This summer, like many Montanans, we welcomed visitors—some of whom had never set foot in Missoula or even the state. That meant one thing: it was time to show them the best of Big Sky Country. To make sure we didn’t miss anything special, we turned to our radio listeners and asked for their top recommendations. The responses were fantastic, and we managed to explore many of the suggested spots.
But one place slipped through the cracks, and we regret not making the time for it: the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas.
📍 Where to Find It
Nestled just north of Arlee, off White Coyote Road, the garden sits on the ancestral lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes within the Flathead Reservation. It’s a place of quiet reverence and natural beauty, open to all who seek peace, reflection, or simply a moment away from the noise of daily life.
Visitors can choose between guided tours or self-paced exploration. Either way, the experience is deeply personal and visually stunning.
🧘 A Sanctuary for the Soul
The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas isn’t just a scenic retreat—it’s a sacred space designed to inspire inner transformation. As the garden’s mission states, it aims to “bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today.”
Founded in 2016, the site is also home to the Ewam Buddhist Institute. Beyond its spiritual offerings, the garden hosts annual events, provides paid internships, and features a gift shop for those wishing to take a piece of the experience home.
🙏 Open to All
You don’t need to be Buddhist—or religious at all—to appreciate the garden’s serenity. It welcomes everyone, regardless of background or belief. The only request: please leave pets at home, out of respect for the sacred nature of the grounds.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor to Montana, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas is a destination that promises to leave you speechless—and perhaps a little more centered than when you arrived.
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