Western Montana's Glacier Country

FAMILY DAY TRIPS ON THE WEST SIDE

FAMILY DAY TRIPS ON THE EAST SIDE

ADULT DAY TRIPS ON THE WEST SIDE

Coram, Hungry Horse, Columbia Falls: 10 miles

Begin the day by renting bikes at Sky Eco Rentals in Coram and set out to bicycle the 12.6-mile Gateway to Glacier Trail, which runs from Hungry Horse to West Glacier.

For lunch, head to The Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse, where you'll find plenty of options for the whole family at the Patch's Alpine Grill. Choose from burgers (including elk and bison), sandwiches, wraps, salads and finger foods, plus a kids' menu. Top off lunch with huckleberry pie or a huckleberry shake.

Spend a thrilling afternoon in an outdoor funpark like Glacier Ziplines in Columbia Falls, the Amazing Fun Center in Coram, or Glacier Highline, also in Coram. You'll find high-flying adventures, waterparks, pools, go-karts and more.

After a day of outdoor play, make your way to Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls for some finely crafted Montana beer and excellent eats. The kids will love drinking a "fizzy," created with house-made flavored syrups.

Whitefish

Spend the day at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish Mountain is so much more than a winter ski destination. In the summer, take your pick of zipline tours, an aerial adventure park, summer tubing and the alpine slide.

Don't miss a ride on the scenic lift for views of Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.

Before you head back down the mountain, settle in at the Summit House—Montana's only mountaintop restaurant. Take in incredible views and delicious food.

Take a post-lunch hike back down the mountain on the 3.8-mile Danny On Memorial Hiking Trail, working your appetite back up for dinner back in town at Piggyback BBQ. Everyone will love the extensive food menu, and the adults will enjoy the well-crafted cocktails.

Bigfork

In the vibrant village of Bigfork, and its quaint downtown area. Grab breakfast at Pocketstone Café—the cinnamon rolls are not to be missed. Then stop by Mady & Max children's boutique before strolling across the one-lane bridge overlooking the Swan River to Sliter's Park and playground.

Have lunch on the lakeside deck at The Sitting Duck and enjoy Flathead Lake views as well as a burger or salad. For the kids, you’ll find hot dogs and chicken nuggets

Post lunch, visit Wayfarers State Park nearby—one of many park units in the Flathead Lake State Park system. The rocky cliffs along the shoreline provide excellent views of Flathead Lake. If you're up for it, jump in for a family swim. Or, gear up for an afternoon paddle on Flathead Lake. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Base Camp Bigfork.

For excellent food and award-winning Montana brews, head to Flathead Lake Brewing Company for dinner at their Pubhouse.

Kalispell

Begin the day with a refreshing hike on the trails at Lone Pine State Park, where you'll find fabulous views of the Flathead Valley. On a clear day, you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park.

Now that you've worked up an appetite, grab some lunch at Norm's Soda Fountain—the only old-fashioned soda fountain in the Flathead Valley—and shop the selection of more than 800 kinds of candy. Take note—their motto is "Eat Dessert First."

Spend the afternoon at Woodland Park, Kalispell's oldest city park, and let the kids work off that sugar high at Woodland Water Park.

Make it a pizza night at Moose's Saloon (yes, kids can visit a Saloon in Montana). Moose's has been serving up their world-famous pizza for decades. People come from far and wide to enjoy this legendary pie.

West Glacier, Columbia Falls: 19 miles

Enjoy a half-day fly-fishing trip with Glacier Anglers & Outfitters, Glacier Guides and Montana Raft, Glacier Park Rafting, Great Northern Fly Fishing Guides or Wild River Adventures in West Glacier.

After a morning on the water, make your way to Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls for incredible local beer and delicious food. We recommend the Crooked Wind IPA and a Bulgogi Bowl.

Next, relax and unwind with a spa treatment at Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls, or get on the green for a round of golf on their 18-hole course.

Top off the day with drinks and dinner and Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls. If a wine tasting is more your style, visit White Raven Winery, also in Columbia Falls.

Whitefish

Rent bikes from a href="https://www.wheatonscycle.com/" target="_blank">Wheaton's Cycle and pedal the Whitefish Trail or rent stand-up paddleboards from Whitefish Outfitters and paddle Whitefish Lake.

