So I was working on another story for our website, and I went to put a photo gallery below the article. The name of the gallery was "The Best Lake Towns in America to Call Home." Surely a few from Montana had to make the list, right? Thankfully, no! We got skunked. 

How crazy is that? We have some of the best small towns and lakes in the world. And not one made the list?

I don't know about you but whenever I go to Whitefish for conventions or work, one of my first stops is typically grabbing a bite to eat on the patio at the Whitefish Lake Lodge. You can overlook the lake and the ski hill from one spot, with a meal that isn't crazy priced.

While Montana deserves the recognition, I don't think most Montanans will be too sad to see their favorite lake town NOT get the attention. A little more space for those of us from Big Sky country, right?

Back in June of last year, Bigfork was voted best lake town in America according to Country Living.

"Country Living recently compiled a list of "Top 40 Best Lake Towns in America." Some could say places like Helena (Canyon Ferry) OR Glasgow (Fort Peck) would be considered lake towns. But Flathead Lake is the crown jewel of Montana. Ranking high on the list (right next to Lake Havasu) is the always-stunning Bigfork, MT."

Read More: Montana's Jewel: Smalltown Voted Best Lake Town in America 2024 |

I mentioned above how Montana got "skunked." Which got me on another tangent- asking Google AI to tell me the definition of getting skunked.

The phrase "getting skunked" has multiple meanings. Here's a couple I'll highlight: 

  • Being defeated or shut outFor example, "They got skunked 19-1 in yesterday's game". 
  • Running out on a billFor example, "He left town and skunked the landlord". 
  • Catching no fish on a fishing tripA slang term. 
  • Seeing no birds on a birding tripA slang term. 
So, if Bigfork, Fort Peck, Whitefish, and other Montana lake towns did NOT make the list...who did? Here you go.

LOOK: These are the best lake towns to live in

Stacker examined data from personal finance website WalletHub to determine the best lake towns to live in across the U.S.

Gallery Credit: Stacker