12 Diverse Things to Do in Whitefish, Montana (+ Map)
If you’re venturing to Whitefish, Montana for vacation, good choice! This is a guide to the best things to do in Whitefish, Montana – from skiing to flyboarding and beyond!
Quick Whitefish Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to Whitefish (and nearby) last minute, be sure you have hotels and tours booked ahead of time. Below are some of my top picks:
🇺🇸 Best tours and activities near Whitefish:
- Half-day whitewater rafting adventure (in Glacier National Park)
- Illuminated glass kayak sunset tour (goes down the Whitefish River)
🛌 Top hotels and lodging in Whitefish:
- The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River (has indoor and outdoor heated pools)
- Duck Inn Lodge (located by the river and has a fireside lounge)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish (offers ski passes on-site)
🍲 Popular places to eat in Whitefish: Tupelo Grille, Whitefish Lake Restaurant, Loula’s Cafe, Piggyback BBQ
🚗 Planning to travel around Montana independently? Find and compare the cheapest rental car rates here!
Whitefish may not be at the top of one’s Montana bucket list if they aren’t looking for a skiing vacation or a trip to Glacier National Park.
However, it is one of the hippest places to visit in Montana and deserves to be more than just a base for the surrounding area and activities.
Located in Flathead County, it is home to around 6,300 people, and it has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States (even by the New York Times!)
The downtown is home to many of the exciting things to do in Whitefish – from craft beer to guesthouses and more.
Its idyllic setting below the majestic Montana mountains makes every corner a vantage point and it is not hard to understand why visitors are so impressed by the place!
Nevertheless, there is plenty to see in Whitefish. The town is surrounded by some of North America’s most renowned nature areas, including one of the most visited national parks in the US, Glacier National Park.
You will also find lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a fabulous ski resort. This guide will showcase what to do in Whitefish if you plan on using the city as a base for your Montana trip.
Please let me know if you have any questions or any of your own tips for visiting Whitefish. Feel free to pop them in the comments below!
Best Things to Do in Whitefish, MT (On a Map)
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What to do in Whitefish (and Nearby)
Here are the top things to do in Whitefish, Montana – including some natural attractions in Whitefish as well as places to eat in the town and area.
1. Spend the day skiing (or hiking!) at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Whitefish Mountain Resort is one of the most popular places to visit in Whitefish. While it acts as a ski resort during the snowy months, it comes alive with family-friendly activities during the warmer months!
During winter, skiers can enjoy 3,000 acres of ski terrain suitable for all levels (even beginners like me!). There are more than 110 trails at the resort and they also offer lessons to those looking to get started in the sport.
In the summer months, or when there is no snow, you can find everything from alpine slides to zip lines to hiking trails… and more. It is also a haven for cyclists as there are more than 20 miles of downhill and cross-country mountain biking trails there.
If you’re looking for additional information about Whitefish Mountain Resort, be sure to check out their website.
2. Explore the craft beer scene in town.
One of the best things to do in Whitefish is to head to the bar! There are plenty of ski bars around the city, but for craft beer and socializing, I recommend checking out Bonsai Brewing Project.
They are open from 12pm until 8pm from Tuesday until Sunday. It is a great stop on a Montana brewery road trip!
Their craft beer menu is exciting, and you will find everything from a milkshake session IPA to a Bretta Saison barrel that is aged for a year. The brewers truly are innovative and keen on using local ingredients to make a truly unique beverage. They also serve small bites on-site.
But… one of the coolest things about Bonsai is that they also have interesting events going on, and it is truly the hub of culture in Whitefish. You can find them at 549 Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish.
3. Go camping at Whitefish Lake State Park.
Whitefish Lake State Park has 25 campsites that offer a variety of tent-only and RV camping opportunities, plus a new hike-bike campsite that is convenient for cyclists traipsing the nearby Great Divide route.
Often overshadowed by Glacier National Park, this is a can’t-miss natural spot for Montana visitors!
The park is open year-round, including the boat launch and campsites 12-24. The campground area is only open from spring until fall, however. This includes campsites 1-11 and the shower facility.
Boating, swimming, camping, and fishing are popular activities, and the lake is rarely windy, so it provides ideal conditions for water skiing.
4. Check out Stumptown Art Studio.
Stumptown Art Studio is a non-profit organization in Montana. It remains a site where anyone can arrive and express themselves in the artistic world.
Stumptown was established in 1995 in Whitefish. It is a community art center and it serves everyone of any age, profession, or background to come and explore their artistic side irrespective of the fact whether they are experts or not.
Interesting Fact
Locals may refer to Whitefish as ‘Stumptown’. It was given this name after the area’s trees were cleared to make room for the train station, essentially leaving ‘stumps’ behind.
Since it was founded, Stumptown has offered summer camps, art masterclasses, workshops, after-school art clubs, and more!
