Discover 4 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Polebridge (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Bowman Lake Road, McCarthy Homestead Cabin, and J.K. Miller Homestead. Also, be sure to include Vance Lodge in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Polebridge (Montana).
Table of Contents
Bowman Lake Road
The Bowman Lake Road was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It was deemed significant " for its association with federal development of the North Fork region... The site's period of significance extends from construction in 1914, when park officials began concerted efforts to develop the Bowman Lake area as part of its fire-control and recreation-development programs, until the end of the historic period as defined by the National Register."
The road runs through North Fork Flathead River drainage between Polebridge and Bowman ranger stations in Glacier National Park.[1]
McCarthy Homestead Cabin
Building in Flathead County, Montana. The McCarthy Homestead Cabin is a remnant of early settlement in what would become Glacier National Park. Jeremiah McCarthy built the log homestead in the North Fork area in 1908 after completion of the North Fork Road and passage of the Forest Homestead Act of 1906. Building the cabin was part of beginning to prove up a 130 acres homestead. Jeremiah unfortunately died of consumption in May 1909, but his wife Margaret and eldest child continued the homesteading process by tilling a required amount of land in 1909. And with further improvements each year a "Final Proof" certificate was earned in 1913. Meanwhile, in 1910 the property was included within the area of the new Glacier National Park; it became a private inholding. Margaret McCarthy died in 1939 but children and grandchildren kept spending summers here. In 1970 it was bought by the National Park Service.
The cabin is the only representative of pre-1910 homesteading activity on the west side of the Continental Divide in Glacier. During the 1930s a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was built nearby. At about the same time, the cabin, and others nearby, transitioned from homesteading inholdings to summer cabins for their owners. In the 1950s some of the CCC structures were relocated to the vicinity of the cabin. The National Park Service purchased the property in 1970.
It is a one-room log cabin, and it is featured in a 10-minute episode of "Science Friday" available here or here.[2]
J.K. Miller Homestead
Building in Flathead County, Montana. The J.K. Miller Homestead in Glacier National Park near Big Prairie, Montana, United States, was built in 1909. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The listing included three contributing buildings and one other contributing structure.
According to a 1986 report, the homestead is "a well preserved historic homestead complex, despite its abandonment since the 1930s."
It includes a large, dovetail-notched, log privy that "is notable for its craftsmanship and good preservation" and an "outstanding" 34 feet (10 m) by 34 feet (10 m) log horse barn.[3]
Vance Lodge
Vance Lodge, near the North Fork of the Flathead River near Polebridge, Montana, was built in 1920. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
The 140 acres (57 ha) area listed included four contributing buildings, one contributing structure, and one contributing site. Two other structures were non-contributing.
It was built on the 160 acre claim homesteaded in 1914 by Andy and Ella Vance.[4]