Top 10 Things to do in Flathead Valley, Montana
Written and Photographed by Caly J. Behymer
Nestled between the rugged peaks of Glacier National Park and the serene waters of Flathead Lake lies the Flathead Valley. Most people come to this area to visit Glacier National Park and then move on. However, Glacier is quite literally just the tip of the iceberg of things to do and see in this area. Small towns like Kalispell, Whitefish, Colombia Falls and Bigfork are perfect for exploring, dining, shopping and enjoying a plethora of outdoor activities. So be sure to buckle up for a big adventure in Flathead Valley.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Flathead Valley, Montana by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy and Caly talk about the Flathead Valley on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Shop Till You Drop – Several days could easily be spent shopping in all the great stores in Kalispell, Whitefish, Colombia Falls and Bigfork. Kalispell is filled with box stores of every sort on the northern side of town, as well as cute boutiques and gift stores that can be found in the older part of town on the southern end. Historic downtown Whitefish oozes with the charm of a ski-resort town and shops, restaurants and bakeries line the streets. Colombia Falls has a delicious ice cream and a great re-sale store. Bigfork is the smallest of the three and brings with it upscale boutiques, galleries and gift shops.
9. Adventure Centers – Looking to try your hand at mini golf, mazes, ziplining, bumper cars, bounce rooms and more? The Flathead Valley area is home to plenty of adrenaline filled activity centers. Glacier Ziplines is perfect for zipping from treetop to treetop and the Amazing Fun Center is chock full of outdoor fun like mazes and even water bumper cars. Be sure to check out Golfing to the Sun Mini Golf near the west entrance to Glacier National Park. And for rainy days, Holt Stage Hideaway offers bounce houses and assorted games for kids.
8. Coffee, Glorious Coffee – Montanans love their coffee and when you crave a great cup of Joe, you won’t have to drive far. There are seemingly countless coffee shops in the Flathead Valley area, from roadside shacks to sit down cafés. With seven coffee shops in Colombia Falls alone, finding a tasty cup of coffee is an easy feat. Many of the coffee shops offer moonshine too, which is a locally created, highly caffeinated cold beverage to give you the ultimate pick-me-up!
7. You Pick – There is something satisfying about picking your own fruits and vegetables. There are quite a few you pick farms that line Flathead Lake. The farms are seasonal with most of the picking taking place in late summer and early fall. The area is known best for its cherries, and you can also pick strawberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and a variety of vegetables. There is also a couple of lavender farms that allow picking during the season.
6. Tours Galore! –Horseback rides are a great way to get up close and personal with nature and there is just one cat in town if you want to take a horseback ride within Glacier National Park: Swan Mountain Outfitters. Imagine guiding a horse through the gorgeous terrain inside the National Park or through the National Forest. Swan Mountain Outfitters also offers guided fly-fishing trips, llama packing trips into the wilderness and even big game hunting.
5. Anything Huckleberry – There are just a few places within the United State that provide the perfect conditions for huckleberries to grow. The mountains surrounding the Flathead Valley are perfect for this wild, tasty berry to grow in abundance. You can find treats of all sorts made with huckleberries like pies, ice cream, fudge, milk shakes, soda, chocolate, sauces, seasoning and more. Willows Huckelberry Land in Hungry Horse is home to the original huckleberry pie and serves up one of the best pieces of pie you might ever have.
4. Flathead Lake – Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. It covers around 200 square miles with a maximum depth of 370 feet. A day can be spent driving around the lake or even renting a boat and relaxing on the lake. The lake is also home to Wild Horse Island, where wild horses still live. The lake is surrounded by you-pick farms and several small towns worth visiting. Be sure to stop by Burgertown Dairy Freeze on the northeast shore for their famous Flathead Monster Burger.
3. Hit the Water – With the abundance of lakes and rivers in the Flathead Valley, finding the perfect body of water to float on is easy. From thrilling rapids to serene stretches of river perfect for paddling and enjoying the scenery. There are plenty of outfitters in the area offering rentals, guided yours and safety gear to ensure and safe and memorable experience.
2. Hiking and Biking Galore! – A haven for hiking and biking, with trails that showcase breathtaking mountain views, lush forests and crystal-clear lakes both inside and outside of Glacier National Park. With over 40 miles of biking on the Whitefish Trail and countless miles of hiking within the National Forest, National Park and beyond, you are sure to find the perfect trail.
1. Glacier National Park – It seems to be a given that when in the Flathead Valley, you need to visit Glacier National Park. This park is stunning with hikes of all experience levels, waterfalls, rivers, glacial lakes and of course, glaciers. Drive the Going to the Sun Road for epic views and venture to the Pole Bridge entrance at the north of the park. Be sure to stop at the general store for some freshly baked, colossal huckleberry bear claws or a fresh cinnamon roll.
Want to read about more great locations like this one? Be sure to visit our blog post page for more great destination content. Subscribe today and never miss out on RV destinations across the United States and Canada. It’s time to Be Inspired!
