FAQ’s
Frequently asked questions
General & About
What is the Wilderness Club?
The Wilderness Club is a private, gated community and resort located in Western Montana, seven miles south of the Canadian border near Eureka, Montana. Set on 550 acres surrounded by Kootenai National Forest, it combines a nationally ranked championship golf course with a full suite of year-round outdoor amenities—water park, private lake, sports courts, hiking trails, and fine dining—all within a luxury residential community. It is owned and operated by Escalante Golf in partnership with Brian Ehlert.
Where exactly is the Wilderness Club located?
The Wilderness Club is located just outside Eureka, Montana, in Lincoln County in the far northwest corner of the state. It sits adjacent to the 2.2-million-acre Kootenai National Forest and is approximately one hour and 15 minute drive from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. The club is roughly 2 hours from Glacier National Park and near Lake Koocanusa. Getting Here
How do I get to the Wilderness Club?
The nearest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, served year-round by six major airlines with connections from Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas. Most U.S. cities can reach FCA with a single connection. From the airport, the Wilderness Club is a scenic 75 minute drive north. The club can also be reached by driving up through the Idaho panhandle. Getting Here
What makes the Wilderness Club different from other Montana resorts?
The Wilderness Club combines three elements rarely found together: a nationally ranked, Sir Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course (#1 in Montana, #57 in America per Golf Digest 2021), a luxury private residential community with both pre-designed and fully-custom homes, and an expansive suite of family-focused outdoor amenities—all on 550 private acres bordering Kootenai National Forest. Unlike typical resort destinations, the club is a private, gated community open to both residents and non-resident members year-round.
Is the Wilderness Club open year-round?
The Wilderness Club is a four-season destination. Summer programming includes golf, lake activities, water park, hiking, sports courts and summer camps for children of Members and resort guests, ages 4-12. In winter, residents and members enjoy proximity to Whitefish Mountain Resort (about 75 minutes away), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and world-class snowmobiling. Glacier National Park is also accessible year-round. The golf course and the Wilderness Grille operates seasonally; contact the club for current operating hours
What nearby attractions are accessible from the Wilderness Club?
The Wilderness Club sits at the gateway to some of Montana’s most iconic outdoor destinations: Glacier National Park (open year-round, 1,500+ square miles, 734 miles of hiking trails, 762 lakes); Kootenai National Forest (2.2 million acres with 315+ trails, whitewater rafting, fishing, and cycling); Lake Koocanusa (a 90-mile reservoir with boating, kayaking, and fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon); and Whitefish Mountain Resort (3,000 acres of skiable terrain, 300+ inches of average annual snowfall, plus summer zip lines and mountain biking).
Can non-members visit the Wilderness Club?
Yes. Overnight resort accommodations are available to non-members through homes in the club’s rental program. In the 2026 season, the golf course is also open to non-member and non-resort-guest play after 12:00 PM. Book a Resort Stay | Book a Discovery Visit | Book a Tee Time
What kind of security is offered in the community?
Security is a big draw for many homeowners and guests, The Wilderness Club is a private gated community.
Membership
What membership types does the Wilderness Club offer?
The Wilderness Club offers four tiers of membership: Resident Golf Membership (for property owners, includes unlimited golf and all club amenities), Non-Resident Golf Membership (for non-owners, includes unlimited golf and all club amenities; limited availability), Resident Sports Membership (for property owners who prefer non-golf access to all other club amenities), and National Membership (for those who do not own or rent property within 200 miles for Wilderness Club, same privileges as Resident or Non-Resident Golf). All residents are required to hold at least a Resident Sports Membership. Membership Information
What amenities are included with every membership tier?
All membership categories—regardless of tier—include full access to Wilderness Lake (beachfront, paddleboarding, kayaking, cabanas), the Family Sports Courts Complex (basketball, pickleball, beach volleyball, soccer, croquet, amphitheater, picnic pavilion), the Water Park (two saltwater pools, 250-foot waterslide, splash pad, hot tub), and the Fitness Studio. Golf access is included in Resident Golf, Non-Resident Golf, and National Golf memberships.
Who is covered under a Wilderness Club membership?
Each membership covers the Primary Member, their spouse, and dependent children up to age 25. Members are not assessed for club capital improvements.
Can I become a member without purchasing property at the Wilderness Club?
Yes. The Wilderness Club offers a limited number of Non-Resident Golf Memberships for individuals who wish to enjoy club privileges without owning property within the community. Availability is restricted, so interested parties should contact Membership Director Kim Tribble at (281) 602-9705 or [email protected] | Membership Information
Can members bring guests to the club?
Yes. Members may invite guests to use club facilities in accordance with their membership category and the club’s rules and regulations. Guest privileges are a standard benefit designed to let members share the Wilderness Club experience with family and friends while maintaining the exclusivity of the facilities.
How do I inquire about or join the Wilderness Club?
To learn about membership availability and pricing, contact Membership Director Kim Tribble at (281) 602-9705 or [email protected]. You can also submit an inquiry at thewildernessclub.com/membership. A recommended first step is scheduling a Discovery Visit, a private, guided tour of the property Schedule a Discovery Visit | Membership Information
Are there HOA fees in addition to membership dues?
Yes. Property owners at the Wilderness Club are subject to HOA dues and fees in addition to club membership fees. For specific figures, contact the sales team at (406) 609-0810 or reach out to Real Estate Director Laura Fincher at [email protected].
Real estate
Are there residential homes available to purchase at the Wilderness Club?
