15 Best Things to Do in Whitefish Montana

Whitefish, Montana is a stunning mountain town located in the heart of the Rockies. This quaint and charming town is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and rich cultural heritage.

From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and fishing in the summer, there is something for everyone in Whitefish. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-packed vacation, you’ll find it in this idyllic mountain town.

Glacier National Park and other Montana natural wonders are easily accessible from Whitefish. In addition to being a convenient destination to stock up on supplies before venturing into the surrounding wilderness, this quaint mountain community has much more to offer.

You may even have difficulty narrowing down the many possible things to do in Whitefish, and the sights to see in the area in just a few days. But don’t worry, we have compiled all the top attractions into one convenient post to help you plan your trip.

Our Top Recommendations

This charming town has a huge number of things to do and see in and around its historic center. If you are looking for a specific palace or activity in mind, take a look at our top recommended things to do in Whitefish.

• Most significant landmark – Whitefish Depot
• Best park – Glacier National Park
• Best free activity – Baker Park
• Best activity for kids – Stumptown Art Studio
• Best activity for adults – Flathead National Forest
• Best food – SweetPeaks Ice Cream
• Best nightlife – Great Northern Brewery Company
• Best all-around accommodation – Whitefish Mountain Resort

Fun Things to Do in Whitefish Montana

1. Most Significant Landmark – Whitefish Depot

Address: 500 Depot St, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

Whitefish is home to a large number of eateries, drinking establishments, and retail establishments; nonetheless, the Whitefish Depot serves as the beating heart of the downtown area. This prominent and historically significant train station serves as the primary point of reference for the community.

The Whitefish Depot, famous for its sparkling half-timbered walls and big dormers, was renovated in the 1990s to contain a waiting room, railway offices, and the Stumptown Historical Society. In addition, the Whitefish depot is known for its large dormers. It is by far the busiest of the 12 stations in Montana that are served by Amtrak, with an average of approximately 170 passengers onboard or detraining there every day. Whitefish regularly processes over four times as many people as the next-busiest station in Montana.

Whitefish Station even has its very own museum, which allows guests to explore the many displays and obtain a more in-depth understanding of the history of the community. Indeed, it is the heart and soul of the city; it even has a park and picnic tables so that you can bring your lunch from Stumptown Market. 

You don’t even have to worry about missing the train, after paying a visit to some of the attractions in the area, you can rest at nearby hotel accommodations like the Kandahar Lodge, Cowboy Condo and the The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen.

2. Best Park – Glacier National Park

Address: Montana, United States

When asked why they want to visit Whitefish, many people would say that it is to go sightseeing at Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park is known for its breathtaking mountains, alpine meadows, and frozen glaciers, making it one of the most visited parks in the United States. Whitefish is fewer than 30 miles from Glacier National Park, making it a convenient destination for day trips to the enchanted mountain scenery of the park.

During the warmer months, visiting Glacier National Park is a popular destination for visitors interested in hiking and backpacking. More than 700 miles of hiking trails may be discovered inside the park, all of which lead to unique landscapes that cannot be found in many other places in the United States.

Some of the whitefish mt activities in this place include fishing, boating, camping, and white-water rafting on the boundaries of Glacier National Park are some of the other popular things to do in the park’s surrounding areas.

Plan your trip early by booking a Glacier National Park Scenic Float and staying at the best hotel accommodations near the area, like the Glacier Haven Inn and the St. Mary Village.

Related: Best Things to Do in Bozeman Montana

3. Best Free Activity – Baker Park

Address: Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

Baker Park is a natural area that is conveniently located close to the central business district and is a part of a broader network of city parks that together make it easy for tourists to enjoy the benefits of the environment. It is next to Riverside Park by a network of paved trails, and it features a sizable playground in addition to an abundance of picnic space, which is comprised of a gazebo and tables.

Rowing a canoe or fishing from the floating dock at this city park is also a very popular activity due to the park’s proximity to the Whitefish River. Three public tennis courts and a pedestrian bridge across the Whitefish River in the Riverside Park neighborhood of Whitefish, Montana. Bicycle riders and people pushing strollers are frequently seen on the picturesque trail that connects the two parks.

