Present-day Marion was home to many Native American tribes who resided and hunted in the region before the arrival of colonists and settlers. Marion began seeing a massive influx of immigrants at the turn of the 19th century. The most notable settlement was the relocation of Lewis Kelsey’s sawmill from Somers to Marion, which established the area as a significant timber industry.
In addition to timber, the area was also famed for its agricultural potential. Farmers in the region primarily focused on growing beans, peas, sugar cane, and tobacco. The farmers also grew wheat and kept cattle to diversify their farms.
The construction of the Great Northern Railway through the region in 1891 was a real game-changer. Marion was made a terminus of a short line from Kalispell going west. This opened Marion to other parts and greatly catapulted its population and economic growth. In 1892, Marion received its post office status, and many businesses and settlements continued to sprout in the area.
Today, Marion is a tiny and quaint community spreading over almost 17 square miles with a population of just over 1,000. It is identified as a census-designated area and unincorporated community in Flathead County. Marion is near many attractive destinations, such as Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, Kootenai National Forest, Flathead Forest, and Whitefish. You will want to explore this area’s eateries, retail shops, entertainment centers, parks, and museums.
Montana State Fair – Join thousands of other attendees at this upcoming event at the Montana ExpoPark. This fair occurs between late July and early August and features live music, delicious food, games, and animal shows.
Montana Baroque Music Festival – Have fun at this upcoming music event in August. It features live baroque music, food, drinks, and other treats.
River City Roots Festival – Drive to downtown Missoula in August to attend this upcoming festival. You will enjoy live music, fine art shows, food trucks and drink services.
The nearest national park to Marion is Glacier National Park, which is just over 50 miles away. Driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is an excellent way to enjoy spectacular views of the park. The area is also a paradise for water-leisure activities on Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake. You can hike sections of the 734 miles of trails traversing the park.
Yellowstone National Park sits 391 miles from Marion. You will adore watching hundreds of wildlife creatures at this 3,500-square-mile park, including antelopes, bears, bison, elks, and wolves. While there are many geysers at this park, you will want to see Old Faithful, which erupts every 44 minutes to two hours. Find your way to Yellowstone Falls, which comprises two huge water cascades on the Yellowstone River.
North Cascades National Park is 462 miles from Marion. Walk along Cascade Pass Trail to enjoy scenic views and watch various creatures, including black bears, wolverines, and marmots. Take advantage of Diablo Lake to enjoy boating and kayaking, and visit Washington Pass Overlook to watch birds and take in stunning views of the park.
West Shore / Flathead Lake State Park near Kalispell has a large lake where guests can boat, swim and fish. Ice fishing is popular on the lake during winter. Apart from hiking and biking on the available trails, you can enjoy picnicking and birding within the park. Carry a camera to capture the stunning water and mountain vistas.
Salmon Lake State Park near Missoula adjoins the gorgeous Salmon Lake. The lake is a great fishing spot abundant with northern pike, yellow perch, and largemouth bass. Birders will enjoy gazing at the skies, which teem with bald eagles, ospreys, and herons. Hiking is possible on the available trails, while the lake offers incredible boating, canoeing, kayaking, and skiing opportunities.
Farragut State Park near Coeur d’ Alene is a beautiful place to visit. This area has a multitude of biking and hiking trails. Its proximity to Lake Pend Oreille makes it a great getaway venue for boating, fishing, and swimming. Disc golfers will enjoy playing on one of the five available 18-hole disc golf courses.
Plan a trip to Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site to channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl for a few hours. Stride along the site’s trails to enjoy beautiful vistas and see various animals, including horses and cattle.
Nez Perce National Historic Park, which preserves a Nez Perce habitation, is a must-visit. The area comprises 38 sites across four states and is suitable for hiking, biking, camping, and sightseeing.
Drive to Lake Roosevelt National Recreational Area to experience the Pacific Northwest. The area is a haven for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and exploring historical stories.
Rollins RV Park & Restaurant near Flathead Lake has 43 RV sites with full hookups, and its daily pricing is $55. Rocky Mountain ‘Hi’ RV Park and Campground has adequate space for all RV sizes. Besides being pet friendly, the facility has cable TV and full hookups. Anglers will appreciate staying at Yellowstone River Campground, which is a stone’s throw away from the Yellowstone River. The pool has 117 RV sites and charges between $71 and $89 per day.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Marion, MT, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Marion?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Marion from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Marion?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.