There were a few small surges in growth throughout the years but the biggest changes occurred in the 1980s and 1990s when Montana became chic as it was heralded as the "The Last Best Place."
Eagle Bend Golf Course raised the profile of Bigfork, receiving design assistance and visits from golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
The area became a new home for returning Montanans who had gone elsewhere to build careers and for new residents from all walks of life seeking recreational second homes or permanent refuge from the crowded, harried urban life.
Today Bigfork's year round resident population is approximately 1,400.
