Things change slowly here in West Glacier — if they change at all. Since 1936, the little village next to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River has been helping people stock up, wind down, celebrate, recover and get inspired for living large in Glacier National Park.
Whether it's been an unforgettable drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a float down the Flathead River or a multiday backpacking trip in the Crown of the Continent, the porch at Freda's in West Glacier is where you want to end your day.
Right next to the West Glacier Mercantile, Freda's is one cool spot. Here are five things that make it so:
- Freda herself. The legendary Freda Ostby began managing the bar at the West Glacier Mercantile in the 1940s. Born in 1916, Freda moved to Montana with her family in 1944 and claimed her spot in the heart of West Glacier. She had great friendships with "her boys" — the Glacier National Park trail crew who always stopped by Freda's for a drink at the end of a long day. That was the beginning of a tradition that continues today.
- The beer tap. They say a beer tastes best after a long summer day in the mountains. From American classics (Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller High Life) to rotating taps and Montana-made brews, you can explore your love for beer at Freda's. And if beer's not your thing, you’ll also have plenty of craft cocktails, wines or even milkshakes to choose from.
- The porch at Freda's. This is a real informal place. You’ll find tables inside, a few spots on the front porch, a handful of picnic tables scattered outside, plus yard games in the alley beside the West Glacier Mercantile. It's the perfect spot to watch the world go by, to make new friends, to share stories of your day's adventure. Just choose your spot and let the fun unfold.
- Live music. You’ll want to stay a while at Freda’s. And with nightly live music, it’s easy to linger into the evening. Starting in June, you can catch a live performance nearly every night from touring acts and local legends alike. Music kicks off at 5 p.m.