As a traveler, you will enjoy their gallery nights and be able to take home a handmade souvenir. Check their website for additional information.
5. Head out on a dog-sledding tour near Whitefish.
Located just minutes from Whitefish is Dog Sled Adventures Montana, a family-owned outfitter that has around 130 Alaskan huskies that are ready to run!
This is the perfect family activity, and they host everyone from babies to senior citizens.
They are located at the foot of Stillwater State Forest and right beside Glacier National Park, close to Whitefish in a village called Olney.
After you go dog-sledding and through the pristine Montana wilderness, you will come back to the cabin where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and homemade cookies.
Naturally, this is an activity to do in winter in Whitefish… so plan accordingly. For more information, check their website.
6. Marvel at the nature in Les Mason State Park.
Another nature spot to visit in Whitefish and its surrounding area is Les Mason State Park. This Montana state park is renowned for its idyllic location on the shores of Whitefish Lake.
There are 585 feet of sand and gravel along the shore, making it a fabulous place to go swimming or participate in any of the nearby activities. There are also many picnic tables in the park.
If you’re keen to try your hands at kayaking or SUP, you can rent equipment at the concessionaire called Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours, Inc. They are only open during the summer.
In Les Mason State Park, you will find parking, toilets, boat rentals, and more.
7. Sip a cup of joe from Montana Coffee Traders.
Back in 1981, Montana Coffee Traders began roasting in northwestern Montana, and is still a force to be reckoned with today!
Today, they offer beans to take away as well as a full espresso bar, drip coffee, and cold brews. You will also find some small eats inside.
You can enjoy their delicious beans and brews at The Mercantile at the Roastery at 6810 Hwy 93 South. Or stop by their downtown cafe located at 110 Central. They also have locations in Columbia Falls and Kalispell.
8. Go Hiking in Whitefish
One of the best things to do in Whitefish is to take to the trails. It really is one of the top reasons to visit the small Montana town!
There are many places to go hiking near Whitefish and one of my top picks is The Whitefish Trail, a network of user-supported trails built by the community that contains over 43 miles of surface trails and 12 trailheads and connectors.
All of this is located in the lush forests surrounding Whitefish, and the trails are perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, and walking your dog.
Some of the most popular trailheads on The Whitefish Trail are:
- Lion Mountain: Located close to Whitefish, it offers loop options and scenic views. It is a 3-mile loop.
- Big Mountain: Located below Whitefish Mountain Resort, it is open year-round and takes you through Haskill Basin. It transforms into a cross-country skier’s paradise in winter. It is 5.5 miles long.
- Spencer: Covers over 2,500 acres and contains over 30 miles of trails. It is popular amongst cyclists and equestrians.
9. Indulge at one of the best restaurants in Whitefish.
Another wonderful thing about traveling to Whitefish, Montana is that you will be greeted with some tasty food at the many restaurants in Whitefish.
You will find everything from delicious breakfast to outdoor dining (with insane views) to fresh salmon, and more.
Here are some of the top Whitefish restaurants that will make eating one of your favorite things to do in Whitefish:
- Tupelo Grille: Elk meatloaf sliders are a signature there. They also have live music and delicious cocktails!
- Whitefish Lake Restaurant: Go there for the views and stay for the incredible food!
- Loula’s Cafe: Great at any time of the day and renowned for their pies.
- Piggyback BBQ: A restaurant run by a Texan that has adapted regional BBQ styles from throughout the US into the perfect Montana blend.
There are plenty of tasty other places to eat in Whitefish… so just do your research and find some places that utilize local ingredients (because they are fantastic in Northwest Montana)!
10. Go flyboarding.
Flyboard of Montana is located in the Whitefish region and is a certified water sports service and accessories provider. One can book the services prior and make reservations by calling the contact details provided on their official website.
It was the idea of Justin Heyne, who himself is a big fan of water sports and wanted to incorporate that passion into an exciting activity in the local area.
Flyboarding has become one of the most popular activities in Whitefish and you will be assisted by an instructor who is renowned for getting people flying in under just ten minutes!
This is only open from March until October, but it is open 7 days a week from 9 am until 9 pm, and they do offer military discounts.
11. Spend a couple of days at Glacier National Park.
And, of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without suggesting an adventure in Glacier National Park, which is likely the reason you are visiting Whitefish in the first place!
Glacier National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in the country and is epic no matter what time of the year you decide to plan a trip there.
Winter in Glacier National Park is fantastic for those who love cold weather, snow, and skiing. Summer in Glacier National Park is a wonderful time of year for those who love hiking, climbing, and picnics out in nature.
Some of the top attractions in Glacier National Park are Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Avalanche Lake, Saint Mary Lake, and the Grinnell Glacier.
I hope my guide to things to do in Whitefish helped you plan your trip to the resort town in northwest Montana. If you have questions or tips about awesome landmarks in Whitefish, please leave them below!
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