For lunch, make your way to Bonsai Brewing Project's outdoor beer garden. Their menu consists of thoughtfully house-made comfort food and small-batch brews like the Oh Snap! Sour Golden Ale.

Next up, get your shop on in downtown Whitefish, where you'll find quaint boutiques and specialty stores. Seek out items made by local farmers and craftspeople.

For dinner, you can't go wrong at Abruzzo Italian Kitchen. This Whitefish gem serves the kind of authentic Italian pizza you want to pair your wine with and their scratch pasta is incredible. We recommend the Carbonara pizza or the Wild Boar Ragu.

Close out the evening with some live entertainment—take in a show at Alpine Theatre Project or Whitefish Theatre Company.

Bigfork

Explore this vibrant village on the northeast corner of Flathead Lake. Downtown Bigfork is known for its shops and art galleries. Or, hike Mount Aeneas, the highest peak in the Flathead National Forest. It's a 6.3-mile round trip, so plan accordingly and enjoy the views.

You'll need a hearty meal after that hike, so head to Echo Lake Cafe where they serve lunch and breakfast all day.

After you've filled up, rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Base Camp Bigfork and spend the afternoon paddling Flathead Lake, taking in the sparkling water, warm sunshine and spectacular views.

Cap off your day with drinks at Whistling Andy Distillery and have dinner at Bonfire, where you'll choose from entrees like braised bison short ribs and smoked rainbow trout.

Kalispell

Gear up for a morning bike ride. Rent a mountain bike from Wheaton's Cycle and ride the trails in the Foys to Blacktail Trails system. You'll find multiple routes to choose from.

Unwind with lunch and beers on the rooftop patio at Bias Brewing overlooking historic downtown Kalispell with views of the Swan Mountains.

Saddle up for an authentic Montana horseback ride in the Flathead Valley with Montana Horse Works.

Post ride, wind down with a glass of wine at MontaVino Winery or Waters Edge Winery & Bistro—a full-production urban micro-winery sourcing grapes from the finest growing regions on the planet.

Flathead Lake Loop: 104 miles

Start the day off right with at Bonjour Bakery & Bistro in Kalispell, where French sophistication meets Montana hospitality. You can’t go wrong, but the Sweet Danish is a must.

Explore the vibrant village of Bigfork situated at the northeastern corner of Flathead Lake. Here you'll find a quaint downtown with eclectic shops and multiple art galleries.

Have lunch at Mackenzie River Pizza Company in Polson, a local favorite for their unique pizzas, salads, burgers and more, including the must-try Lodgepole starters.

Spend your afternoon one of three ways: Explore downtown Polson and relax on one of several beaches in this charming little community; from Lakeside, take a boat cruise on Flathead Lake with Far West Boat Tours; or rent a sailboat from Dayton Yacht Harbor and cruise around the lake.

Make your way back to Kalispell for dinner at SunRift Beer Company, where you’ll find sandwiches, pub wraps and build-your-own mac. We recommend the Kalispell Cow Tipper, but it’s all delicious.

There are three entrances to Glacier National Park on the east side—Two Medicine, St. Mary and Many Glacier—however, only the St. Mary entrance accesses the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Many Glacier to Babb, Browning: 51 Miles

Buy tribal permits and fish Duck Lake for brown, bull and rainbow trout or drive Chief Mountain International Highway for breathtaking views. Please note that you will have to turn around after approximately 20 miles at the Canada border.

Have lunch at Two Sisters Cafe in Babb where they serve up hand-made food made with locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the pie! Afterward, head over to Thronson's General Store.

In Browning, visit the Museum of the Plains Indian and get to know the history and culture of the Tribal people of the Northern Plains, via a cultural tour with Backpacker’s Ferry. Also check out the Lodgepole Gallery and the Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery. For souvenirs and American-Indian-made finds, shop at Faught's Blackfeet Trading Post and Western Curios.

For dinner, head to the Cattle Baron Supper Club in Babb. This American Indian-owned steakhouse serves up some seriously mouthwatering steaks.

St. Mary, Babb, Browning: 44 miles

Begin the day with a scenic drive along Lower Saint Mary Lake to Babb.

