Places to Go Archives | Kalispell

Places to Go

Things to Do

There is no shortage of things to do and places to explore in and around Kalispell. From our storybook downtown to Glacier National Park and everything in between, you can adventure, play and relax to your heart’s content.

When it comes to planning a trip to northwest Montana, the hardest part may be picking where to go and what to see. This corner of Big Sky Country is made for adventures of all kinds, with glacial-carved landscapes serving as the backdrop for jaw-dropping experiences and memory-making vacations. 

Kalispell sits in the center of it all, with its vibrant downtown perfectly complementing natural wonders like Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake and the Jewel Basin. A scenic 32-mile drive will have you at the west entrance of the Crown of the Continent, making it easy to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Meanwhile, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West Flathead Lake sits 10 minutes south of Kalispell. It’s ideal for sailing, boating, touring, fishing and kayaking. Be sure to check out the numerous state parks that dot its shoreline, as well as Wild Horse Island, a day-use state park that is also the largest island in the lake. 

While Glacier National Park tends to get most of the attention when it comes to places to go, there are abundant options outside the park, like Jewel Basin, Hungry Horse Reservoir and the Flathead National Forest. Venture beyond the park to explore some of the best destinations in the region. 

Round out any stay with indoor activities or other outdoor wonders, from incredible museums like the Conrad Mansion and the Glacier Art Museum to gardens and farms, including Longview Lavender, Bibler Gardens and fruit orchards that line the lake.

Aerial view of downtown Kalispell looking toward the mountains to the NE

DOWNTOWN KALISPELL: Explore the Heart of Kalispell

Historic roots and vibrant culture beautifully collide in downtown Kalispell, creating a space that’s walkable, charming and welcoming. With local shops, restaurants, stores and more, come experience the heartbeat of Kalispell.

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Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2026? Here’s What You Need to Know

* June 29, 2026: Glacier Park announces multiple temporary closures due to weather and flooding. Recent heavy rainfall has prompted temporary closures in the Many Glacier Valley. Heavy rainfall has also impacted access along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Get up-to-date information HERE. These closures are temporary, check the Glacier National Park website for further updates. Kalispell’s […]

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Kayaks on cool blue, glacial waters of Flathead Lake in Montana

Play on Flathead Lake

A 10-minute drive will take you to the shores of Flathead Lake. One of the most stunning lakes in the country, it combines on-the-water fun with shoreline adventures, including orchards, scenic drives and charming small towns.

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Waterfall at Logan Pass in Glacier National Park Montana with Reynolds Mountain in the background covered in snow

Glacier National Park – the Crown of the Continent

A scenic 32 miles from Kalispell is Glacier National Park. Carved by ancient glaciers, the park’s 1 million acres are home to some of the most beautiful terrain in the world.

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THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: Your Guide to Exploring Beyond the Park’s Boundaries

Chances are, if you’re planning a trip to northwest Montana, Kalispell’s backyard national park – Glacier – is likely high on your list of things to do. And while any trip to Kalispell should include at least a jaunt into the park, there are certain times of the year (like summer) that some areas of […]

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Great Northern Resort

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

At Great Northern Resort we offer a complete Montana experience, with guided scenic, whitewater and fishing trips, fully equipped rental cabins and customized itineraries for the whole family. ...
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Depot Park

Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Gardens, Places to Go

A great spot in downtown Kalispell for a picnic lunch, to catch some live music in the summer. ...
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Flathead River

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Water Sports

The Flathead River is made up of the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork with beautiful views of Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Great Bear Wilderness. The river allows for a variety of recreation such as rafting, fishing and floating. ...
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Wild Trout Adventures

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing

Wild Trout Adventures is your source for fly fishing around Glacier National Park. We’re located in the middle of some of North America’s finest fly fishing rivers with the famous Flathead River and Swan River just minutes away. Wild Trout Adventures offers guiding fly fishing services on these incredible rivers along with numerous permit-only mountain lakes. ...
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Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center

Flathead National Forest, Historic sites, Indoor Activities, Learning Experiences, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing

The Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visitors can explore various exhibits about the dam’s history, its role in flood control, recreation, and hydroelectric power. ...
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Jewel Basin

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking

Jewel Basin area offers 15,349 acres of wilderness that includes 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails. Trails are easy to access at the parking lot, Camp Misery. ...
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Crown of the Continent Discovery Center

Arts & Culture, Coffee Shops, Food & Drink, Glacier National Park, Indoor Activities, Learning Experiences, Places to Go, Restaurants, Tours & Sightseeing, Visual & Interactive Arts

The Crown of the Continent Discovery Center, located near West Glacier is a must stop when traveling to or from Glacier National Park. The center includes free interactive and interpretive displays, made in Montana product gift shop, local beers, ice cream and coffee. ...
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Woodland Park

Biking, Parks & Gardens, Water Sports

Woodland Park is a year-round local favorite with paved trails, play equipment, skate park, water park and a top-notch ice-rink equipped with stadium lights, comfortable locker rooms and benches for hockey games. The facility is open for public skating on most Saturdays and Sundays in the winter. ...
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Blacktail Mountain Trail

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports

Escape the crowds on Blacktail Mountain Trail, a 7.6 multi-use loop trail, that is dog-friendly. The trail includes forest service roads and single track with views of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake. ...
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Glacier National Park

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Glacier National Park, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing, Water Sports

Located 32 miles from Kalispell is Glacier National Park. Fondly referred to as the Crown of the Continent, the park has 1 million acres of glacier-sculpted landscapes, including waterfalls, high alpine lakes, streams, snow-covered mountains and 734 miles of trails. There are many areas of the park, including the North Fork, Lake McDonald, Cut Bank Creek, Goat Haunt, Two Medicine and Many Glacier...
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