About Stelling Ranch and Land Real Estate

Hello and Welcome to the Real Estate Offices of Stelling & Associates and Stelling Ranch & Land. Founded and operated by father C.R 'Chuck' Stelling (Broker for Stelling Ranch & Land) & his son, Steve Stelling, (Broker for Stelling & Associates). We have been in the same location, The Montana Building in Missoula, for over 35 years and along with 7 associates (as well as, 3rd Generation Stephen Stelling, Jr.). We offer over 150 years of combined real estate experience.

Our office is small enough to provide friendly, knowledgeable & personal service, yet large enough to help with all of your real estate needs. Missoula is where our "home" offices reside and we can be found in the 100+ year old Montana Building in the 'Downtown' area on the corner of Higgins & Broadway. We have two companies to better serve you. Stelling & Associates website is at - http://www.stelling.net & Stelling Ranch & Land is at - http://www.ranchandland.com And if you don't happen to see the right place in our current showings, we will be happy to do a Multiple Listings search. We cover all of Western Montana & beyond and we would love to assist you in finding your 'just right place'. Missoula, called "The Garden City", is also known as the “Hub” of 5 Valleys, and just like the spokes on the Stelling wagon wheel logo, so are the Valleys that flow from Missoula. They are: ‘The Clark Fork Valley’ to the West, the ‘Flathead Valley’ to the North, the ‘Blackfoot Valley’ to the NE, the ‘Deerlodge Valley’ to the East and the ‘Bitterroot Valley’ to the South. Like limbs of a huge tree these large valleys split into smaller branches (or valleys & canyons) and so on. Why are visitors so enamored with Montana? The skies, the mountains, the trees, and the people - all are every day reminders of how blessed we truly are to live here. As a recent visitor from the Midwest said, “Noone can tell you about the beauty of this place. You have to see it and experience it first hand, with your own eyes. It is amazing.” Montana is the fourth largest State, in size, so our agents cover a large territory; literally N, S, E, W - and over a 200 mile radius from Missoula, Montana. Each of our 7 agents & brokers brings their own wonderful skills & abilities to our office. A few are former ranchers, committed fishermen or equestrian fanatics, part-time golfers or former business owners. Many of them snow ski, water ski or bird & big game hunt. Some run ATV's , or RV's or Sea Ray's. We even have 3 generations of University of Montana graduates – Go Griz! But we all have the same thing in common - we love our phenomenal State and are very grateful to be able to live here & raise our families here; to enjoy the people, the outdoors and the exceptional beauty of Montana - every day. Whether you are looking for a home with acreage, a working or recreational ranch, a commercial or business opportunity, bare land, waterfront property or a true recreational property, we service an area from Saltese to White Sulphur Springs, The Yaak, to Sula and everywhere in between & beyond (occasionally even stretching into Eastern Montana). We Know Montana and we invite you to come visit and experience the majestic beauty, wildlife and open space that we call home. This time of year, especially, reminds us of how very lucky we are to live in Western Montana. As the holidays approach, weekends and evenings are spent on a myriad of events. November, December and January are spent creating new memories while participating in old family traditions. Houses are decked out in colorful lights, while inside, pine trees are embellished with favorite decorations. In the kitchen, recipes from generations past are seen baking in the oven, while the aromas mingle throughout the house. Perhaps the holidays are best described as a time for children, parents and grandparents to come together, enjoying each other’s company amid the sights, sounds and smells of the season. Leading up to Nov. 24th, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1st, are many spirited events. What activities will become traditions and cherished memories in your family? Will you opt for a store bought reusable Xmas tree? Or will you choose to linger around the many Christmas tree lots, to find the perfect Blue Spruce or Ponderosa Pine? Many families make it part of their holiday tradition to go out into the woods and cut their own ‘perfect’ tree. A woodcutting permit from the Forest Service is required, and for a nominal fee you will be given a choice of areas that are available. This helps assist in correct land management and forestation. We suggest you dress warmly: hats, gloves, boots even though the weather has continued to be dry and pleasant in the mid 30’s to lower 40’s, it can feel much cooler