Flathead Valley, Montana, is situated in the northwest corner of Montana.
It is between the Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, which happens to be the largest natural freshwater lake in Montana. The climate is always favorable every time of the year.
There are exciting things to do in Flathead Valley, Montana. They range from visiting the Glacier National Park with several hiking trails and breathtaking scenery to spending a day at flathead lake, et cetera.
This article covers 21 things to do in Flathead Valley, Montana, and all you need to know about the valley.
Where is Flathead Valley, Montana?
As we said earlier, Flathead Valley, Montana, is located in the northwest corner of the state of Montana, United States.
It includes several communities such as Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Polson, Columbia Falls, St. Ignatius, and Ronan.
Flathead Valley, Montana, shares proximity with several attractive locations such as Whitefish Mountain Resort, Glacier National Park, and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.
It is an exciting place for many outdoor facilities such as hunting, canoeing, fly fishing, hiking, et cetera.
Things to Do in Flathead Valley, Montana
One can engage in several outdoor activities in Flathead Valley, Montana, and we’ll be exploring some of them.
Some of these activities include water recreation, et cetera. These are 21 things to do in Flathead Valley, Montana;
1. Glacier Guides and Montana Raft
The Glacier Guides and Montana Raft offer guided Glacier National Park tours. It was established in 1983.
They are an eco-conscious company based in West Glacier, Montana, offering scenic floating, whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, backpacking, Chalet tours, fishing, and equipment sales and rentals in and out of the area around Glacier National Park.
Their experienced guides will show you Glacier’s secrets, from the pristine whitewater and scenic rafting rivers to the 732 miles of delightful hiking trails to the backcountry hut, Granite Park Chalet.
You can join a scheduled half, complete, or multi-day trip or let them customize a private Glacier National Park adventure just for you and yours.
Of course, you are free to inquire about their Fly-Fishing School and Five-Day Smith River Exploration, too.
Address: The Glacier National Park is located in Montana, United States.
2. Glacier Raft Company
As the oldest rafting company in Montana, they’ve specialized in family whitewater adventures on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River for the past 44 years.
They are the #1 attraction in West Glacier on Trip Advisor. They also offer half-day and full-day trips along the southern border of Glacier National Park.
You can also book multiple-day trips run on either the Middle Fork of the North Fork of the Flathead River for guided rafting or fishing trips.
If you are looking for one of the best dry fly cutthroat trout fishing trips in the country, check out Great Bear Wilderness Trip.
Address: This company is located at 106 Going-to-the-Sun Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States.
3. Buffalo Hill Golf Club
Montana golf is best experienced by golfing twenty-seven holes at Buffalo Hill.
The scenic beauty of the Championship 18, along with the panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and the northwest Rocky Mountains, are guaranteed to bring you back time and time again
The Buffalo Hill course is regularly on Golf Digest’s top courses and places to play.
Buffalo Hill can easily be accessed by HWY 93 from Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, and Lakeside, MT.
Address: The Buffalo hills golf club is located at 1176 N. Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
4. Boat Tours in Glacier National Park
Tours are usually given on historic wooden boats by the Glacier Park Boat Company since 1938.
The tours include four different areas, which are Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and St. Mary.
The experienced crew at the boat company has well looked after and maintained the wooden boats.
Try going on a tour in one of these boats when next you’re in Kalispell, Montana.
Address: The Glacier National Park is located in Montana, United States.
5. You can Take a Day Trip to Flathead Lake
You can always take a day trip around Flathead Lake to soak in the Breathtakingly beautiful lake scenery.
Take a 10-mile drive south from Kalispell to the lake’s northern end to start the round trip.
Start by driving south along the west side of the lake on the famous Highway 93.
When you get to Poulson, return north along the opposite side, which is now east of the Lake on Highway 35, for a whole round trip.
Driving along these roads is therapeutic as you’re treated to fascinating views of the colorful culture of the towns along the lake, galleries, breweries, different state parks, et cetera.
Address: Flathead lake is located at 150 Flathead Lodge Rd, Bigfork, MT 59911, United States.
6. Hockaday Museum of Art
The cultural history of Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park can be learned at the Hockaday Museum of Art.
The museum is in a stunning classical-style building, previously erected as the town library in 1901.
In addition to rotating some of its exhibits, it has a “Crown of the Continent” exhibition, which includes 15 historic Glacier National Park murals that are permanent.
It also exhibits work from some best-known Western artists, including Charles M. Russell and O.C. Seltzer.
Address: The Hockaday Museum of Art is located at 302 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
Do you plan to visit other parts of Montana? Start by checking things to Do in Helena, MT | Things to Do In Butte, MT | Things to Do In Bozeman, MT.
7. Moose’s Saloon
To visitors, Moose’s might look like the most uninviting place from the outside, probably because the tavern’s name is nowhere to be seen on the building’s flat, weathered wood façade; there are only crisscrossing “Saloon” signs.
While it might look rough on the surface, it is a different story on the inside. Moose’s is one of the friendliest places you’ll find anywhere.
This is the place you’ll tell your friends about when they ask what Montana is really like.
Address: The Moose Saloon is located at 173 N Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
8. Big Arm Park
Big Arm Park is another park you can visit when in Kalispell, Montana. It is over 28 miles long and 15-mile wide.
It is about 2,953 feet above sea level and covers nearly 240 acres. Its campground has 41 campsites, including one that is easily accessible by a wheelchair.
