Places to Go Archives | Page 6 of 9 | 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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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...
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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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Kalispell Farmer’s Market

Arts and Artisans, Downtown, Places to Go, Shopping, Wellness

  The Kalispell Farmers Market offers the freshest produce grown in the Flathead Valley and an array of locally-made goods. Every Saturday from May through October from 9 am to 12:30 pm, find local farmers selling everything from meat and eggs, fruits and vegetables to baked goods to native plants and trees. Shop for handmade jewelry, pottery, soaps, paintings, and many more creations by the...
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Swan Lake

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Water Sports

The Swan, as it’s referred to by locals, is a scenic corridor along Highway 83 southeast of Kalispell. Within this narrow heavily forested valley are numerous lakes, abundant recreation, and majestic views of the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range. ...
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Foy’s to Blacktail Trails

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing

Less than 10 minutes from Kalispell, Herron Park is a mountain bikers’ / hikers’ / cross-country skiers’ gateway to a vast trail system, Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, through timberlands extending south toward Blacktail Mountain. ...
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True Water Fly Shop

Downtown, Fishing, Flathead Lake, Flathead National Forest, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing

Full Service Fly Fishing Shop offering guided fishing trips, gear sales and Lodging. ...
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Bigfork Summer Playhouse

Arts & Culture, Indoor Activities, Performing Arts, Places to Go

The Bigfork Summer Playhouse, bringing you Broadway caliber shows for over 50 years. Stay four days, see four plays! Four Broadway Musicals featured weekends in May/Sept and nightly June-August. ...
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Glacier Institute

Glacier National Park, Hiking, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Snowshoeing, Tours & Sightseeing

Don’t risk wasting your trip to Glacier National Park and not making the most of every moment. The potential is there to make lifelong memories, let us provide those experiences. The Glacier Institute. ...
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Glacier Art Museum

Arts & Culture, Arts and Artisans, Downtown, Historic sites, Indoor Activities, Museums, Places to Go, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing, Visual & Interactive Arts

The Glacier Art Museum mission is to enrich the cultural life of our community and region, and preserve the artistic legacy of Montana and Glacier National Park. Find original handiwork by local and regional artists in gift shop. ...
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Conrad Mansion Museum

Antiques & Vintage, Arts & Culture, Arts and Artisans, Downtown, Historic sites, Indoor Activities, Museums, Places to Go, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing

The Conrad Mansion is one of the most outstanding examples of luxurious pioneer living and period architecture in the Pacific Northwest. The building itself remains unchanged since Spokane, WA architect Kirtland Cutter designed and built the home in 1895 for Charles E. and Alicia Conrad. Visiting the Conrad Mansion today provides an extraordinary glimpse into the life of this wealthy pioneer famil...
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