in shaded and forested areas. It is always a good idea to let a friend or family member know where you will be going and how long you should be gone (whenever you travel the back trails or logging roads of Montana and especially in the fall and winter months). Also, cell phones are wonderful to have along, in case of an emergency, but remember, depending on where you are in the back woods, there may not be adequate reception; although Steve Stelling can happily check in from atop “Snowbowl” during his once-a-week inspection of the ski runs. Remember to bring an axe, saw or chainsaw to cut your fine pine or fir selection and perhaps some rope, for tying to the vehicles rooftop. Many families make a day of it by bringing sleds and picnic baskets filled with snacks and hot chocolate. Afterwards, when your perfect tree is decorated and is seen shining through the front room window, you may wish to begin your holiday shopping. Montana does not have a sales tax, which is very nice at this time of year. In Western Montana, Missoula is the shopping mecca, as it is the ‘Hub of 5 Valleys’ and the center for a large rural population, as well as numerous smaller towns. Missoula provides the services of a much larger city with a 100+ store Mall, an active Downtown and a growing commercial strip on the west side at Reserve Street, where you will find Costco, Michaels Crafts, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Staples, Target, Ross, T. J. Maxx, Home Depot and Lowe’s along with a Furniture Store, Video Store, Grocery Store, Cowboy Apparel, Pet Store, Sporting Goods, Computer Store, a Carmike 12 Theater, as well as, many other merchants, a few hotels (including The Marriot and The Hilton) and several motels, like the C'Mon Inn & the Grant Creek Inn and Staybridge Suites, as well as several others. Many wonderful restaurants like the Outback Steakhouse, Famous Dave's, The Montana Club, Mackenzie River Pizza, Johnny Carino’s, The Blue Canyon, Sean Kelly’s and yes of course a Starbucks. As you head South on Reserve Street, just past the Mullan Road juncture (where Super Wal-Mart is located; 1 of 2 stores), is the Humane Society where homeless animals await to be adopted. Continuing South on Reserve, we pass Rosauers Grocery store and Shopko, then meet with Highway 93 (which eventually turns into ‘Higgins’ as you head north) and where K-Mart and our other Wal-Mart are located. Many businesses & restaurants are located on the ’93 Strip’ like Hu-Hot, Applebee’s, and Jaker’s Steakhouse, and as you head North the Southgate Mall with over 100 stores including Sears, J.C. Penney, Dillard’s and Herberger’s will be sighted on the west side. Enjoy lunch at the Asian/American ‘Mustard Seed’ or an original hoagie at Hoagieville or a refreshing and healthy drink at Just Chill’n or great burgers at Red Robin. As we continue north, 93 turns into Higgins, where we end up in the ‘Downtown’ area of Missoula; many local artisans and store merchants are located here where holiday activities abound with concerts, caroling, programs, art shows, craft shows, tree lightings and Santa sightings. Two very nice riverside motels (Clark Fork River) are within walking distance to downtown, where plenty of activities for the entire family are available to enjoy and participate in. We suggest you visit the Missoula Childrens Museum; made for kids toddler to about age 10, you all will have a great time (it will keep them busy for hours - on Front Street; open Tues. – Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-5). As you can see, there are many opportunities here to create precious new memories that will last a lifetime. So along with our very best Holiday Wishes, to you and yours, we are also enclosing information on some other areas in Western Montana for you to consider visiting. Some suggestions are for traveling this winter, as well as, info to help you plan your vacation for next spring & summer. We hope you find this helpful. The main reason that Missoula seems to reflect the most influence on the ‘Western’ part of the State is that it is situated conveniently in the geographical center. Generally, we refer to Western Montana, as being that portion of the State (actually, closer to 1/3) that lies west of the Continental Divide). Dramatic differences are exhibited, not just in the landscape, but also in the climate. Although the ‘East Side’ of the mountains will have periodic warm “chinook” winds throughout the winter (abruptly changing temperatures with almost constant winds) it is often the mountain tempered climate of Western Montana that surprises those who may not be familiar with our area. Montana, at 550 miles wide and up to 320 miles from North to South, comprises 145,338 Sq. Miles - that computes to over 94 million acres. It is the 4th largest