Make a Vacation Out of It
Things to Do
Google Map Download
We've put together a custom Google Map with all of our favorite spots to help make planning your weekend a little easier. You'll find restaurants, trailheads, activities, the welcome party location, transportation pickups, and more — all in one place!
Glacier National Park
If you have an extra day while you're in town, we can't recommend visiting Glacier National Park enough. It's only about 35 minutes from downtown Whitefish and is easily one of our favorite places in the country. The park is centered around one main road, Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through the mountains with incredible views — expect your drive to be scenic and unhurried.
Our favorite spot for families is Apgar Village. You can grab lunch, ice cream, browse the gift shops, or skip rocks along Lake McDonald. On Friday from 1:00–3:00 PM we'll have some kayaks reserved which is probably our #1 recommendation for experiencing Glacier without a long hike.
Park Entrance
Without an America the Beautiful annual pass, admission is $35 per vehicle and is valid for 7 consecutive days.
Getting Around
Vehicle reservations aren't required, but Logan Pass has a 3-hour parking limit. For longer hikes, reserve a park shuttle seat or book the famous Red Bus Tour.
No Cell Service
Service is extremely limited throughout the park. Download the area in Google Maps before you head in so you can navigate offline.
Kid-Friendly Activities
- Trail of the Cedars – an easy 0.9-mile wooden boardwalk loop through old-growth cedar forest, perfect for all ages.
- Apgar Nature Center – a small hands-on nature cabin where kids can explore Glacier's plants, animals, and geology.
- Glacier Highline Adventure Park – ropes course, zipline, and inflatable water slide just outside the park entrance.
- Lake McDonald Beach – a rocky lakeshore perfect for wading, skipping rocks, or paddle boarding.
- Golfing to the Sun Mini Golf – an 18-hole Glacier-themed mini golf course in West Glacier Village (kids under 5 play free!).
Kayaking at Lake McDonald
We would love for you to join us for kayaking and paddle boarding at Lake McDonald on Friday, September 17, from 1 pm – 3 pm. We have reserved a few kayaks during this time, but feel free to rent your own paddle boards if that is more your speed!
If you aren't able to join us, we still highly recommend booking your own kayaks and getting out on the lake after exploring the park.
Downtown
Downtown Whitefish is a great place to wander. It's full of locally owned shops, great coffee, restaurants, art galleries, and plenty of spots to grab a drink or ice cream. It's an easy place to spend a few hours exploring.
Whitewater Rafting
A half day of whitewater rafting through Glacier is an awesome way to experience the park with the family!
Big Mountain
Big Mountain is the ski resort in Whitefish. In the summer it has amazing hiking and views, Alpine slides, and an adventure park. In September there's a good chance you'll find huckleberries on Danny On Trail — if you don't love incline hiking, take the gondola up and hike Danny On down.
Whitefish Lake
We highly recommend checking out one of the lakes in the valley! You can rent boats, paddle boards, or kayaks to enjoy the lake, or check out City Beach to enjoy Whitefish Lake from the shore.
Fishing
There's some amazing fly fishing around Whitefish. We recommend hiring a local guide for a half day/full day to get the best experience. Our friends at Lakestream Fly Shop are our favorite in the area. They're local to Whitefish and you're guaranteed a great day on the river with them.
Golf
We will be hosting a Mattson-Murphy golf tournament on Thursday, Sept. 16th at Whitefish Lake Golf Club for all interested in attending. However, the Glacier National Park golf course has amazing views and often has affordable tee times.
Glacier Distilling and Tasting Room
On the way to glacier, there is a small craft distillery and tasting room that specializes in Montana-made whiskey! Drop by for a tasting or to pick up an original huckleberry whiskey.
Food & Coffee
Breakfast
- Loula's
- Buffalo Cafe
- Folklore — pastries and breakfast burritos
Lunch & Dinner
- Huck's Place — locally owned, great smoothies and burgers. Good for walk-ins.
- Abruzzo's — Italian, we recommend getting a reservation.
- Jalisco Cantina — Mexican, reservations recommended.
- Indah Sushi — walk-ins welcome.
- MacKenzie River Pizza — walk-ins welcome.
- Blackstar BrewPub — cool rooftop with views of Big Mountain.
- Craggy Range — bar food, back patio & beer towers.
- Bulldog Saloon — huckleberry wings. Find Tommy's 2012–2013 soccer team on the wall!
- The Great Northern — $3 PBR's & pool tables.
Coffee
- Montana Coffee Traders
- Folklore Coffee
- Crema Specialty Coffee
- Cowgirl Coffee