Motorists cruising along I-90 near mile marker 45 may have done a double take over the past months.

First, an old house came down in a cloud of dust. Then, almost like magic, three charming log cabins popped up along the Clark Fork River. Blink again, and now there are five.

Welcome to Micham’s Clark Fork River Retreat, the newest addition to Superior’s riverside landscape, located at 108 River Ranch Rd. What began as a simple remodeling idea has turned into a full-fledged cabin getaway that’s already drawing curious glances and excited buzz.

“The original plan was to remodel the house that was on the site for a rental,” explained Brialle Stewart, the key contact for the retreat. “But it was deemed not restorable, so the plan changed, and honestly, it changed for the better.” 

Stewart beams when she talks about the project. As a RE/MAX agent out of Kalispell, she helped the owners, Ed and Juana Micham of Missouri, assemble the property and brought the vision to life. A Montana native who grew up in Lincoln and Frenchtown, Stewart has deep roots in the area and a strong sense of what visitors come here to find.

Micham’s were firm on one point from the start: Use local suppliers and contractors. From electricians out of St. Regis to Montana-based builders in Townsend, the project has leaned heavily on local talent. 

“They want to contribute to the community,” Stewart says. “That was non-negotiable for them.”

Each of the five cabins are named after Montana critters -- deer, elk, wolf, moose and bear -- and each shares the same cozy floor plan with one comfy bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room with a sofa sleeper, easily hosting up to four guests. 

With a 20-person limit for the entire property, the retreat is designed for peace, quiet and elbow room. For those who must stay connected, Starlink internet is available.

Keeping the place humming day-to-day are caretakers Randy Chambers and Jesse Hemry, with Chambers currently fine-tuning last details as inspections approach. 

“We’re just about ready,” he said, with the calm confidence of someone who’s been living the project hands-on.

Despite an inactive local chamber of commerce, Stewart has taken it upon herself to create a recreation guide for guests — compiled entirely from personal recommendations. Hot springs, Flathead Lake, skiing, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, floating the river, Glacier National Park, Missoula activities — you name it and you’ll see it on the trifold brochure.

“They don’t even know I’m advertising them,” Stewart laughed. “It’s just helping a neighbor out.” 

A disclaimer makes it clear the retreat isn’t responsible for off-site experiences, but as Stewart puts it, “This is what Montana has to offer nearby. We’re here to enjoy God’s country.”

Reservations will be available year-round, with nightly rates expected to fall between $250 and $350, depending on the season. For now, bookings will be handled through Airbnb, with a dedicated website nearly ready to launch at michamsclarkforkriverretreat.com. Stewart welcomes calls at (406) 396-4217 or [email protected]. There are a couple other properties near the cabins that are also available. 

“We will have more to offer at Micham’s Clark Fork River Retreat in the near future," she said. "Everything is in talks, but the cabins are a start to something amazing for those wanting to enjoy Montana!”

From locals seeking a quiet riverside evening to travelers passing through Big Sky Country, Micham’s Clark Fork River Retreat is shaping up to be more than just a place to stay as it’s a front-row seat to everything western Montana does best. 

And for those driving by on I-90? Don’t worry, you’re not imagining things. Those cabins really did appear almost overnight.

    Clark Fork River Retreat is just west of Superior off of I-90. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    All five cabins have the same cozy floorplan that sleep four people. (Courtesy photo)