The Flathead Valley is a beautiful and diverse region in northwestern Montana, home to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the towns of Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork. There are endless things to do during your visit, from outdoor recreation to cultural attractions.
Outdoor Recreation
The Flathead Valley is a paradise for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. There are endless opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, and skiing. Some of the most popular outdoor activities include:
- Hiking: There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Highline Trail, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the Many Glacier Trail.
- Biking: The valley has a number of great biking trails, including the Flathead Valley Trail, the Whitefish Trail, and the Lost Prairie Trail. Check out our post on biking trails here.
- Camping: There are a number of great campgrounds around the area, including Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake State Park, and Whitefish Lake State Park.
- Check out our post on campgrounds and RV parks here.
- Fishing: North West Montana is home to some of the best fishing in the country. Some of the most popular fish to catch in the area include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
- Boating: The area is home to two large lakes, Flathead Lake and Whitefish Lake. Both lakes offer a variety of boating activities, including swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing. In addition, there are many more smaller lakes and rivers to dip your toes in to.
- Skiing: The mountains surrounding the valley are home to two ski resorts, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Both resorts offer a variety of skiing and snowboarding trails for all levels of experience.
Cultural Attractions
The Flathead Valley also has a number of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters. Some of the most popular cultural attractions in the Flathead Valley include:
- The Hockaday Museum of Art: The Hockaday Museum of Art is a small but well-curated museum with a focus on Western art.
- The Flathead Valley Community College Museum: The Flathead Valley Community College Museum has a variety of exhibits on the history and culture of the Flathead Valley.
- The Whitefish Theatre Company: The Whitefish Theatre Company is a professional theater company that produces a variety of plays throughout the year.
- The Bigfork Summer Playhouse: The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is a community theater company that produces a variety of plays throughout the summer.
Other Attractions
In addition to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions, the Flathead Valley also has a number of other attractions, including:
- Shopping: The Flathead Valley has a number of great shopping areas, including downtown Kalispell, downtown Whitefish, and the Bigfork Village.
- Dining: The Valley has a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
- Nightlife: The Flathead Valley has a number of great nightlife options, including bars, clubs, and live music venues.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do during your vacation. So start planning your trip today!
Looking for some fun events during your visit? Check out the Flathead Events Calendar here.
