Evergreen, Montana (Flathead County) 10 Scenic Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips From Evergreen, Montana: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Flathead County

If you’re based in Evergreen, Montana (near Kalispell) and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, this guide is for you. Sometimes you just need to hop in the car, drive an hour or two, and discover something new. The fun twist? Every idea on this list is outside Flathead County. We’ll explore neighboring counties like Glacier, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Sanders, Powell, Lewis and Clark, Pondera, and Teton for the best day trips and weekend getaways. Let’s hit the road.

1. Walk the Edge of Glacier National Park at East Glacier Park Village (Glacier County)

You probably know the west side of Glacier National Park, but have you spent time around East Glacier Park Village? It’s in Glacier County, and it feels like a different world from the busier west entrance. From Evergreen, it’s usually around a 2.5–3 hour drive, depending on the route and stops. Once you arrive, you can:
  • Stroll the grounds and grand lobby of the historic Glacier Park Lodge.
  • Hike shorter trails like parts of the Continental Divide Trail that pass nearby.
  • Grab a simple meal or ice cream and watch the evening light hit the peaks.
If you want a mellow day, just sitting on the lodge porch with a coffee while trains roll by feels like stepping back 100 years. It’s a great spot if you love Glacier but want a quieter side of it.

2. Discover Small-Town Charm in Cut Bank (Glacier County)

If you’re in the mood for something quirky, take a road trip to Cut Bank in Glacier County. It’s about 3 hours east of Evergreen and has that authentic small-town Montana feel. What can you do there?
  • Snap a photo with the town’s famous “Coldest Spot in the Nation” penguin statue.
  • Check out local history at the Glacier County Historical Museum.
  • Drive the backroads and look for wide-open prairie views and grain elevators.
This is one of those places where the fun is in wandering. Grab a coffee, walk Main Street, and just soak up the slower pace of life.

3. Relax by the Water in Polson on Flathead Lake (Lake County)

Head south along Flathead Lake (staying out of Flathead County once you hit the county line) and pull into Polson in Lake County. It’s around 1.5 hours from Evergreen, and the drive along the lake alone is worth it. By the time you reach Polson, you’ve got plenty to do:
  • Relax on the shore at city parks and watch boats cruise by.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard when conditions are calm.
  • Visit the Miracle of America Museum, a massive and wonderfully random collection of Americana.
On a hot summer day, this makes the perfect short road trip from Evergreen when you want water, sun, and a change of scenery.

4. Explore Mission-Style History in St. Ignatius (Lake County)

For a quieter trip with a dose of history and architecture, head to St. Ignatius in Lake County, south of Polson. It’s about 2 hours from Evergreen. The big draw here is the beautiful:
  • St. Ignatius Mission – a historic Catholic church with hand-painted murals covering the walls and ceiling.
Even if you’re not usually into churches or historic buildings, the artwork inside is stunning. Afterward, you can:
  • Walk around town and grab a simple lunch.
  • Drive the nearby backroads on the Flathead Indian Reservation and enjoy views of the Mission Mountains.
It’s a peaceful, reflective kind of day trip that still doesn’t take too long to reach.

5. Soak Up College-Town Energy in Missoula (Missoula County)

Sometimes you just want good food, coffee, and a little city buzz. That’s where Missoula comes in. It’s in Missoula County and usually about 2.5 hours from Evergreen, depending on traffic and stops. Missoula has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe that many people from Evergreen enjoy when they want a change. Things to do include:
  • Walk along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail.
  • Browse shops, bookstores, and galleries in the downtown area.
  • Grab a local beer, coffee, or a bite from food trucks and casual eateries.
  • Watch kayakers surf the river wave at Brennan’s Wave right downtown.
If you time it right, you can also catch farmers markets, live music, or University of Montana events.

