The Great Outdoors meets Old West charm and a lively arts and culture scene in Kalispell, Montana. Access world-class outdoor recreation with ease in this vibrant community centrally located between Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park in Western Montana’s Glacier Country, and also take advantage of all the fun happening in downtown Kalispell. While exploring this lovely small town this year, please remember: Like most of our communities, things are still a bit out of the ordinary. You’ll find limited services, days and times of operations at some local businesses. Please plan ahead and also practice patience, kindness and respect.
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. Saddle up and ride through Montana’s mountains on a horseback trail ride with Artemis Acres. Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire valley at Lone Pine State Park.
Explore Foy’s to Blacktail Trails at Herron Park—it’s only 10 minutes from town and is dog and mountain-bike friendly. Bike from downtown Kalispell to Flathead Lake on a nonmotorized “Rails to Trails” paved trail system. Tee up at one of Kalispell’s three golf clubs, or, soak up Montana’s agriculture scene with a visit to Bibler Gardens or Hurst Flower Meadow.
Arts + Culture
Kalispell’s historic downtown district offers lively events, must-stop local restaurants and watering holes, plus art studios and galleries. Enjoy small-town charm and western hospitality with a self-guided walking tour of downtown Kalispell, and shop sales-tax-free at local shops and boutiques where you’ll find made-in-Montana items, cowboy boots, clothing, outdoor gear, jewelry and souvenirs. Must see: the self-guided mural tour of Kalispell’s street art. Peruse Kalispell’s north end for national-brand camping supplies, clothing, footwear and box stores.
For a slice of history and railroad-glory-days architecture, visit Conrad Mansion Museum, offering docent-guided and self-guided tours. Learn the local history through interactive exhibits for the entire family at the Northwest Montana History Museum. Art lovers will enjoy the Glacier National Park art and memorabilia at the Hockaday Museum of Art.
Also hosted by Hockaday, don’t miss the Arts in the Park festival July 16 – 18, 2021—the Flathead Valley’s premier arts, crafts and music festival held in Kalispell’s historic downtown Depot Park. Shop wares of more than 100 local and visiting artists and craftspeople, local food and beverage vendors, and live music. Also at Depot Park, visitors and locals alike enjoy Kalispell’s Picnic in the Park Summer Concert Series Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons. On Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. between July 8 and August 19, 2021, visit Thursday!Fest at the Northwest Montana History Museum and enjoy live music, food vendors and a beer and wine garden. There’s also the Snowline Acres Summer Concert Series every Wednesday in August. On Saturday mornings through October 9, 2021, grab a cup of coffee and stroll the beloved Kalispell Farmers Market, which takes place between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You’ll find local arts and crafts, fresh produce and a delightful slice of small-town Americana. NEW THIS YEAR: The First Annual Montana Renaissance Faire, July 24 – 25 and 30 – 31 at Kalispell’s Majestic Valley Arena.
Local Food + Drink
Savor 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, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro, Sacred Waters Brewery or Rough Cut Cider. Stroll through downtown Kalispell and be greeted by mouthwatering offerings, like 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. Please be patient with restaurant staff this year and recognize that hours and capacity limits may be affected.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: practice physical distancing; know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace and build an inclusive outdoors. Take the Tourism Pledge to travel responsibly in Glacier Country.
June 28, 2021
Related: Arts and Culture, Dining, Film, Kalispell, Montana, Summer Fun, Vacation
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