Somers/Lakeside

Located on the North and West shores of Flathead Lake, Somers and Lakeside offer visitors plenty of recreational opportunities and a vibrant history in a small town setting. We may be slightly biased having grown up in Somers, but these two communities offer a certain charm that you can’t help but love. ​While it may seem unassuming at first glance, Somers used to be a pivotal city in the Flathead Valley. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town was a hub for the timber industry, with several sawmills operating in the area. It was also home to a large brickyard, which produced bricks used in many of the buildings in nearby Kalispell. Additionally, Somers played a role in the development of the railroad in Montana, with a station located in the town serving as a stop for several different lines. Today, Somers is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, namely on Flathead Lake. The addition of the Somers Beach State Park in 2021 opened up the area to visitors like never before, giving the general public access to 106 acres along the water. Similar to Somers, Lakeside began its start around 1883 with the completion of the Great Northern Railroad. Celebrating 100 years in 2020, Lakeside was known by several other names throughout its start before officially being named in 1920. This small community served as a getaway for residents of nearby Kalispell. Lakeside is known for Blacktail Ski Resort, wonderful hiking and biking, as well as water sport activities on Flathead Lake. Make sure you don’t miss their 4th of July Firework Show or the Lakeside Community Fair! For more information on these fantastic towns and upcoming events in the area, visit https://lakesidesomerschamber.org/