With plenty of nonstop flights and some of the most scenic highways in the West, getting to Kalispell for a long weekend is easier than ever. If Big Sky Country has been on your list, now’s the perfect time to make the trip. We’ll walk you through the best ways to get here and share a three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.
Getting to Kalispell
Getting to Kalispell is simple with major airlines offering direct daily/weekly flights from Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Seasonal flight service is available from Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dallas, Chicago and New York City.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Kalispell’s Glacier Park International Airport code is FCA.
- Car rentals are available at Glacier Park International Airport.
- Kalispell has a variety of hotels, motels and lodges to accommodate your preference; check out hotel options here.
If a road trip is more your style, Kalispell is the perfect destination. With long summer days, lively downtown vibes, trails in every direction and two incredible backyard gems—Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park—you’ll have no shortage of ways to fill your time. Want to make the drive part of the adventure? Check out our suggested road trip itineraries from Spokane, Great Falls and Missoula for the best stops along the way.
Your Weekend in Montana Itinerary
Day One: Settle In
After you arrive in Kalispell we recommend transitioning to mountain time with a visit to downtown, where you can stroll local shops, sip on made-right-here beer/cider/wine and dig into an array of culinary offerings. Keep tonight’s dinner casual with dinner at DeSoto Grill.
Day Two: Let’s Adventure
Breakfast: Before you set out for the day, be sure to fuel up with coffee and/or breakfast at Ceres Bakery or Bonjour Bakery and Bistro.
After breakfast, head out for a morning of activities. If you’re looking for things to do, we recommend taking a guided kayaking tour on Flathead Lake with Sea Me Paddle, cruising the lake with Far West Boat Tours or hiking the trails at Lone Pine State Park.
Lunch: Dig into local fare at Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli.
Following lunch, be sure to stroll Kalispell’s Main Street and check out local shops and boutiques. Be sure to check out Western Outdoor, Sage & Cedar, The Toggery, Princess and Buck and Sassafras Arts, Crafts & Antiques.
And since you’re so close to Glacier National Park in Kalispell (we’re a scenic 32 miles from the park’s west entrance), plan to head into the park in mid- to late-afternoon. We recommend hitting the west entrance after 3 p.m. or so, as this will give you ample time to cruise the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the daylight (it doesn’t get dark here until around 10 p.m. or so) while also avoiding the morning crowds.
Dinner: Return to Kalispell and grab a late bite (and maybe even catch live music) at a local favorite such as Moose’s Saloon, Brannigan’s Pub or Bias Brewing.
Day Three: Dig Into Kalispell
Breakfast: Start the morning off at Sable Coffee, Sykes Diner or City Brew Coffee.
Spend the morning exploring Kalispell’s history, with visits to the Conrad Mansion Museum, Glacier Art Museum and Northwest Montana History Museum. Take a deeper dive into Kalispell’s past with a docent-led tour at the Conrad Mansion.
Lunch: Continue your day with an elevated lunch at Waters Edge Winery or Buffalo Hill Golf Club.
For your final afternoon, we recommend hitting Kalispell’s trails for a hike, walk or mountain biking adventure. Local trail recommendations include Lone Pine State Park, Herron Park, the Parkline Trail in downtown Kalispell and the Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana (rent bicycles at Wheatons Cycle). After working up a sweat (or simply taking in the views of Montana’s Flathead Valley), sip on a huckleberry milkshake at Norm’s News.
Dinner: For your final dinner in Kalispell, take your time and enjoy culinary offerings at Big Mountain Ciderworks or Freestone Restaurant.
Evening: Catch live music, attend a local event or a live performance at Wachholz College Center.
Need more ideas for your weekend in Kalispell? Visit discoverkalispell.com or call us at 406-758-2811. You can also swing into our Visitor Information Center located at 2 South Main Street, Suite 205 (upstairs at First Interstate Bank).
Book Your Stay
No matter your lodging preference, Kalispell has an array of options. From family-friendly accommodations to historic stays, explore our offerings below.
Resources
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Glacier National Park