Back in the day, school field trips were all the rage. Many adults today remember their class field trips, whether that was to ski areas, to learn about dinosaurs or to see a historical local site, the memories made on field trips tend to stand the test of time. In Kalispell, we’re calling upon those fond childhood memories and bringing back the idea of field trips, but for grown-ups.
If you’re ready to add a field trip to your group gathering in the heart of northwest Montana, we’re here to help. Here are five things to see, do and experience on your grown-up adventure.
1. Downtown museum tour. In Kalispell, you’ll find three incredible museums located a few blocks apart. Immerse yourself in northwest Montana history in a historic brick building at the Northwest Montana History Museum. Formerly home to the Central School, the museum has numerous exhibits that include history of the Flathead Valley, frontier life and Glacier National Park. Dig into the arts and culture scene at the nearby Hockaday Museum of Art, housed in an old Carnegie Library. With rotating and permanent exhibits, there’s always something new to see. And finally, visit the Conrad Mansion Museum. Once the home of Kalispell’s modern-day founders – the Conrad family – today the museum tells the story of early Kalispell and the heritage of the Conrads. All the tours offer self-guided or docent-led tours.
2. Tour a flower farm. Montana’s Flathead Valley is a rich agricultural hub, which means it’s no surprise that the area is home to charming farms. During spring and summer, there’s no better way to soak up the outdoors and the local agriculture scene than with a farm tour. Plan a grown-up field trip to Purple Mountain Lavender, Longview Lavender and Two Kays Flower Farm.
3. Hop on a red bus. The only way to make a visit to Glacier National Park better is to go with friends. And while there are a few ways to explore the Backbone of the World, a red bus tour is one of the best ways to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the park. Each bus seats 17 people, with the option to charter a bus just for your group, which means that you and your 16 closest pals or colleagues can enjoy a tour through the park on a vintage red.
4. Cruise on a freshwater lake. While the mountains take center stage around here, the snowmelt and glacial runoff feeds the many rivers, lakes and streams that flow out of the Rocky Mountains. Get out on the water – while soaking up immaculate scenery – on a boat tour. Cruise the waters of Lake McDonald with Glacier Park Boat Company in Glacier National Park or take in expansive 360-degree views on Flathead Lake aboard the Far West.
5. Check out Montana’s newest performing arts center. Located on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College is the new Wachholz College Center. A performing arts center, it hosts concerts, speakers and more. Plan to take your group to the Wachholz to catch a show and groove to the music.
If you need help planning your adults-only field trip, give Dawn a shout at [email protected].