Stop in at Thronson's General Store for a warm western welcome and have lunch at Two Sisters Cafe in Babb where you'll find made-from-scratch options using locally sourced ingredients.

Post lunch, Post lunch, stop into Kyiyo Bakery & Mercantile at Kiowa Junction—a sister store to the iconic Polebridge Mercantile—for a sweet treat before driving to Browning or East Glacier Park.

In Browning, visit the Museum of the Plains Indian and get to know the history and culture of the Tribal people of the Northern Plains. Also check out the Lodgepole Gallery and the Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery. For souvenirs and American-Indian-made finds, shop at Faught's Blackfeet Trading Post and Western Curios.

At day's end, pull up a chair at Johnson's of Saint Mary in St. Mary where everything is homemade and everything is delicious.

East Glacier Park, Browning: 13.5 miles

Play a round of golf at the historic and scenic Glacier Park Lodge or go on a cultural tour with Backpacker’s Ferry.

From there, drive to Browning, but on your way stop at the viewing area on U.S. Highway 2 to look for free-roaming bison on the Blackfeet Nation Bison Reserve.

In Browning, visit the Museum of the Plains Indian and get to know the history and culture of the Tribal people of the Northern Plains. Also check out the Lodgepole Gallery. For souvenirs and American-Indian-made finds, shop at Faught's Blackfeet Trading Post and Western Curios.

Plan on dinner at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant in East Glacier Park, or drive south on U.S. Highway 2 for an unforgettable steak dinner at Summit Mountain Lodge & Steakhouse.

Cut Bank

Begin your day with a hike along the scenic Cut Bank Creek Coulee via the Cut Bank Trail System.

Then explore downtown Cut Bank and keep an eye out for the murals that commemorate the town's history. Time your visit to coincide with the Wednesday afternoon farmers market.

Fuel up at Folklore Coffee inside Rose Petal Floral and dive into the past at the Glacier County Historical Museum and Archive.

Cool off at the Cut Bank Creek Brewery, touting good people, good beer and good life. In addition to tasty Montana microbrews, you'll find The Messy Apron food truck on-site.

BABB

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Babb is located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. If you plan to recreate (camp, fish, hunt, hike, boat) on tribal land, you will need a tribal permit. Visit Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife for more information.

Drink + Eat Local

Grab dinner at Two Sisters Cafe, an eye-catching roadside eatery that's been satisfying diners for more than 25 years.
Enjoy a big, juicy steak at the Cattle Baron Supper Club, a steakhouse born out of the Babb Bar, once one of the rowdiest watering holes in Glacier Country.
Book a cultural food experience with Indigikitchen.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shop for necessities and souvenirs at the locally-owned and nearly century-old Thronson's General Store.

Outdoor Adventure

Buy a tribal permit and fish Duck Lake, known for unusually large brown and rainbow trout.

Sweet Dreams

Spend the night in a tipi at Chewing Black Bones Campground.
Book a room at Montana's Duck Lake Lodge for easy fishing access to Duck Lake.

BIGFORK

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Visitor Information

Bigfork Chamber of Commerce | 8155 State Highway 35, Bigfork | 406.837.5888

Arts + Culture

Take in a show at Bigfork Summer Playhouse, the finest live professional repertory theater in the northwest.
Go on a gallery stroll; Bigfork has a surprising array of art galleries.

Drink + Eat Local

Taste award-winning craft brews at Flathead Lake Brewing Company.
Tour Whistling Andy Distilling and sample The Spirit of Sperry, their huckleberry-flavored vodka with a name inspired by Glacier National Park’s Sperry Chalet.
Pair your meal with Flathead Lake views at The Raven or The Sitting Duck
Delight your palate with wine tastings and small plates at Woods Bay Wine.
Have a drink at Jenny's Speakeasy, a rock-walled cellar bar that harkens back to the Prohibition era.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shop downtown for unique jewelry, artwork, clothing and gifts.
Find local stones, gems, agates and more at Kehoe’s Agate Shop.

