High in the sky, VW Bug and trailer advertise RV park

It's hard to drive past the Glacier Peaks RV Park without noticing it. It's along Montana Route 40 between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, 30-minutes southwest of Glacier National Park.

You don't necessarily notice the park's sign. But you do notice the creatively painted VW Bug and travel trailer perched high above the entrance. They've been there for about 18 years.

Helen and Harold McLouth bought the RV park in 1995. A few years later Harold found the VW at a wrecking yard, headed to the crusher. He asked about buying it. But it was his lucky day: he got it for free, its parts long gone.

The 60s-era Layton trailer came shortly thereafter. It was owned by a Columbia Falls artist who had painted it with cartoon characters "Huck L Berry" and two pals, with the message "Enjoy Montana."

Helen and Harold owned a forklift so after Harold (better known as Butch) built the support structure, they hoisted up the Bug and trailer. Helen had already painted the car. "They were up in 10 minutes," said Helen, who operates the park herself these days. Harold passed away 10 years ago.

NOT LONG AFTER IT WAS UP, the county planning commission ordered it down. "It's an eyesore and not code compliant" it said in so many words.

Harold was steaming mad. He and Helen went to the commission's next meeting. Harold said they would not take the car and trailer down and if the county didn't back off he'd sue. He wasn't kidding. His lawyer sent a letter threatening a $150,000 lawsuit.

The planning commission responded: "Okay, you can keep it. . . for now."

Nearly two decades later it's still there, still attracting gawkers, photographers and customers.

The park is located at 3185 Highway 40 West in Columbia Falls.