Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of Montana

The stewards of the Flathead Indian Reservation invite you to explore their vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. The Flathead Indian Reservation is home to three Tribes, the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d’Oreille, and the Kootenai.

Welcome

Visit the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, where breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and warm hospitality await. Plan your adventure today and experience Montana's indigenous culture! 

Community Introduction

The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) of Montana, "A People of Vision, have deep historical and cultural roots in the northwestern United States. For millennia, the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille Peoples have called this region home, maintaining a profound connection to their lands and traditions. The Flathead Indian Reservation, established in 1855, serves as a living testament to their resilience and commitment to cultural preservation. Fishing, hunting and the careful stewardship of natural resources have always been at the heart of their way of life. Today, the Tribes thrive through diverse enterprises, educational initiatives and cultural programs aimed at sharing their heritage with visitors while safeguarding their rich history for generations to come. Of approximately 7,753 enrolled tribal members, about 5,000 live on or near the reservation.

Landscape

Located in northwestern Montana, the Flathead Indian Reservation is a land of breathtaking contrasts. Snow-capped peaks of the Mission Mountains tower over lush valleys, while the sparkling waters of Flathead Lake—the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—create a striking natural centerpiece. This diverse environment is home to a wide range of wildlife, including bison, bears and migratory birds. Whether you’re seeking serene natural beauty or outdoor adventure, this region has it all. 

Please secure your recreation permits which are required for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, etc. on all Tribal lands.

CSKT Bison Range

In the 1870’s - When mass slaughter put the plains bison on the brink of extinction, a Ql̓ispé (also known as Kalispel or Pend d’Oreille) man named Little Falcon Robe received approval from leaders of the Tribes to bring orphaned bison calves across the Continental Divide to the Flathead Indian Reservation for purposes of starting a herd for subsistence and conservation purposes.

Those few bison calves grew into a large free-ranging herd under the stewardship of Tribal members, who later included Michel Pablo and Charles Allard.  This herd became the largest herd of plains bison in the world by the end of the 1800’s. After Charles Allard died in 1896, his estate sold his share of the Pablo-Allard herd, some of which went to the Conrad Ranch in Kalispell, Montana in the early 1900’s.

The Pablo-Allard herd ranged freely on the Reservation for decades before they were sold to off-Reservation interests in the early 1900’s due to the opening of the Reservation, over strong objection from the Tribes, for non-Indian settlement.

Visit one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country, where bison roam freely alongside elk, deer and other wildlife. Founded in 1908 as the National Bison Range on land belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. In recognition of their historical claim to both the land and the bison herd, the Bison Range was officially restored to the CSKT by Congress in 2020 and is now fully owned and managed by the CSKT Natural Resource Department.

Summer

May – October

Front Gate: 7am – 8pm

Visitor Center: 7am – 7pm

Red Sleep Drive (2 hour loop)*: 7am – 8pm

Prairie Drive (1 hour lower road)**: 7am – 8pm

* Last pass for Red Sleep Drive sold at 6pm
** Last pass for Prairie Drive sold at 7pm

CSKT Bison Range
58355 Bison Range Rd, Charlo, MT 59824
(406) 644-2211
bisonrange@cskt.org

Experience CSKT Hospitality

The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes warmly invite you to enjoy their locally owned accommodations and attractions:

•    KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino: Located on the shores of Flathead Lake, this resort offers a mix of relaxation and entertainment, with luxurious rooms, a casino and lakeside dining.

•    Enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities that Flathead Lake and the surrounding area offer at the Tribes’ Blue Bay Campground, Lake Front Building and Day Use Area. Kayak rentals are available.

•    The Three Chiefs Culture Center Museum & Gift Shop: Immerse yourself in Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille history and culture through exhibits, educational programs and handcrafted gifts.

Adventure Near the Reservation

Explore the treasures of western Montana with these nearby attractions:

•    Flathead Lake (15 miles): Enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in this pristine alpine lake. The surrounding areas offer trails, picnic spots and awe-inspiring vistas.

•    Glacier National Park (50 miles): Just a short drive from the Reservation, this iconic park offers hiking, camping and the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road.

•    Mission Valley: Explore quaint towns, family-owned farms, and vibrant farmers' markets while soaking in the panoramic views of the Mission Mountains.

Travel Essentials

•    Contact: For more information on cultural experiences and events, contact the CSKT Tribal Office at (406) 675-2700 or visit their website at www.cskt.org or Three Chiefs Culture Center at (406) 675-0160, www.threechiefs.org 

•    Transportation: The nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, approximately a 90-minute drive. For road travelers, Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 93 provide convenient access to the Reservation. Amtrak stops in nearby Whitefish, Montana, and Greyhound offers bus service to Missoula.