Outdoor Adventure

Hike to the top of Mount Aeneas, or pick one of many other trails in the Jewel Basin.
See the “Wild Mile” of the Swan River by walking the 2-mile Swan River Nature Trail.
Go paddle boarding or kayaking on Swan Lake or at Wayfarers State Park.
Check with the Swan Lake Ranger District to find out more about nearby recreational opportunities in the Flathead National Forest.
Picnic at Carlyle Johnson Park or Sliter's Park, both in Bigfork
Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or mountain bikes from Base Camp Bigfork.
Embark on a world-class fly-fishing trip with Wild Trout Adventures.
Fly over Flathead Lake and the Swan Range with Backcountry Flying Experience.
Catch a trophy trout with Flathead Lake Monster Charters.

BROWNING

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Browning is located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. If you plan to recreate (camp, fish, hunt, hike, boat) on tribal land, you will need a tribal permit. Visit Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife for more information.

Visitor Information

Visit Blackfeet - Blackfeet Tourism, Parks and Recreation | 16 Old Person St. | 406.338.7406

Arts + Culture

Learn about the history and culture of area tribes at the Museum of the Plains Indian.
Admire Plains Indian artwork at Lodgepole Gallery.

Drink + Eat Local

Fill up on treats at Kyiyo Bakery & Mercantile, a sister store to the iconic Polebridge Mercantile.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shop the unusual array of goods at Faught's Blackfeet Trading Post and Western Curios.

Indoor Pursuits

Play more than 300 slots at Glacier Peaks Casino.

Outdoor Adventure

Stop at the viewing area on U.S. Highway 2 to look for free-roaming bison on the Blackfeet Nation Bison Reserve.
Listen to traditional stories and learn about the landscape on a hike led by Iron Shield Creative's Blackfeet guides.

COLUMBIA FALLS

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Drink + Eat Local

Stop for lunch, dinner or drinks at Backslope Brewing.
Swing into White Raven Winery for a wine tasting.
Grab a dinner and check out the golf simulator at Monaco Steakhouse & Sports Bar.
Enjoy locally sourced, handcrafted Montana ice cream at Sweet Retreat Creamery.

Family Fun

Take on a treetop adventure with unforgettable views from Glacier Ziplines.
Don't miss out on family fun at Montana's largest waterpark, Big Sky Waterpark.
Experience the anomaly for yourself at Montana Vortex and House of Mystery.
Looking for a good old-fashioned swimming pool? Visit Pinewood Park Aquatic Center.
Enjoy the large playground at Marantette Park.
Cast a line in the Family Fishing Pond or stroll along the Flathead River at River's Edge Park.

Outdoor Adventure

Trek to the summit of Columbia Mountain or make your turn around point at one of three waterfalls along the way.
Explore trails in the Flathead National Forest.
Go hiking, backpacking or rock climbing with Glacier Adventure Guides.
Go green at the “must play" Meadow Lake Golf Course.
Enjoy picturesque Montana fly-fishing and rafting on the Flathead River.
Rent a jeep from Glacier Jeep Rentals and explore the backcountry.
Bike the 3-mile Columbia Falls River Trail along the Flathead River.
Contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District for more information on recreational activities in the Flathead National Forest.

CORAM

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Drink + Eat Local

Savor handcrafted whiskey and spirits “so close to Glacier you can taste it!" at Glacier Distilling.

Family Fun

Crank up the fun level! The Amazing Fun Center has a maze, go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats and bankshot basketball.

Outdoor Adventure

Get an adrenaline rush at Glacier Highline, an aerial adventure park offering 50 activities.
Bicycle 7 miles to West Glacier on the Gateway to Glacier Trail.
Rent e-bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, or floatzillas from Sky Eco Rentals.
Explore Hungry Horse Recreation Area on an ATV or UTV from Glacier Ridge Runners.
Contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District for more information on recreational activities in the Flathead National Forest.
Take a 7-zipline canopy tour with Glacier Ziplines.

CUT BANK

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Visitor Information

Cut Bank Area Chamber of Commerce | 59 Golf Course Road | 406.873.4041

Art + Culture

Step back in time at the 14-acre Glacier County Historical Museum and Archive with the option to spend the night in a historic caboose, oil worker's house or homestead house.
Learn about the Cut Bank Army Airfield's role in World War II at the Airmen's Museum.
Take a stroll around town to view the murals that celebrate Cut Bank’s history.

Drink + Eat Local

Savor a pint of craft beer—brewed with local barley—at Cut Bank Creek Brewery.
Grab a cup of coffee from Folklore Coffee Bar, inside Rose Petal Floral, Café and Supplies.

