Wild Horse Island State Park

At 2,160 acres, Wild Horse Island is the largest island in a freshwater lake west of Minnesota. Wild Horse Island has been a landmark since the Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes.

The park is noted for its wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, and falcons, as well as five wild horses. To protect wildlife viewing opportunities, pets are not permitted on the island. This is bear country and bears do frequent the island. Please store food properly on your boat or carry with you; there are no food storage lockers on the island.

Rare and endangered plant species have also been found on its Palouse Prairie grasslands. The island's scenic shoreline is a favorite of hikers, boaters, swimmers and sailboat enthusiasts.

Boat access is required to reach the island. The park does not provide transportation to Wild Horse Island. This is a day-use only park; camping is prohibited. Visitors are asked to protect and respect the park to ensure conservation of its natural character. A joint state/tribal fishing license is required at this site due to the location of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Please respect private properties along parts of the perimeter of the island. Visitors are asked not to utilize private docks. There is no public dock on Wild Horse Island. Visitors are encouraged to use one of the six designated landing sites.

Wild Horse Island is managed as primitive area. Groups over 15 must have a permit. Permits will only be issued for activities related to educational, interpretive or administrative activities. Contact the Park Manager for further information.

Activities

Bird Watching
BoatingFishing
Hiking
Kayaking
Lake Fishing
Motor Boating
Nature
Photography
Picnicking
Sailing
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing