Cities and Towns in Lake County, Montana
Founded in May 11, 1923, Lake County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Lake County was formed from Flathead County and Missoula County. The city of Polson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, Lake County has a population of 32,033 and area of 1,494 square miles (3,869 km²).
List of all cities in Lake County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arlee, MT | 59821 | 406 |
| Big Arm, MT | 59910 | 406 |
| Charlo, MT | 59824 | 406 |
| Dayton, MT | 59914 | 406 |
| Elmo, MT | 59915 | 406 |
| Moiese, MT | 59824 | 406 |
| Pablo, MT | 59855 | 406 |
| Polson, MT | 59860 | 406 |
| Proctor, MT | 59929 | 406 |
| Ravalli, MT | 59863 | 406 |
| Rollins, MT | 59931 | 406 |
| Ronan, MT | 59864 | 406 |
| Saint Ignatius, MT | 59865 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lake County, Montana
Polson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.49 sq mi
- Population: 5,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59860
- Latitude and Longitude: 47.6931° N, 114.1482° W
Location and History
Polson is located on the southern shore of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, in the western part of Montana. The town was founded in 1891 and named after the area’s first postmaster, Henry Polson. Initially, Polson was a small agricultural and lumbering community that supported the surrounding region, but the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought new growth and commercial development. Over time, Polson became the commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding areas. The town’s economy has long been tied to the natural beauty of Flathead Lake, and tourism has grown as a major industry. The area’s rich history includes Native American presence (particularly the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) long before European settlers arrived. Today, Polson continues to attract visitors year-round for outdoor recreation such as boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful Mission Mountains and nearby national forests.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Polson is served by the Polson School District, which includes Polson High School, Polson Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for strong academic performance and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, drama, and music programs. Notable landmarks in Polson include the beautiful Flathead Lake, which draws tourists for boating, fishing, and water sports. The Polson-Flathead Lake Historical Museum showcases the town’s history, focusing on the area’s Native American heritage and the early settlement days. The nearby Mission Mountain Wilderness offers hiking, camping, and breathtaking views, while the National Bison Range, just a short drive away, provides a chance to view bison and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Polson also has a vibrant downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Polson Performing Arts Center, which hosts concerts and community events. The Polson community celebrates various annual events, such as the annual Polson Flathead Lake Festival and the Lake County Fair.
Ronan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.32 sq mi
- Population: 2,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59864
- Latitude and Longitude: 47.5689° N, 114.0772° W
Location and History
Ronan is located about 20 miles north of Polson, in the heart of the Flathead Indian Reservation. The town was established in the early 20th century as a stop on the Great Northern Railway, which helped facilitate the development of the surrounding agricultural lands. Named after one of its early settlers, Peter Ronan, the town has always been a center for farming and ranching. In the 1920s, Ronan became an important agricultural hub for the region, with a focus on crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes. Over the years, the community grew and became known for its agricultural and Native American heritage, as it lies within the boundaries of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ reservation. Today, Ronan serves as a small service center for local farmers and ranchers while also attracting tourists to the area’s stunning landscapes and proximity to Flathead Lake.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ronan is served by the Ronan School District, which includes Ronan High School and several elementary and middle schools. The district offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including competitive sports and arts opportunities. Ronan’s major landmarks include the beautiful Mission Mountains, which provide hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic views. The town is located near the National Bison Range, a vast wildlife refuge where visitors can view bison and other species native to the area. Ronan is also home to the Salish-Kootenai College, which provides higher education and cultural programs for local Native American communities. The town celebrates its agricultural roots with annual events such as the Ronan Harvest Festival, which features local food, music, and crafts. Ronan also offers visitors opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside, which is ideal for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and boating. The combination of cultural significance, agricultural heritage, and natural beauty makes Ronan a unique and welcoming destination in Lake County.
St. Ignatius
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.64 sq mi
- Population: 800 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59865
- Latitude and Longitude: 47.3574° N, 114.0775° W
Location and History
St. Ignatius is located in the western part of Lake County, in the Flathead Valley, nestled between the beautiful Mission and Rattlesnake Mountains. Founded in the late 19th century, St. Ignatius is named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. The town grew around the St. Ignatius Mission, which was established by Jesuit missionaries in 1854 and served as a center for Catholic education and cultural exchange with the local Salish and Pend d’Oreille tribes. The mission played a significant role in the development of the town, which became an important stop along the Mullan Road, a historic military trail that connected Fort Benton to Walla Walla. Today, St. Ignatius remains a small, rural community, with its roots deeply embedded in both Native American and Catholic missionary history. The town serves as a gateway to the surrounding forests, rivers, and mountains, making it a popular base for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Major Schools and Landmarks
St. Ignatius is served by the St. Ignatius School District, which includes St. Ignatius High School, a middle school, and several elementary schools. The school district is known for its strong academic programs and emphasis on community involvement. St. Ignatius is home to several key landmarks, including the historic St. Ignatius Mission, which features beautiful murals and a rich history of Native American and Catholic interaction. The Mission Mountain Wilderness, located nearby, is a popular destination for hiking and camping, offering dramatic mountain scenery and diverse wildlife. The town also celebrates its agricultural roots, with local farms producing crops such as wheat, barley, and vegetables. St. Ignatius is located near the Flathead River, providing opportunities for rafting, fishing, and boating. The surrounding area is also known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds of prey, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
