The Crown of the Continent Discovery Center is a proud part of Swan Mountain Outfitters, a family-owned business established in 2004 by Pat Tabor. Today, it’s run by his children and their spouses, who continue the legacy. What began as a single outfitter camp in the Swan Valley has grown into a network of locations offering diverse outdoor adventures. Through it all, their commitment to preserving and enhancing this spectacular region has been unwavering.
How it all
Came Together
In 2011, SMO began to lease and utilize the corral space behind what was then the “Rawhide Trading Post”. Located less than 1.5 miles from the West entrance to Glacier National Park, this West Glacier Corral was a great addition to the horseback riding corrals that SMO was already operating inside The Park. In 2013, when the Rawhide Trading Post decided to sell, it was a natural step for SMO to purchase.
The addition of the former Trading Post offered a chance to connect with visitors in a special way. The Tabor/Lorona family worked with the National Geographic Society to incorporate new features into the property and renamed it the “Crown of the Continent Discovery Center”. In addition to activities, food/beverage, and retail, the Discovery Center features interactive displays and interpretative content. Kids and adults alike can get an educational experience and gain a deeper understanding of this precious area.
The Crown of the Continent Discovery Center is run by Pat’s daughter and son in law Aubrie and Erik Lorona. They named Luke n’ Duke’s after their two young sons, who share a love of sweet treats!