Yes. The Wilderness Club offers a limited selection of both pre-designed and fully-custom homes. Homes range from approximately 1,080 to 4,007 square feet. The community is a private, gated development. View Available Homes | View Model Home Portfolio
What is the estimated timeline for the full build process?
Our current average build time from start to finish is approximately 9-10 months. There are some varying factors that might fluctuate the timing and allow for a quicker timeline.
Who will be building my home?
Our dedicated onsite construction team, Wilderness Club Construction, is located on property and will be devoted specifically to the construction of your home within our community. With extreme attention to detail and quality construction, our team will guide you through every step of the construction process until move-in day. Meet our Construction Team
What is the architectural style of the community?
Architectural and landscape designs that blend in and “connect” to the mountain environment. The Rustic Modern Mountain House style is compatible with the vision of Wilderness Club and its environment. Low-profile, one to two story designs that hug the land, combined with authentic wood and stone treatments create homes that fit into this landscape. Homes are to blend in with, rather than dominate the natural surroundings. View Model Home Portfolio
Are there HOA dues and fees?
Yes. For specific figures, contact the sales team at (406) 609-0810 or reach out to Real Estate Director Laura Fincher at [email protected]
Who should I contact to learn more about real estate opportunities?
Please reach out to Laura Fincher ([email protected] | 406.609.0810). With years of experience and knowledge, Laura is available to assist with every step of the sales process and available real estate opportunities.
Golf
Who designed the Wilderness Club golf course?
The Wilderness Club championship golf course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the six-time major champion and one of golf’s most celebrated course designers. The course reflects Faldo’s signature emphasis on strategy, precision, and natural integration with the landscape.
How is the Wilderness Club golf course ranked?
The Wilderness Club golf course is ranked #1 in Montana by GolfWeek (2022) and #57 in America by Golf Digest (September 2021). It is widely regarded as the premier golf destination in the state.
What are the course specifications at the Wilderness Club?
The championship course plays from 5,431 yards to over 7,200 yards, with four tee box positions to accommodate golfers of all skill levels. The layout features ponderosa pine-lined fairways, waste bunkers, deep greenside bunkers, and dramatic vistas of the Yaak Mountain Range, Canadian Rockies, and Whitefish Mountains. Wildlife sightings on the course are common.
Can non-members play golf at the Wilderness Club?
Yes, in the 2026 season. The golf course is open to non-member and non-resort-guest play after 12:00 PM. To book a tee time, visit wildernessclub.ezlinksgolf.com or contact the club directly at (406) 296-8264. Book a Tee Time
What practice facilities are available at the Wilderness Club?
Golf members have full access to the driving range and practice facility, included as part of all golf membership tiers. The practice facility is designed to support golfers at every level, from beginners to competitive players.
Does golf membership include unlimited play?
Yes. Both Resident Golf and Non-Resident Golf memberships include unlimited access to the championship course and full use of the driving range and practice facility, with no additional per-round fees for members.
Lodging & Amenities
Are there overnight accommodations at the Wilderness Club for non-members?
Yes. Several homes within the club community are part of a rental program available to non-member guests. These provide access to the resort’s amenities during your stay. For lodging inquiries and reservations, contact Lodging & Resort Services at [email protected] or book through the resort reservation portal at thewildernessclub.com. Book a Resort Stay
What dining options are available at the Wilderness Club?
The Wilderness Grille is the club’s primary dining destination, open seasonally seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to the full fine dining menu, the club offers catering, a Snack Shack for between-meal bites, and a beverage cart on the golf course—so members and guests can dine throughout the property without leaving the club.
What water amenities does the Wilderness Club offer?
The club features two distinct water amenity areas. Wilderness Lake is a 21-acre non-motorized private lake with a white-sand beach, lounge chairs, cabanas, and watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. The Water Park includes two saltwater swimming pools (one for general use, one shallower pool designed for younger children), a 250-foot waterslide, a splash pad with water streams, a saltwater hot tub, outdoor showers, and on-site food service.
What is the Wilderness Club Sports Park?
The Wilderness Sports Park is an outdoor multi-sport complex that includes a full-size multi-sport court for basketball and pickleball, a regulation beach volleyball court, a soccer and lawn sports field, an amphitheater, picnic pavilion areas, walking trails, and lawn game areas for croquet and cornhole. It is included in all membership tiers.
Does the Wilderness Club have a fitness facility?
Yes. The Fitness Studio includes treadmills, free weights, stationary bikes, and indoor showers. Members also have access to two cedar hot tubs located near the fitness area.
What amenities does the wilderness club have planned for the future?
Planned capital improvements include the construction of a world-class clubhouse, already underway, that will serve as the social centerpiece of the community, featuring expansive indoor and outdoor dining, a full-service bar, an enhanced pro shop, golf simulators, beautifully appointed locker rooms and inviting gathering spaces for members and their guests.
What family activities are available for children at the Wilderness Club?
The Wilderness Club is intentionally designed as a family-centric destination. Child-friendly amenities include the Water Park (shallow pool, splash pad, 250-foot waterslide), Wilderness Lake (non-motorized kayaking and paddleboarding), the Sports Park (basketball, volleyball, soccer, and lawn games), and miles of walking and biking trails. The club also hosts scheduled social activities throughout the season.
How do I schedule a tour of the Wilderness Club?
The club offers a Discovery Visit—a private, guided experience of the property and lifestyle. Discovery Visits are the best way to experience the community firsthand before making a membership or real estate decision. Schedule a Discovery Visit