Family Fun

Buy tickets for a scenic roundtrip train ride on Amtrak's Empire Builder from Cut Bank to Whitefish, skirting the southern border of Glacier National Park.
Release some pent-up energy on the playground at City Park.

Outdoor Adventure

Hike the Cut Bank Trail System along the scenic Cut Bank Creek Coulee.

EAST GLACIER PARK

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East Glacier Park is located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. If you plan to recreate (camp, fish, hunt, hike, boat) on tribal land, you will need a tribal permit. Visit Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife for more information.

Visitor Information

East Glacier Park Chamber of Commerce | 909 State Highway 49 N. | 406.226.4403

Art + Culture

Visit The Clarke Gallery to view works from internationally renowned wood carver and local Blackfeet tribesman, John L. Clarke.
Wander around the architecturally stunning Glacier Park Lodge, a historic hotel built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway.
Take a cultural tour with Blackfeet-owned Backpackers Ferry.

Drink + Eat Local

Chow on buffalo tacos at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant, a classic East Glacier Park eatery.
Moose-watch from the deck of Summit Mountain Lodge & Steakhouse while enjoying local beef and views of Glacier National Park.

Outdoor Adventure

Play the nine holes named after Blackfeet Indian chiefs at Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course, the oldest grass greens course in Montana.
Contact the Rocky Mountain Ranger District for more information on recreational opportunities in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

ESSEX

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Outdoor Adventure

Indulge your inner cowboy or cowgirl on a week-long cattle drive with Bear Creek Guest Ranch.
Take a horseback ride into the Great Bear Wilderness with Snowy Springs Outfitters.
Hike 4 miles round-trip to Stanton Lake in the Great Bear Wilderness.
Scan for mountain goats at the nearby Goat Lick Overlook.
Visit the Walton Ranger Station for more information on nearby recreational opportunities.

HUNGRY HORSE

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Art + Culture

Visit Montana's highest dam: Hungry Horse Dam and Visitor Center.

Drink + Eat Local

Indulge in huckleberry pie at The Huckleberry Patch, Montana's first huckleberry cannery.
Dig into delicious vegan fare at Dan d'Lion.

Outdoor Adventure

Drive the 120-mile scenic loop around Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Note: The East Side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road (National Forest System Road 38) will be temporarily closed to public use from approximately July 15 through August 12, 2024.
Camp, boat or hike: recreation abounds!
Take a stroll around Lion Lake. Look—and listen—for loons.
Head out for huckleberry picking, a quintessential Montana experience.
Kayak or stand-up paddleboard Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District for more information about recreational opportunities in the Flathead National Forest.

Sweet Dreams

Stay at Timberwolf Resort, with camping accommodations from tent and RV sites to rustic cabins and lodge rooms.

KALISPELL

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Visitor Information

Kalispell Chamber of Commerce + Discover Kalispell Visitor Information Center| 2 S. Main St., Kalispell | 406.758.2811

Art + Culture

Visit Conrad Mansion Museum for a slice of history and railroad-glory-days architecture.The Mansion offers docent-guided and self-guided tours.
Discover Glacier National Park art and memorabilia at the Hockaday Museum of Art.
Take a self-guided mural tour to see Kalispell's street art.
Learn the local history through interactive exhibits for the entire family at the Northwest Montana History Museum.
Enjoy small-town charm and western hospitality with a Northwest Montana History Museum walking tour of downtown Kalispell.

Drink + Eat Local

Enjoy Kalispell's array of culinary offerings, including breweries, restaurants and coffee shops.
Wet your whistle at Bias Brewing, SunRift Beer Company, Sacred Waters Brewery, MontaVino Winery, Waters Edge Winery, Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits, KM Bar or Big Mountain Cider Works.
Stroll through downtown and be greeted by mouthwatering offerings. Fill up on pastries at Ceres Bakery, pizza at Moose's Saloon, bison ribeye at Mercantile Steak, BBQ at DeSoto Grill or ice cream at Norm’s Soda Fountain.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Visit downtown Kalispell's shops and boutiques for made-in-Montana items, cowboy boots, clothing, outdoor gear, jewelry and souvenirs.
Browse downtown Kalispell's Main Street and don’t miss Western Outdoor, The Toggery, Honey Home & Design, Lyon and Pearle and Sage & Cedar.