This open space with grass is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists who wish to spend some time in close proximity to the river. You can also have a picnic by spreading a blanket out on the grass. Then complete your say at the exceptional Whitefish Central and The Manse for the perfect staycation. 

Related: Best Things to Do in Missoula, Montana

4. Best Activity for Kids – Stumptown Art Studio

Address: 145 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

The Stumptown Art Studio is a charitable organization that can be found in the state of Montana. It continues to be a place where anyone can go and express themselves in the realm of art, so anyone can visit it.

People go there for the sake of education as well. In the year 1995, Whitefish became home to the establishment known as Stumptown. It is a public art center, and it welcomes people of any age, career, or origin and encourages them to come and develop their artistic side regardless of whether or not they are professionals in the field.

Since its start, Stumptown has been providing a wide variety of art-related opportunities, including but not limited to summer camps, art masterclasses, workshops, after-school art clubs, and more! You, as a tourist, will be able to take advantage of their gallery nights and leave with a handcrafted memento of your stay. 

One of the more intriguing aspects of the location is that some locals call Whitefish “Stumptown.” The trees in the region were cut down to make place for the train station, and as a result, what was left behind was referred to as “stumps.” This is where the name came from. You can find further information by visiting their website.

After the fun activities, you can do with the kids, wrap up your trip by staying at the Firebrand Hotel, which offers a sun terrace and a ski pass sales point. 

Related: Best Things to Do in Montana

5. Best Activity for Adults – Flathead National Forest

 Address: Swan Lake, MT 59911, United States

Flathead National Forest is the place to go if you want to avoid the crowds that you’ll find in Glacier National Park. It’s the ideal location for those who are interested in venturing off the beaten path. The Flathead National Forest in western Montana encompasses more than 2,400,000 acres of unspoiled land. It first opened its doors in the year 1897.

Whitefish provides access to a portion of the forest, where visitors can take in breathtaking panoramas of mountain ranges that have been reshaped by glaciers, towering trees whose leaves transform with the passage of the seasons, and lakes with iridescent blue waters.

Hiking through the woods is not only one of the free and enjoyable activities to do in Whitefish this weekend, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise. You can even pitch up a tent in order to spend as much time as possible immersed in the breathtaking scenery.

You can also go to Flathead Lake, the biggest natural freshwater lake in the western United States that is not located in Alaska, and it is an amazing site to see. It is surrounded on all sides by massive mountains, recreational opportunities, picturesque viewpoints, and food stalls offering locally grown cherries during harvest seasons. Travelers starting out from Whitefish can reach the farthest northern point of Flathead Lake in about half an hour by car.

Related: Epic Must-See National Parks in Montana

6. Best Food – SweetPeaks Ice Cream

Address: 419 E 3rd St, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

When in Whitefish, Montana, you simply can’t miss out on trying the world-famous Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. They were established in 2010 by two residents of Montana who have a love for ice cream and sorbets, and they handcrafted all of their products themselves.

Because it was founded and is run by Montana locals who are passionate about the region, and because it is made using dairy products and other high-quality ingredients sourced from the mountains in the area, it is quite popular.

They get their milk from Montana, and they collaborate with the local farmers and foragers to come up with some interesting and distinctive flavors. They also offer a flavor that will appeal to each and every one of your tastebuds, ranging from the time-honored Madagascar Vanilla to the inventive Lemon Dill.

This is not your run-of-the-mill, out-of-the-container ice cream or sorbets; if you’re looking for something like that, you should look elsewhere. Huckleberry and Flathead Cherry are consistently the most requested flavors, despite the fact that the choice of flavors changes every week.

If you wnat to eat your ice cream outside, you can take it out and head to the nearest hotel accommodations in the place like the Lupfer 201 and The Manse.

7. Best Nightlife – Great Northern Brewery Company

Address: 2 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

In 1927, the city of Cairns became home to the Great Northern Brewery, which was founded to produce beer that was tailor-made for the region’s climate. The Great Northern Brewing Company honors the heritage of this brewery and the beer it produces by carrying on this time-honored practice. They brew their beer for a longer period, resulting in a lager that is exceptionally crisp and pleasant.

