Traveling back in time – Railroad display models historic Flathead Valley in miniature
Once, trains chugged right through the heart of Kalispell, making it a bustling railroad hub and commercial center in Northwest Montana. A spur line linked the town to Somers on Flathead Lake, where passengers and freight moved daily between Kalispell’s Great Northern Depot and the steamboat terminal. Though the trains stopped running decades ago and the tracks removed, their impact still echoes today. At the Northwest Montana History Museum, visitors can now step back in time through a detailed model railroad display as part of an exhibit highlighting the region’s timber industry roots.
Find out about the volunteers who made the display happen with Daily Inter Lake's story Traveling Back in Time. Read Heidi Desch's full story online.
The Northwest Montana History Museum is located at 124 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. For more information, visit nwmthistory.org.
May 7, 2025
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Daily Inter Lake reporter Hailey Smalley follows Jamie Rolfing and his family as they reopen their 500-acre Great Northern Ranch to the public, inviting visitors to experience the quiet companionship of llamas along forest trails. Recapture the magic of slowing down, listening to the trees, and letting these quirky animals lead the way.
Read the full article - A family llama-cy: Couple takes the lead on family trekking business
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Wolves in the Crosshairs, Veto Overridden, and Bigfork Bridge Rebuild Begins
Reporter Taylor Inman breaks down the major headlines shaping Northwest Montana this week. Montana’s wolf population is back in the spotlight as officials propose looser hunting and trapping rules — sparking debate across the state. Lawmakers successfully override Gov. Gianforte’s veto of a bill to reimburse counties for housing inmates awaiting mental health care. Plus, construction is set to begin on a long-awaited replacement for the Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork.
Read more from this week’s show:
Proposed regulation changes aim to increase Montana wolf harvest
State will reimburse jails holding inmates awaiting mental health evaluations
Work on Sportsman's Bridge to begin next month
A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at lorensauto.com.
July 26, 2025
Montana Festival Fever: Huckleberries, Faeries, Reggae & More Summer Highlights!
From Whitefish to Columbia Falls, this episode takes you inside the vibrant heartbeat of Northwest Montana's summer festival scene. We’re talking Huckleberry Days, the Flathead Faerie Festival, Heritage Days in Columbia Falls, reggae at the Montana Tap House, Fire in the Mountains metal fest, Fleetwood Mac tributes, Motown tributes, and Midland’s big show—plus so much more. Get the scoop on food trucks, art vendors, live music, and the community spirit bringing these events to life.
Don't miss our featured event - Whitefish’s Huckleberry Days Arts Festival, August 8th–10th at Depot Park! Enjoy local art, food, and family-friendly fun all weekend long — and admission is free, thanks to the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at https://www.whitefishartsfestival.org
Whether you’re chasing huckleberry ice cream or headbanging in the mountains, we’ve got the full rundown of can't-miss moments. Check out https://www.dailyinterlake.com/events for the full rundown.
A big thank you to our headline sponsor for the News Now podcast, Loren's Auto Repair! They combine skill with integrity resulting in auto service & repair of the highest caliber. Discover them in Ashley Square Mall at 1309 Hwy 2 West in Kalispell Montana, or learn more at https://www.lorensauto.com.