State in the Union (only Alaska, California and Texas are larger). Montana has a population of around 900,000 people which means that there are barely better than 6 people per Square Mile. It is the 44th most populous State in the Nation and this Countries 41st State (we celebrated our 120th year of Statehood in 2008.) Very much a rural-oriented population (49.5%), Montana has only 126 incorporated towns. Missoula is the regional culture and trade center for Western Montana and 'Missoulian’s' are very proud of the University of Montana, which was founded in 1895 (with an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students). The U of M, ranks 4th in the nation (per capita) for numbers of students selected as Rhodes Scholars. One thing you will notice is (depending on the month and day of the year and your location) it is not unusual for the sun to set in the South in mid-winter. Of course that is the price we pay for our long summer days, when the sun doesn’t go down until 10:00 p.m. and you may find yourself still fishing a river, golfing, riding, or hiking in the warm twilight, till close to 10:30 p.m. Some winter nights, when the moon is full and the sky is clear, it is easy to be reminded of those long summer evenings. It’s almost as light, as the same 10:30 p.m. of the summer solstice. The pure-white blanket of snow can reflect every bit of light; although a few clouds aloft don’t seem to soften the brightness much of a burning moon, but instead, tend to help reflect the light back upon the snow and then back to the clouds, till the whole night seems alight. Montana certainly has all 4 Seasons and Montanan’s enjoy their beautiful outdoor surroundings, with each change. Those who love to ski and snowmobile take heart! A few inches of snow in the valley of Missoula, usually means ‘powder’ in the mountains. Western Montana is blessed with several wonderful ski areas and some fantastic places to snowmobile. Within minutes of downtown Missoula is ‘Snowbowl Ski Area". The ‘Bowl’ is one of The Most challenging ski areas you will ever see; or live to see. There are intermediate runs, which challenge the intermediate skier but for Expert Skiers, this is ‘The Place’ to Ski. With runs like ‘Heap Steep’, the ‘Spartan’ and ‘the Bowl’, that will get your blood rushing and heart-pounding. The top of the chair will show you a view of the entire Missoula Valley (all the way down south to the Bitterroot Valley). If you are up to ‘the challenge’ - then grab your ‘board’ or your ‘planks’ and head for ‘Snow Bowl’. Another great ski area lies to the South of Missoula (down the Bitterroot Valley & south of Hamilton) - ‘Lost Trail Powder Mountain’. Like many of Western Montana’s ski areas, ‘Lost Trail’ is enough mountain to have a great time skiing, yet small enough to make you feel right at home. For the money, this is a great area for both young and old. This writer has watched it grow from a small log cabin lodge with outhouses to a very nice ‘family atmosphere’ lodge and nice runs. We even have an Olympic Champion who calls ‘Lost Trail’ his 2nd home, growing up. You may remember Eric Bergoust, Olympic Gold Medallist for Aerial Ski Jumping, from the Winter Olympics. If you head east from Missoula, you may want to stop and ski ‘Discovery Ski Basin’ yet another ‘family-oriented’ ski area with some great runs. Discovery is near Anaconda, in the scenic- Pintlar Mountain Range and near Georgetown Lake. Two chairlifts let you decide whether to stay with the kids or head on up the mountain for some challenging runs; another good value. Just before you get to Butte, you may wish to head south where you will find the Maverick Mountain, a beautiful ski area located in the Pioneer Mountains of the Beaverhead National Forest, about 40 miles west of Dillon. This small ski area with a balanced variety of ski trails from expert to beginner is currently for sale by Stelling & Associates (visit our site: http://www.stelling.net and view under Investment/Commercial). Maverick receives an average of over 200” annual snowfall, fluffy light-powdered snow, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of unsurpassed mountain scenery, combined with an optimal fall line, producing a wonderful skier’s mountain. This isn’t glitz and glamour, movie stars and high-speed quads, but a warm and friendly lodge and ski area. It lies at the end of one of Montana’s oldest valleys; the closest town is Montana’s 1st Territorial Capitol, but now the ghost town of Bannack. If what you are really looking for, is your own escape from the unfriendly crowds of overrated slopes and a quality lifestyle that includes the essence of skiing, with the ability to make your own dream and watch it grow, then you had better consider this opportunity. There certainly aren’t many offerings