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.

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.

READ MORE

Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2025? 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 entrance […]

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE
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.

READ MORE

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 […]

READ MORE
Discovery Starts Here

Trail of the Cedars

Glacier National Park, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

One of Discover Kalispell’s all time favorite trails in Glacier National Park that is family and ADA friendly. This 0.9-mile trail shows off Glacier National Park’s oldest trees, a beautiful waterfall, wildflowers and views of the towering peaks of Glacier above you. ...
More

Parkline Trail

Biking, Downtown, Hiking

...
More

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

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

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft is an eco-conscious company based in West Glacier, Montana offering whitewater rafting, scenic floating, hiking, biking, backpacking, fishing, equipment sales and rentals, and lodging. We also operate the quiet, cozy Glacier Guides Lodge at the west entrance to Glacier National Park, and have a charming Guest House available for family escapes. We strive to provide ...
More

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. ...
More

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. ...
More

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. Be sure to check out their visitor center! ...
More

Red Bus Tours

Glacier National Park, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing

Experience the renowned Red Buses, an exceptional means to explore and discover Glacier National Park. These vintage buses from the 1930s hold a significant place in the park’s human history and cultural heritage. Given the park’s predominantly vertical landscapes, the retractable tops of these buses offer unparalleled panoramic views of the majestic mountains and the park’s reno...
More

The Whitefish Trail

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

The Whitefish Trail is a non-motorized multi-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...
More

Lone Pine State Park

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Snowshoeing

The Lone Pine State Park boasts an extensive network of trails spanning a total of 7.5 miles, catering to various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Encompassing an area of 279 acres, the site of the park spans elevations between 2,959 feet and 3,644 feet. During the winter season, visitors can rent snowshoes at a nominal fee of $5 per person or ...
More

Dream Adaptive Recreation

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

Dream Adaptive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been serving the community for over 30 years. Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing year-round adaptive outdoor fun. ...
More

Let’s Stay in Touch

From seasonal travel itineraries to insider tips, we’ve got what you need.

"*" indicates required fields