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Most people visiting Kalispell, Montana, aren’t really there to visit Kalispell. They’ve come because it’s a central base for exploring northwest Montana and a cheaper alternative to Whitefish or Bigfork. And yes, if you’re visiting Glacier National Park (45 min. away) or Flathead Lake (15 min. away), choosing accommodations in Kalispell will definitely save you some money.

An alpine lake with a small island, that only has three trees on it. In the background are sharp peaks with no vegetation on them. A small stand of evergreens is in the foreground.

But is Kalispell worth visiting for the town itself?

Definitely! From history and art to food and breweries to year-round outdoor activities, there are tons of fun things to do in Kalispell, without having to head to its more famous neighbors. It took us more than a couple trips to Kalispell to fully realize how much the town itself has to offer, but if you read this post, you won’t make the same mistake we did – or miss out on anything!

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Best Things to Do in Kalispell, Montana (All Year)

Like in much of Montana, many of the attractions in Kalispell are weather-dependent and very seasonal. We have recommendations for summer- and winter-specific activities further down, but these are the top things you can do there at any time of year.

Learn about the area at the Northwest Montana History Museum.

Whether you’re a hardcore history buff or you just want to learn a little bit about the area you’re visiting, the Northwest Montana History Museum is a must-see. It’s housed inside a former school building that was constructed in 1894 as the first public school in the area, and the passionate staff are super friendly and knowledgeable.

A room with wood floors and wood paneling houses an assortment of museum exhibits including an antique sawmill and crosscut saws hang from the walls.

The museum traces Kalispell’s history from its earliest-known Indigenous people to homesteading and train travel – to its present status as one of Montana’s largest towns and top tourist destinations. It takes about an hour to go through the whole thing.

Take a self-guided historical walking tour.

Guided tours of downtown Kalispell are offered during the summer – but otherwise, you can use this brochure to do a self-guided tour any time. It includes a map with stops at 50 (!) historic buildings in town. But don’t worry, almost all of them are located within about eight blocks.

Browse the shops and galleries downtown.

Your self-guided walking tour will take you through the heart of downtown Kalispell, but make sure you save enough time to pop in some of the shops and galleries. Our custom Kalispell map will show you how to find all the top spots, but you can expect everything from local art and Western antiques to upscale clothing and gifts to the practical outdoor gear you might need for your adventures.

A snow-covered street, which has been recently plowed, runs through the center of a small town. Dozens of cars are parked along the street's sides and a decorative lampost and bench are in the foreground.

We always stop at The Montana Scene when we’re in town, but don’t miss Swappers if you like antiquing or Imagination Station if you’re in Kalispell with kids.

Admire the art at the Hockaday Museum of Art.

Housed in a 120-year-old building that formerly served as the town library, the Hockaday Museum of Art is one of Montana’s premier art museums.

The museum displays its large permanent collection of local and area art, much of which highlights Glacier National Park, Montana’s Indigenous tribes, and the Old West. It also has a number of rotating exhibits exploring nature, land, wildlife, and Native history and culture. Depending on how long you like to start at a piece of art, it takes around an hour to see.

A room in a museum with a yellow and a large oil painting depicting an indigenous tribe camping with teepees. A pair of pedestals with bronze figures depicting a dog and a man with a fiddle sit in front of the painting.

And on the second Friday of each month, the Hockaday offers their “Senior Tour & Tea” – free admission, a gallery tour, and complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies for visitors aged 60 and older.

Visit Lone Pine State Park.

We’ve been to almost every single state park in Montana (and there are more than 50), and we can confidently say that Lone Pine is one of the best. And it’s right on the edge of town.

There’s no campground, but this park is known for its comprehensive Visitor Center and frequent events, and there’s a small trail system that’s nice for hiking and excellent for snowshoeing. Plus, they have $5 snowshoe rentals in the winter and an all-terrain wheelchair that’s free to use in the park.

A gravel path is lined with wooden rails, leading through a forest of narrow trees and past a large rock outcropping. In the distance, the path turns into a wooden bridge.

But if you don’t have time for any of that, it’s still well worth a stop just to see the sweeping views over the Flathead Valley.

Wander the Conrad Mansion Museum.