like this- but then that is what makes it so special; and listed at a Bargain Price. Besides the downhill skiing at Maverick, miles of cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails begin at Elkhorn Hot Springs Resort, and the Grasshopper Inn, provide the quiet and very nice accommodations that make this the ultimate place to relax; only about 3 miles away. Continuing east on I-90 to ‘just-before’ Bozeman, you may want to visit Montana’s true Destination Resort Ski Area - ‘Big Sky’. The first thing you will see as you near this amazing ski area is ‘Lone Peak’- it is majestic. The ‘Big Sky’ ski area was the brain-child of Chet Huntley and as ‘baby boomers & up’ will remember, he was the famous News Anchor of the remembered nightly ‘Goodnight David - Goodnight Chet’ news team. ‘Big Sky’ has Montana’s only (as far as we know) Gondola Lift (4-man). This is an excellent intermediate area and a wonderful beginner's area. The runs are long and wide. But once you have moved up a few levels, there are some excellent difficult and challenging runs that will guarantee you don’t get bored. And one chair that heads up Lone Peak is a ‘no fall’ zone. Certainly a run not for the faint of heart but designed for only the most expert of skier. ‘Big Sky’ has condo’s to rent right at the foot of the Mountain or you can stay in the Lodge and enjoy fine dining as well. The ski lodge has many shops and bistros to visit, or sit out on the deck and watch the skiers ‘shoosh’ to the Gondola line, while you enjoy a hot java and a sandwich. Approximately 2 hours north of Missoula, at Lakeside, is Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. This is a wonderful ‘family oriented’ ski area that is now in its eleventh year of providing wonderful ski memories for all ages and at a great price. Continuing north on Hwy. 93 is “Whitefish Mountain Resort” (formerly ‘The Big Mountain’). This IS a Big Mountain to ski with runs for all levels of skiers. With several chairs (including 4-man High Speed Quads) and a restaurant at the ‘top’ of the world (or so it seems) where you can see clear into Canada and the peaks of Glacier/Waterton National Park, all the way across Whitefish Lake and down the Flathead Valley. The views are absolutely spectacular 360’ gorgeous. Don’t forget to watch for ‘Snow Ghosts’ while riding the ‘Big Chair’ up to the restaurant. These ‘Ghosts’ are actually trees that are so wind swept with snow that they seem to take on shapes that you can visualize (like seeing pictures in the clouds on a sunny day) some have looked like Winnie the Pooh, or dinosaurs; let your imagination run wild. This is a very large ski area that has many amenities. It also caters to our friends from the north (Canada) and can be a very busy place, but it is a large enough mountain that it handles a lot of ski traffic. Don’t miss seeing the statue of Jesus (off the 2nd chair) arms open, overlooking the entire valley, and where Sunday services are often held. If you get a chance look for the ‘Big Drift’, a huge, deep gully, with an out-turned lip on the up-side. Daring (?) skiers take a run down this windblown and snow-shaped gully to try and make it up and over the back-turned lip on the other side. Makes for some ‘amusing’ viewing. At the base there is a lodge for ‘sack-lunchers’ or you can dine amid elegance. They also have outdoor ‘burgers & brew”. Book lodging in one of the many condo’s on the Mountain or stay in Whitefish or Kalispell. The ‘Mountain’ also has night skiing and you can see the lights beckoning to you from the towns of Whitefish & Kalispell, on any clear, crisp evening. Whitefish Mountain Resort has got to be on your list of places to ski in Montana. Priced a bit higher than most Montana ski areas it offers ‘bunny hills’ to blue/black diamonds; this is a great place to ski. We haven’t forgotten the Snowmobilers or the ‘Skinny Skiers’. Montana offers miles and miles of terrain for cross-country skiers, with the quiet, solitude you are looking for. And Snow Machines can let loose in such areas as Lost Trail Pass, Lookout Pass and our favorite Lolo Pass. Just 10 miles south of Missoula and West, up the beautiful Lolo Valley - you will pass (and you may want to stop at) the Lolo Hot Springs Resort. This natural Hot Springs is a true part of Montana History. Here is where Native Americans came to soak in the hot, medicinal waters. Lewis & Clark camped here and wrote of the springs in their Journals. Plan to bring your swimsuit and then stay to dine in the restaurant, (the RV park is open in the spring/summer). They offer summer and winter recreation packages. Just a few miles past the Hot Springs, at Lolo Pass, is where you can enjoy some excellent snowmobiling on groomed trails. Missoula is not only a natural outdoor playground, but it is