Bigfork got its name from being located on the fork of Swan River. It has had a post office since 1901. (from Cheney’s Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) Bigfork was founded in 1901 about the time the hydroelectric plant at the mouth of the Swan River was built to supply electricity for Kalispell. The electric company is still here where water from the river is diverted to a higher level then dropped through turbines to generate power.

Bigfork has been distinctly honored with designations in the following publications: The 50 Great Towns in the West, 100 Best Small Art Towns, The Great Towns of America, and National Geographic Guide to Small Towns Escapes. Bigfork is an exceptionally lovely, upscale, year-round resort village that is brimming with art galleries, fine restaurants, golf, high-end boutiques, and live theater.