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 Hockaday Museum of Art to gardens and farms, including Purple Mountain Lavender, Bibler Gardens and fruit orchards that line the lake.

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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If You’re Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2023, Here’s What You Need to Know

Kalispell’s backyard national park, Glacier National Park, is one of the state’s must-visit destinations. With 1 million acres of glacial-carved terrain, the park is open year-round and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.  From downtown Kalispell, Glacier National Park is a scenic 32 miles from the park’s west […]

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FLATHEAD LAKE: Meet the Largest Natural Freshwater Lake in the West

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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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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Pine Grove Pond

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

Pine Grove Pond is a family-friendly 5-acre pond that is 3 miles northeast of Kalispell. It has three accessible fishing piers and a picnic shelter, as well as a paved path around the pond. Fish species include rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. ...
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Somers Fishing Access Site

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

Somers Fishing Access Site is a family-friendly site that is 9 miles south of Kalispell on Flathead Lake. It has an ADA Fishing Pier and ramp. Fish species include lake trout and whitefish. ...
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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

There’s a reason Glacier National Park is called the Crown of the Continent. Inside the park’s 1 million acres you’ll find glacial-carved terrain, rushing waterfalls, snow-covered mountain peaks and 734 miles of trails, all perfectly complemented by the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a drive that can only be described as epic. If You’re Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park i...
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The Whitefish Trail

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing

The Whitefish Trail is a non-moterized mutli-use trail system consisting of 15 trailheads and over 47 miles of natural trail surfaces from scenic overlooks. For ADA accessible terrain, check out the Reservoir Trailhead, Holbrook Overlook Trailhead and Swift Creek Trailhead. Minutes from downtown Whitefish, the Reservoir Trailhead has 500 feet of ADA accessible trails, as well as an interpretive/pi...
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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, and to stop by the Visitor Center for a variety of local information and maps. ...
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Whitefish Mountain Resort

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowmobiling

Whitefish Mountain Resort, formerly known as Big Mountain, is a world class resort with more than 3,000 acres of terrain. Visible from downtown Kalispell, the slopes beckon skiers and snowboarders of every skill level and interest. The mountain features 2,353 feet of vertical drop spread out over more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain served by 14 lifts. ...
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Woodland Park

Biking, Fishing, 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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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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Hungry Horse Reservoir

Biking, Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Snowmobiling, Water Sports

Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir are located 20 miles northeast of Kalispell. At 564 feet high, the dam is one of the largest concrete arch dams in the U.S. and its morning-glory spillway is the highest in the world. The reservoir is 34 miles long and surrounded by towering mountain peaks. ...
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Somers Bay State Park

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Outdoor Recreation, Water Sports

The park provides access to nearly a half-mile of shoreline. The park is comprised of a wide sandy beach that’s accessible when Flathead Lake is below full pool, and at higher lake levels, its shallow waters provide a safe area for all! ...
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