Pioneer and businessman Charles Conrad came to Montana in the mid-1800s, earned a fortune in Fort Benton, and later founded the town of Kalispell and built his 13,000-square-foot dream home there.

A stately brown wooden building with three brick chimneys is surrounded by a manicured yard with lush green grass and hedges.

Today, the Conrad Mansion Museum is the most highly-rated of the three museums in Kalispell, although it also has the priciest admission (and I would personally argue the Northwest Montana History Museum is more of a must-see if you’re only doing one). The 130-year-old mansion has been beautifully restored and is packed with artifacts that illustrate the story of the Conrad family and the history of the area.

Guided tours are offered every morning mid-May through mid-October, with their popular Christmas Tours running in December. There are also frequent special events throughout the year, and the mansion’s grounds and gardens are always free to visit and open year-round.

See if you can catch a show.

Kalispell’s Glacier Symphony offers Northwest Montana’s premier classical music events. They perform a wide range of concerts between September and May, plus special events in the summer, and you’re in for a treat if your trip happens to coincide with one of them!

In addition to hosting the symphony, the Wachholz College Center also puts on plays, film screenings, comedy, concerts, and other events throughout the year, so check their events calendar.

Things to Do in Kalispell, MT: Food & Drink Edition

Kalispell doesn’t quite have the extensive dining scene of nearby Whitefish – but it does have more than a few treats in store! These are the unique and must-try places to eat in Kalispell (and places to drink, too).

Get your morning brew at Colter Coffee.

A coffee roaster in the middle of downtown Kalispell, Colter serves up coffee drinks made with their house-roasted beans and topped with their own homemade marshmallows. They also have caffeine-free smoothies and Italian sodas, as well as some baked goods. The interior of the coffee shop is what makes this place so cool – exposed brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a basement seating area with couches.

The inside of an coffee shop with exposed brick walls and realistic painting of wildlife hanging on it. Patrons sits a high top table working on their laptops, while other customers chat at low tables along the wall.

Grab a delicious baked good from Ceres Bakery.

Also downtown is one of the best bakeries in Montana, Ceres Bakery. Their pastry selection rotates, but some of the mouth-watering delicacies you’re likely to find include huckleberry buns, twice-baked chocolate croissants, lemon ricotta mini pies, and morning buns, not to mention all kinds of cookies and scones. To complement your treat, Ceres also serves espresso drinks and has a big tea list.

Nosh on street Mexican from Atomic Tacos.

Atomic Tacos is both a food truck and a brick-and-mortar restaurant, and both offer a casual and tasty meal. Choose from more traditional street tacos or unique fusion dishes like the Hawaiian pork katsu burrito or the Korean BBQ served on tortillas – and there are several vegetarian options, too.

Try Kazakhstani food at Hungry Hun.

Weren’t expecting a Kazakhstani restaurant in Montana? Not exactly sure what Kazakhstani food is? You are in for a treat! And don’t be turned off by its location inside the mall – Hungry Hun is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Kalispell. The menu is full of unique and memorable dishes like bison and pumpkin steamed dumplings, lamb kebabs, and cheese samosas, as well as traditional spiced teas.

Have an old-fashioned shake or soda at Norm’s Soda Fountain.

Norm’s Soda Fountain is an institution in the Flathead Valley, serving up old-fashioned burgers and shakes to throngs of locals and tourists since 1938 (!). Walking inside is like stepping back in time, and stepping back into your kid self. Patrons sit on diner stools, a mirror stretches behind the counter, and shelves of candy-filled apple baskets line the walls.

The interior of an old fashioned diner, with a long Formica bar and swivel seats. Children sit at the bar, while older adults occupy tables on the other side of the room. Behind the bar is a large mirror and a wooden statue.

Norm’s has a huge menu of floats, sodas, sundaes, and shakes that you won’t be able to say no to. Honestly, your biggest problem will be deciding which treat to get – and saving room for it after one of their famous burgers!

Try a unique donut at The Spot.

The Spot opened up a few years ago as the only specialty donut shop in the Flathead area, and they’ve been getting rave reviews ever since, thanks to donuts that are somehow airy, moist, and crispy all at the same time.

