Dayton Yaht Harbor
Photo courtesy: Dick Brady
Dayton Bay
Dayton, on the shores of Flathead Lake, is the embarkation point for Wild Horse Island State Park. This island, which is seven miles from the shore, was once famous for its 4,500-acre dude ranch but is now owned by the state and under the management of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) Wild Horse Island, a 2,200 acre primitive state park that is home to bald eagles, osprey, big horn sheep, deer and wild horses.
Located on the west shore of Flathead Lake, the consistent winds of Dayton Bay make it the perfect location for a day of sailing. Dayton Yacht Harbor serves landlubbers and experienced sailors by providing summer slips, sailboat sales and rentals, workshops, and winter dry storage. Only six miles to the west of Dayton is Lake Mary Ronan State Park, a small, picturesque lake known for its year-round fishing.
Nearby is Mission Mountain Winery, Montana's first bonded winery. In the tasting room you can sample the products of this small winery in northwest Montana, which are among the finest in the world. The Winery currently produces approximately 6,500 cases of wine a year.
