Outdoor recreation and protected land surround Libby
Trips around Libby offer panoramic views of the varied terrain in this scenic pocket of northwestern Montana. Rolling mountains accent the skyline in some directions, and dense forests stand out in others. This small community, surrounded by acres upon acres of undeveloped, protected land, is ripe with outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s one of the biggest draws to this area. “It’s all around us. So it keeps Libby somewhat small,” says Brody Goucher, a co-owner and managing broker at CENTURY 21 Summit Realty, with five years of experience. “There’s not a ton of land to build outward. It keeps us from getting the massive subdivisions some other parts of Montana are getting.”
Parklands provide recreation options year-round
The Kootenai National Forest surrounds Libby, a 2.2-million-acre behemoth. The forest features some 1,400 miles of trails, and many are available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Experienced hikers can tackle the Northeast Ridge path up Snowshoe Peak, the forest’s tallest point at more than 8,700 feet. Goucher says the Kootenai River here flows through Libby itself and is a popular draw for fly fishing and simply floating on the water. Libby’s Riverfront Park, along the Kootenai River, has a sizable log pavilion that can be reserved for private events. Fireman Memorial Park includes a playground and a splash pad.
Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are huge in the wintertime, Goucher says. Over 350 miles of snowmobile trails are in the Kootenai National Forest. The Turner Mountain Ski Area in the forest has 22 named slopes. “Which is a huge draw for people,” Goucher says. “Towns this size usually don’t have ski mountains.”
Varied environment supports a diverse property mix
Libby offers buyers options from well-established Craftsman-style bungalows on sidewalk-lined streets to custom homes secluded on more than an acre. Many of the bungalows cluster in the center of the community and were built in the early to mid-20th century. The more spacious properties dot the outskirts, some along the Kootenai River. And while open land for development is limited in Libby, the area does have some relatively new homes, including in the Creek View Estates subdivision. Prices in Libby usually range from $170,000 to $500,000. Many of the pricier properties are close to the river. However, with a median of $365,000, prices are considered relatively affordable here and around the rest of Lincoln County. “As far as northwest Montana goes, really western Montana in general, the best bang for your buck is by far Lincoln County,” Goucher says.
“Ignite the Nites” lights up Libby in August
Ignite the Nites is a high-octane tradition in Libby on the third weekend of August. A car show with hundreds of entries headlines the event, which the Igniters Car Club hosts. “People come from all over,” Goucher says. Ignite the Nites also includes a Friday night cruise and live music. The Riverfront Blues Festival, also in August, is another annual fixture in Libby at Riverfront Park. In September, the Kootenai Harvest Festival at Riverfront Park attracts area farmers and artisans selling various goods.
Mineral Avenue has a solid selection of businesses
Restaurants and other businesses fill Libby’s downtown district. Many of them are located along the walkable Mineral Avenue. “Downtown Libby definitely has gotten revitalized in the last couple decades,” Goucher says. “Lots of new businesses have come into town.” Smoking Gun BBQ is among them, a spot that opened in 2020 and is popular for its pulled pork and brisket sandwiches. Fix Coffeehouse is a draw for its breakfast burritos, while Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company has several signature beers. Mineral Avenue’s Monaghan’s Furniture has been open for over 30 years and provides free local delivery. Eagle Outfitters of Montana offers a wide selection of outdoor gear and sports memorabilia.
Locals can grab groceries outside of downtown at Rosauers, a regional chain located on Ninth Street. Or they can sit down for a meal at Red Dog Saloon & Pizza, which Goucher co-owns and is known in part for its complementary bowls of peanuts. Goucher says people make periodic trips to Kalispell, about 90 miles away, to shop at big-box stores like Costco, Lowe’s, Target and Walmart.
Public schools in Libby offer sports, clubs and a robotics team
The Libby Public Schools system has a B-minus grade on Niche. The B-minus-rated Libby Elementary offers extracurricular activities, including a newspaper. Libby Middle earns a B-plus and has football, basketball, track and volleyball teams. The C-plus-rated Libby High sponsors a robotics team. The unrated Kootenai Valley Christian School is a private, interdenominational institution in Libby for kindergarten to 12th grade.
Highway, train and airport access link Libby to Kalispell
Libby’s Ninth Street is part of U.S. Highway 2, which takes drivers directly to Kalispell. The city is home to Glacier Park International Airport, the closest commercial airport. Six commercial airlines operate from Glacier Park, including American, Delta and United. Travelers can also take the train out of town — Libby has a station on Amtrak’s Empire Builder line. Medical services are available without leaving town at the 25-bed Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
