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10 Amazing Things To Do In Whitefish, Montana (Flathead County)
If you’re dreaming about a mountain town with big views, easygoing vibes, and tons of outdoor adventure, Whitefish, Montana should be on your list. This small town in Flathead County sits just outside Glacier National Park and offers a mix of rugged nature, great food, and relaxed Montana charm. Whether you love hiking, skiing, lake days, or just strolling cute downtown streets, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive into 10 of the best things to do in and around Whitefish, MT.1. Explore Glacier National Park (Just Up the Road)
You really can’t talk about Whitefish without mentioning Glacier National Park. The west entrance is only about a 30–40 minute drive from town, depending on traffic, and the trip alone is worth it. Once you’re in the park, you can:- Drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer
- Hike to lakes, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks
- Look for wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and maybe even bears (from a safe distance!)
2. Hit the Slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish is one of the best ski towns in Montana, and Whitefish Mountain Resort (often called Big Mountain by locals) is a big reason why. It’s just a short drive from downtown, and the views from the top are unbelievable—on a clear day you can see all the way into Glacier. In winter, you can:- Ski or snowboard over 3,000 acres of terrain
- Take lessons if you’re a beginner
- Warm up with hot chocolate or a local beer at the base lodge
3. Enjoy Summer Fun on the Mountain
In summer, Whitefish Mountain Resort turns into a full-on adventure park. You can:- Ride the Scenic Lift to the summit for 360-degree views
- Try downhill or cross-country mountain biking on marked trails
- Walk the zipline and aerial adventure park (great for kids and families)
- Go on a gentle hike and grab lunch on the mountain
4. Relax and Play at Whitefish Lake
Just west of town sits beautiful Whitefish Lake, about 7 miles long and surrounded by forests and mountains. On a warm day, this is where you want to be. Popular things to do on Whitefish Lake:- Swim at City Beach (there’s sand, shade, and a roped-off swim area)
- Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe
- Go boating or water skiing
- Watch the sunset over the water
5. Stroll Historic Downtown Whitefish
Sometimes the best part of a trip is just wandering. Downtown Whitefish is small but full of character, with old Western-style buildings, local shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink. As you walk around, you’ll find:- Cozy coffee shops and bakeries
- Montana-made art, jewelry, and home goods
- Outdoor gear stores if you forgot something for your hike or ski day
- Restaurants serving everything from burgers to bison to fresh, creative dishes
6. Hike the Whitefish Trail
If you want easy access to nature without driving deep into the mountains, the Whitefish Trail is perfect. It’s a community trail system with more than 40 miles of paths spread across several trailheads around town and in the nearby hills. Why people love the Whitefish Trail:- Options for short, family-friendly walks or longer hikes
- Great for trail running and mountain biking
- Views of lakes, forests, and mountains without huge elevation gain
- Close enough that you can hike in the morning and be back in town for lunch
7. Take a Scenic Drive Around Flathead Valley
Whitefish is part of the larger Flathead Valley, which includes places like Kalispell, Bigfork, and Flathead Lake. A simple drive through this area offers wide-open farmland, mountain views, and lake scenery. Consider:- Driving down to Flathead Lake (the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi)
- Stopping in Bigfork, a small artsy town on the lake’s northeast shore
- Visiting Kalispell for more shops, breweries, and historic buildings
8. Go Wildlife Watching and Scenic Boating
Flathead County is full of lakes and rivers, which makes it a great place for wildlife watching and gentle boat tours. You might:- Take a guided boat cruise on Flathead Lake
- Join a local tour from Whitefish or Kalispell that focuses on birds and wildlife
- Spot eagles, osprey, deer, and maybe even moose in the right areas
9. Enjoy Local Food, Breweries, and Coffee Shops
After a long day outside, nothing beats a good meal and a cold drink. For a small town, Whitefish has a surprisingly strong food and drink scene. You’ll find:- Craft breweries pouring local Montana beer
- Casual spots for burgers, pizza, and tacos
- More upscale restaurants perfect for a date night or celebration
- Cozy coffee shops to fuel your early start for Glacier or the ski hill
10. Experience Local Events and Seasonal Fun
Whitefish might be small, but there’s always something going on, especially in peak seasons. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:- Winter carnivals with parades and snowy fun
- Summer farmers markets with local produce and crafts
- Live music at bars, restaurants, or outdoor venues
- Holiday events and festive downtown decorations
Is Whitefish, Montana Worth Visiting?
If you’re asking yourself this, the short answer is: absolutely, yes. Whitefish is one of those rare places that works for:- Families (kid-friendly hikes, lakes, and activities)
- Couples (romantic views, great food, cozy stays)
- Solo travelers (safe, friendly, and easy to get around)
- Adventure lovers (hiking, skiing, biking, boating)
Plan Your Whitefish Getaway
When you’re ready to visit Whitefish, Montana, here are a few quick tips:- Summer: Best for hiking, Glacier National Park, lake days, and long evenings.
- Winter: Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy mountain town vibes.
- Spring/Fall: Quieter, with cooler temps and fewer crowds.
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