Before you go out into the woods, going bar hopping in Whitefish and visiting some of the city’s many excellent breweries is another excellent way to relax and decompress before your adventure. The Great Northern Brewery Company is the only establishment on the list that consistently occupies the number one spot.

Great Northern beers are produced using the time-honored method of a “Gravity-flow” brew house, which dates back centuries. This made it possible for the brew house to be more efficient and automated. In fact, the Brewery has the ability to produce 10,000 barrels of beer per year. 

Whitefish residents and visitors alike recognize the Great Northern Brewery Company as an important local icon. Many tourists make it a point to stop by the bar and place an order for one of the establishment’s specialty brews, ales, or lagers.

8. Best All-around Accommodation – Whitefish Mountain Resort

Address: 1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort is regarded as one of the premier ski areas in the state of Montana and a year-round destination for exciting outdoor activities. Additionally, it serves as the preeminent background for the city. In the winter, Whitefish Mountain is home to more than 100 designated routes and almost a dozen chairlifts. In the summer, Whitefish Mountain is home to hiking, mountain biking, and high experiences, thanks to an aerial adventure park.

During the winter season, the Whitefish Shuttle Network, sometimes referred to as the SNOW bus, offers convenient and cost-free transportation from the town to the ski resort. During the full moon during the winter months, the resort also provides unique “Moonlight Dine & Ski” package deals for those looking for an exciting dining experience.

You can ski or ride on approximately 3,000 acres of never-overcrowded terrain here. Beginning this season, you can experience lightning-few quick rides on their new six-seater chairlift, the Snow Ghost Express.

Since 1947, whitefish activities have been cutting their way up these slopes, and they continue to return for one simple reason: the experience is just incredible. Chasing powder, enjoying après with friends, and having a good time in the modest ski town are all traditions that these people have upheld for the past 75 years.

Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort and The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection are among the highly rated hotel accommodations to take when in the place. 

9. The Best Trail Activity – Whitefish Trail

Address: Whitefish, Montana 59901, USA

The Whitefish Trail is a network of trails that has been developed through the efforts of the local community and winds through the city’s parks and natural areas. At this time, the path has about 40 miles of natural surface walkways as well as a dozen trailheads along its length.

The trail network is becoming increasingly popular among families, joggers, and anybody searching for an easy way to enjoy the outdoors as a result of its quick access and straightforward navigation.

A trailhead for Lion Mountain is located less than three miles west of the downtown area on Highway 93, making it a popular place for people to explore that is close to town. It provides a loop that is three miles long, and there are options for longer and shorter distances. It is well-marked and ascends through dense woodland that provides ample cover.

The Whitefish Trail is an asset supported by users and driven by the public. It consists of 15 trailheads and 47 miles of surface trails that are located in a forested, rural setting. The extensive route network is suitable for outdoor lovers and families, especially hikers, dog walkers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and runners.

If you want to book some exciting activities you can take packaged tours and activities like the RZR 2-seat, Half Day then stay at the Newly Built Kalispell Home – 28 Mi to Glacier NP!

10. Best City Hub – Kalispell

Address: Whitefish, Montana U.S.A 

Are you close to finishing up with Whitefish but not quite prepared to leave all the conveniences of modern life and your cozy home?  Take a break and go for a quick visit to Kalispell.

Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest are both a short drive from the quaint community of Kalispell. It is the ideal place to take a bite to eat, shop for some souvenirs, and learn about some of the interesting histories that Montana has to offer.

It is also the most important urban center in the region, which means that it has strip malls, numerous brand restaurants, and an airport that serves as a hub for flights to and from the region.

Visitors can take walking tours of this 19th-century residence in Kalispell which is part of the Conrad Mansion Museum, which is a center for most of the historical appeal of the city. The residence still contains its original furnishings.

The Hockaday Museum of Art, the Buffalo Hill Golf Club, and a stroll around the whitefish farmers market are a few of the places to see in Kalispell. The central business center is home to a number of local stores as well as restaurants that serve delectable cuisine. The well-known Lone Pine State Park is only one of the outdoor destinations that can be reached from any point in the city of Kalispell.

