17 Things to Do Indoors in Western Montana

Indoor exploration in Western Montana can be as memorable as exploring our outdoor scene. Sometimes, strolling a museum, watching live theater or sampling local craft beer is exactly what you need on a rainy day, to beat the summer temps or to dodge wildland fire smoke. We’ve listed 17 of our favorite things to do indoors that are unique, fun, memorable, and sometimes even a little quirky.

1. Museums

If you’re looking for an impressive cultural experience, Glacier Country has you covered. View works from nationally renowned artists and walk through some of the most fascinating exhibits of historical artifacts providing glimpses into the Old West, railroad days, pioneer settlements and American Indian heritage. To help you history buffs, art lovers and train and plane aficionados, we’ve curated a list of museums that are well worth the trip.

The Montana Museum of Art and Culture is on the University of Montana campus in Missoula. Photo: Andy Austin

2. Live Theater

Experience live theater in Montana at a performance by the Whitefish Theatre Company or Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse or the Hamilton Players. Find other showstopping performances throughout the region here.

3. American Indian Culture and Traditions

Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes by visiting the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana in Charlo and Three Chiefs Cultural Center in Pablo.

Learn about the historic clothing, weapons, household items and other artifacts of the Northern Plains tribes at the Museum of the Plains Indian. Photo: HoneyTrek

4. Antiquing

Create a nostalgic moment and find the perfect souvenir at one of Glacier Country’s many antique stores. Read our blog post, 10 Places to Go Antiquing in Western Montana here.

You never know what treasure you’ll find while antiquing in Western Montana. Photo: Merc. on 93

5. Hatchet Throwing

Hatchet Throwing is exactly what it sounds like. Grab a hatchet and aim it at a wooden target on the wall; you’ll be surprised how much fun you have. In Whitefish, visit Hank’s Hatchets Axe Throwing, and in Missoula find Lookout Throwing Co.

6. Sales Tax-Free Shopping

The eclectic shops, funky boutiques, art galleries, bookshops, second-hand stores, gift shops and old-fashioned candy stores that line our community main streets are a big part of our small-town charm. Plus, Montana has no statewide sales tax. Click here for a blog post on hidden-gem shopping spots.

Find crafts from local artisans and Montana-made items in many of our local boutiques and shops. Photo: handMADE Montana

7. Local Brewery Tasting

Savor an award-winning Montana beer at one of our local breweries. With more than 35+ breweries throughout Western Montana it won’t be hard to find one—like Old Bull Brewing in Frenchtown or Bandit Public House in Darby.

8. Historic Mansion Tour

Tour a historic mansion, like the Daly Mansion in Hamilton. This 24,000-square-foot mansion is the former home of Copper King Marcus Daly. Or visit the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell, home of fur trader Charles Conrad and his family.

Explore the 24,000-square-foot home of Copper King Marcus Daly.

9. Art Galleries

Western Montana’s natural beauty has long inspired creativity, generating a thriving art scene with renowned artists. Visit a local art gallery in one of our charming small towns, like the Brett Thuma Gallery in Bigfork or the Cawdrey Gallery in Whitefish.

“Champion Headbutter” a dye on silk painting. Photo: Cawdrey Gallery

10. Glacial Lake Missoula

Stop in at the Montana Natural History Center in Missoula to view artifacts and videos of Glacial Lake Missoula and the ice age floods. Glacial Lake Missoula was formed by an ice dam 12,000 years ago that was as big as lakes Erie and Ontario combined. The ice-dam bust flooded parts of Idaho, Oregon and Washington—creating features that can still be seen today. In Paradise, visit the Paradise Center for an interactive map of Glacial Lake Missoula.

11. Western Montana Nightlife

Kick up your heels and enjoy the nightlife in downtown Whitefish, Missoula or Kalispell. Throughout the region it’s easy to find a local watering hole where good drinks and good music are a package deal.

12. Historic Missions

Visit the historic St. Mary’s Mission, Montana’s first pioneer community, in Stevensville. Marvel at the 58 hand-painted murals adorning the walls and ceiling of the St. Ignatius Mission at the base of the Mission Mountains in St. Ignatius.

Tour the mission complex to learn about the history of the Salish Indians and the Christian missionaries.

13. Local Spirits

Taste the spirit of Montana at one of Glacier Country’s local distilleries. Take a distillery tour with Whistling Andy Distillery in Bigfork or stop at The Montana Distillery in Stevensville.

14. Fine Dining

World-renowned chefs come here for our slower-paced way of life. Inspired by stunning landscapes and wild game, their culinary creations are downright delicious. In Whitefish, enjoy delectable dishes at Whitefish Lake Restaurant. Also try Hamilton’s newest restaurant, Ember, which is receiving rave reviews for their wood-fired, locally sourced, menu.

15. Hat Design

The Hat Edit in Stevensville is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Design your own hat by picking a hat style, choosing accessories like ribbon, cards and earrings, then letting the hat bar designer create your new favorite hat.

Design every element of your cowboy hat at The Hat Edit. Photo: The Hat Edit

16. Spa Time

Feel your best after a spa treatment at one of our resort or boutique spas throughout the region.

17. Live Music at Historic Theaters

Catch a live music show at the historic Wilma Theatre in Missoula or the Rex Theater Project in Thompson Falls.

You’ll find national acts playing at the Wilma. Photo: Neubauer Media

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.

August 5, 2024