Outdoor Adventure

Plan to paddle, boat or fish the waters of Flathead Lake, located a 10-minute drive from downtown Kalispell. Guided recreation is available on the lake, as well as numerous state and public parks that provide access to its glacial-fed waters.
Tour a flower farm at Two Kay’s Flower Farm, Longview Lavender Farm and Purple Mountain Lavender.
Saddle up and ride through Montana's mountains on a horseback trail ride with Montana Horse Works.
Get a bird's-eye view of the entire valley at Lone Pine State Park.
Explore Foy's to Blacktail Trails at Herron Park—only 10 minutes from town. Dog and mountain-bike friendly.
Bike from downtown Kalispell to Flathead Lake on the paved, accessible, nonmotorized “Rails to Trails" Parkline Trail. Rentals available at Wheaton’s Cycle.
Rent kayaks from Sportsman & Ski Haus and paddle Foys Lake, just minutes from downtown Kalispell.
Learn how to fly fish with True Water Fly Shop.

LAKESIDE / SOMERS

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Visitor Information

Lakeside and Somers Chamber of Commerce | 7191 U.S. Highway 93, Lakeside | 406.844.3715

On the Lake

Cast a line from a chartered fishing boat, like Hooked on Montana.
Play on the water with kayaking and SUP rentals/tours
Take a cruise with Far West Boat Tours.
Access the lake at Somers Bay, Somers Beach State Park, Flathead Harbor, Volunteer Park and West Shore State Park.

Around the Lake

Ride the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster.
Visit Purple Mountain Lavender or Longview Lavender Farm and pick up some lavender oil, bundles, hydrosol or sachets.
Stop by an orchard to pick famous Flathead Cherries, or find a roadside stand.
Bike from Somers to Kila on the paved Great Northern Historical Trail.

Stretch your legs at Lakeside Community Park.

Contact the Flathead National Forest for more information on recreational opportunities near Somers and Lakeside.

Shred the trails at Legacy Bike Park (experienced mountain bikers only).

Drink + Eat Local

Relax with a craft beer on Tamarack Brewing's creekside patio.
Dine on food made from locally sourced ingredients at Beargrass Bistro.

Sweet Dreams

Get cozy in a cabin, motel or RV site at Flathead Harbor Resort.
Tuck in for the night among the peace and quiet of The Cabins at Blacktail.

MARTIN CITY

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Outdoor Adventure

Take the East Side Reservoir Road #38 and drive part or all of the loop around Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District for more information about recreational opportunities in the Flathead National Forest.

POLEBRIDGE

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Drink + Eat Local

Stop at the beloved Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery and try a huckleberry bear claw. Stock up on trip essentials and Montana-made souvenirs and rent outdoor gear.
Drink, dine and listen to live music on the lawn of the Northern Lights Saloon.
At Home Ranch Bottoms, enjoy a freshly squeezed huckleberry margarita, food and live music through their annual summer concert series.

Outdoor Adventure

Hike in the Glacier View Ranger District offering many different hiking opportunities, including Demers Ridge/Glacier View Mountain.

Sweet Dreams

Stay at the off-the-grid North Fork Hostel & Square Peg Ranch and meet visitors from all over the world.
Rent the Ben Rover Forest Service cabin.

POLSON

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Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. If you plan to recreate (camp, fish, hunt, hike, boat) on tribal land, you will need a tribal permit. Visit CSKT Wildland Recreation for more information.

Visitor Information

Polson Chamber of Commerce | 402 First St. E., Suite 102, Polson | 406.883.5969

Arts + Culture

Visit the Miracle of America Museum and explore the vast collection—340,000 and counting—of Americana curiosities.
At the Sandpiper Gallery and hand MADE Montana, shop for local art, pottery, jewelry and other gifts and handmade items.
Top off a day on the lake with a live performance by the Port Polson Players inside a 1938 log theater on the lakeshore.

