Western Montana is an incredibly vast region in the state of Montana.
This region offers many outdoor recreational activities such as untamed adventures, rafting down an incredibly fast-flowing river, captivating wildlife, et cetera.
There are so many fun and educational activities in this vast land. Also known as the Big Sky Country, the beautiful scenery will leave you tongue-tied.
You can also take guided boat tours or go horseback riding. The fun activities are limitless, which is why we will show you some of the fun things to do in Western Montana for kids, couples, families, and for the weekend.
Let’s get started!
Where is Western Montana?
Western Montana is the western region of the state of Montana, United States.
It is a mountainous stretch that runs from Glacier Park, on its northern border two hundred and fifty-five miles, to Yellowstone Park on its southern borders.
Western Montana also shares a border with Idaho on its western borders.
Missoula is the largest town in Western Montana, with over 70,000 people.
The second largest is Kalispell, with only 20,000 people. These two towns are the busiest in all of Western Montana.
Western Montana is vast with many mountains, national forests, rivers, et cetera.
Fun Things to Do in Western Montana
1. Take a Flight to Enjoy the Magnificent Scenery
Several companies in the Glacier companies offer aerial tours with very professional and experienced pilots.
You can enjoy spectacular views from the sky when you book some of these flights.
There’s nothing like experiencing the gorgeous scenery of the Big Sky Country from the skies.
Address: You can patronize Backcountry Flying Experience at 1940 Riverside Road, Bigfork, MT 59911, or Glacier Jet Center at 4170 U.S. Hwy 2 E. Kalispell, MT 59901.
2. You Could Also go Camping
Camping is fun in Western Montana, especially if you’re a fan of sleeping under the stars.
Western Montana is crawling with several campgrounds to meet your camping needs.
However, in locations such as the Glacier National Park, you might need to make your reservations in advance. Some of these parks where you can go Camping include.
Address: Camp Kapapa, located at 27885 Old US Hwy 93, Elmo, MT 59915, and Glacier Campground & RV Park, located at 102070 US Hwy 2 West Glacier, MT 59936, United States.
3. Dog Sledding
Ever taken a ride on a dog sled? There’s a perfect opportunity right here in Western Montana.
Get behind a team of well-trained dogs who love the snow and speed through miles of terrain or across a frozen lake in Western Montana.
It provides you with an adrenaline rush through winter’s wonderland. To go dog sledding, here are a couple of places to visit.
Address: Base Camp Bigfork located at 8525 State Highway 209, Bigfork, MT 59911, United States, and Triple Creek Ranch located at 5551 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829, United States.
4. St. Ignatius Mission
St. Ignatius Mission situated at the base of the Mission Mountains in the Flathead Valley is St. Ignatius Mission.
It is a National Historic Site. It was constructed in 1891 by American Indians and Jesuit missionaries.
On the walls and ceilings of this cathedral are hand-painted murals by a self-taught artist named Brother Joseph Carignano.
You can also visit this mission if you’ve got a taste for history.
Address: St. Ignatius Mission is at 300 Beartrack Ave, St Ignatius, MT 59865, United States.
5. The Alpine Theater Project
The Alpine Theater Project is a world-class professional Equity theater situated in Montana.
It is led by Founding Artists David Ackroyd (Broadway’s Children of a Lesser God), Betsi Morrison (Broadway’s Sound of Music), and Luke Walrath (Broadway’s 42nd Street).
They bring in artists from Broadway and other major regional theaters to perform in the beautiful Flathead Valley productions ranging from classic musicals to contemporary dramas.
The artists from this beautiful theater project have performed in over 174 Broadway productions and won 4 Tony Awards, 7 Emmy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards, and 1 Academy Award.
Address: The Alpine Theater Project is at 6464 U.S. Highway 93 S. Whitefish, MT 59937, United States.
6. Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Each season, “the theater by the Bay” recruits Broadway-caliber acting talent from across the country to bring their patrons the best live professional theatre in the Northwest.
Known for bringing the best of Broadway to the Rockies, each season, we continue the tradition.
Address: Bigfork Summer Playhouse is at 526 Electric Ave. Bigfork, MT 59911, United States.
7. Hot Springs
Soaking in a hot spring is one of the best ways to relax in Western Montana.
These pools contain geothermally heated groundwater, and are especially inviting after a fun day in the snow but are still delightful all year round.
From hidden back country pools to modern resorts, travelers have been coming for years to rest and rejuvenate their weary bones in the healing mineral waters of these naturally occurring springs.
Address: The Hot Spring Chamber of Commerce is at 216 Main St. Hot Springs, MT 59845. The United States.
8. Antique Hunting
Glacier Country is home to a lot of treasured antiques and ancient finds for antique lovers looking to take home a true Montana find.
Dealers peddle tools, furniture, clothing, textiles, Old-West memorabilia, paintings and other artwork, and silver, turquoise, and amber jewelry.
The sapphire Gallery is a perfect example of a store where you can get your antique.
Address: This attraction is at 115 E. Broadway St. Philipsburg, MT 59858.
9. Bird Watching
One of the extraordinary things about Western Montana is that the land is shared between humans and has an abundance of exciting wildlife.
This wildlife includes birds. If you enjoy bird watching, coming to spend some time in Western Montana would be ideal.
You can view some of this exciting wildlife at Glacier Country’s wildlife refuges, viewing areas, and several undefined places.
10. Wildlife Watching
Western Montana, as we asserted, is a diverse habitat with an intact ecosystem.
It is also home to a minimum of 19 large mammals and over a hundred small ones.
The wildlife happens to be one of the most beautiful things about Western Montana.
