21 of the Absolute Best Things to Do in Kalispell, MT
This guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners.
Want to know the best things to do in Kalispell, Montana?
Growing up in the Flathead Valley meant that I soon quickly discovered what the things to do in Kalispell, MT were! While many pass over Kalispell in order to get to Glacier National Park, many don’t know that there are a number of great things to do right close to the downtown area. This list covers some of my favorites, as well as some outdoor activities in the surrounding region!
[lwptoc hideItems=”1″]
Things to do in Kalispell, MT you can’t miss
Here are the top things to do in Kalispell, MT I recommend as a local!
1. Glacier National Park
1. Glacier National ParkIf you’re seeking the ultimate wilderness experience, Glacier National Park in Montana is for you. With 700 miles of hiking trails, mountainous views of the Canadian border, camping parks littered throughout, and spectacular, crystal clear lakes, the opportunities are endless for a peak outdoors vacation getaway.
Whether you’re a nature photographer, outdoor enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply a traveling family visiting on vacation, Glacier National Park will keep you busy and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
No matter if you’re visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, you’re sure to find something to put on your Glacier National Park itinerary.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Do you need help with your Glacier National Park trip?”]
I offer custom national park itinerary planning as a service to help you make the most of your adventures! These itineraries cover everything from where to stay, eat, what to do, and more!
⭐CHECK OUT CUSTOM NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY PACKAGES HERE⭐
[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
2. Whitefish Mountain Resort
This world-renowned ski resort located in Whitefish, Montana is the ultimate winter getaway for outdoor adventurers and locals alike. Just west of Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort at Big Mountain has been ranked the best overall ski resort year-over-year by numerous publications. It’s also one of the places to stay near Glacier National Park that I recommend the most.
The best part? You don’t have to visit in the winter to enjoy all that this mountain resort has to offer. Whitefish Mountain Resort also provides things to do in Montana during the summer; zip-lining, hiking, and open water swimming just to name a few.
3. White water rafting
If you’re looking for adventurous things to do near Kalispell, MT, why not give white water rafting a try? This adrenaline-pumping, thrilling, memorable experience is offered in Glacier National Park! Dubbed the best white water rafting in Montana, this will be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy!
If white water isn’t your scene, you can also look into a scenic float for the day instead–which can be perfect if you have younger children.
Get wet, get wild, and get ready for an experience of a lifetime. Offered from May through to September, you’ll be able to enjoy a bucket-list activity to make your vacation one to remember.
⭐BOOK YOUR WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP HERE⭐
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Don’t miss these activities near Kalispell”]
[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
4. Flathead Lake
The largest freshwater lake in the lower 48 and west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is one for the books. If you’re looking for a day on the water, you can rent kayaks, speed boats, jet skis, and a lot more. With several state parks including the amazing Wild Horse Island and Wayfarers State Park, there are plenty of places to have a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery if getting on the water isn’t your idea of fun.
As almost all Montanans would say, it’s one of the best lakes in Montana for any kind of water activity. Flathead Lake Is much more than a place to relax on the dock. Providing an abundance of activities and things to do in Kalispell, MT, It’s a must-visit while in Montana for sure!
5. Jewel Basin
5. Jewel BasinLocated east of Kalispell in Flathead National Forest, Jewel Basin is known for its incredible hiking opportunities and landscapes. Covering almost 16,000 acres of natural land including almost 30 lakes, it’s a true hiker’s paradise.
It also offers some stunning scenery without the crowds that come with Glacier, though you will need to have some experience spending time in the backcountry to truly enjoy it. One of my favorite hikes, Mount Aeneas, is located here.
Heck, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider going off-trail and bushwhack towards some hidden lakes of the basin! For things to do near Kalispell, MT, it doesn’t get much better than Jewel Basin.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Hiking essentials”]Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex 🥾
Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket 🧥
Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles 🌲
Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack 🎒
Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! 🗺
[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
6. Conrad Mansion
This historical landmark in northwest Montana is an educational and entertaining destination for the whole family. Offering guided tours of the property, from the historical relevance of the Conrad family to evening ghost tours, you’ll be sure to be entertained one way or another.
This 26-room mansion is a spectacle, to say the least. For a fun thing to do in Kalispell, MT, visiting the Conrad Mansion Museum Kalispell attraction is a great option!
