If you’re driving toward Glacier National Park on Highway 2, you’ll see it. A bright building in Columbia Falls that looks like a standard Montana burger joint. But Mudman Burgers Columbia Falls isn’t standard. Not by a long shot.
Most people pull in because they’re starving after hiking Avalanche Lake. They see the sign, smell the grease, and think, "Cool, a local spot." Then they see the menu. There’s a burger topped with chili—which they call "mud"—and suddenly things get interesting.
But there is a lot more to this place than just heavy patties and huckleberry shakes. Honestly, the backstory is intense. It involves a global ministry, a massive local controversy that nearly shut the whole thing down a few years back, and a business model that tries to turn cheeseburgers into missionary funding.
The Burger That Earned the Name
Let’s talk about the food first. You’re probably here because you heard about the Man Burger.
It’s a 1/3 lb beast. It comes with the usual suspects: lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheddar, and bacon. But the "Mud" is the kicker. It’s a homemade, no-bean, all-beef chili that they scoop right onto the patty. It’s messy. It’s heavy. You basically need a stack of napkins just to look at it.
The buns are homemade. That’s a detail people overlook, but it matters. Most burger places buy bulk packs that turn into soggy sponges the second chili touches them. These hold up.
If you’re feeling particularly reckless, there’s the Big Mud. That’s a double patty version. It’s roughly 2/3 lb of beef before you even add the bacon and chili. Most humans cannot finish this in one sitting. I’ve seen hikers try. Many fail.
- The Mudman Burger ($12.00ish): The standard 1/3 lb flagship.
- The Big Mud ($15.75): The double-patty "I’m not eating again until tomorrow" option.
- The Mudbird ($12.00): Grilled chicken for people who aren't feeling the "mud" vibe.
- Huckleberry Shakes: It’s Montana. You have to. They use real huckleberries, and it's easily the most popular thing on the drink menu.
Why Does a Burger Joint Support a Global Ministry?
This is where the "expert" part comes in. Mudman isn't just a restaurant; it’s the "financial engine" for Potter’s Field Ministries.
Founded by Mike and Pam Rozell, the whole concept is based on the biblical idea of the potter and the clay. Mike Rozell is actually a potter—like, a real one. He used to do live demonstrations in churches, spinning clay while preaching.
The idea was simple: use the profits from the burgers to fund mission work in places like Kenya, Uganda, Cambodia, and Guatemala. They call it "eating with purpose." When you buy a Man Burger in Columbia Falls, a chunk of that change is supposed to go toward feeding kids or building schools overseas.
It sounds like a perfect Hallmark movie setup. Local business saves the world. But if you talk to long-time locals in the Flathead Valley, they might give you a look.
The Controversy Nobody Mentions at the Counter
In 2019, the whole "Mudman" empire nearly collapsed.
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It wasn't because of the food. It was because of allegations regarding how the ministry was run. Former interns and staff members from their "Ignite" program came forward with stories of extreme verbal abuse, 60-hour workweeks with little to no pay, and what some described as cult-like environments.
The backlash was swift. Calvary Chapel, a massive network of churches, cut ties with them. The restaurants in Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls all shut down for a while. The Montana Department of Labor even got involved, eventually resulting in the ministry paying over $120,000 in back wages to former workers.
So, why is it still open?
The Rozells reorganized. They shifted Mudman Burgers from a nonprofit-run entity to a for-profit LLC. They reopened the Columbia Falls and Whitefish locations (the Kalispell one has had a rockier path). While they still claim to send profits to their mission work, the business structure is different now.
Some locals still boycott it. Others say the food is too good to pass up and believe the ministry has learned its lesson. It’s a complicated legacy for a place that serves fries.
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What to Expect When You Visit Columbia Falls
The Columbia Falls location at 1116 9th St W is pretty laid back. It’s got that "stop-on-your-way-to-the-park" energy.
Service is usually fast, though if a busload of tourists hits at 1:00 PM on a Saturday, expect a wait. The staff is generally super friendly—often young people who are part of the ministry’s programs.
Pro Tip: If you aren't a fan of chili on your burger, you can ask for it on the side or skip it. But honestly, if you skip the mud, you’re just eating a regular bacon cheeseburger. The mud is the reason to go.
Also, their breakfast is surprisingly legit. They do an Egg and Cheese Sandwich with "Morning Mud" (sausage gravy) that is a sleeper hit. Most people don’t think of Mudman for breakfast, which makes it a great spot to hit before the park gates get crowded.
Is It Actually Healthy?
Look, no. Let’s be real. You’re eating a burger covered in chili and bacon, served on a homemade bun with a side of hand-cut fries and a 16oz huckleberry shake.
That said, they do offer gluten-free buns for about $2.75 extra. They have a veggie burger (topped with BBQ sauce and grilled onions), and you can get any burger as a lettuce wrap. It's an attempt at balance, but let's be honest: you go to Mudman to indulge.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to stop by Mudman Burgers in Columbia Falls, keep these tips in mind to make the most of the experience:
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- Check the Hours: They aren't always open late. Historically, they’ve closed around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, and sometimes they have limited Sunday/Monday hours depending on the season. Check their Google listing before you drive out.
- The "Mud" Choice: If you’re a first-timer, get the Man Burger. It’s the baseline. If you hate messy food, ask for the chili in a side cup so you can dip your fries in it instead.
- Parking: The Columbia Falls location has a decent lot, but it gets tight. If you’re towing a camper or a boat, try to park a block away on the side streets rather than wedging yourself into their front lot.
- Order the Fries: They are hand-cut and seasoned well. Even better? Get the Chili Cheese Fries. It uses that same no-bean chili and it’s a meal in itself.
- Support the Local Economy: Whether you agree with the ministry's past or not, the restaurant employs local people and serves as a major landmark in Columbia Falls.
The story of Mudman is a mix of high-quality Montana beef and a heavy, complicated history. It’s a place where the "Potter’s Wheel" meets a deep fryer. Whether you're there for the mission or just the "Mud," it’s easily one of the most talked-about stops in the Flathead Valley.