Overview
Libby is a city of about 2,800 people in Northwestern Montana, nestled in the Kootenai River Valley between the Cabinet and Purcell Mountains. It is the county seat of Lincoln County.
3 sights · 5 things to do · 3 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Libby
Libby Dam
It wouldn't be a trip to Libby without seeing the dam. The 422 foot high and 3,055 foot long dam created the Koocanusa Reservoir. Guided tours are at 10AM, noon, 2PM and 4PM. They last 1 hour and start at the Visitor Cen…
Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge
Bucket list location to see one of the largest falls in the U.S. (by flowrate). A short, partially dirt, walk from the parking lot takes you to the swinging bridge. There is a viewing area from the parking lot. At 2,100 …
Turner Mountain Ski Resort
Downhill skiing and snowboarding on 22 named runs. Uncrowded and inexpensive. Lodge with burgers and snack bar.
Heritage Museum
Showcasing the history of Lincoln County and northwest Montana. Historical relics, e.g. gas stations, train, logging and mining equipment. The 12 sided log building is interesting to see in its own right.
Kooky Noosa Disc Golf Course
Very hilly and wooded 18 hole course. Take a map and bring water. If you love disc golf head 10 miles toward Troy for the Zachary Haines Memorial Course and then all the way into Troy for the Timber Beast.
Libby Kid's Fish Pond
Small fishing pond with paved path. It is stocked so the kids are usually able to catch a fish. Plenty of trees surround the area for nice shade and wildlife watching. Do NOT go on ice during winter.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Superior)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FCA Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell — 60 mi away. Directions
- GEG Spokane International Airport, Spokane — 106 mi away (major hub). Directions
Libby is on U.S. Highway 2 (US-2). It is 50 mi east of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and 90 mi west of Kalispell.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $90–$90 a night (typical $120), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Heritage Museum, Libby Kid's Fish Pond, Clash of the Carvers
- Lunch Switchback Bar & Grill
- Afternoon Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge, Turner Mountain Ski Resort
- Dinner Diane's
- Evening Copper Mountain Coffee
Day 2
- Morning Libby Dam, Kooky Noosa Disc Golf Course
- Lunch Burger Express
- Afternoon Thompson Chain of Lakes
- Evening Cabinet Mountain Brewing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Libby has a historical profile akin to many Montana towns, featuring mining, logging, and hunting. The rugged mountain landscape with nearby river and lakes has been used as a filming site, most famously The Revenant.
LibbyMT.com is a locally run website with extensive information about current activities and details for area attractions.
Get in
Libby is on U.S. Highway 2 (US-2). It is 50 mi east of Bonners Ferry, Idaho and 90 mi west of Kalispell.
The nearest commercial airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell.
By train
- The Empire Builder operates daily between Seattle/Portland and Chicago including stops at Spokane, Glacier National Park, Fargo, Saint Paul, and Milwaukee. The trains split into separate branches between Seattle and Spokane, and between Portland and Spokane, while operating as trains consisting of train cars from both branches between Spokane and Chicago.
Get around
Businesses in Libby are fairly spread out so you will want a car or bike to get around.
See
See Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge
Bucket list location to see one of the largest falls in the U.S. (by flowrate). A short, partially dirt, walk from the parking lot takes you to the swinging bridge. There is a viewing area from the parking lot. At 2,100 feet you can see the spectacular walls of the canyon. The #218 trail lets those more adventurous, and fit, to head up the steep cliffs. Picnic area and summer snack shack.
Do
- Flyfishing on the Kootenai River
- Gold panning
- Golf
Events
Buy
Eat
Eat Burger Express
More than just burgers. Essentially a fast food place that's local.
Eat Switchback Bar & Grill
Good variety. Dinner menu includes steaks and prime rib.
Drink
Drink Cabinet Mountain Brewing
Handcrafted ales and sodas. Bar food. Live music and outdoor seating. Brewery tours are free, by request.
Drink Copper Mountain Coffee
Coffee, hot food and bakery.
Sleep
Stay Bobtail Lodge Bed & Breakfast
Go next
Nearby
Troy
City / town · 31 listings · 16 mi away
Bonners Ferry
City / town · 4 listings · 41 mi away
Eureka
City / town · 5 listings · 41 mi away
Sandpoint
City / town · 43 listings · 47 mi away
Thompson Falls
City / town · 2 listings · 56 mi away
Whitefish
City / town · 30 listings · 56 mi away
Kalispell
City / town · 28 listings · 58 mi away
Columbia Falls
City / town · 13 listings · 62 mi away
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