7. Herron Park
Herron Park is a network of trails for several activities and off-road, non-motorized sports. This 8-mile loop is one of the most fun things to do in Kalispell. Primarily used for biking, horseback riding, and hiking, it’s the outdoor lover’s playground. If you’re visiting in the winter, no problem! Take up cross-country skiing and enjoy the trail in a winterized fashion.
Throughout your journey via the trails, you’ll be accompanied by incredible views of turquoise lakes, snowcapped mountains, and forest landscapes. A favorite spot for many locals, if you’re looking for what to do in Kalispell, MT, Herron Park is it!
8. Lone Pine State Park
8. Lone Pine State ParkA 270-acre recreational park, Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell, Montana is ideal for an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the spring and summer, to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, there’s no shortage of things to do when at Lone Pine in Kalispell!
Offering breathtaking views throughout the park and with places of relaxation to sit down and take it all in during your hike, this State Park is a Kalispell attraction to check out.
For those looking for some quieter hiking, this is a great stop to add on your Montana road trip!
9. Buffalo Hill Golf Club
Founded in 1918, this 27-hole, two-course golf resort located in Kalispell previously owned by Montana’s infamous Conrad family is the ideal club for those hoping to get a round or two in during their stay.
Outside of the incredibly-curated course itself, the resort is sprinkled with gorgeous views, forest-like surroundings, and an entertaining full-service clubhouse featuring a pro shop, a bar, and a restaurant to unwind after a long day of golf.
So, whether you’re looking to get in a quick nine or a championship round of 18, Buffalo Hill Golf Club has you covered!
10. Downtown Kalispell
10. Downtown KalispellIf you’re near the area, you’d be remiss not to enjoy all that downtown Kalispell has to offer. Surrounded by an abundance of things to do, places to visit, and sites to see, Downtown Kalispell is the center of the action. It is also where you can find the historic Kalispell Grand Hotel, which is my recommendation of Kalispell hotels to stay at.
Within a close radius to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, and with bars and restaurants, art galleries, museums, and boutique shops littered across town, Downtown Kalispell offers it all. If you’re looking for things to do in Kalispell, MT, downtown is the perfect place to start!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Join the community!”]Love the outdoors? Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more!
JOIN HERE! ⛰️ [/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
11. Hockaday Museum of Art
11. For those eager to unleash their inner artist and explore all of the amazing artistry offered in Kalispell, Montana, Hockaday Museum of Art is a must-visit.
This boutique museum in Kalispell celebrates the culture of the local First Peoples and abundant history of Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest with an aim to preserve its heritage.
Boasting a rotation of exhibits created by nationally renowned and local artists alike, this museum is ideal for those looking for an educational and community-centric activity while is Kalispell.
12. Northwest Montana History Museum
Exhibiting the history of Northwest Montana, this historically restored museum is one for the history buffs for sure! As you can probably tell, Kalispell boasts several museums exhibiting anything from local art to historical artifacts from the native First Peoples, and Northwest Montana History Museum is just one of many museums that you should consider placing on your itinerary!
If you’re looking for things to do in Kalispell MT, even if you’re a local, there’s a lot to learn here at this restored museum!
13. Wild Horse Island State Park
13. Wild Horse Island State ParkThis historic landmark resides on the largest island in Montana, known for its abundant wildlife, historic past, and scenic shorelines. A favorite for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike, Wild Horse Island State Park is ideal for capturing some pretty spectacular moments in nature. Here, you can expect to see eagles and falcons overhead, elk and deer inland, and the island also boasts five wild horses. They’re a bit tricky to find, but well worth searching for!
For things to do in Kalispell, MT, Wild Horse Island State Park certainly won’t disappoint!
14. Kayaking
14. KayakingWondering where to kayak near Kalispell, Montana? Opportunities certainly aren’t lacking, especially if you’re near Flathead Lake. As well as having access to numerous small lakes within the area (I recommend Foys), you can also take your kayak to surrounding towns like Whitefish or Somers. More and more locals are starting to realize that this is a haven for enjoying the water, and you have plenty of spots to put your boat in
15. Moose’s Saloon
After all the outdoor fun that’s been had in Kalispell, MT, you’ll likely be craving some grub. Well, the Moose’s Saloon is the perfect spot for a feed after a long day of activities. Known for the best pizza and draft beer in Kalispell, Moose’s Saloon is a legendary restaurant and bar in Flathead Valley.