And their donut flavors are just as memorable as the quality. The flavors rotate seasonally, with one-of-a-kind options like ginger snap, orange cardamom, and peppermint hot chocolate. Alongside the famous donuts, The Spot also serves bagels and a menu of specialty coffee drinks.

Enjoy an ice cream from Sweet Peaks.

Downtown Kalispell is home to an outpost of Sweet Peaks, the small Montana chain serving up the best ice cream in the state. Their ice cream is remarkably creamy, with unique rotating flavors like pumpkin caramel latte, honey lavender, and gingerbread house. There’s always a dairy-free option, and they make doggie ice cream and popsicles, too.

Imbibe in your choice of local craft beverages.

We’re always touting the Montana brewery scene, and Kalispell is no exception. This town of just 25,000 boasts four breweries, a cidery, a distillery, and two wineries. Assuming you plan to do anything else on your trip to Kalispell, you probably won’t be able to visit them all. So here are our top recommendations:

Bias Brewing: You can’t go wrong here, with a rooftop patio overlook downtown Kalispell, outdoor igloos for groups, lots of non-alcoholic options, and a food truck almost always on-site. (And despite the brewery law in Montana that shuts down most breweries at 8:00pm, Bias is open until 10:00pm.)

A pint glass of amber colored beer sits on a cardboard coaster atop a wooden bar with laminated menus. Behind it are beers along an exposed brick wall.

MontaVino Winery: Nosh on some gourmet snacks while you sip from a flight of their wines, all made with Washington-grown grapes.

Big Mountain Ciderworks: With over a dozen ciders on tap, a full food menu, and stunning views over their orchards, you may want to stay here a while.

A man's hand holds a glass of pale yellow cider in the foreground. Behind it is a group of people sitting at bar inside a building with corrugated metal walls.

Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits: The location and laid-back atmosphere of Kalispell’s only distillery belie the quality spirits, craft cocktails, and full menu of upscale meals they serve up.

What to Do in Kalispell, MT, in Summer

If you visit in the summer, you’ll have the opportunity to experience even more of the top things to do in Kalispell.

Kalispell is absolutely worth visiting at any time of year (and scroll down to read about what it offers in the winter). But, like many outdoor destinations, Kalispell gets most of its visitors in the summer months, when the weather is warm, the days are long, and more activities are available.

Take a guided walking tour of downtown Kalispell.

The Northwest Montana History Museum runs walking tours of Kalispell during the summertime, and they’re probably the best way to learn about the area. The tours go past many of the historic buildings downtown, and guides talk all about the history of the Flathead Valley, and its people, culture, and architecture. The tours last about two hours, and the price includes admission to the museum (which is a must-see!).

Cycle the Great Northern Trail.

Did you know that you can cycle from Kalispell to Flathead Lake? The Great Northern Historical Trail extends over 22 miles from Kila (west of Kalispell) down to Somers on the north shore of Flathead Lake. The trail is flat and paved, and the Kalispell-Somers section is about 10 miles each way – and what better reward than dipping your toes in the lake? If you’d rather pedal around town, the Parkline trail runs about 2.5 miles right through Kalispell, just north of downtown.

A concrete bridge with metal railings passes over small stream. Next to it is a street sign with green arrows pointing towards Kalispell and Kila. A highway overpass is to the right of the bridge.

Pick up a rental bike (or e-bike) if you need one at Wheaton’s Cycle, just a couple blocks from trail access.

Paddle on Flathead Lake.

Flathead is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and offers some of the best and most scenic kayaking in Montana. At its closest point, the lake is just 15 minutes from Kalispell, and you can put your boat in on the lake’s north edge at Somers State Park, the Somers Boat Ramp, or Wayfarers State Park.

The tip of yellow kayak is visble on an expansive lake. The shoreline of the lake is far off in the distance, but is ringed with houses and evergreen trees.

If you don’t have your own kayak, just head down to Sea Me Paddle in Lakeside to pick up a rental. You can also join one of their highly-rated Flathead Lake kayaking tours, with trips for all levels and options including evening trips, island excursions, and full-moon paddles.

Go on a trail ride with Montana Horse Works.

If your dream Montana vacation involves horseback riding (and let’s be honest, it probably does), head to Montana Horse Works just outside of town. They offer two-hour trail rides for all levels, including complete beginners, and the small group sizes mean you’ll get personalized attention.

Their horses are calm, the staff are known for their expertise, and the trail rides get phenomenal reviews. And the scenery is just as incredible as the experience itself!

Take a bucket list-worthy hot air balloon ride.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for the most epic things to do in Kalispell, 2FlyUs operates hot air balloon rides over the Flathead Valley between June and September. This area is breathtaking on the ground – imagine seeing it from up above!

They only take five passengers at a time, so you’ll always get a comfortable, personalized experience with unobstructed views. Balloons fly at sunrise and sunset, although sunset flights tend to get canceled more frequently due to weather (avoiding that disappointment is probably worth getting up for sunrise!).

Take a SUP yoga class.

Half an hour north of Kalispell is Whitefish – and Whitefish Lake, where the Yoga Hive offers regular stand-up paddleboard yoga classes during the summer. Yes, it’s yoga, done on a paddleboard, in the water.

A man in a red life jacket, paddles a stand up paddleboard across an expansive lake. Around the lake are steep, forested hills.

I won’t lie, SUP yoga is challenging, especially if you’re new to yoga and/or to paddleboarding. But also? It’s incredibly fun, Whitefish Lake is a gorgeous setting, and this is a truly memorable experience that’s well worth the drive from Kalispell to Whitefish.

Browse the farmers’ market.

If you’re in town on a Saturday morning between May and October, don’t miss the Kalispell Farmers Market. Located at Flathead Valley Community College, the market hosts dozens of farmers, artists, and other vendors from the area, selling produce, baked goods, crafts, furniture, and more.

What to Do in Kalispell, MT, in Winter

Montana in the winter is an entirely different experience, Kalispell included. With frozen lakes, white mountaintops, and everything dusted in snow, winter opens up a whole new cache of activities in Kalispell.

And unlike in the summer, you won’t be fighting with hordes of tourists or paying out the nose for the chance to enjoy its beauty (many Kalispell hotels offer rates of under $75 this time of year!). So pack your warm clothes, and get ready to experience the magic of Kalispell in the winter.

Ice skate outside at Woodland Park.

It’s not winter in Montana without ice skating under the wide-open skies, is it? A seasonal outdoor ice rink opens up in Kalispell’s Woodland Park from November through March. Skate rentals are available, and they’re free for kids.

The rink is run by volunteers and primarily used for hockey programs, so options for the public are unfortunately limited. Open skating typically takes place on Sundays from 4:00-6:00pm, but be sure to check their calendar before you head over.

Hit the slopes at Whitefish or Blacktail.

The vast majority of people visiting western Montana in the winter are there for one reason: a ski trip. And Kalispell has easy access to two great – and very different – Montana ski resorts. Both have equipment rentals, lessons, a cozy lodge, natural beauty, and everything you’d need on a Montana ski trip.

Whitefish Mountain Resort (35 min. away) is the state’s second-most prominent ski area, only after Big Sky – and the lift tickets are less than half the cost. Skiing at Whitefish means having access to tons of terrain for all levels and lots of apres-ski options, not to mention seeing the resort’s iconic snow ghosts. Plus there’s night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays and fun events throughout the season.

The only downside? The resort gets notoriously foggy, and there’s no predicting when the fog might roll in.

Dozens of skiers congregate next to racks of skiers and snowboards outside a building with a steep roof line that says "base lodge". The ground and the building's roof are covered in snow.

Blacktail Mountain (55 min. away), the other ski area near Kalispell, is on the Indy Pass,and it’s less destination resort and more local family hill. While it’s not quite as close or nearly as big as Whitefish, Blacktail’s lift tickets are about half the price. The resort sits in the mountains just above Flathead Lake, so imagine taking in views of the frozen lake as you fly (or pizza) down the slopes.

Most of Blacktail’s terrain is beginner and intermediate, making it a good choice if you’re not a pro. There’s not much right at the hill, so plan to stop in Lakeside for any apres-ski options (like drinks at Tamarack Brewing).

Snow-flocked trees line a groomed ski trail. In the distance is an ice-free lake and a snow-capped mountain range behind it.

Honestly, both Kalispell ski areas are great places to hit the slopes, and both are a good value for what they offer – so you can’t go wrong!

Go cross-country skiing near Kalispell.

