Just north of Whitefish, Montana is the perfect palette of nature, aviation, wine, fishing and golf.

A rock’s throw from the succulent huckleberry pancakes at Jerry’s Saloon in Fortine, lies one of the greatest proverbial pearls of Hwy 93 North. Nope, I’m not talking about the Trego Pub, which I also love, but for those adventurous souls seeking culture, relaxation, a bit of history and some mysticism! Founded by genius inventor and all-around alpha stud pilot, enologist and golf enthusiast Jim Smith. Crystal Lakes is hidden just east of highway 93, nestled with the impeccable precision of an aeronautical engineer in the Whitefish Range of the Rocky Mountains. Arnold Palmer designed the private golf course which includes an exact replica of Stonehenge (which would make the Druid’s drool). Crystal Lakes also has a vintage air museum onsite with a hangar full of fully functional and flyable warbirds & assorted aviation marvels, a vineyard, and a fish hatchery which supports the wildlife in the myriad of lakes that complete the perfect palette of nature, aviation, wine, fishing and golf.

I had the privilege of visiting Crystal Lakes vintage Air Museum, golf course, winery and full replica of Stonehenge last week with my dad. Both of us are aviation enthusiasts since my grandfather flew P-51’s in WWII, my dad used to fly aerobatics in a Steerman, and I earned my pilot’s license in college and almost crashed a Cessna 152 on several occasions. All the planes in this private air museum are fully functioning authentic pieces of history that come to life as you walk in the hangar, complete with stories of their past that thrill your sense of adventure.

Crystal Lakes GOLF COURSE IS PRIVATE and NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, but the Air Museum IS open to the public.