also one of the most dynamic cultural centers in the Northwest. Missoula is home to the University of Montana, and is the major retail and medical hub for Western Montana. That is why this issue of the Stelling Real Estate Newsletter, is teeming with vacation and travel plans for your next visit to Missoula and Western Montana. Looking for things to do? Well the Montana experience can truly be enjoyed year-round. How about a jog along the Clark Fork River, a hike into the Rattlesnake Wilderness, a bike ride or a leisurely walk on Missoula trails, or cast a fly in a nearby blue ribbon trout stream; take to our cross-country trails, raft a river or visit historic Downtown or old time Fort Missoula. Enjoy gourmet meals, listen to an outdoor concert, take your favorite kid to the Children’s Museum or Dragon Hollow, shoot a round of golf at your choice of 6 area courses or check out a book from the library and pull up a tree (to sit under) in one of Missoula’s beautiful neighborhood parks, take a swim in our indoor or outdoor waterparks with waterslides or a dip in Frenchtown Pond, or picnic up Pattee Canyon. There is always something to do in Missoula and its outlying neighborhoods. Missoula Attractions: Reserve Street/N. Corridor - Missoula's newest shopping district offers major shopping and home improvement, as well as, large familiar department stores, discount stores, restaurants and more. Downtown Missoula - No place like it anywhere else. On the Clark Fork River next to several parks and scenic hiking and biking trails, a collection of specialty shops, stores, restaurants, lounges, art galleries, antique stores, and service businesses. Old time flavor, with a new feel. A Carousel for Missoula - This Wooden Carousel was hand-carved by volunteers using traditional techniques. It turns to the music of the largest band organ that is in continuous use in the United States. Gift shop with local arts and crafts, gifts, souvenirs and carousel collectibles. Just west of Missoula is the Museum of Mountain Flying - Located at the East end of the airport. It is the only aviation museum in Montana. Devoted to the men and airplanes that flew the northern Rockies. Open weekends 10 am to 5pm Memorial Day-Labor Day. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - just up Grant Creek (Reserve St. North past I-90 exit) - is the fastest growing wildlife conservation organization in the country, the National Headquarters is based in Missoula; the heartland of elk country. The Wildlife Visitor Center is filled with beautiful taxidermy of elk and other North American big game animals. You can see some of the best in North American wildlife art and a life size bull elk bronze. Also, take a moment to relax in the theatre featuring wildlife videos. Pick up a copy of the nationally acclaimed BUGLE Magazine and learn more about elk and the habitat in which they live. Free admission. Greenough Park (just east of Downtown Missoula, Beginning at Monroe and Vine) is a mile drive through a wooded area beside Rattlesnake Creek, with a landscaped picnic area, walking/jogging trails and covered public event area to rent. The park was once a part of a large estate that was donated to the city. The Art Museum of Missoula - 335 N. Pattee, is a fully accredited museum of art specializing in art of the western states, with changing exhibits, educational programs, films, lectures and an event calendar. Hours: 12-5, Tuesday-Saturday 12-9 Friday. 728-0447. Paxon Paintings in the Missoula County Courthouse, 220 West Broadway. Edgar Samuel Paxon is probably best known for his painting of "Custer's Last Stand" finished in 1899. In 1906 he moved his studio to Missoula from Butte and in 1912 began a group of murals depicting early Montana history for the Missoula County Courthouse, which were finished in 1914. The eight paintings can be viewed from 8 am to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 721-5700. The Memorial Rose Garden - Located on Brooks Street is a park that was established in 1947 by the American Rose Society and maintained as a memorial to the casualties of World War II. There are more than 2,500 rose plants growing there. The Montana Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials have been added to pay tribute to those brave Montanans who lost their lives in those conflicts. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula – (entrance is located on South Avenue across from Big Sky High School) consists of two parts: indoor galleries with long-term and changing exhibits, and the outdoor area with a complex of 12 historic structures including a restored one-room schoolhouse and a U.S. Forest Service Lookout. Located in the core of what was historic Fort Missoula (1877-1947), several original buildings remain. Special tours are available with guided and self-guided programs. Accessible to the handicapped. Picnic tables are available on the grounds. For more information, call between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (recorded message after hours). 