Need a place to stay the night? Well, Super 8 by Wyndham Kalispell Glacier National Park, Best Western Plus Kalispell/Glacier Park West Hotel & Suite as well as the Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell are just a few of the best places to stay near the area.

11. Best Theater Events – Whitefish Theatre Company

Address: 1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

Over the course of the past four decades, the Whitefish Theatre Company has been providing the community with entertainment that is both culturally significant and entertaining. Today, this community theater group is named the O’Shaughnessy Center, which features a fully accessible building and a thrust theater with 328 seats, its home. 

So if you want some things to do in whitefish mt this weekend, the theater company and stage are hosts to reader’s theater, music acts that are on tour across the country, and other unique events in addition to plays and musical theater.

The adjacent Whitefish Performing Arts Center (PAC) also offers events throughout the year, including huge shows courtesy of the Alpine Theatre Project, which is known internationally. These performances add an additional cultural appeal to the area.

12. Best Huckleberry Goods – The Huckleberry Patch

Address: 8868 Hwy 2 E, Hungry Horse, MT 59919, United States

Huckleberry products are a mainstay in Montana. As a result, it is essential for tourists to Whitefish to visit a local shop and not only sample but also purchase some Huckleberry items to take back home.

Since they cannot be mass-produced due to their commercial unviability, they make excellent presents. They are gathered by hand from the meadows and pastures at the foot of the mountains. Jam, syrup, pie fillings, popsicles, licorice, chocolate, and coffee are among the most sought-after products.

The Huckleberry Patch is the place to go if you’re looking for the real deal when it comes to Huckleberry goods in Whitefish. They’ve been serving the community since 1949, and you may try out some of their best offerings.

13. Best Parasailing – Whitefish Lake

Address: Lakeside Blvd, Whitefish, MT.

The whitefish lake activities offer a wide variety of opportunities for recreation. If you’re looking for a thrill, parasailing and the whitefish lake golf club is one option.

After meeting your boat guide at City Beach and getting harnessed in, you’ll launch from the back of the boat and soar above Whitefish Lake, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the town below and the Rocky Mountains beyond.

You will probably be in the air for around 10 minutes. There is seating for seven people on board, and the plane can carry two or three people. According to feedback, customers are satisfied and felt secure while using the service. This is a fantastic choice for those seeking out-of-the-ordinary entertainment in Whitefish. Then you may dine at the best whitefish lake restaurant.

14. Best Local Art Tours – Sunti World Art Gallery

Address: 345 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States

Whitefish has become a hub for showcasing and selling artwork to the general public. While there are several excellent galleries in town,  the Sunti World Work Gallery is one of the top favorites which features not only local exhibits but also remarkable art from all around the world, spanning from the west to the modern.

Whitefish’s World Art Gallery was conceived as a way to show appreciation for other cultures and for the great works of art created by past masters. The gallery’s celebrated painters proudly represent worldwide renowned masters of fine art from North America, Europe, and Asia, displaying a wide range of genres, from genuine en plein air impressionism to exquisitely detailed hyperrealism.

15. Best Date Night – Downtown Whitefish

Address: Whitefish, Montana 59937, USA

The streets of downtown Whitefish offer a pleasant way to spend an afternoon without spending any money. You can spend time exploring the many unique stores, museums, cafes, and dining options. They provide free samples so you can taste different flavors before committing to order if you’re having trouble deciding.

Additionally, you may visit the local library, have a seat on a bench, and stroll along the old train tracks in Depot Park.

Live music in downtown restaurants is a great way to spend a summer evening, whether you’re looking for a romantic setting for two or a fun family activity. And if you’re in town on a summer Tuesday evening, you can peruse the local Farmer’s Market and take home some fresh, locally grown produce.

Conclusion

If you are unsure about what things to do in whitefish Montana, you now have a variety of fantastic options. The list above offers something for everyone. Indeed, it is the ideal mountain destination for a fun Montana adventure in all seasons, whether you’re searching for outdoor pursuits, art classes, a history lesson, or a quieter vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions