30 Things To Do in Whitefish, MT, for Year-Round Fun | Montana Discovered (2024)

A charming downtown? Jaw-dropping scenery? Attractions for every season? Whitefish, Montana, checks all three boxes – and much more.

Many people end up passing through town before or after skiing atWhitefish Mountain Resortor visitingGlacier National Park(only 15 and 35 minutes away, respectively). But is Whitefish worth visiting in its own right?

Yes! Much more than just a requisite transit point, Whitefish is a vibrant community that regularly appears on lists likeArchitectural Digest‘s25 Best Small Towns in America (for good reason!). And there are more than enough fun things to do in Whitefish to keep you busy for days.

About four hours from our hometown of Great Falls, Whitefish has always felt like a breath of fresh air. I’ve long since lost track of how much time we’ve spent there, whether for ski trips, lake trips, or romantic getaways. I hope you’ll love its year-round outdoor adventures, charming downtown area, and thriving food and art scene as much as we do!

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Best Things to Do in Whitefish, Montana (Year-Round)

A lot of Whitefish’s main attractions are seasonal, so scroll down to the Summer and Winter sections below for even more things to do. But here are the best options for any time of year.

Wander through downtown Whitefish.

Downtown Whitefish isn’t very big, but it’ll take some time to wander through if you stop to check out the galleries or browse in the many shops.

Ourcustom map of Whitefishshows the spots you shouldn’t miss, but think used books, funky antiques, outdoor gear, local art,huckleberry-flavored everything, and all kinds of décor and other souvenirs that will give your home a little mountain flair. As you stroll down Central Ave., you’ll also find placards detailing the significance of many of the historic buildings.

Stop in the historic train depot & Whitefish Museum.

The Whitefish Depot is still a functioning train station, so if you harbor dreams of traveling America by rail, a peek inside will fuel your wanderlust. Of course, if you were lucky enough to take the Amtrak to Whitefish, you’ve already been here! The train station is over 100 years old and also houses the free Whitefish Museum on the town’s history.

The museum displays several Native American artifacts, one of the most interesting of which prominently features a swastika (a symbol used by cultures around the world long before Hitler). A sign next to it describes how many Native American tribes signed an agreement during World War II to stop using the swastika.

When we stopped in, we were also tickled to find a couple racks of used books for sale in the station’s waiting area. To buy a book, you put $1 in a metal box mounted to the wall. (With that set-up, I couldn’t not buy one.)

Go hiking on the Whitefish Trail.

The whole Flathead Valley is a hiker’s paradise, but the Whitefish Trailis the most easily accessible option from town. This massive network of trails runs for 47 miles all through the area, and it’s always expanding.

Choose from 15 different trailheads, depending on how far you want to go and what you want to see. The Lion Mountain Trailhead and the Reservoir Trailhead are practically right in town, while others sit at the opposite end of Whitefish Lake.

All of the trails are dog-friendly (dogs can be off-leash) and accessible year-round. In the wintertime, stop in at Sportsman & Ski Haus to rent a pair of snowshoes if you need them (or just bring your YakTrax if the snow isn’t deep).

Take a barn tour at Clydesdale Outpost.

If you associate Montana with horses (who doesn’t?), you’ll want to head over to Clydesdale Outpost, about 15 minutes from town. This private guest ranch offers tours of the barns that house their herd of Clydesdale horses.

Led by their wrangler, the 45-minute tours offer a chance to learn about the horses and get up close and personal with them (yes, petting is allowed). And of course, you’ll get some one-of-a-kind photos to take home.

See a show.

Catching a show in the evening is another great way to decompress from all your activity. Both theAlpine Theatre Projectand theWhitefish Theatre Companyhost frequent shows, including plays, concerts, and other special events.

Check the Whitefish Chamber’s calendar for more things going on in town, including lots of live music options at restaurants and bars in Whitefish.

Make your own art at the Stumptown Art Studio.

This is one of the best things to do in Whitefish on a rainy day, or when you’re just worn out from all that adventure. Drop into the non-profit Stumptown Art Studio anytime to paint your own pottery or make art out of fused glass.

They’ll fire it in the kiln afterward and ship it to you when it’s ready. Or if the timing is right, you might be able to make it to one of the studio’s art classes, which usually run for about two hours in the evening.

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

There’s lots more to do in town year-round – if you’re hungry! After trying many, many local restaurants, bars, and cafes over the years, these are our picks for the can’t-miss things to eat in Whitefish (and things to drink – morning or evening).

Drink some of Montana’s best coffee at Folklore.

Coffee aficionados, rejoice! We’ve visited dozens of coffee shops in Montana, and there’s no doubt whatsoever that Folklore Coffee is one of the absolute best.

All of their other locations are in Montana towns you…probably won’t be visiting (like Conrad and Valier), so don’t miss the chance to try their coffee in Whitefish. Bonus: this coffee shop has one of the best free book libraries I’ve seen anywhere.

Have a delectable baked treat at Fleur Bake Shop.

Fleur Bake Shop is one of your best choices for a quick – and mouth-watering – breakfast in Whitefish. The shop is owned by a trained pastry chef, which will become obvious the moment you catch a glimpse of their breads and pastries. I’m partial to the orange cardamom bun, but no matter what you order here, you cannot go wrong.

Cool off with top-notch ice cream at Sweet Peaks.

Nothing hits the spot on a hot afternoon in Whitefish likeSweet Peaks Ice Cream. It’s absolutely beloved by locals and visitors alike (including me!), and their creamy ice cream and unique flavors live up to the hype.

I mean, I will be staying FAR away from the Chocolate Cowboy Cricket (yes, cricket), but Campfire S’mores and Huckleberry never disappoint. The flavors at Sweet Peaks rotate (so maybe you won’t even have a chance to try that cricket one), and there are always dairy-free options.

Have a burger & beer at the infamous Bulldog Saloon.

The Bulldog Saloon is a sports bar that’s infamous for…having p*rn plastered to the walls in the men’s bathroom. It may be one of the most legendary attractions in Whitefish, but seriously, don’t let your child go in there!

But the Bulldog is known for a few other things, too. It’s housed in a historic 120-year-old building that looks like something from the Old West, and the funky interior is jam-packed with all sorts of sports memorabilia and bulldog-themed décor. If you’re eating there, go for one of their beloved burgers, and don’t skip the huckleberry hot sauce (if you can handle it!).

Keep in mind that the Bulldog is a dive bar in every sense, and is often crowded and slow – but it’s also one of the cheapest places to eat in Whitefish.

Take your pick of craft beverages.

Whether you prefer beer, wine, or spirits, Whitefish has a locally-crafted option for you.

Beer: The definition of a local craft brewery, Bonsai Brewing Project was initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign and originally located inside a shopping mall (until Shopko, of all stores, moved in and forced it out).

Now you can visit Bonsai in a converted house a few minutes north of downtown Whitefish and enjoy its huge yard and outdoor patio. To go along with the brews, they also serve a menu of bowls, sandwiches, salads, and tacos that rotates seasonally.

Wine: If you’re more of a wine aficionado, you won’t want to miss Unleashed: A Winery. It’s one of just a handful of wineries in Montana, and unlike most craft alcohol makers here and everywhere, Unleashed is owned and run by a woman.

The name Unleashed is a tribute to her love of animals and former career as an animal care tech. The wines have names like Tail Wag and Ruff Day, and the adorable labels feature original illustrations of dogs.

Spirits: If you prefer the hard stuff, head toSpotted Bear Spirits instead. This local distiller makes an impressive variety of spirits, from huckleberry vodka using wild huckleberries from the Whitefish area to coffee liqueur created in partnership with area roaster Uptown Hearth.

Spotted Bear’s cozy tasting room has a real community feel, and you can choose from distillery flights and creative co*cktails, including several non-alcoholic options.

(Note: Due to Montana’s brewery laws, which also govern craft liquor makers, both Bonsai and Spotted Bear are required to close at 8:00pm.)

Go on the Big Sky Brews Cruise tour.

Don’t want to have to pick just one – or drive yourself home? Join the Big Sky Brews Cruise instead! Their tours visit craft beverage makers all around the Flathead Valley, and you can choose from the breweries-only tour or the wine, beer, and whiskey tour.

You’ll sample a wide variety of beverages, get a behind-the-scenes look at a facility, and learn all about the process. Tours are offered nearly every day and typically run from 3:00-7:00pm, with pick-up and drop-off right in downtown Whitefish.

What to Do in Whitefish, MT, in Summer

Although it’s a year-round destination (scroll down to read about the winter magic!), there’s no doubt that Whitefish has a lot more going on in the summertime.

Long days and warm weather in Whitefish bring endless opportunities to hang out at the lake or explore the mountains, plus a range of summer activities up at the ski resort. You will run out of energy long before you run out of things to do in Whitefish in the summer!

Have a beach day at City Beach.

A beach day in Montana? Yes! City Beach is right in town, on the south edge of Whitefish Lake. So pack a picnic, grab a fun read, and head to the beach! Lay out in the sun, go for a dip in the water, or do whatever your heart desires – you’re on vacation, after all.

Paddle on Whitefish Lake.

There are at least a dozen ways to enjoy Whitefish Lake in the summertime, but paddling is our favorite, whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. You can access the water at several spots along the lakeshore, but the easiest ones are City Beach, Whitefish Lake State Park, and Les Mason State Park. The latter is your best bet if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Sea Me Paddle rents a variety of SUPs and kayaks at both state parks, or if you have a way to transport your boat, you’ll save a bit by renting from Sportsman & Ski Haus in town.

Try flyboarding.

This has to be the most unique way to experience Whitefish Lake. If you’ve never heard of flyboarding (I hadn’t until we saw people doing it here), it feels like something from The Jetsons.

You stand on a small board that uses water jets to propel you up into the air, and you can float 10 or more feet above the water. It looks ridiculous, but also exciting, and it’s one of the most unique things to do in Whitefish. Sign up for a private first-time flyer lesson with 406 Watersports to get the hang of the basics.

Go jet-skiing.

If you’d rather try something a little more conventional but with just as much adrenaline, hop on a jet ski instead. Depending on the model, jet skis can fly over the water at speeds of up to 40-60 mph! You can rent jet skis from 406 Watersports at City Beach.

Take a SUP yoga class.

This is one last way to enjoy the lake – and experience a sense of calm at the same time. Whitefish-based Yoga Hive, an institution on the Montana yoga scene, offers multiple stand-up paddleboard yoga classes every week during the summer.

They provide paddleboards to rent for class, or you can bring your own. All levels are welcome, and no prior experience is required. But honestly, if you’ve never done yoga and never been on a paddleboard, well, you’re in for a challenge.

Go horseback riding.

For many people, Montana is synonymous with horseback riding. No surprise, going for a horseback ride is one of the top things to do in Whitefish – and for many visitors, it’s the most memorable part of their whole trip.

Just a few minutes from town, Bar W Guest Ranch offers trail rides Tuesday-Saturday during the summer. No experience is required, and this is a great place for your first horseback ride. You’ll get matched with the right horse for you, take a brief orientation to riding, and then hit the trail!

Take a scenic lift ride at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is a ski area – but some of the chairlifts operate in the summertime for scenic lift rides. Choose from an open chairlift or an enclosed gondola, and enjoy a fun, peaceful ride up the mountain. From the summit, you’ll enjoy epic 360-degree views over the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.

Before you head back down the mountain, visit the Summit Nature Center or have a drink at the Summit House Bar. If you’re feeling more adventurous, book a one-way lift ride and hike back down from the top.

Go on a zip line tour.

The ski resort also has zip lining during the summer, which is exhilarating fun for kids and adults alike. The zip line course can only be accessed as part of a two-hour group tour, which includes gear, instruction, and guides to lead the way and keep you safe.

There are six separate lines on the course, which means you get to fly six times during the tour. The longest of the six is a whopping 1,900 feet long, and the tallest rises to 300 feet above the ground. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the Whitefish area along with a burst of adrenaline on every line!

Check out the farmers’ market.

The Whitefish Farmers Market takes place at Depot Park in front of the train station, and it’s definitely the place to be on Tuesday evenings in the summer. The market is packed with area vendors selling everything from produce and baked goods to art and jewelry. Plus you can grab a tasty dinner from one of the food trucks parked at the market, and enjoy live music while you eat or browse.

Go on a guided mountain bike ride.

You probably know how to ride a bike, but mountain biking is a whole different ballgame, thanks to the narrow trails, uneven ground, winding inclines, and blind descents.

Oftentimes, the only way to get started in mountain biking is to hit the trail and hope for the best. But at the Whitefish Bike Retreat, just 15 minutes from town, you can take a guided ride that’s customized to you or your group. No more worrying about choosing the right route or getting lost – they’ll handle the logistics, and you can focus on biking.

Paddle rapids and drink beer on the Raft & Craft Tour.

Big Sky Brews Cruise offers a number of craft beverage tours, but there’s one that’s summer-only: the Raft & Craft Tour. Its slogan? “You paddle and drink, we drive!” Sounds perfect.

This tour lasts about 8.5 hours in total, with a half-day rafting trip and stops at two area breweries, distilleries, and/or wineries. It’s hard to think of a better way to spend a summer day in western Montana.

Take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride.

If you’re looking for a bucket list-worthy experience in Whitefish, a hot air balloon ride with 2FlyUs just might be it. And the staff at this family-run business will be as excited about your balloon ride as you are!

Choose a sunrise or sunset flight – the only problem will be figuring out which one to do (although be aware that sunset flights have a higher cancellation rate due to weather conditions). Whether you watch the sun rise or set from your balloon, you’ll get an unforgettable experience and enjoy totally unique views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.

2FlyUs is based in Kalispell, but the launch location varies depending on the weather. Make sure you book in advance; they’re a small business with just one pilot, and they take only five people up on each ride.

What to Do in Whitefish, MT, in Winter

Cold temperatures and short days aside, winter in Montana is a magical experience – especially in a place like Whitefish. The frozen lake and snow-covered mountains create unparalleled scenery, and cold-weather adventures abound.

Actually, I would say winter is the best time to visit Whitefish, when it has none of the crowds that appear in the summer. That means you won’t get stuck in traffic, struggle to make reservations, or pay the sky-high prices that summer visits demand. There aren’t as many activities available in the winter, but there’s still plenty to do – and plenty of adventures to be had.

Enjoy world-class skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Formerly called Big Mountain Resort, Whitefish Mountain Resort is the hometown ski hill for people in the Whitefish area – lucky them! While it’s also a destination resort, and one that draws visitors from across the country, it’s still got a rustic vibe that feels nothing like the glittery celeb-studded all-inclusives of Aspen or Vail.

Whitefish Mountain Resort isn’t overly bougie, but there’s tons of terrain for all levels, nice amenities, and lots of apres-ski options. And with lift tickets for under $100, it’s practically budget-friendly compared to most big destination resorts (and less than half the price of Big Sky).

Go cross-country skiing.

Cross-country skiing is another quintessential Montana winter activity, and it’s much more affordable than downhill. My top recommendation for cross-country skiing in Whitefish is to make the 30-minute drive to Lake McDonald in Glacier Park, home to Montana’s best cross-country skiing. You can even take the guesswork out of it by going on a guided tour.

If you’d rather stay in town, Whitefish Lake Golf Course becomes Glacier Nordic Center in the winter, with 7.5 miles of flat cross-country trails. They also offer lessons, and I highly recommend taking one if you’re a beginner – it is SO much more fun when you have a sense of what you’re doing.

If you’re already an experienced cross-country skier, head 15 minutes north of town to Big Mountain Nordic Trails, accessed from Big Mountain Trailhead. The 16 miles of trails are groomed, but most of the terrain is difficult and not suitable for beginners. Access is free, but please leave a donation in the box at the trailhead!

If you need to rent equipment, swing by Sportsman & Ski Haus on your way for the best deals.

Go snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing is a great alternative to skiing. It’s less intense, requires less technique, and you can basically do it anywhere there’s snow. But snowshoeing in Glacier Park is also unmatched, although you won’t get as far along Lake McDonald as you could on skis. Or hit the Whitefish Trail network for 47 miles of trail to explore, much of it accessible right from town.

One last fun option for snowshoeing in Whitefish: Clydesdale Outpost, 15 minutes from town, runs a variety of guided tours. Try their Snowshoe & S’mores Tour or the Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, both of which lead you to their secret igloo.

Try fat-tire biking.

Fat-tire bikes only differ from regular bikes in that the tires are extra-wide – which makes them much more challenging to ride. But that’s also what allows them to roll over the snow, making wintertime biking possible in Montana.

And there’s no better place to try fat biking than Whitefish, especially if it’s your first time. Head 15 minutes west of town to the Whitefish Bike Retreat to pick up a rental bike and practice on the groomed trails on their property. From there, you can head straight out onto the Whitefish Trail, of which about eight miles are groomed for fat-tire biking.

Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Cozy up and enjoy the magic of winter in Whitefish with a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Bar W Guest Ranch. You’ll glide through woodlands and open fields, enjoying snow-covered scenery from under the comfort of warm blankets in the sleigh. Rides last 30-45 minutes, and include cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee after the ride.

Check out the Ski Heritage Center.

The Ski Heritage Center (also called the Whitefish Ski Museum) is an offbeat little museum dedicated to Montana’s favorite winter sport. It’s a must-see if you’re in Whitefish in the winter, especially when you’re recovering from a day on the slopes. Exhibits trace the history and impact of skiing in Whitefish and throughout northwest Montana.

The museum is located inside a historic cabin next to the Stumptown Ice Den. Opening hours are limited, so double check their schedule before you go.

More Things to Do Near Whitefish, Montana

As if there aren’t plenty of things to do in town, you’ve got even more options in the surrounding area.

• Shop all things huckleberry at the Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse. 20 minutes
• Visit the Northwest History Museum in Kalispell. 25 minutes
• Explore Glacier National Park (likely the reason you’re in Whitefish to begin with!). 35 minutes
• Paddle out to Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake. 55 minutes

Places to Stay in Whitefish, Montana

There are tons of places to stay in Whitefish, but it’s admittedly not a cheap place to visit, especially during the summer. You can often find more affordable options down the road in Columbia Falls or 25 minutes away in Kalispell instead.

But if you’re able to splurge on accommodations, Whitefish is a good place to do it. From mountain lodges to cozy cabins and dude ranches to quaint B&Bs, there’s no shortage of memorable places to stay in Whitefish.

Hotels in Whitefish

There’s a lot of competition for the best hotel in Whitefish, but these are some of the top contenders:

Firebrand: A sleek, modern hotel right in downtown Whitefish, complete with a rooftop patio, bikes and snowshoes for guest use, and events like live music and yoga classes

Good Medicine Lodge: A B&B in a cedar home where each room is unique, the coffee is roasted in-house, and freshly-baked cookies are available 24/7

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake: A luxurious lakefront property with amenities including indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, bikes and canoes to borrow, SUP yoga classes, and even a private ice rink in the winter

Apres Whitefish: A riverside boutique hotel owned by two brothers, where you can tell how much thought has gone into every detail, from the Scandinavian design to the outdoor sauna

Whitefish Airbnb & VRBO Rentals

Check Airbnb and VRBO for even more places to stay in Whitefish, like these unique rentals:

• Cozy Bungalow in the Heart of Downtown
• Modern Chalet with Giant Hot Tub
• Vintage-Style Condo in Downtown Whitefish
• Charming Apartment with Separate Bunkhouse
• Franklin’s Tower Yurt on 2.5 Acres

Camping in Whitefish

If you’re up for a more rustic experience, camping is easily the cheapest option for accommodations in Whitefish. These are the main campgrounds in the area (and of course, there are many more inside Glacier Park):

• Whitefish Lake State Park (April-October)
• Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Holiday (May-September)
• West Glacier KOA Resort (year-round)

Map of Whitefish, Montana

Our custom map shows the locations of all the best restaurants, shops, galleries, hotels, and things to do. Whitefish is a small town, and most of the points of interest are clustered together around the intersection of Hwy. 93 and Central Avenue.

Click here for an interactive version of the map!

After so much time spent falling in love with this part of Montana over the years, these are all our best recommendations to help you plan your trip to Whitefish. We hope you enjoy it!

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