Mill Tours
2025 BLD Connection Mill Tour - Western Montana
September 14-19, 2025
Join us on the 2025 Mill Tour this September as we head to the stunning Flathead Valley in western Montana – the “Land of the Shining Mountains”!
This unforgettable trip will feature a guided tour of Glacier National Park’s breathtaking west-side landscapes, rafting down the crystal-clear Flathead River, exploring charming local towns and scenic lakes and much more. We’ll have behind-the-scenes access to the region’s building materials industry with visits to Weyerhaeuser’s sawmill & plywood plant and their active logging operation. We’ll also visit the historic F.H. Stoltze sawmill and co-generation plant, the oldest family-owned sawmill in Montana.
With the perfect balance of educational experiences, outdoor recreation, structured activities, and free time to explore, this trip promises to be an awesome adventure and one you won’t want to miss! More details will be coming over the next several months.Join us for an unforgettable week of adventure, education, exploration and camaraderie throughout the heart of western Montana, where stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences await! From September 14-19, 2025, you'll immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of this iconic region, all while staying in the comfort of one hotel in Kalispell, MT—no need to worry about packing your suitcase every day!
We’ll take an in-depth look at the region’s lumber industry with visits to key sites, including the F.H. Stoltze Sawmill, the oldest family-owned sawmill in Montana. We’ll also explore various Weyerhaeuser operations, including an active logging site (subject to fire hazard conditions), as well as their sawmill and plywood plant, providing a comprehensive understanding of the area’s timber industry.
Afternoons are packed with fun and relaxation. The group will hop aboard the vintage 1930s Red Buses for a scenic Western Alpine Tour in Glacier National Park, taking in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. We’ll also enjoy a leisurely float down the Flathead River on rafts, offering a unique perspective of Montana’s beautiful landscape. Spend an afternoon exploring the charming town of Whitefish, known for its quaint shops and vibrant local culture, and another in the Flathead Lake area, soaking in its serene beauty. Plans are also underway for additional exciting stops that celebrate area attractions and the rich western culture of Montana!
Agenda at a Glance
(Subject to updates throughout the planning process—more details and fun will be added soon!)
- Sunday, September 14th: Major arrivals. The tour officially begins with a Welcome Dinner (around 6:00 PM at the hotel).
Pre-tour hotel rate available for those wishing to arrive early on Saturday, September 13th. (Saturday night hotel fee is on your own.) - Monday, September 15th: Industry Tour in the morning / Afternoon at Flathead Lake or Whitefish.
- Tuesday, September 16th: Industry Tour in the morning / Afternoon at Flathead Lake or Whitefish.
- Wednesday, September 17th: Industry Tour in the morning / Scenic raft float on the Flathead River in the afternoon.
- Thursday, September 18th: Glacier National Park Tour / Farewell Dinner Event.
- Friday, September 19th: Tour concludes. Depart for flights or enjoy the weekend at your leisure.
What’s Included: 5 nights of hotel accommodations, bus transportation for daily tours and activities, most meals (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners), all entrance fees for planned activities, and gratuities.
What's not included: Airfare, trip insurance, some dinners (Mon, Tues, Wed), personal transportation (which may include airport transportation or evening transportation if hotel shuttle is not available), and personal spending money.
Registration details: The full registration brochure, including pricing, will be available at the end of May, with registration opening in early June. Don’t miss out—spots for this tour often sell out quickly, usually within 48-72 hours!
Contact Jodie at jodie@bldconnection.org or 763-595-4058 for more information or to join the interest list. Note - being on the interest list does not guarantee a spot on the trip but will grant you a TWO-DAY head start to register before the general membership can.
The Mill Tour is a progressive, educational, and entertaining group tour designed specifically for LBM professionals.
Embrace autumn's beauty on our exclusive 5–6-day expedition to a new U.S. locale each year. Immerse yourself in the heart of sawmills, forests, timber projects, and gain insider access to behind-the-scenes tours at top-tier building product facilities. Each journey promises a distinct adventure, blending education with leisure.
Tailored with lumberyard professionals in mind, our tours cater to owners, managers, and partners, including retired dealers seeking fresh insights. While our core attendees stem from our membership base, we extend a warm invitation to lumberyards nationwide. Averaging 25–50 participants per trip, our vibrant community unites novices and veterans alike, ensuring diverse networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Don't miss the chance to be part of this enriching experience. Contact Jodie for more information at jodie@bldconnection.org or (763) 595-4058.
LBM Suppliers - Be a Mill Tour Host!
Does your company have a building material manufacturing facility? Do you love to educate buyers on your company culture and how your products are made? Are you looking for a fantastic marketing opportunity in which you'll have the undivided attention of dozens of lumberyard dealers?
If you answered YES, you may be the perfect Mill Tour host for us! Contact us at (888) 544-6822 to discuss and be considered for upcoming opportunities.
Past Mill Tour Recaps
Although BLD has been holding Mill Tours for MANY years prior, this compilation starts in 2011.
