Back to School Shop Hop — August 10 to 24, 2026, Lake County, Montana. Gear up, shop local.

Our signature event, and the easiest way to fall for the valley all over again. Grab a free passport, collect a stamp at shops all across Lake County, and enter to win.

Free to play · no app to download · enter to win
How it works
Explore. Stamp. Support. Win.

Explore

Grab a free passport and find the shops on the map.

Stamp

Collect a stamp at each stop. No purchase needed.

Support

Every visit is a vote for local business.

Win

6 stamps enters you in the grand-prize drawing.

GRAND PRIZESHOP LOCAL
The grand prize

A basket from the whole valley.

A gift basket stuffed with goodies from every shop.

Find the shops
All across Lake County.

Any shop, farm stand, or maker in the county is welcome. As businesses join, they'll appear on the map, from Polson and Big Arm down to Arlee and St. Ignatius.

PolsonRonanPabloCharloSt. IgnatiusArleeRavalliBig ArmDaytonElmoRollinsSwan Lake+ more
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Does it cost anything to play?

Nope. The passport is free for shoppers. Pick one up, start collecting, and you're entered to win.

Do I have to buy something to get a stamp?

No purchase necessary. Shops welcome you in and stamp your passport. Buying something is always appreciated, but never required.

How do I win?

Collect at least 6 stamps during the hop (August 10 – 24, 2026) and you're entered in the grand-prize drawing. Visit more shops for more entries.

How do I get my passport?

Start it digitally on your phone, no app to download, or pick up a paper card at any participating shop.

Don't miss it
Be first to know when it opens.

We'll send you the kickoff details and the full shop list before August.

You're on the list. See you in August.