That'll be the Dayton
Small and perfectly formed, the nautical bolthole of Dayton is a tiny speck on the vast flank of Flathead Lake - one of the largest freshwater lakes in the whole of the U.S. A Dayton vacation rental is the perfect plan if you're looking to don your captain's cap and take to the water, whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-timer. It also makes the ideal jumping-off point for a trip out onto the lake to visit the intriguing state park of Wild Horse Island, while nearby Polson offers plenty of more cultural activities.
Crafty ways for rainy days
A big draw of a Dayton vacation rental is an excursion out to the nearby state park of Wild Horse Island. It's jam-packed with wildlife, and is only accessible by boat. And if a bit of heavy weather keeps you on dry land for a day or 2, don't fret. You can get some of the good stuff down your neck at the local winery, or if you fancy venturing further afield, the county seat of Polson is only 25 minutes down the road. It's got plenty to do for all the family, including art galleries, history museums, and casinos.
Hoist the mainsail for your Dayton vacation rental
A Dayton vacation rental is all about finding your sea legs. Well, your lake legs actually. Flathead Lake has a surface area of nearly 200 square miles, and it's all yours to explore, with Dayton being the ideal launching spot. Sailing is particularly popular, since the bay has a reputation for super-steady winds and all the facilities you need to get yourself out on the water. You can bring your own craft or rent one, and if you're new to the game there's sailing tuition on offer. And the fishermen among you are going to love it, too.
A Dayton winter is a real winter
Make no mistake, winters in Dayton are winters. Its position on the banks of the lake mean they're not quite as Siberian as elsewhere in Montana, but you're still going to want to bring the heavy cold-weather armor. The coldest months are December, January, and February, where temperatures often loiter below freezing. Summers, on the other hand, are pretty perfect. While people elsewhere in the U.S. are roasting during July and August, your Dayton vacation rental should see you smugly enjoying hot sun and cool breezes.
Exploring the natural landscape of Dayton
Whether you're an active traveler or just want to take in the scenery, Dayton is a great place to get out in nature. These are a few of the area's noteworthy features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Flathead Lake (5.6 mi / 9 km)
- Wild Horse Island State Park (3.4 mi / 5.4 km)
- Finley Point State Park (11.8 mi / 19 km)
- Turtle Lake (16.6 mi / 26.7 km)
- Flathead River (23.7 mi / 38.1 km)
- Flathead National Forest (24.4 mi / 39.2 km)
How to get to and around Dayton
The nearest airport is in Glacier Park Intl. Airport (FCA), located 30.5 mi (49.2 km) from the city center.