Things to Do in Kalispell MT: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Activities and Attractions in the Area
Kalispell, MT is a charming city in the heart of the Flathead Valley. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that Kalispell is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, skiing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Kalispell has something for everyone.
Things to do in Kalispell MT are diverse. One of the main attractions in Kalispell is Glacier National Park, which is located just a short drive away. Glacier National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Kalispell with its breathtaking vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and towering peaks. Other popular outdoor activities in the area include hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just looking to enjoy some fresh air and exercise, Kalispell has plenty of options to choose from.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kalispell also boasts a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several museums and historic sites, including the Conrad Mansion Museum and the Hockaday Museum of Art. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply learning more about the local culture, Kalispell has something to offer. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Kalispell is one of the top tourist destinations in Montana.
Natural Beauty of Kalispell MT
Kalispell MT is a city that is surrounded by natural beauty. The city is located in the Flathead Valley and is bordered by numerous mountain ranges in the Rockies. Visitors to the city can explore the region’s natural beauty through hiking, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Glacier National Park
One of the most popular natural attractions in Kalispell MT is Glacier National Park. The park is located just a short drive from the city and is home to over a million acres of pristine wilderness. Visitors to the park can explore the park’s many hiking trails, take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or go camping in one of the park’s many campgrounds.
Flathead Lake
Another natural attraction in Kalispell MT is Flathead Lake. The lake is about 40 miles long and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the western United States. Visitors to the lake can enjoy a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is also home to several state parks, including Flathead Lake State Park, which offers camping and hiking opportunities.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
For those who love skiing and snowboarding, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a must-visit destination in Kalispell MT. The resort is located just a short drive from the city and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. Visitors to the resort can enjoy a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more.
In conclusion, Kalispell MT is a city that is surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors to the city can explore the region’s many natural attractions, including Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just a relaxing getaway, Kalispell MT has something to offer everyone.
Cultural Attractions in Kalispell MT
As a lover of art and culture, Kalispell MT has plenty to offer. Here are two must-visit cultural attractions in Kalispell MT:
Hockaday Museum of Art
The Hockaday Museum of Art is a fantastic museum that showcases the best of Montana’s art. The museum has a permanent collection of over 4,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year that showcase the work of local and national artists.
One of the highlights of the Hockaday Museum of Art is the annual “A Timeless Legacy” exhibition, which features the work of some of the best women artists in the country. The museum also offers art classes and workshops for adults and children.
Conrad Mansion Museum
The Conrad Mansion Museum is a historic mansion that was built in 1895 by Charles E. Conrad, the founder of Kalispell. The mansion has 26 rooms and is filled with original furniture and artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visitors to the Conrad Mansion Museum can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the history of Kalispell and the Conrad family. The mansion also hosts special events throughout the year, including a Christmas open house and a summer concert series.
If you’re looking for a dose of art and culture in Kalispell MT, be sure to check out the Hockaday Museum of Art and the Conrad Mansion Museum.
Outdoor Things to do in Kalispell MT
If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Kalispell MT, you’re in luck. The area is known for its natural beauty and offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an avid angler, a hiker, or a winter sports enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to check out in Kalispell.
Fishing and Boating
Kalispell is home to some of the best fishing and boating opportunities in Montana. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards from local outfitters or book a guided fishing trip to make the most of their time on the water.
Hiking and Biking
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors on foot or on two wheels, Kalispell has plenty of options. Glacier National Park is just a short drive away and offers over 700 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can choose from easy hikes that are suitable for families with young children or more challenging trails that are better suited for experienced hikers. The park is also home to many miles of bike trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Closer to town, visitors can explore the Herron Park Trail System, which offers over 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Winter Sports
When the snow starts to fall, Kalispell transforms into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Whitefish Mountain Resort is just a short drive away and offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort also offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails for visitors who want to explore the area on foot.
Overall, Kalispell MT is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty and wide range of outdoor activities, visitors are sure to find something to love about this charming Montana town.
Dining and Shopping in Kalispell MT
Downtown Kalispell
Downtown Kalispell is the perfect place to go for a day of shopping and dining. The downtown area is home to a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. The Kalispell Center Mall is also located in downtown Kalispell and is a great place to go for some indoor shopping. The mall has a variety of stores including JCPenney, Herberger’s, and Sears.
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out the boutiques in downtown Kalispell. Some of the most popular boutiques include Imagination Station, The Toggery, and Montana Modern Fine Art. These shops offer a variety of items including clothing, jewelry, and home decor.
When it comes to dining, downtown Kalispell has a variety of options to choose from. For a casual meal, check out Moose’s Saloon, a local favorite known for their pizza and beer. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, try out Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern, which offers a variety of American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Local Cuisine
Kalispell is home to a variety of restaurants that offer delicious local cuisine. One popular option is The Montana Club, which offers classic American dishes with a Montana twist. Be sure to try out their bison burger or huckleberry cheesecake.
Another great option for local cuisine is The Desoto Grill. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes including steak, seafood, and pasta. Be sure to try out their famous mac and cheese, which is made with local Montana cheese.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to check out Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. This local ice cream shop offers a variety of flavors including huckleberry, Montana mint, and espresso. They also offer dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Overall, Kalispell is a great place to go for a day of shopping and dining. With a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Events and Festivals in Kalispell MT
As someone who loves to explore new places, I always make sure to check out the local events and festivals when I travel. Kalispell, MT has a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, so there is always something going on.
Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo
The Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is an annual event that takes place in August. It is a week-long celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage and features a variety of events, including livestock shows, horse racing, and a rodeo. There are also carnival rides, food vendors, and live music performances. The fair is a great way to experience the local culture and have fun with family and friends.
Kalispell Art Walk
The Kalispell Art Walk is a monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of each month from May to October. It is a self-guided tour of downtown Kalispell’s art galleries, museums, and other cultural venues. The Art Walk is a great way to experience the local art scene and support local artists. It’s also a fun way to spend an evening with friends or a date.
Overall, Kalispell, MT has a variety of events and festivals that cater to different interests. Whether you’re into agriculture, art, or just want to have fun with friends and family, there is something for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kalispell, Montana is a great destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure. With its close proximity to Glacier National Park, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback riding. Additionally, there are many local parks and trails to explore, such as Herron Park and Lone Pine State Park.
For those interested in history and culture, the Conrad Mansion and Hockaday Museum of Art are must-visit attractions. The Conrad Mansion is a beautiful 26-room mansion that was the home of Kalispell’s founding father. The Hockaday Museum of Art showcases the work of local and regional artists and has a variety of exhibits throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider taking a horse nature yoga class or renting an ATV. For those who enjoy beer, Kalispell has a great brewery scene with Bias Brewing, Kalispell Brewing Company, and SunRift Beer Company all located along Main Street.
Overall, Kalispell has something for everyone and is a great vacation destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Montana.