You can visit several places to get your fill of wildlife watching. The Glacier National Park is an excellent spot to see some mountain goats, elk, et cetera.
You could go to the Bison Range to watch nearly five hundred bison, antelope, deer, and so on.
Address: The Glacier National Park is in Montana, United States.
11. Sledding
Sledding is arguably the easiest way to enjoy the downhill rush of crisp mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and freshly fallen snow.
Anyone is eligible to play. It’s fun for the entire family and a great way to make magical winter memories.
Grab a sled, tube, or toboggan and head for the hills. You’ll find popular sledding spots all across the region.
In addition, many resorts have sledding and tobogganing activities available for their guests with sleds.
If you want to enjoy some sledding, you can head to Blue Mountain in Missoula to have your fill of fun.
Address: Blue Mountain is at 4985 Blue Mountain Road, Missoula, Montana (M.T.), United States.
12. The Smokejumper Visitor Center
The Smokejumper Center is the country’s most extensive smokejumper base.
Some of the displays available give you an idea of the life of some of Montana’s heroes. You also learn about parachutes, aircraft, training, and cargo.
Address: The Smokejumper Center is at 5765 W. Broadway St. Missoula, MT 59808, United States.
13. The Glacier Institute
You can Sign up for a class, tour, or camp at the Glacier Institute for a hands-on educational adventure.
Address: This institute is at Glacier National Park Field Camp, Glacier National Park, MT 59903.
14. Snowmobiling
It’s always fun powering a snowmobile through snow-filled terrains at high speed.
Western Montana’s snow-filled landscapes for such adventure are endless.
There are miles of flat trails, acres of back country playgrounds, forest service roads, et cetera.
There are several companies you can book a snowmobile tour with, such as; Rich Ranch, Acton Rentals, Swan Mountain Outfitters et cetera.
It would help if you were always mindful of an avalanche’s possibility.
Address: Swan Mountain Outfitters is at 26356 Soup Creek Rd, Swan Lake, MT 59911, United States.
Do you plan to visit other parts of Montana? Check out the best things to do in Paradise Valley, things to do in Flathead Valley, and fun things to do in Gardiner.
15. Hot Air Balloon Ride
This is another excellent opportunity to enjoy an aerial view of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
In addition, the hot air balloon ride offers you the unique opportunity to make lasting memories with your loved ones.
Unlike airplanes or helicopters the hot air balloon provides a panoramic bird’s-eye view.
You can always contact Mountain Butterfly for your hot air balloon rides throughout Glacier Country. They lift-off from Whitefish to Bitterroot Valley.
Address: Mountain Butterfly is at 3627 US-93, Stevensville, MT 59870, United States.
16. Go Snowshoeing
Take a snowshoe trek guided by a ranger through the snowy splendor of Glacier National Park or a guided trip with Whitefish Outfitters, or go your own way but ensure you stay on the trails.
It would be great if you were watchful of the possibility of an avalanche. Ensure you carry an avalanche safety gear.
There are also local outfitters and gear shops available that can rent snowshoes and provide guided tours. It tops the list of the most exciting things to do in Western Montana.
Address: The Whitefish Outfitters is at 541 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States.
17. Go Swimming
Another fun activity you can partake in this scenic environment is taking a dip in one of the numerous lakes available, for example, Whitefish Lake, Seely Lake, Koocanusa, Como, Flathead Lake, Lake McDonald, et cetera.
If you are traveling on the lakes with motorized or non-motorized watercraft, you are subject to inspection by any inspection station you encounter.
The mandatory inspection ensures that Montana’s waters are free of foreign invasive species.
In addition, you’re required to help keep Montana’s rivers, streams, and lakes as clean as you found them.
18. Carousel Ride
A Carousel for Missoula entertains children (and adults) daily, with rides on a beautiful, fully hand-carved carousel and access to the play area, created entirely by volunteers.
They are available from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm every week. The Carousel sounds like the perfect idea if you’ve kids and want to give them a swell time.
You can also book a ride to partake in the fun and excitement only a carousel ride can provide.
They are also open year-round, and walk-ins are welcome. Western Montana is filled with so many fun activities.
Address: The Carousel is open daily, year-round. It is at 101 Carousel Drive, Missoula, MT 59802.
19. Cripple Creek Horse Ranch
Cripple Creek Horse Ranch is family-owned. They enjoy welcoming new and old customers.
They make you experience things like in the ways of our forefathers. This is an enjoyable adventure for the young and old.
It affords you the unique opportunity to enjoy every moment of wildlife while riding through the forest with laughter and conversations with your fellow companions.
This is precisely the stuff that good memories are made of.
They offer fun Sleigh rides and Chuckwagon dinners for the family on the 40 acres of the farm surrounded by clear waters, forest service, and incredible mountain views.
Dinner is usually served in an old fashion, comfortable setting out in the forest as it appears at grandma’s house.
Address: Cripple Creek Horse Ranch is at 1519 Trego Road, Trego, MT 59934, United States.
20. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road got its official name during its dedication in 1933 at Logan Pass.
The name was gotten from the nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. It took 11 years to compete (from 1921 – 1932).
This marvelous art of engineering stands as a National Historic Landmark.
It takes visitors through the heart of the pass, traveling past the Garden Wall, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass at 6,646 feet before reaching St. Mary.
Address: Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park is Going-to-the-Sun Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA.
21. Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
This is another scenic route located in the quiet corner of northwest Montana.
It follows the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa along Highway 37. It is a beautiful road to drive on.
Address: This attraction is at 12557 MT Highway 37. Libby, MT 59923, United States.