Travel Tips
Information for the Best Trip Ever
No matter if it’s your first trip to Kalispell or if you’re a return visitor, we want you to have the best vacation ever. From travel tips to how to recreate responsibly and where to stay to things to do, we’re here to help you soak up every minute of your trip.
10 Things You Need To Know Before Coming To Montana
You’re planning a trip to Kalispell and we couldn’t be happier to welcome you. But before you arrive, there are a few things you need to know. From the best way to get here to insights about Glacier National Park and our mountain town’s culinary offerings, we’re sharing the 10 things you should know to make your trip the best ever.
What to Pack for Montana
One of the easiest ways to enjoy a vacation is to ensure you have the proper clothing, attire and gear. From our location in northwest Montana, Kalispell welcomes four distinct seasons, each with their own weather patterns and temperatures. To ensure you are prepared for your visit, we’ve created packing lists for summer, fall, winter and spring.
Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2024? 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 in West Glacier, Montana.
Rain or Snow Change Your Vacation Plans? Check Out Kalispell’s Indoor Activities
Here in Kalispell, Montana, we’re fortunate to have four distinct seasons, each bringing its own set of activities, offerings and experiences to our mountain town and the surrounding area. And while we love the weather that comes with the seasons, believe us when we tell you that we understand the feelings that come when rain or snow infringes on your plans.
Recreation and Travel
Resources
With a wide array of things to do, see and explore, we’ve rounded up area maps, required permits/inspections, along with weather and road conditions to make planning easier for your adventure in Montana.
Permits and Inspections
- Conservation License - Recreating on State Lands
- Watercraft Inspections - REQUIRED
- Montana Fishing License
- Montana State Parks (Entrance Fees & Campground Reservations)
- Flathead Indian Reservation Recreation Permits
- Blackfeet Indian Reservation Recreation Permits
- Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Trail Pass
- Snowmobile Trail Pass
- Montana Hunting Licenses
Maps of Things to Do
- Downtown Kalispell Historical Walking Tour
- Local Trail Map
- Brewery and Cidery Map
- Lone Pine State Park
- Foys to Blacktail Trail
- Jewel Basin
- Whitefish Mountain Resort Trail Maps
- Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
- The Whitefish Trail
- Glacier National Park Trail Maps
Digital Maps
- From Land to Hands Map
- Montana Wilderness Association, Hike Wild Montana
- Crown of the Continent Map Guide
- Wander Map
Weather
Plane, Train or Car
Getting to Kalispell, Montana, is easier that it might seem. Within minutes of downtown you’ll find Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) and Amtrak’s Empire Builder Line, while a well-maintained highway system runs directly through Kalispell.
By Plane
A major hub into Montana, Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is located in Kalispell and has year-round and seasonal direct flights to 15 cities throughout the United States. You’ll find plenty to do in Kailspell’s walkable downtown but to discover all that Kalispell and northwest Montana have to offer a rental car is recommended.
By Train
Running through Montana’s northern tier on its route from Chicago to Seattle/Portland, Amtrak’s Empire Builder makes stops in the small town of Whitefish (about 15 miles north of Kalispell).
By Car
In Kalispell, two major U.S. highways – 93 and 2 – meet, making it easy for visitors who want to road trip to our mountain town in northwest Montana. If you fly or take the train, a variety of car rental options are available.
Get The Guide
If you’re daydreaming of a trip to Montana, we’re here to help. Snag your free travel guide.
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Ready to Visit?
We get it. You’re ready to visit Montana. And we can’t wait to introduce you to our mountain town in the shadow of Glacier National Park. If you have questions or need assistance planning your trip, we’re here to help.
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From seasonal travel itineraries to insider tips, we’ve got what you need.
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