Glacier Country
Info
Locations
Incentives
Film Credits
Contact
Introduction to Glacier Country
Western Montana’s cinematic landscapes, Old West allure, and rich history have long inspired film producers, setting the stage for films like The Revenant and binge-worthy TV shows like “Yellowstone.” In addition to unrivaled landscapes, Glacier Country features more than 75 vibrant communities where you’ll find historic Western architecture and authentic, small-town Americana. You’ll also find ease of access and unmatched hospitality while filming here.
About Glacier Country Film Office
Along with the Montana Film Office, Western Montana’s Glacier Country is here to help you find your next showstopping location. Discover the perfect setting among idyllic panoramas, towering mountain backdrops, lush forestland, glistening waterways—like Flathead Lake—and endless rivers and streams. Set the scene in Western Montana’s Glacier Country.
Productions That Call Glacier Country Home
Glacier Country boasts a rich history in filmmaking, providing the perfect backdrop for a diverse array of movies. Explore the titles that have transformed this space into a canvas for storytelling, and envision how your project could be the next to add to its legacy.
Production Credits
- The Shining
- Hidalgo
- Forrest Gump
- The Revenant
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
A Few Filming Locations in Glacier Country
Missoula
Libby
Darby
Kalispell
Missoula
Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks is the city of Missoula, Montana’s cultural hub. The state’s second-largest city is home to nine historic districts and is surrounded by a vast mountain range that stretches far toward the horizon. This treasured locale has served as the setting for legendary classics in the Western genre, including the series “Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner.
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Missoula
Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks is the city of Missoula, Montana’s cultural hub. The state’s second-largest city is home to nine historic districts and is surrounded by a vast mountain range that stretches far toward the horizon. This treasured locale has served as the setting for legendary classics in the Western genre, including the series “Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner.
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Libby
Libby sits at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range in the Kootenai River Valley and combines authentic mountain experiences and breathtaking scenery with abundant outdoor recreation. Area attractions include Libby Dam, Ross Creek Cedar Grove, the Kootenai River and Kootenai Falls, seen in 2015’s The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio. This location is also notable for the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, located above Kootenai Falls.
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Libby
Libby sits at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range in the Kootenai River Valley and combines authentic mountain experiences and breathtaking scenery with abundant outdoor recreation. Area attractions include Libby Dam, Ross Creek Cedar Grove, the Kootenai River and Kootenai Falls, seen in 2015’s The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio. This location is also notable for the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, located above Kootenai Falls.
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Darby
Darby is located at the southern tip of the Bitterroot Valley. It is home to local antique shops and old-fashioned candy stores, while the surrounding area offers authentic lodges and cabins. Some highlights include Lake Como, Painted Rocks State Park, and Alta Ranger Station. Darby was also a primary filming location for the “Yellowstone” series, as the Dutton Ranch is located there.
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Darby
Darby is located at the southern tip of the Bitterroot Valley. It is home to local antique shops and old-fashioned candy stores, while the surrounding area offers authentic lodges and cabins. Some highlights include Lake Como, Painted Rocks State Park, and Alta Ranger Station. Darby was also a primary filming location for the “Yellowstone” series, as the Dutton Ranch is located there.
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Kalispell
Kalispell is a vibrant mountain town with a notable Western allure located between Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. This bustling community sits among towering mountain ranges in a valley filled with crystal clear lakes and is known for its proximity to vast recreation areas. The town served as the shooting location for the 2004 film Hidalgo.
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Kalispell
Kalispell is a vibrant mountain town with a notable Western allure located between Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. This bustling community sits among towering mountain ranges in a valley filled with crystal clear lakes and is known for its proximity to vast recreation areas. The town served as the shooting location for the 2004 film Hidalgo.
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Montana’s Glacier County Film Incentives & Rebates
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20% transferable income-tax credit on all qualified in-state spend.
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Stackable bonuses lift the credit to 35% when you:
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Hire Montana crew (+25% of resident wages).
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Withhold Montana tax on non-resident paychecks (+15% of those wages).
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Keep talent above-the-line, rent a local stage, film in underserved counties, or give Montana a screen credit (+5-10% bumps each). Montana State Legislature
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Big Sky Film Grant — cash before the credit
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Competitive grant program that cuts checks up to US $1.5 million for a single feature or series; smaller categories fund shorts, resident-led projects and docs.
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Awards are tied to shooting 50 %+ of principal photography days in-state and demonstrating Montana job creation. Gusto
Built-in bonus savings
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No statewide sales tax on gear, services or supplies.
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30-day hotel stays escape the 8% bed tax.
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Licensing exemptions: out-of-state vehicles and production-only equipment run tag-free for 180 days.
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The Montana Film Office throws in free script breakdowns, location pulls and traffic signage to keep costs—and headaches—low. commerce.mt.gov
Why base your production in Glacier Country?
Rugged peaks, turquoise rivers and postcard towns sit within an hour’s drive of Kalispell airport—plus local crews, vendor partners and the Film Office’s hands-on concierge to help you monetize every rebate dollar.
Ready to roll? Connect with the Montana Film Office to lock in your MEDIA credit reservation and start a Big Sky Film Grant application before you call “action.”
Learn More About Rebates & Incentives
Unlock the Perfect Backdrop for Your Production
CONTACT
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Racene Friede
(406) 532-3234
film.glaciermt.com