Drink + Eat Local

If you're visiting in July, you can't miss tasting the famous Flathead cherries, grab them at a roadside stand, U-Pick farm or during the Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival.
Find delicious artisan cheeses handmade in small batches at Flathead Lake Cheese.
Try some of the finely crafted local beer on tap at Glacier Brewing Company.
Grab a bite to eat on the lakeshore at Finley Point Grill, serving up steaks, seafood and other mouthwatering entrees, and touting a robust wine list.
If you're in the mood for burgers, you're in luck. Richwine's Burgerville is known for its 100% bull hamburgers, which they've been serving for more than 50 years.
For a taste of Thai, head to Hot Spot Thai Café.
For blues, booze and barbecue, mosey on over to East Shore Smoke House.

Outdoor Adventure

Relax lakeside at one of several city parks or rent watercraft from Riverside Recreation.
Take an aerial tour over the lake with Blue Goose Aviation.
Go kayaking at Finley Point State Park.
Schedule a private boat tour of the largest lake west of the Mississippi with Discover Flathead Lake.

Family Fun

Skate the 7th Avenue Skatepark.
Play along the shores of Flathead Lake at Riverside Park, Sacajawea Park, Point Salish Park or Boettcher Park.

Sweet Dreams

Spend the night at any number of cozy lodging options in this lakeside community: Polson Motorcoach Resort, America's Best Value Port Polson Inn, Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson, Polson Flathead Lake KOA.

ST. MARY

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Drink + Eat Local

Eat hearty at Johnson's of St. Mary, where the Johnson Family has been dishing up their signature American-style fare since 1950.

Outdoor Adventure

Walk the paved paths at St. Mary Overlook for marvelous views of the valley below.

Sweet Dreams

Find a place to rest your head at St. Mary Village.
Camp overnight and take a swim in the pool at the St. Mary/East Glacier KOA Holiday..

WEST GLACIER

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Visitor Information

Visitor center at the Historic Belton West Glacier Train Depot | 12544 U.S. Highway 2 E., West Glacier | 406.888.5756

Drink + Eat Local

Stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails at the Sunflower Café.
Indulge in fine dining at the Belton Chalet Dining Room. Then overnight at the Belton Chalet, a Great Northern Railway hotel dating back to 1910.
Pull over for Mexican fare at the Wandering Gringo Café.

Family Fun

Head to the family-friendly Crown of the Continent Discovery Center to book guided trips, relax with coffee, spirits, or ice cream, shop for souvenirs, visit the petting zoo and more!
Tee up at Golfing to the Sun mini golf course and then treat the family to ice cream from the on-site Club House.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Gear up for your outdoor adventure at Glacier Anglers & Outfitters.
Shop the Glacier National Park Conservancy Gift Store for Glacier National Park souvenirs.

Outdoor Adventure

Sign up for an adventure! Many outfitters offer guided whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, trail riding and hunting excursions of varying lengths, including half-day, full-day and multiday. Outfitters include:

Rent a bicycle from Glacier Outfitters and ride 7 miles to Coram on the Gateway to Glacier Trail.
Explore trails in the Flathead National Forest and the Great Bear Wilderness.
Play 18 holes at Glacier View Golf Club.

Sweet Dreams

Enjoy a romantic getaway in a private designer log chalet at Silverwolf Log Chalets.
Overnight accommodations abound in West Glacier. Find warm western hospitality at Belton Chalet, West Glacier Village and Glacier Guides Lodge.
Find camping at Glacier Campground & RV Park, West Glacier KOA, and West Glacier RV Park & Cabins.

WHITEFISH

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Visitor Information

Explore Whitefish/Convention and Visitor Bureau + Whitefish Chamber of Commerce | 505 E. 2nd St., Whitefish | 877.862.3548

Exploration is easy with visitor kiosks throughout town featuring maps, travel guides and activity/event posters. Please remember to recreate responsibly and Be a Friend of The Fish.

Getting Around: SNOW Bus

Catch a ride with daily service from Whitefish to Whitefish Mountain Resort (running whenever the chairlifts are running at the resort).
Bring your wheels on bicycle-friendly buses with racks for up to 16 bikes.
View the current schedule here.

