Lakeside blends the outdoor lifestyle with Flathead Valley convenience
The turquoise waters of Flathead Lake meet rocky beaches and evergreen forests in the small community of Lakeside. The town blends seamlessly with nature, with turkeys and elk grazing the roads alongside bikes and cars. U.S. Route 93, known colloquially as Highway 93, makes commuting quick and simple. “Amenities like big-box stores and shopping are just 15-20 minutes away, so Lakeside isn’t remote,” says Mandi Luce-Heinle, a Realtor with PureWest Real Estate who moved to the area in 2021. “But it doesn’t have the hectic pace the bigger communities have.” The lake and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area attract some tourism, but 2,700 permanent residents maintain a strong sense of camaraderie through events and traditions. “We do what we can to make our community the best it can be because we all share a common appreciation for how special it is.”
Year-round activities on Flathead Lake and in the Rocky Mountains
Lakeside is a natural playground catering to an array of outdoor recreation. The Flathead Harbor Marina provides boat slips, jet ski rentals and a fueling station. “We all appreciate the eye-popping views we have, and those days on the lake are pure heaven,” Luce-Heinle says. Kids can jump off the public dock and swim at Volunteer Park or relax in a gazebo. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, overlooking the lake, draws in alpine skiers during the winter and hikers and bikers during the warmer months. Residents also find thrills on the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster, which winds through the mountainous landscape year-round. The West Shore unit of the Flathead Lake State Park is a quieter retreat with campsites, fishing along the rocky beaches and paddle board rentals when weather permits. Mountain bikers of all skill levels head to Legacy Bike Park, whose trails feature jumps and other obstacles. The 2.4-million-acre Flathead National Forest, 25 miles east, accommodates whitewater rafting and snowmobiling. The Glacier National Park, 50 miles away, captivates with its rugged peaks, meadows and over 700 miles of trails.
Homes are high in the hills and along the lake shores
Residential areas span from gated developments and subdivisions to suburban roads and condo complexes. Some lots sit on large acreages by the lake or high up in the hills, overlooking the valley below. Condos on the water can surpass $1 million, while others have recently sold for around $500,000. Modest ranch-style homes and log cabins often fall between $425,000 and $700,000. New Traditional builds, elaborate mountain chalets and lakeside mansions with private docks and beaches start around $800,000 and soar into the multi-million-dollar range.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Lakeside is 1 out of 10, which is lower when compared to the national average of 4.
Shopping and dining off Highway 93
Residents can purchase everyday items within Lakeside. Blacktail stocks groceries, and Sliters Lumber & Building Supply sells hardware and home goods. Additional big-box stores, including Target, Walmart and Albertsons, are 15 miles away in Kalispell. A stretch along Highway 93 forms a small downtown area with numerous restaurants, bars and businesses. Mavericks is a grill and casino that hosts live music, serves pub fare and has a liquor store. For craft beer, Tamarack Brewing Company has a rotating selection of brews and indoor and outdoor seating. Locals can dock at the marina for a meal at the Harbor Grille, which has a large patio overlooking the water.
Children attend schools in Lakeside, Somers and Kalispell
Students begin their education at Lakeside Elementary, which scores an A-minus on Niche. The A-rated Somers Middle is the top middle school in the county and ranks No. 6 in the state, according to Niche. The B-rated Flathead High in Kalispell offers an International Baccalaureate program and technical education in welding, architecture and automotive mechanics.
Events span from holiday celebrations to community socials
Despite its small population, Lakeside has plenty of service groups and events. “Every event is fully staffed by volunteers in Lakeside,” Luce-Heinle says. “We have a very active food bank, and day-to-day, people help each other here.” Networking events like the monthly Business Associates Social Hours (B.A.S.H.) and neighborhood cleanup days foster connection and community on a more regular basis. Each summer, residents gather for fireworks over the lake on July Fourth and the Christmas tree lighting in the winter. The Lakeside Fair features a parade, food trucks and carnival games, and Winterfest includes ski races at Blacktail Mountain and a cold plunge at The Cabins retreat.
Navigating Flathead Valley and access to healthcare
Highway 93 is the major thoroughfare in Lakeside. Missoula is 107 miles away, and Kalispell is 15 miles north. Flights are available about 24 miles away at the Glacier Park International Airport. Apart from a few primary care facilities in Lakeside, the Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell is the nearest hospital.
