Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake

 The biggest island on Flathead Lake, Montana's Wild Horse Island is rich with flora and fauna that thrive in this Palouse-like Prairie ecosystem. Visitors to the park, which is located within both the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County, will find a wealth of activities to keep them busy from hiking trails that connect across the island to its scenic shoreline. This destination is a favorite for hikers, photographers, birders and other nature enthusiasts as well as kayakers and sailors.

During the winter months, this is a great place to witness wildlife like bighorn sheep and mule deer as they feed on the snow-covered ground. The island is also home to a small herd of five wild horses, as well as falcons and other native birds. Fishing is allowed with tribal and state fishing licenses; however, the herd of horses is off limits to the public for their health and safety.

In the summer, the island is popular with recreational boaters and swimmers. There are no lifeguards on duty at the island's beach, so all swimmers should be supervised by a companion. Wild Horse Island is a designated wilderness area, so overnight camping is not permitted.

After the federal government opened Wild Horse Island for homesteading in 1915, many parcels remained unclaimed. A real estate speculator named Almond White, a one-time associate of railroad baron James J. Hill, bought the majority of the island's land. His plans included lakefront villas, a school for boys and girls, summer camps for Scouts and Campfire Girls, a large hotel and even a celestial observatory on one of the island's peaks. White eventually sold most of his holdings, including 36 island acres, to Cora Timken, heiress to a family roller-bearing fortune.

A modest house and barn, likely built by the Johnsons in December 1910, remain along the island's main hiking trail. The rest of the island is a state park, managed by the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The island is a reminder of Montana's rich history, with its many cultural and natural attractions.

A great way to see the island is by kayak, either from a nearby launch or at the marina in nearby Kalispell. Hikers can enjoy a landscape of near-untouched beauty, while birders and other nature enthusiasts can look forward to seeing native wildlife and rare plants. The horse herd is off limits for visitor safety reasons, but there are plenty of other animals to see such as bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer, as well as songbirds, waterfowl, falcons and bald eagles. This island is a highlight of Flathead Lake, which is a favorite vacation spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.wild horse island flathead lake