Ranked in the top Kalispell restaurant, this local hangout is sure not to disappoint. So, fill up, drink up, and get back out in the Montana wilderness for another day of amazing things to do in Kalispell! It’s one of the spots you’ll hear mentioned most when it comes to Kalispell restaurants!
16. Kalispell breweries
16. Kalispell breweriesFor the brew-heads of the vacation, this activity is for you! As we’ve discussed, Kalispell, and Montana at large, certainly don’t lack in things to do, especially in the wilderness and outdoors. But did you know that Kalispell is fairly well-known for their brewery culture as well?!
If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing pint after a long day of outdoor Montana activities, below is a list of breweries in and around Kalispell for you to check out:
There are also a number of Kalispell bars you can check out if you’re looking for a night out, as well!
17. Rails-to-Trails
Welcome to the Great Northern Rails-to-Trails, where outdoor adventure lives and memories live on.
Rails-to-Trails happens to be a non-profit organization that has made it their aim to pave several miles across Kalispell to Flathead Lake. With its origins sitting on what was previously the Great Northern Railroad System now sits a 22-mile paved path where you can walk, bike, hike, and enjoy the scenery.
The network of trails takes you through several key landmarks, including downtown Kalispell. Whatever route you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy every minute!
18. Woodland Park
18. Woodland ParkFeaturing picnics, gardens, playgrounds, pedestrian walking/biking trails, and even a waterpark, Woodland Park in Kalispell is the ideal day trip for the entire family. If you’re looking for things to do in Kalispell, Montana and you’re eager to take a break from the hustle and bustle and all the outdoor adventure, Woodland Park is ideal for a leisure hangout.
If you’re eager to camp and enjoy the water park, be sure to visit during open months, June to August!
19. Foys Lake
Fully-stocked with rainbow trout and other freshwater fish, Foys Lake is the ultimate Fisherman’s getaway. As the closest lake near Kalispell, MT, it’s no effort to get there from town. And trust us when we say, it’s worth the commute! Known for its crystal clear, turquoise-colored water, and with an open landscape surrounding it, you’ll immediately feel like you’re living the authentic Montana experience, because, well, you are!
If you’re not a fisher, no problem! Foys Lake also permits non-motorized water activities like swimming and paddleboarding.
20. Flathead National Forest
Flathead National Forest covers over 2,000,000 acres of land–sheer wilderness. Located within the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Flathead National Forest doesn’t lack things to do and see. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to stay over the course of several days and camp, the choice is yours.
With 2000 miles of hiking trails, scenic rivers and natural beauty throughout, sightings of wildlife, and even offering skiing activities in the winter, Flathead National Forest is an ultimate Montana destination no matter the time of year you’re visiting.
21. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
Last but certainly not least is Blacktail Mountain Ski Area! If you’re looking for things to do near Kalispell, MT, this alpine ski area is for you. Open since 1998, Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort aims to provide a family-friendly experience for everyone.
Overlooking Flathead Lake, the views are truly incredible. Not to mention, the ski experience itself. Visiting in the winter is the obvious choice if you desire to visit Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Just a short drive from Kalispell, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy your stay.
Where to stay in Kalispell, MT
Here are some of my recommendations for Kalispell hotels that you should check out on your Montana trip.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”MY RECOMMENDATIONS”]
⭐BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS: KALISPELL GRAND HOTEL⭐
⭐BEST FOR COUPLES: HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON KALISPELL⭐
⭐BEST FOR FAMILIES: HILTON GARDEN INN KALISPELL⭐
⭐BEST FOR INSTAGRAM: LONESOME DOVE RANCH⭐
⭐BEST FOR ADVENTURERS: RED LION HOTEL KALISPELL⭐
⭐BEST AIRBNB: CLARK FARM SILO⭐
[/vc_cta][vc_column_text]
Conclusion: things to do in Kalispell, MT
These were some of my favorite things to do when I was younger, and some of my favorite things to do in Kalispell, MT even now! You’re going to love your time in my hometown and it’s a great gateway to explore some of the amazing activities in Montana.
Do you have any recommendations for things to do in Kalispell, MT? Let me know in the comments!
Like this post? Save it for later!
Want more information on Montana? Check out these articles:
