Libby

Libby is in Northwestern Montana. It is the county seat of Lincoln County. The population was 2,628 at the 2010 census. == Understand == Nestled in the Kootenai River Valley between the Cabinet and Purcell Mountains, Libby has a historical profile akin to many Montana towns, featuring mining, logging, and hunting. The rugged mountain landscape with nearby river and lakes has been used as a filming site, most famously The Revenant. LibbyMT.com is a must visit website. They are a locally run website with extensive information about current activities and details for area attractions. == Get in == Libby is on US Highway 2. It is 50 miles east of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and 90 miles west of Kalispell, Montana. The nearest commercial airport is Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell. === By train === 1 Libby station, 100 Mineral Avenue. The station is unstaffed station. There are restrooms and parking but no other accommodations. (updated Oct 2023) Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates train service around the United States of America. (updated Mar 2022) Route serving Libby: Empire Builder operating daily between Seattle/Portland and Chicago including stops at Spokane, Glacier National Park, Fargo, Saint Paul, and Milwaukee. The trains split into separate branches between Seattle and Spokane, and between Portland and Spokane, while operating as trains consisting of train cars from both branches between Spokane and Chicago. == Get around == Businesses in Libby are fairly spread out so you will want a car or bike to get around. == See == 1 Heritage Museum, 34067 U.S. Rte 2, ☏ +1 406 293-7521. May-Sep, M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1-5PM. Showcasing the history of Lincoln County and northwest Montana. Historical relics, e.g. gas stations, train, logging and mining equipment. The 12 sided log building is interesting to see in its own right. Donation. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Libby Dam, 17877 Highway 37 (17 miles north on Hwy 39), ☏ +1 406 293-3421. Visitor Center Jun-Aug 9:30AM-6PM. It wouldn't be a trip to Libby without seeing the dam. The 422 foot high and 3,055 foot long dam created the Koocanusa Reservoir. Guided tours are at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM. They last 1 hour and start at the Visitor Center with a 15 minute check-in. Free. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge, Kootenai River Rd (9 miles west on Hwy 2, parking lot on north side of highway), ☏ +1 406 295-4693. Open in safe weather. Bucket list location to see one of the largest falls in the US (by flowrate). A short, partially dirt, walk from the parking lot takes you to the swinging bridge. There is a viewing area from the parking lot. At 2,100 feet you can see the spectacular walls of the canyon. The #218 trail lets those more adventurous, and fit, to head up the steep cliffs. Picnic area and summer snack shack. Free. (updated Aug 2023) == Do == Flyfishing on the Kootenai River Gold panning Golf 1 Clash of the Carvers, 1015 9th Street (at Venture Inn), ☏ +1 406 293-7711, info@kootenaicountrymontana.com. Sep. Watch 20 of the world's best chainsaw artists work their craft. 4 day competition features the masterpiece and "quick carve" events. Free. 2 Kooky Noosa Disc Golf Course, 260 Souse Gulch Rd (by Libby Dam). Very hilly and wooded 18 hole course. Take a map and bring water. If you love disc golf head 10 miles toward Troy for the Zachary Haines Memorial Course and then all the way into Troy for the Timber Beast. Free. 3 Libby Kid's Fish Pond, Fish Pond Rd (SW of Millpond Motocross Park), ☏ +1 406 751-4550, mhensler@mt.gov. Open daily, sun up to sun down. Small fishing pond with paved path. It is stocked so the kids are usually able to catch a fish. Plenty of trees surround the area for nice shade and wildlife watching. Do NOT go on ice during winter. Free. 4 Turner Mountain, Pipe Creek Rd (22 miles north on Montana 567), ☏ +1 406 293-2468, contact@skiturner.com. Dec 15-Apr 15, F Sa Su 9:30AM-4PM. Downhill skiing and snowboarding on 22 named runs. Uncrowded and inexpensive. Lodge with burgers and snack bar. == Buy == 1 Farmers Market, 905 W 9th St, ☏ +1 406 293-4167. May-Sep, Th 3-6:30PM. Local produce and home-made goods (updated Aug 2023) == Eat == 1 Burger Express, 205 E 9th St. M-F 6:30AM-8:30PM, Sa 8AM-8:30PM, Su 11AM-8PM. More than just burgers. Essentially a fast food place that's local. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Diane's, 201 California Ave, ☏ +1 406 293-5041. M-F 11AM-3PM. Soup and sandwiches. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Switchback Bar & Grill, 1111 9th St, ☏ +1 406 293-5041. Tu W Th 8AM-10PM, F Sa 8AM-11PM. Good variety. Dinner menu includes steaks and prime rib. (updated Aug 2023) == Drink == 1 Cabinet Mountain Brewing, 206 Mineral Ave, ☏ +1 406 293-2739. Daily, noon-8PM. Handcrafted ales and sodas. Bar food. Live music and outdoor seating. Brewery tours are free, by request. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Copper Mountain Coffee, 25 Hamann Ave (across from Les Schwab). Daily, noon-8PM. Coffee, hot food and bakery. (updated Jul 2023) == Sleep == Bobtail Lodge Bed & Breakfast, 476 Bobtail Ln, ☏ +1 406 293-7175, stay@bobtaillodge.com. 1 Evergreen Motel, 808 Mineral Ave, ☏ +1 406 293-4178. Charmingly rustic local hotel. Right along the creek with picnic tables and grills. Fridge/microwave in room. $90-160, highest in summer. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Venture Inn and Restaurant, 1015 9th St, ☏ +1 406 293-7711. Indoor pool and hot tub, pet friendly, fridge/microwave. Restaurant serving large and varied menu. Complimentary cookies. $150. (updated Aug 2023) == Connect == Lincoln County Library, 220 W 6th St, ☏ +1 406 293-2778. M-F 10AM-6PM. Public access to computers. Free. (updated Jul 2023) == Go next == Thompson Chain of Lakes (all along Hwy 2 toward Kalispell) is a string of 18 lakes. Enjoy fishing, rafting, floating, or bird watching. Motorized craft is allowed just mind the no-wake zones.