Cross-country skiing is one of our favorite things to do near Kalispell in the winter, so if you prefer to do your skiing on flat ground, you’re also in luck.

Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails (40 min. from town) is just down the hill from the ski resort and has about 15 miles of groomed trails, with occasional views of the lake. The trails are maintained by a local non-profit, so while it’s technically free to access, please consider making a donation.

Glacier National Park (45 min. from town) is incredible in the winter, and is actually my favorite place for cross-country skiing in Montana. Many of the trails around Lake McDonald are accessible for Nordic skiing, although they are not groomed.

A woman in a purple coat cross-country skies through deep powder on a wide trail. Beside the trails are thick evergreen trees covered in snow.

If you don’t have your own cross-country skis, you can pick up a pair of rentals at Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell or Whitefish.

Go snowshoeing at Lone Pine State Park.

Blacktail Mountain Nordic Trails and Glacier Park are also both great places for snowshoeing, and I would actually recommend going up to Glacier and snowshoeing the trails by Lake McDonald if you have time.

But if not, Lone Pine State Park is just on the edge of Kalispell and has 7.5 miles of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing. The park sits above town and has panoramic views over the valley, and the extensive Visitor Center is open year-round.

Footprints through the snow lead under a wooden bridge, which has a graphic indicating that the trail is for hikers only. Next to the trail are leafless trees and bushes.

Lone Pine offers snowshoe rentals for just $5 (and only $10 per family), and Sportsman & Ski Haus also has them available.

Things to Do Near Kalispell, Montana

In the unlikely chance that you get bored in town, there are many more things to do within an hour or so of Kalispell:

Glass shelves are completely filled with jars of purple jam with white caps.

Places to Stay in Kalispell, Montana

Even if you’re primarily visiting Glacier, Whitefish, or Flathead Lake, staying in Kalispell will save you a bundle. There’s a huge range of places to stay in Kalispell, offering a much better value than what you’d pay in the surrounding areas (and some real steals in the winter!).

Hotels in Kalispell

Most major hotel chains have an outpost in town, from budget options like the Travelodge to more upscale ones like the Hilton. But although they come at a premium, we’d recommend checking out these more unique, locally-owned Kalispell hotels:

Kalispell Grand Hotel: The iconic historic hotel in the heart of downtown, where the homemade breakfast plus afternoon popcorn and cookies are included

Kalispell Hostel: A cozy downtown apartment offering private rooms with shared bathrooms, kitchen, and common areas (no dorms here!), upstairs from the bike shop

A storefront with the word "Wheaton's" in large red letters and a nearly floor to ceiling window. A bike rack sits in front of the window with a few bicycles chained to it, and beside it the window is a blue door with a window above it that says "Kalispell Hostel".

Sherman Lodge: A modern boutique hotel in downtown Kalispell, with bright décor, a rooftop patio, and a shared full kitchen

Switchback Suites: A brand new boutique hotel where the rooms are more like studios, each one with a kitchen, washer/dryer, and unique mural representing a mountain in the area

Browse more hotels

Kalispell Airbnb & VRBO Rentals

Check Airbnb and VRBO, and you’ll find even more places to stay in Kalispell, including unique spots like these:

A living room with a black leather couch, rustic wood coffee table, a white shabby-chic cabinet along the wall, and a round wood dining table with fur covered chairs.
This rustic-chic Airbnb has got to be one of the cutest places to stay in Kalispell! Photo via Airbnb.
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Camping in Kalispell

Of course, there are also plenty of campgrounds in Kalispell and nearby, if you’re looking for a more rustic adventure (and to save even more $$):

Map of Kalispell, Montana

Our custom map highlights all the things mentioned in this post (and a few extras), including restaurants, accommodations, and things to do. Kalispell is a small town, and most of the points of interest are located within a mile or so of the intersection between Main St. and Hwy. 2.

Click here for an interactive version of the map!

A map of downtown Kalispell Montana with colored pins representing stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Find all the best things to do in Kalispell!

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A graphic with white text that says Kalispell, MT Travel Guide. The background depicts a busy coffee shop.
A graphic with white text that says "Fun Things to Do in Kalispell, MT Summer + Winter" with a background of a city street covered in snow.

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