden natural gems.
© Laurens/stock.adobe.com
The Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway is a 67-mile route connecting Libby and Eureka that follows the Kootenai River and the 90-mile Lake Koocanusa. The lake is bisected by the border between the United States and Canada and the scenic byway highlights the southern half of the reservoir and includes a side loop around the west side of the lake. The Byway is intersected by numerous hiking trails, and a 100-mile long circular bicycle trail begins at the Libby Dam. Recreational opportunities are plentiful along the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway, including full-service and primitive camping, picnicking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Kootenai National Forest, 12557 MT Highway 37, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7773
⮕ Step Into Local History at the Libby Heritage Museum
Explore local history and discover fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
© Libby Heritage Museum
The Libby Heritage Museum is dedicated to the history of Libby and its residents, which included miners, loggers, trappers, and Kootenai Indians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Housed in a 130-foot, 12-sided log structure that was built in the 1970s, the museum features a collection of interesting artifacts and objects relating to the town’s industries of mining, lumber, and trapping, as well as a small house with turn-of-the-century furnishings. Other interesting attractions on the grounds of the museum include a cookhouse from the early 1900s, a blacksmith shop, a Sylvanite ranger station, renovated and furnished miner's cabin; and an array of farming, mining and logging machinery.
34067 US-2, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7521
⮕ Cast a Line and Reel in Adventure with Kootenai Angler
Go fly fishing and enjoy peaceful moments on pristine rivers.
© Howie Garber Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com
The Kootenai Angler
is a fly-fishing shop owned by Dave Blackburn that offers a range of fly-fishing guide services and equipment. The shop is located on the beautiful Kootenai River, which is home to a native rainbow trout called the Columbia Redband, a fish renowned for its acrobatic fighting ability and exceptional strength. Dave Blackburn and his professional staff offer fly-fishing lessons, guided fly-fishing tours, fishing gear and equipment, and a range of non-angling activities.
Kootenai Angler
, 13546 MT-37, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7578
⮕ Dine and Stay in Comfort at the Venture Inn
Relax in comfortable accommodations and enjoy a quick, affordable stay.
© Venture Inn
Located just a short drive from Kootenai Falls along US Route 2, the Venture Inn is a comfortable motel with standard accommodations, a heated swimming pool and a hot tub, and a casual restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Well-appointed guest rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers, flat-screen television, minifridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and complimentary wireless Internet. A complimentary breakfast is served every morning and facilities at the hotel include a restaurant with a fresh salad bar that serves family-style, American cuisine, a guest launderette, and modern meeting and banqueting facilities.
1015 9th St, Libby, MT 59923, Phone: 406-293-7711
Where to Eat
- Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company – Craft beer and community vibes in a rustic downtown taproom with rotating food trucks.
- The Black Board Bistro – Cozy fine-dining experience offering locally sourced meats, pasta, and desserts.
- Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant – Authentic Mexican favorites in a casual, friendly setting.
Local Events
- Libby Logger Days (June) – Celebrate the town’s timber heritage with log rolling, axe throwing, a parade, and more.
- Ignite the Nites Car Show (August) – Classic cars, downtown cruising, and community fun for auto lovers of all ages.
- Christmas in the Park (December) – A festive winter celebration with lights, music, and holiday spirit downtown.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Libby, Montana
- Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge (10–15 min) – Hike to roaring falls and cross a thrilling pedestrian bridge above the Kootenai River.
- Libby Dam & Lake Koocanusa (20–25 min) – Tour the dam, enjoy scenic overlooks, and boat or fish in the vast reservoir.
- Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (25–30 min) – Trek alpine trails, spot wildlife, and discover glacier-carved lakes in this rugged wilderness area.
- Heritage Museum (5–10 min) – Explore Libby’s logging, mining, and frontier history through exhibits and pioneer-era buildings.
- Flower Creek Trailhead (10–15 min) – Hike into the Cabinet Mountains with access to waterfalls, ridgelines, and remote wilderness lakes.
- Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area (25–30 min) – Walk among towering ancient cedar trees in a cool, mossy forest setting.
- Turner Mountain Ski Area (25–30 min) – Ski or snowboard this uncrowded mountain with deep powder and big vertical in winter.
- Libby Creek Gold Panning Area (5–10 min) – Try your luck panning for gold in a free public area near the town’s namesake creek.
- J. Neils Park (5–10 min) – Enjoy sports courts, walking paths, and riverfront views at this community park in downtown Libby.
- Swede Mountain Lookout Trail (20–25 min) – Hike to a fire lookout tower with panoramic views over the Kootenai Valley and surrounding peaks.
FAQ
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Where is Libby, Montana located?
- Libby is a small town in Montana, situated on the beautiful Kootenai River at the foot of the Cabinet Mountains.
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How did Libby get its name?
- Libby was founded in the 1880s and named after the daughter of a local miner.
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What is the history of Libby?
- The town has a history rooted in mining and timber, but more recently, it has become known for tourism.
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Why is Libby called the ‘City of Eagles’?
- Libby is fondly known as the ‘City of Eagles’ due to the several eagle sculptures displayed around town.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Libby?
- Libby is surrounded by over two million acres of rugged landscapes, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking in the Kootenai National Forest
- Fishing on the 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa
- Fishing in the Kootenai River
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and fewer crowds. |
The Country Inn – A cozy and welcoming stay in the heart of Libby. |
Visit Kootenai Falls – See breathtaking waterfalls and walk across the swinging bridge. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures. |
Venture Inn – A comfortable stay with a restaurant and great amenities. |
Explore the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness – Hike scenic trails and enjoy wildlife viewing. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage. |
The Evergreen Motel – A budget-friendly and charming lodging option. |
Drive along the scenic Highway 37 – Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Koocanusa. |
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