Near the ParkExplore Small Towns and Communities Near the Park
Explore Small Towns and Communities Near the Park
Glacier National Park is a wonder all its own, with plenty of exploration and adventure to keep you busy for the entirety of your stay. But the communities that surround the park are infused with the same spirit of otherworldly splendor. Glacier Country’s charming small towns welcome visitors with restaurants, shops, museums, galleries and, best of all, the authentic western hospitality Montana is known for.
Please TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY, now more than ever. Know before you go, plan ahead, stay informed, stay safe, be kind, be respectful, be patient and leave no trace. Call or check in advance to make sure the businesses you are interested in are open, and find out what their requirements and restrictions may be before visiting. This goes for exploring our communities as well.
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
(Note that there will be road construction along this stretch during the 2021 season.)
Begin the day by renting bikes at Sky Eco Rentals in Coram and set out to bicycle the 7-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—don't miss the House Pretzels. 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 Casey's. Everyone will love the extensive food menu, and the adults will enjoy the well-crafted cocktails.
Bigfork
In the storybook village of Bigfork, explore the adorable downtown area. Grab breakfast at Pocketstone Café—the cinnamon rolls are HUGE. Then stop by Mady and 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 Raven's lakeside deck and enjoy Flathead Lake views as well as a burger or salad, or even the irresistible Montana Yak Meatloaf, which is wrapped in bacon and topped with cherry BBQ sauce.
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
(Note that there will be road construction along this stretch during the 2021 season.)
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 Glacier Cyclery & Nordic and pedal the Whitefish Trail or rent stand-up paddleboards from Paddlefish Sports 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.
Bigfork
Explore this charming storybook 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 epic 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 Glacier Cyclery & Nordic 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 Kalispell Brewing Company overlooking historic downtown Kalispell with views of the Swan Mountains. The Handle Brews food truck is parked right outside and their flatbread sandwiches are delicious.
Saddle up for an authentic Montana horseback ride in the Flathead National Forest with Artemis Acres Paint Horse Ranch.
Post ride, wind down with a winery tour. Kalispell boasts four wineries: Glacier Sun Winery, MontaVino Winery, Tailing Loop Winery and 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 a farm-to-table breakfast at The Knead Café in Kalispell. You'll find classics like eggs Benedict, vegetarian-friendly options like the veggie frittata and sweet treats like pecan-crusted pancakes.
Explore the storybook 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 Mrs. Wonderful's Café, where you'll find locally grown organic menu options, organic baked goods and handmade gourmet products.
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; from Somers, rent stand-up paddleboards from Paddle Board Outfitters and cruise around the lake.
Make your way back to Kalispell for dinner at SunRift Beer Company. No matter what you eat for dinner—we recommend The Cow Tipper sandwich with beer gravy)—start with the Beer Biscuits, also with beer gravy.
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 Gong-to-the-Sun Road. The road to the Many Glacier entrance will be under construction in 2021 so expect delays and plan ahead.
Many Glacier to Babb, Browning: 51 Miles
Buy a tribal permit 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, mosey on over to Thronson's General Store.
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.
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, drive to Browning or East Glacier Park.
o 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.
o Explore East Glacier Park by horseback with Glacier Gateway Trail Rides or play a round of golf at the historic and scenic Glacier Park Lodge.
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
Explore East Glacier Park by horseback with Glacier Gateway Trail Rides or play a round of golf at the historic and scenic Glacier Park Lodge.
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 and the Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art 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.
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.
Don't leave Cut Bank without hamming it up for a selfie beside Cut Bank's 27-foot-tall penguin.
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.
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.
Take a selfie with a 27-foot-tall penguin statue that claims Cut Bank is the "coldest spot in the nation."
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.
Outdoor Adventure
Hike the Cut Bank Trail System along the scenic Cut Bank Creek Coulee.
Sweet Dreams
Fly a small plane into Cut Bank International Airport and stay the night. The airport offers overnight sleeping rooms, showers, free camping and courtesy cars for local use.
Play the nine holes named after Blackfeet Indian chiefs at Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course, the oldest grass greens course in Montana.
See Montana from horseback. Glacier Gateway Trail Rides' Blackfeet guides lead riders to marvelous views along the edge of Glacier National Park.
Sweet Dreams
Set your eyes on, or better yet, rest your head at the architecturally stunning Glacier Park Lodge, a historic hotel built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway.
Enjoy small-town charm and western hospitality with a self-guided 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 Kalispell Brewing Company, Bias Brewing, SunRift Beer Company, MontaVino Winery, Sacred Waters Brewery or Rough Cut Cider.
Stroll through downtown and be greeted by mouthwatering offerings. Fill up on pastries at Ceres Bakery, pizza at Moose's Saloon, bison burgers at Hop's Downtown Grill, BBQ at DeSoto Grill or fresh sushi at Blue Samurai.
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.
Peruse Kalispell's north end for national-brand camping supplies, clothing, footwear and box stores.
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.
Soak up Montana's agriculture scene with a visit to Purple Mountain Lavender, Bibler Gardens or Hurst Flower Meadow.
Saddle up and ride through Montana's mountains on a horseback trail ride with Artemis Acres.
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!
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.
Exploration is easy with visitor kiosks throughout town featuring maps, travel guides and activity/event posters. Please remember that recreating responsibly and checking local health guidelines are as important as ever.
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.
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 Unleashed: A Winery.
Dine outdoors at one of many restaurants that offer summer outdoor seating, including Last Chair, Piggyback BBQ, the Wich Haus, Jalisco Cantina, Pescado Blanco, Boat Club, Casey's, Firebrand, Abruzzo Italian Kitchen, Indah Sushi, Craggy Range or the Whitefish Lake Restaurant. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.
Outdoor Recreation
Play on Whitefish Lake, with three public-access points.
Explore 42 miles of dog-friendly trails and scenic overlooks on The Whitefish Trail.
Tee off at the 36-hole Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
Indoor Fun
Bring out your inner artist at the kid-friendly Stumptown Art Studio.
Montana’s westernmost region beckons. Grand landscapes and small-town hospitality make for authentic experiences and unforgettable moments. Looking to create your own Montana experience?
Deciding where to go while you’re here won’t be easy (it’s a pretty big place), but what you’ll quickly discover is that there’s so much Montana to see, you’ll be planning your next trip before this one is even over.
Here are some easy ways to get started. From laid-back weekend jaunts, romantic getaways and family vacations, to complete cultural experiences, there are seemingly endless options for adventure in Western Montana.
After a day of epic exploration, relaxation and rejuvenation are in order. Western Montana boasts five-star luxury lodging, riverside camping, and everything in between.
Explore our diverse accommodation options for trips of any length and style.
At first glance, Montana may not seem like a dining destination, but we’re happy to report it’s exactly that. With incredible fine dining restaurants, steakhouses, bakeries, bars, breweries, food trucks and cafés serving up a mix of everything—for every kind of eater—Montana is an adventure in food, too.
It’s always good to have a plan, so you can get the most out of your Montana experience. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spontaneously wander off the beaten path while you’re here.
You don’t even need to see what’s around the next bend to be stopped in your tracks at Glacier National Park. The sheer beauty is jaw dropping from every angle. With over 1 million acres of towering, jagged peaks, cascading waterfalls, wild meadows and sparkling waters, plus wildlife watching and recreation opportunities, it is, quite simply, the vacation of a lifetime.