Drink + Eat Local

Get your beer on at Bonsai Brewing Project, a community-raised brewery featuring locally crafted brews, food, live music and an outdoor beer garden.
Taste the rugged landscape and the heart and soul of Montana at Spotted Bear Spirits or Tiki Bar & Grill.
Dine outdoors at one of many restaurants that offer summer outdoor seating, including Boat Club, Last Chair, Piggyback BBQ, Firebrand, Indah Sushi, Logan’s Bar & Grill, The Craggy Range or soon to open at 101 Central, The Belvedere. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shopping in downtown Whitefish is a must. Don't miss Chill Clothing Company, Harlow, Haskill Creek Farms, The Toggery, FORLOH and Trovare.

Outdoor Recreation

Play on Whitefish Lake, with three public-access points, including Whitefish Lake State Park, Whitefish City Beach and Les Mason State Park.
Explore 47 miles of dog-friendly trails and scenic overlooks on The Whitefish Trail.
Tee off at the 36-hole Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Paddleboard on Whitefish Lake and Whitefish River with paddleboard rentals from Whitefish Outfitters at Whitefish City Beach.
Go on a guided day hike in the Flathead National Forest with Glacier Hikes & Bikes.

Indoor Fun

Bring out your inner artist at the kid-friendly Stumptown Art Studio.
Test out your throwing skills at Hank's Hatchets.
Pamper yourself at the spa at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake or the Firebrand Hotel.
Take in a play or concert with Alpine Theatre Project or Whitefish Theatre Company.
Book a local brewery tour with Big Sky Brews Cruise.

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Summer Style

Soar through the trees, high above the slopes on a zipline tour.
For "an obstacle park in the trees" visit Aerial Adventure Park.
Take sliding to a whole new level on the Alpine Slide.
A must-do Montana attraction—Scenic Lift and Gondola Rides.
Taste Montana with mountaintop dining at the Summit House.
Go for a ride on smooth-flow, lift-accessed mountain-biking trails.
Take a hike, literally, with miles of trails to explore.
Learn more about summer activities at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

A Little Further Out: Northwest Corridor

Consider exploring Glacier Country’s Northwest Corridor rather than Two Medicine or Many Glacier, which can be intimidating to visitors who are new to the outdoors. It’s a beautiful hour and a half drive from Kalispell to the town of Libby. Libby is located on the Kootenay River in the heart of the Kootenai National Forest. Libby Dam, Souse Gulch Recreation Area and Lake Koocanusa are incredibly scenic and easily accessible off Highway 37. Downtown Libby offers a brewery, dining, lodging and shopping.

Weekly Events (Seasonal)

Towns + Events Near Glacier National Park

Explore Small Towns and Communities Near the Park

Explore Small Towns and Communities Near the Park

Unmatched Trip Advice

FAMILY DAY TRIPS ON THE WEST SIDE

FAMILY DAY TRIPS ON THE EAST SIDE

ADULT DAY TRIPS ON THE WEST SIDE

Coram, Hungry Horse, Columbia Falls: 10 miles

Whitefish

Bigfork

Kalispell

West Glacier, Columbia Falls: 19 miles

Whitefish

Bigfork

Kalispell

Flathead Lake Loop: 104 miles

Many Glacier to Babb, Browning: 51 Miles

St. Mary, Babb, Browning: 44 miles

East Glacier Park, Browning: 13.5 miles

Cut Bank

BABB

Drink + Eat Local

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Outdoor Adventure

Sweet Dreams

BIGFORK

Visitor Information

Arts + Culture

Drink + Eat Local

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Outdoor Adventure

BROWNING

Visitor Information

Arts + Culture

Drink + Eat Local

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Indoor Pursuits

Outdoor Adventure

COLUMBIA FALLS

Visitor Information

Drink + Eat Local

Family Fun

Outdoor Adventure

CORAM

Visitor Information

Drink + Eat Local

Family Fun

Outdoor Adventure

CUT BANK

Visitor Information

Art + Culture

Drink + Eat Local

Family Fun

Outdoor Adventure

EAST GLACIER PARK

Visitor Information

Art + Culture

Drink + Eat Local

Outdoor Adventure

ESSEX

Visitor Information

Outdoor Adventure

HUNGRY HORSE

Visitor Information

Art + Culture

Drink + Eat Local

Outdoor Adventure

Sweet Dreams

KALISPELL

Visitor Information

Art + Culture

Drink + Eat Local

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Outdoor Adventure

LAKESIDE / SOMERS

Visitor Information

On the Lake

Around the Lake

Drink + Eat Local

Sweet Dreams