One of Western Montana’s most iconic roadside destinations is entering a new era. 

The St. Regis Travel Center, a cherished stop for travelers since the early 1960s, has officially become part of the Carson Family of Businesses, a Portland-based company with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest.

Founded in 1962 by Jack Lincoln purchasing a modest gift shop, the St. Regis Travel Center has grown into a full-service destination known for its hospitality and unique charm. Today, it includes a convenience store, fuel station, Huck’s Grill, Dolly V’s espresso and ice cream bar, a large gift shop, a casino, and the famed live trout aquarium, free to visitors and featuring four trout species in immersive tanks. 

For over six decades, the business has been in the Lincoln family, most recently led by Muffy and Gary Bullock, Jack’s daughter and son-in-law. Under their stewardship, the Travel Center has become not only a well-known gateway stop en-route to Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park but also one of Mineral County’s largest employers, with around 100 seasonal employees.

“It was important for us to have a succession plan that was best for the business, especially for the outstanding team at the Travel Center,” said Muffy and Gary Bullock. 

The couple will remain involved during the transition and beyond, stepping into advisory roles to share their extensive local knowledge and hospitality expertise with the Carson team. 

“We are excited to be a part of Carson’s smart, well-run business and to add value to their organization with our experience in growing a unique and popular destination stop.”

The acquisition marks Carson’s first expansion into Montana. Founded in 1938, the Carson Family of Businesses has evolved from a single heating oil office into a major regional provider of energy, transportation, and retail services across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. 

“This is an exciting partnership for us,” said Blake Woodbury, President of Carson. “The St. Regis Travel Center operates at a high level, and we’re committed to continuing the exceptional service and experience that guests have come to expect. Our goal is to preserve the character of the Travel Center while enhancing it with our logistical and operational strengths.”

Carson’s services range from fuels and lubricants to HVAC systems, carwash solutions, and industrial services. The company is known for its dedication to community, customer care, and employee well-being which are values shared by the Bullocks and the St. Regis Travel Center team.

The Travel Center will maintain its current staff and services, ensuring a seamless transition for travelers and locals alike. With this new chapter, visitors can expect the same warm welcome, their world class famous huckleberry shakes, and trout-filled aquariums, now backed by a new partner committed to carrying the legacy forward.