6. Go Back in Time at Garnet Ghost Town (Powell & Missoula Counties)

Looking for something a little eerie and very “Montana”? Take a road trip to Garnet Ghost Town, tucked between Missoula County and Powell County. From Evergreen, it’s usually around 3 hours, depending on conditions and the last stretch of road. Garnet is one of the state’s best-preserved ghost towns. Once a booming mining community, it’s now a quiet cluster of weathered buildings surrounded by forest. You can:
  • Walk through old cabins, a hotel, and the remnants of the town.
  • Read interpretive signs that describe what life was like during the mining days.
  • Enjoy simple hikes in the surrounding hills.
Just check road conditions and seasonal access before you go, especially in winter and spring.

7. Discover the Big Hole of the Kootenai at Libby (Lincoln County)

Head northwest into Lincoln County and aim for Libby, about 2–2.5 hours from Evergreen. This area has a rugged, wild character that feels far from the busier lake towns. Top spots around Libby include:
  • Kootenai Falls – a wide, powerful waterfall that’s easy to reach via a short trail.
  • The Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge – a fun and slightly nerve-wracking walk over the river.
  • Scenic drives along the Kootenai River and into nearby forests.
Bring a picnic, take your time exploring the trails, and enjoy how wild the landscape feels. It’s a great trip if you like dramatic scenery without long hikes.

8. Lounge by the Clark Fork in Thompson Falls (Sanders County)

If your idea of a road trip from Evergreen is “drive somewhere pretty and relax by the water,” consider Thompson Falls in Sanders County. It’s roughly 2–2.5 hours away, depending on the route. When you reach town, you can:
  • Walk across the Clark Fork River bridges for great photo spots.
  • Visit Thompson Falls State Park for riverside strolls and picnics.
  • Look for wildlife, especially deer and bald eagles.
The whole area has a calm, small-town river feel, perfect when you want to slow down and breathe a little deeper.

9. Feel the Prairie Wind in Choteau (Teton County)

To see another side of Montana, head east to Choteau in Teton County. It’s usually about 3–3.5 hours from Evergreen, and the change in landscape is striking. You go from mountains and forests to open plains and big sky. In and around Choteau you can:
  • Explore local dinosaur history at the Old Trail Museum (seasonal).
  • Drive the Rocky Mountain Front backroads for incredible views where the plains slam into the mountains.
  • Stop at local cafes and get to know a classic Montana ranch town.
If you’ve ever wanted to see where “Big Sky Country” really earns its name, this is a great direction to drive.

10. Road Trip to the State Capital: Helena (Lewis and Clark County)

Round out your Evergreen road trip list with a visit to Helena, the capital of Montana in Lewis and Clark County. It’s usually around 3.5 hours from Evergreen, depending on the route. Helena offers a mix of history, architecture, and outdoor access:
  • Tour the Montana State Capitol building and admire the artwork and dome.
  • Wander through the historic Last Chance Gulch downtown area.
  • Ride the Gates of the Mountains boat tour (seasonal) on the Missouri River for towering canyon walls and history stories.
It’s a good trip if you like a mix of city comforts and classic Montana scenery.

Tips for Planning Road Trips From Evergreen, Montana

A few quick pointers to make these out-of-county adventures smoother:
  • Check seasons and hours: Some places, like museums, tours, and ghost towns, can be seasonal.
  • Watch the weather: Mountain and prairie weather can change fast. Pack layers, even in summer.
  • Fuel up smart: Some stretches between towns don’t have many services. Top off your tank when you can.
  • Bring snacks and water: It’s Montana—distances look shorter on the map than they sometimes feel.
If you plan two or three of these trips over a summer, you’ll get to see just how varied the region around Evergreen really is—rivers, lakes, prairies, ghost towns, and college towns, all within a day’s drive.

Share Your Evergreen Road Trip Ideas

Have you taken a favorite road trip from Evergreen, Montana? Maybe you’ve found a hidden swimming hole near Libby, a great coffee shop in Missoula, or a secret lookout near East Glacier. I’d love to hear about it.
  • Drop a comment below with your go-to day trip or weekend escape outside Flathead County.
  • Share this post with friends and family who live near Evergreen and are looking for new places to explore.
The more we share our local tips and stories, the easier it is for everyone to discover new things to do near Evergreen, Montana—without flying anywhere at all.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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