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Things to Do in Glacier Country

Things to Do in Glacier Country

Glacier Country Montana, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails. Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and time availability.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Trails

Trail of the Cedars (0.7-mile loop, boardwalk). Johns Lake Loop (1.8-mile gentle loop). Running Eagle Falls Trail (0.6-mile accessible trail).

Moderate Trails

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (2.7-mile roundtrip, snow until late July). Avalanche Lake Trail (5.9-mile roundtrip). St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls Trail (2.9-3.6 miles roundtrip).

Strenuous Trails

Highline Trail (11.8-mile one-way). Grinnell Glacier Trail (10.6-mile roundtrip). Sperry Glacier Trail (13.6-16 miles roundtrip, very challenging).

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking/Canoeing/Paddleboarding: Rentals available on Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, Swiftcurrent Lake, Flathead Lake.
  • Boating: Motorboat hire on Flathead Lake. Scenic boat tours on Glacier National Park lakes.
  • Whitewater Rafting: Half-day or full-day trips on the Flathead River. Outfitters like Glacier Raft Company.
  • Fishing: Fly fishing in rivers and lake fishing. A Montana fishing license is needed. Consider a local guide.

Adventure Sports

  • Zip-lining: At Whitefish Mountain Resort.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort (with summer lift access) and national forests.
  • Rock Climbing/Mountaineering: Guided trips for experienced climbers.
  • A Mountain bike helmet is recommended.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Self-Guided Viewing: Dawn and dusk are prime times.
  • Popular areas: Many Glacier, Logan Pass, North Fork.
  • Drive slowly, keep eyes peeled.
  • Guided Wildlife Tours: Private operators find and observe wildlife.

Cycling Routes

  • Paved Paths: Apgar Village zone in Glacier National Park.
  • Road Cycling: Going-to-the-Sun Road is epic; check cyclist time restrictions.
  • Mountain Biking: Designated trails at Whitefish Mountain Vacation spot and Flathead National Forest.
  • Trails for beginner to challenging downhill routes.

Safety Reminder for Outdoor Activities

Bear awareness is of utmost importance. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store food properly in marked areas or bear-resistant containers.

Cultural Immersion

Connect with the local heritage and traditions of Glacier Country.

Workshops & Cultural Programs

  • Workshops: Formal public workshops are limited. Check local community centers or art studios in Whiteseafood or Missoula.
  • Cultural Performances: Blackfeet Nation (near East Glacier Park) occasionally hosts pow-wows or cultural demonstrations.
  • NPS Programs Led by park rangers: Interpretive talks, guided walks, and evening programs deliver cultural and natural historical events insights.
  • Community Programs: Formal community-based tourism programs are limited. Choose locally owned businesses.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Whitefish Winter Carnival February

A local festival celebrating winter with parades, skijoring, and revelry.

Huckleberry Festivals August

Small community events celebrating the huckleberry harvest with food, music, and crafts.

Flathead Cherry Festival July, Polson

Celebrates the local cherry harvest with vendors, music, and cherry-themed treats.

Relaxation & Wellness

Spa services, yoga studios, and natural therapy options. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Spa offers treatments. Closest hot springs are a significant drive south or west.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live music venues in Whitefish (Casey's Bar, The Great Northern Bar & Grill). Missoula has a diverse music scene (Top Hat Lounge, Wilma Theatre).

Shopping & Markets

Farmer's Markets (Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Missoula). Artisan workshops in Whitefish and Bigfork. Souvenir options include huckleberry products and local art.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to relax and rejuvenate amidst the natural beauty.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Spa: Provides a variety of spa treatments, massages, and relaxation services in a high-end lakeside setting.
  • Independent practitioners: Various independent massage therapists and wellness practitioners operate in Whitefish and Kalispell.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Some yoga studio apartments in Whitefish and Missoula offer drop-in classes. Dedicated retreats are less common.
  • Traditional healing: Not a prominent tourism offering.

Natural Therapy Options

Hot Springs Access

No natural hot springs exist within Glacier National Park or immediate Glacier Country.

Closest Hot Springs

Symes Hot Springs (Hot Springs, MT) or Quinn's Hot Springs (Plains, MT). Both are a significant drive south or west of Glacier Country.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Whitefish Lake City Beach is a public beach. Many hotels and resorts in Kalispell plus Whitefish feature pools for guest use.

Wellness Insights

Outdoor Serenity

The natural environment itself fosters relaxation and rejuvenation. Hiking, fishing, or simply sitting by a lake bring peace.

Seasonal Opportunities

Winter offers opportunities for cozy retreats and winter sports followed by warm relaxation. Summer means lake activities and eating outside.

Planning Ahead

For spa appointments or specific wellness classes, book in advance, especially during peak season.

Entertainment & Nightlife

While known for its natural attractions, Glacier Country offers evening entertainment, specifically in its larger towns.

Live Music & Venues

  • Whitefish: Casey's Bar and The Great Northern Bar & Grill often feature live bands, notably on weekends.
  • Missoula: A larger a metropolis with a more diverse music scene. Venues like the Top Hat Lounge and the Wilma Theatre host various musical acts.
  • Seasonal Events: Check local calendars for summer concert series or special performances.
  • Local pubs and breweries sometimes host smaller, more intimate musical performances.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Whitefish Theatre Company

Offers plays and musicals throughout the year, a cultural evening option.

Flathead Valley Community College Kalispell

Hosts various performances, including concerts and theatrical productions.

Summer Stock Theaters

Some areas may have seasonal summer stock theatre groups with performances.

Nightclubs & Dancing

True nightclubs are limited. Whitefish has a number of bars with dance floors, especially during ski season when the town becomes lively.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Whitefish's central downtown has a concentration of bars and breweries, good for a casual pub crawl. Kalispell features a growing brewery scene.

Late-Night Entertainment

Most establishments close by midnight or 1 AM. Late-night options are mainly limited to bars in Whitefish and Missoula. Plan accordingly.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets
  • Farmer's Markets: Held in summer and early autumn in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Missoula.
  • Offer local produce, artisan crafts, and prepared foods.
  • Often have live music and a festive atmosphere.
Artisan Crafts & Souvenirs
  • Artisan Workshops & Galleries: In Whitefish and Bigfork feature local crafts, paintings, sculptures inspired by Montana.
  • Souvenirs: Huckleberry products, local art, Native American crafts, outdoor gear from outfitters.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local businesses; look for "Produced in Montana" labels. For Native American crafts, purchase from reputable sources.

Shipping & Customs

Standard U.S. Shipping regulations apply. Shipping services (USPS, FedEx, UPS) are available in towns. For international visitors, be aware of your home country''s import rules for specific items.

Activity Planning Summary

Considerations

  • Seasonal availability impacts many activities, especially within Glacier National Park.
  • Vehicle reservations are needed for Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak times.
  • Some remote areas have limited cell service; inform someone of your plans.
  • Booking tours and activities via GetYourGuide simplifies planning.

Essential Gear

  • Wearing clothes in layers for varied temperatures.
  • Sturdy hiking boots.
  • Bear spray for wildlife encounters.
  • Plenty of water and snacks, especially for long hikes.
Things to Do in Glacier Country. Activities, Experiences, Adventures