Somers Beach State Park Project
New Somers Beach State Park created on Flathead Lake
In October 2021, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks acquired the 106-acre Somers Beach property on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake and added it to Montana’s State Parks system. The previous owners, the Sliter family, permitted public access to the property for many years, and its designation as a state park will perpetuate public enjoyment and access into the future.
“For more than a decade, we have worked with the Sliter family with a shared goal to find a conservation outcome for this special property and expand much needed outdoor recreation opportunities along the north shore of Flathead Lake,” said Paul Travis of Flathead Land Trust. “We are beyond excited that it is now a new Montana State Park and give a big thank you to the Sliter family, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and all donors and partners who helped make it happen.”
Coby Gierke, Executive Director of the Montana State Parks Foundation, added, “After a couple years, a lot of hard work, and after building some amazing partnerships, we’re finally here, opening an amazing new park on the north shore of the lake. We definitely wouldn’t be here today without all the great support we’ve received for this project from donors and organizations in the Flathead area and beyond.”
The Flathead Lakers joined efforts with the MT State Parks Foundation and the Flathead Land Trust to help raise funds for much needed park amenities and long-term operations and maintenance of the new park. We raised $15,000 to help the MT State Parks Foundation close the gap on their challenge.
Thank you!
“Most often, I see families, and it makes me think how important it is that local children grow up with an appreciation and attachment for this stunning natural feature of our Valley.
It is every generation’s responsibility to preserve and protect that resource, and coming generations need to form an attachment with the lake that will make them good future stewards of it.”