You can participate in fun activities such as bicycling, camping, picnicking, et cetera.
You can also view wildlife and fish for lake trout. It is fun if you’re a fan of the great outdoors.
Address: The Big arm park is located at 28031 Big Arm State Park Rd. Big Arm, MT 59910, United States.
9. Glacier National Park
Also known as the crown of the continent, this impressive park boasts over one million acres filled with glacial-carved terrain
The park also has rushing waterfalls, 734 miles of trails, and snow-covered mountain peaks, which is made all the more beautiful when you drive on the scenic going-to-the-Sun Road.
Going down to Glacier National Park from Kalispell is only 32 miles of effortless driving.
The park is open 365 days of the year, making it ideal for summer and winter visits.
The highlight of this visit is the going-to-the-sun road. In addition, there are visitor centers in the park, guided hikes, bus and boat tours, rides on horseback, et cetera.
Address: The Glacier National Park is located in Montana, United States.
10. The Conrad Mansion Museum
The Conrad Mansion Museum offers a beautifully preserved look into the 19th-century life of Kalispell’s founder, Charles E. Conrad.
Tours are made available in the summer, and the mansion hosts special events.
Address: This museum is at 330 Woodland Ave, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
11. Kalispell Brewing Company
This is one of the breweries located in Kalispell, Montana. Several things make Kalispell Brewing Company unique.
Such as offering traditional German style lagers, its acknowledgment of history, and its eye for detail.
All these qualities combine to produce some of the best beers you’re likely to taste in Kalispell, Montana.
You can enjoy several pints while you soak in the magnificent views of downtown Kalispell, Montana.
Address: This Brewery is located at 412 South Main Street, Kalispell. MT 59901, United States.
12. Mercantile Steak & KM Bar
This is one of the best places in Kalispell, Montana, to eat when hungry. The art deco and chandeliers provide a warm and very comfortable setting.
They also have on offer hand-selected steaks and fresh seafood that are unrivaled.
They also have a sophisticated wine list. It is worth a visit whenever you visit the beautiful city of Kalispell, Montana.
Address: This bar is located at 30 2nd St E, Kalispell, MT, 59901, United States.
13. Northern Pines Golf Club
This is another popular golf course in Kalispell, Montana, United States.
It features 18 holes, PGA Golf Shop, Golf Lessons, a Driving Range, Practice Greens, and Restaurant.
Address: The Northern Pines Golf Club is located at 2 US-93, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
14. The Village Greens Golf Club
The Village Greens Golf Club boasts features such as 18 holes, PGA Golf Shop, Golf Lessons, a Driving Range, Practice Greens, and Snack Bar.
Address: The Village Greens Golf Club is located at 500 Palmer Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
15. Bias Brewing
Bias Brewing offers several beers on tap. They provide several beers such as the Hard Kombucha, the Jewel Basin, Huckleberry White Quill, Sudo Strawberry Sour, Better Sweater Cashmere, Live Wire Coffee Blonde, et cetera.
This is one of the cool places to check out in Kalispell, Montana. You’re likely to find a favorite with the several drinks on tap.
They’re open every day of the week from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Address: Bias Brewing is located at 409 1st Avenue East Kalispell, Montana.
16. MontaVino Winery & Tasting Room
This is Kalispell’s newest winery and has quickly become a favorite downtown gathering spot.
MontaVino’s owner Julie is an expert at creating music events, trivia nights, yoga sessions, and a host of other reasons to celebrate over a glass of your favorite grape.
Address: MontaVino Winery & Tasting Room is located at 38 1st Ave E suite d, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
17. Brannigan’s Pub
Brannigan’s is a popular hotspot for tourists and locals who appreciate the Celtic culture.
There’s a good chance that someone will break out in song, and don’t be too flustered if you find yourself singing along.
Address: Brannigan’s Pub is located at 101 E Center St. Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
18. The Montana Modern Fine Art
Located in Kalispell’s walkable downtown, Montana Modern Fine Art specializes in the display and sale of the works of contemporary artists with ties to the Flathead Valley.
The works of these artists tend to be colorful and abstract while incorporating each artist’s interpretations of northwest Montana landscapes, culture, and wildlife into their pieces.
Address: The Montana Modern Fine Art is located at 127 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.
19. Swan Mountain Snowmobiling
The USFS permits Swan Mountain Snowmobiling to provide guided tours and snowmobile rentals on the Hungry Horse and Glacier View Ranger District.
This district includes the famed Canyon Creek snowmobile area and Desert Mountain.
They also provide tours into the Swan River Ranger District and Crane Mountain area.
Packages include the two-hour ride or Sunrise and Sunset snowmobile tours.
Address: This company can be located at 680 Railroad St E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States.
20. Wayfarers State Park
The Wayfarer is a mature mixed forest suitable for camping and picnicking.
This park has lots of wildflowers, especially during spring and late fall. It is over 67 acres in size and 2,923 feet in elevation.
This is a popular destination for tourists and photographers because of the perfect view of Flathead Lake from the park.
Address: The Wayfarers State Park is located at 8600 Mt. Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911, United States.
21. The Northwest Montana History Museum
While Charles E. Conrad is thought of as the founder of modern-day Kalispell, he was not the first person to call the Flathead Valley home.
Explore the valley’s deepest roots and earliest industries through four permanent exhibits at the Northwest Montana History Museum.
Address: This museum is located at 124 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States.