728-3476. Look toward Mount Sentinel to the east and just under the big “M” on the mountainside is the University of Montana. It was chartered in 1893 and opened in 1895 with 50 students enrolled, but today approximately 10,000+ students work and live in 47 buildings and residence halls scattered over its’ 640-acre campus. The University has a performing arts center, tennis courts, swimming pool, track, stadium, field house, and soccer and baseball fields. Football and basketball events are supported with extra exuberance (to say the least) and attending a game is quite an exciting & invigorating experience like no other. Come help us cheer on our Grizzlies (or Griz) and Lady Griz teams. Hiking areas around Missoula - Rattlesnake Recreation Area (great hiking), Pattee Canyon Recreation Area (great picnicking and hiking), Blue Mountain Recreation Area (great sledding and outdoor area); with endless trails and spectacular views in the Bitterroot National Forest & Lolo National Forest. Stevensville, Montana (down the Bitterroot, 1/2 way between Missoula and Hamilton) is the Lee Metcalf Refuge - The Lee Metcalf Refuge consists of 2800 acres of wetlands, river bottom, woodlands, and open fields. White tail deer, coyote, ground squirrel, marmot, beaver, muskrat, otter, heron, duck, goose, swan, osprey, eagle, owl, pleated woodpecker, and many other animals occur in this diverse habitat. The area has also played a significant role in the history of the Salish Indians and other early explorers, settlers, traders and trappers. Established in 1963 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a part of the National Wildlife Refuge system the Lee Metcalf is small in area but supports a tremendous diversity of plant and animal life. Visitors can observe a wonderful variety of birds, especially during the peak migration periods of fall and early spring. Certain areas of the refuge are open to the public for recreational and educational purposes. Portions of the refuge are open to waterfowl and deer hunting. A county road traverses the southern half of the refuge. Deer, coyotes, waterfowl, and raptors can be observed from this road. A day-use area with parking, picnicking, and toilet facilities is located on this road. Here foot trails meander through an open pine stand to the Bitterroot River. Further down the road a seasonal hiking trail with photographic/viewing blinds provides close up views of waterfowl. This site has an accessible toilet facility and a small parking area. Visitors are asked to be sensitive to the needs of the wildlife in the area. Osprey and other animals are easily disturbed by a human presence, especially during the birthing/nesting season. Quiet, cautious visitors can observe wildlife in their natural setting without disturbing or harming them. The Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge is located 25 miles south of Missoula on Highway 93 and Eastside highway 203. The southern interior of the refuge can be accessed from Wildfowl Lane off of Highway 203. Also, the Stevensville Golf Course is located right ‘next door’ and is a great way to view some of the natural sites and sounds alongside the refuge. In the Swan Valley and Seeley Lake area - Imagine an 80-mile long valley set between two majestic mountain ranges. Its 30-mile width cradles two scenic rivers and a myriad of small lakes and streams. Deep green forests blanket the valley; its giant trees give scale to the mountain peaks on both sides. Wildlife abounds with the eagle and raven keeping watch overhead. This is the “Seeley-Swan” area. A scenic route that follows HWY 200 and HWY 83, along the western slopes of the Rockies. This route connects Big Fork and Kalispell to the north and Missoula via Hwy 200 to the south or Great Falls to the east. Several rural communities in the valley provide services and an opportunity to chat with local folks. A four-season recreation area this the Swan Valley offers hiking and backpacking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, ample camping and great winter snow for Nordic skiing and snowmobiling. A very special time in the Seeley Swan is Fall. The forest takes on a golden hue as the western larch takes on its autumn tone. That's why the mountain forests are colored green and golden; with the emerald colored fir trees and the yellow to gold hues of the larch trees (the only fir-type trees that lose their needles every year). The Seeley Swan is one of Montana’s very special places with its’ ‘Chain of Lakes’, Blackfoot Valley Wildlife Viewing Area, the Holland