Like the cold, clear waters of Flathead Lake, mystique surrounds Cromwell Island. It overlooks the legendary Wild Horse Island, where Salish and Kootenai historically swam their horses to keep them safe from rival tribes. In the 1930s, construction started on a dam near Polson, Montana, at the outlet of the Flathead River. Prior to its completion, in periods of low water, Cromwell Island became a peninsula connected to the shore. It is all but certain that the Native Americans historically herded their horses onto this peninsula before swimming them across to Wild Horse. Today, Cromwell Island is a full-time island, the entirety of which is now for sale. Flathead Lake, with almost 200 square miles of surface area and 185 miles of shoreline, is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River — Yes, even bigger than Lake Tahoe! To our knowledge, Cromwell Island, with almost 350 acres and nearly three miles of shoreline, is the largest private island in freshwater west of the Mississippi River that is under a single ownership. Like Loch Ness, Flathead even has its own monster. While the lore of a huge antlered monster living in the lake is rooted in the ancient oral histories of the Kootenai Tribe, recorded sightings of the creature date back to 1889 when a steamboat captain along with 100 passengers spotted a “whale-like” object on the water that dove after being shot at by one of the passengers. Somewhere along the way, locals dubbed the monster “Flessie”, an obvious “hat tip” to her counterpart in Scotland. Cromwell Island was purchased in the late 1980s by Robert M. Lee, a renowned automobile and antique arms collector, explorer, author, and conservationist. Before his death in 2016, Mr. Lee and his wife, Anne, partially completed construction of a monumental structure including over 45,000 square feet of living space that was to serve as their home full-time. Even in its unfinished state, it has a magnitude of presence reminiscent of Versailles. The mystique endures as Cromwell Island is now for sale and, with so many possibilities, a new owner will have the opportunity to write the next chapter of a storied place.

Mission Mountain Ranch is a 120+/- acre rolling foothill estate positioned at the end of a quiet road just minutes from the Flathead Lake resort community of Polson. Sweeping mountain, lake, and valley views frame a property that balances privacy and accessibility, complemented by a well-rounded set of residential and operational improvements. Sited on a subtle prominence, the main residence offers a comfortable, functional layout with ample living space, serviced by an oversized garage that doubles as a ranch shop and provides additional, adjacent covered parking. Ranch infrastructure is solid and ready to work, with a hay and horse barn, adjacent round pen, corrals, and automatic waterers. Covered equipment storage is on site, and additional cattle-handling equipment and ranch machinery are available with the option to purchase. The entire property is enclosed with five-wire smooth safety wire fencing, and a fenced garden area with established fruit trees adds a welcome touch of self-sufficiency. The ranch is home to an array of wildlife, including deer, elk, and a variety of raptors and songbirds that meander on and off the adjacent public land. Polson, a lakeside resort community of approximately 5,000 is situated at the southern shore of Flathead Lake, set against the backdrop of the rugged Mission Mountains. The community offers a full range of amenities and services while retaining the character of a small Montana town. The full-service communities of Missoula and Kalispell are just over one hour from the ranch. For those seeking an intimate Montana retreat with the land, infrastructure, and setting to support both a working ranch and an exceptional quality of life, Mission Mountain Ranch is worth considering. The Facts: ~ End-of-the-road 120+/- acre rolling foothill estate minutes from the Flathead Lake resort community of Polson with mountain, lake, and valley views ~ 2,800+/- square foot two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home with additional bonus rooms ~ Detached, 28'x28' oversized two-car garage with a 12'x28' covered car port ~ 40'x58' hay and horse barn, round pen and corrals, waterers with the option to purchase additional cattle handling infrastructure and ranch equipment ~ Covered equipment storage ~ Entire property is fully enclosed by five-wire fencing with smooth safety wire ~ Two wells, septic, and power in place ~ Fenced and irrigated garden area with multiple varieties of berries, established fruit trees including cherries, elderberries, pear, plum, and apple ~ Taxes based on previous years are $1,891 ~ Minutes from Polson, a community of over 5,000 ~ Approximately one hour to both Missoula and Kalispell