Lakeside was named because it is situated on the west shore and near the north end of Flathead Lake. Prior to the 1900's the town of Lakeside was called “Stoner” after John Stoner, the first postmaster, who built and operated a hotel where the creek that still bears his name flows into Flathead Lake. The name was later changed to “Chautauqua”, then “Lacon”, and finally, in 1920 to “Lakeside”. In early years, Flathead Lake was an important part of the trade route from Missoula to Canada, and steamers made regular stops here with passengers and freight. This area is famous for entertaining tourists who come to visit the Flathead area and Glacier National Park.
Lakeside is located northwestern area of Montana, on Highway 93 on the west edge of Flathead Lake.