Lake Recreation Area (also camping, hiking and a Lodge with fine dining), and access to the greatest of Wilderness Areas - The Bob Marshall and The Mission Mountain Wilderness. Other Western Montana Attractions: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and five major wilderness areas are all within easy reach. Over two million acres of scenic public land surround Missoula. For information about outdoor recreation opportunities in the Lolo National Forest, contact Lolo National Forest, Bldg. 24, Fort Missoula, Missoula, MT 59802 or call (406) 329-3750. An easy day trip is the Garnet Ghost Town near Bearmouth on I-90, East of Missoula, this is the real thing; an old mining town set atop the mountain. How did they manage to survive such a rugged and harsh environment? Come explore and learn more for yourself. May to October. The National Bison Range - Located 45 miles North of Missoula near Moiese is home to hundreds of animals including buffalo, elk, mountain goats, big horn sheep, pronghorn antelope and deer where there are short driving tours amid the National Bison Range and from mid-May through October there is a 19-mile self-guided auto tour loop. For more information on many of these attractions contact: Missoula Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 825 E. Front P.O. Box 7577-E, Missoula, MT 59807 1-800-526-3465 or (406) 543-6623. Missoula Children’s Theater - http://www.mctinc.org - University of Montana - http://www.umt.edu/ - Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - http://www.rmef.org/ - Bob Marshall Wilderness - http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_wilderness_area/mt_bob_m.htm - http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/Wilderness.htm / - Whitefish Mt. - http://www.whitefishchamber.org/ - Virginia City - http://www.virginiacity.com/ -. Any time of year, you can catch a show put on by one of Missoula's resident theater companies, including the largest touring company in America (http://www.mctinc.org/ ). In the Flathead Valley meet the people who invented "Made in Montana". In the heart of western Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation, a unique cultural center has been built by the region’s original creators of fine art and crafts: the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille peoples. More than a museum, The People’s Center is a vital, living encounter with our culture. Here, centuries-old wisdom for living harmoniously with the Earth is practiced and taught through classes, demonstrations and interpretive tours. In their gift shop, you’ll be able to choose from authentic, local, Indian-made arts and crafts. Unquestionably, the Flathead Valley and the communities of Whitefish & Kalispell are one of the most vibrant areas; alive with the new spirit of Montana, this area is a service oasis surrounded by inspiring natural beauty. It is an easy drive to Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park and the Jewel Basin from Whitefish, Kalispell and Columbia Falls, where the whole valley is yours to explore. Glacier National Park is truly one of America’s treasures. Its boundaries traverse the Rocky Mountains of the Great Divide, the backbone of the continent. This is majestic country. Visitors marvel at the stunning change in scenery between western slope cedar forests and the prairie grasslands on the eastern slopes. In between stand glacial carved alpine peaks. This visual drama is best experienced on the world famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 55-mile scenic parkway winds its way up and over the continental divide offering access to some of the most beautiful country on earth. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a seasonal option June to October. Year-round access follows the Parks southern boundary over Marias Pass. This route offers access to a natural mineral lick right alongside the highway. Mountain goats frequent the area and an interpretive site offers information on this fascinating animal. Whichever route you choose, Glacier National Park is a destination for the soul; like the rest of Montana; one you will want to return to time and time again. As always, we wish you Peace and Joy this holiday season and all throughout the coming New Year- Happy 2012 to You and Yours! Picture #1: Look out the window and what do I see?? from “The Finest” property in convenient Huson, Montana; currently listed with Steve Stelling. Picture #2: Adorable Enclosed Gazebo Nestled Beside Colorful 9-Mile Creek ~ our Nicest Nine Mile listing call and ask Steve about it.

Stelling & Associates
and
Stelling Ranch and Land
101 EastBroadway - Suite 201 - Missoula, MT 59802
(406) 728-9200 - Fax (406) 728-4309
http://www.ranchandland.com
http://www.stelling.net
E-mail: realty@stelling.net