September 19-23, 2023

Experience fall in Montana while exploring the Flathead National Forest 

Sleep and hike worry-free at HIGHLANDER Kalispell while the organizers provide logistical support such as camping spots, food rations, and more. It’s an Adventure Of A Lifetime! Two formats offered: HIGHLANDER Hercules and HIGHLANDER Pegasus

Discounted Lodging Rates for HIGHLANDERs 

Red Lion Hotel, 20 N Main Street, Kalispell

  • Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, airport shuttle (must provide 24 hour notice), parking, wi-fi, electric car charging stations, fitness center, indoor swimming pool and sauna, and pet-friendly accommodation

Kalispell Grand, 100 Main Street, Kalispell

  • Rate available September 16-26, 2023
  • Call hotel directly at 406-755-8100 and ask for Highlander
  • Book online at www.kalispellgrand.com, in the special request section enter Highlander.
  • Rate: 15% any room type
  • Amenities: Complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon homemade cookies & popcorn, free Wi-fi, free parking, and pet friendly at no additional cost.

Homewood Suites, 195 Hutton Ranch Road, Kalispell

  • Rate available September 16-23, 2023
  • Call directly at 406-755-8080 and ask for Highlander
  • Book online at www.hilton.com and use the Group Code: HAK
  • Rate: $189 for single king, $199 for double queen, plus taxes and fees

Hampton Inn Kalispell, 1140 Hwy 2 W, Kalispell

  • Rate is available September 16-23, 2023.
  • Call directly at 406-755-7900 and ask for Highlander.
  • Book online with this LINK.
  • Rate: $189 for single king, $199 or double queen, plus taxes and fees.
  • Amenities: Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, fitness center, complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle, 24-hour indoor pool and hot tub.

Springhill Suites Kalispell, 250 Old Reserve Drive, Kalispell

Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 Hwy 93, Kalispell

  • Rate available September 19-23, 2023
  • Call directly at 406-756-4500 and ask for Highlander
  • Rate: $209 plus taxes and fees
  • Amenities: indoor pool and whirlpool spa, fitness center, 24-hour Pavilion Pantry, free parking, Freestone Restaurant, Bull Trout Bar & Casino.

Super 8, 1341 1st Avenue East, Kalispell

  • Rate available September 16-26, 2023
  • Call directly at 406-755-1888, select option 2, ask for Highlander.
  • Book online using this LINK.
  • Rate: $105-$138 plus taxes and fees.
  • Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, free coffee, free parking, on-site guest laundry, pet friendly.
  • Offer expires August 16, 2023

My Place, 755 Treeline Road, Kalispell

  • Rate available September 16-23, 2023.
  • Call directly at 406-752-4847 and ask for Highlander.
  • Rate: $179 plus taxes and fees.
  • Amenities: Each room has a full-sized refrigerator, two-burner cooktop, coffee maker and microwave, onsite laundry facilities, and My Store which is stocked with a variety of food and beverage options.

Best Western Flathead Lake Inn & Suites, 4824 Hwy 93 S., Kalispell

  • Rate available September 16-23, 2023.
  • Call directly at 406-857-2400 and ask for Highlander.
  • Rate: $225 plus taxes and fees.
  • Amenities: Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, free parking, free Wi-fi, indoor pool, pet friendly, fitness center.

View the full lodging directory HERE

Be Prepared – Recreate Responsibly

It takes all of us working together to keep Montana wild, beautiful and pristine. Here in Kalispell, we’ve always been big advocates of responsible travel. Since our mountain town is in one of the most stunning places in the United States, it seems fitting that we do our part to help take care of it, including sharing information with visitors and residents about how to #RecreateResponsibly. Learn more here.

Wildlife

Northwest Montana is home to grizzly and black bears, and while seeing bears in their natural habitat is thrilling, it’s important to view them from a safe distance. Beyond bears, be prepared to see moose, mountain lions, bobcats, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer and wolves, to name a few.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Be sure you keep it in a location that’s easily accessible, like your belt or an open outside pocket (do not keep it in your backpack). Learn how to use bear spray before you head out on the trails; you can watch the video here.

Plan to come early and stay late to explore all that Kalispell and northwest montana has to offer

Foodies 

From bakeries to farm-to-fork restaurants, Kalispell has an array of places to taste our hearty and fresh mountain fare. Savor local flavors and experience Montana favorites like local beef, bison, greens, grains, huckleberries and Flathead cherries. Sit down or grab a quick bite for breakfast at Sykes Diner, Ceres Bakery or Bonjour Bakery & Bistro. Fuel up half-way through your day with lunch at Bonelli’s Bistro, Norm’s Soda Fountain or Sacred Eats. Treat yourself to dinner or a drink at The Mercantile Steak, Hop’s Downtown Grill or Moose’s Saloon. End your night with one of Kalispell’s many craft beverage spots.

Step into Kalispell Montana’s History 

While modern-day Kalispell was founded in 1891, Montana’s history dates back thousands of years to when glaciers carved out the area’s terrain, from high mountain valleys in Glacier National Park to the lakes tucked throughout the Flathead Valley. There is no better way to fully submerge yourself into a new place than walking through its history. Explore our favorite museums: Northwest Montana History Museum, Hockaday Museum of Art and the Conrad Mansion Museum. You’ll soon see why Montana is the “Last Best Place.”

Shop Local

From local shops in our walkable downtown to larger box stores on the north end of town, there are many places to shop in Kalispell, the hub of the Flathead Valley. Support our local business by heading downtown to find a mix of outdoor gear, home furnishing, made-in-Montana offerings and specialty items. Our must-stops in downtown include: Rocky Mountain Outfitter, True Water Fly Shop, Wheaton’s Cycle, Sassafras Arts Crafts & Antiques, Honey Home, The Toggery, Western Outdoor and Sage & Cedar. Another bonus: Montana has no sales tax, which means the price you see is the price you pay.

Hike or Mountain Bike at Lone Pine State Park and Herron Park

With a bird’s-eye view of the Flathead Valley, Lone Pine State Park has 7+ miles of mixed-use trails, from well-surfaced routes to steep single-track that meander through the park’s colorful forested terrain. The trails can be used for hiking and biking, while overlooks provide breathtaking vistas of Flathead Lake, Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park. Be sure to pop into the visitor center to learn more about the area, visit the gift shop and participate in a workshop or interpretive program. Leashed dogs are welcome. Want to rent a bike? Rentals are available at the locally owned Sportsman & Ski Haus. 

Take a Scenic Drive 

Have a couple of hours before your flight? Too tired to think of additional hiking? Drives around Kalispell provide endless routes that are filled with gorgeous views and forested roads, the clearest of water in the lakes and rivers and lush farmland in the valley between. Our best advice: plan to stop along the way. Enjoy a river or lake-side beach, a state park, take a walk on a trail or explore quaint local shops and galleries to take home a little piece of Montana. There are plenty of options for refreshments along any route you take at local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and distilleries.

Horseback Rides 

Much of Montana just feels like it’s meant to be experienced on horseback. A day ride into the mountains can help you go farther into the backcountry, reveal more of Montana’s pristine landscapes and simply let you unwind and connect in a different way. You’ll find several outfitters that provide half-day and full-day rides in and around Kalispell, including Montana Horse Works and Bar W Guest Ranch. 

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VOLUNTEER WITH HIGHLANDER

Volunteers and community support is needed to put on the HIGHLANDER event. Join as a volunteer to enjoy the scenery, experience the event and help hikers become HIGHLANDERs. Learn more In addition to volunteers needed, we are seeking community sponsorships. Contact Marisa to learn more.