Incorporated April 5, 1910, Polson has a history of lumbering, ranching and steamboats. The city was named after pioneer rancher David Polson. Steamboats played a major part in early transportation of freight and passengers. the tugboat “Paul Bunyan” was instrumental in early logging operations. Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake. This charming lakeside community is the trading center for one of Montana's most fertile farming areas. In a prime cherry growing region and home to numerous cherry orchards, Polson celebrates with an annual Cherry Festival.The broad, sweeping Mission Valley south of Polson is bordered by the rugged, snow-capped Mission Mountains.