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Here in northwest Montana, there’s a mountain town at the heart of it all. Meet Kalispell. While this mountain community is home to about 33,000 people, don’t let its size fool you. From in-town activities to guided treks outdoors, Kalispell is hopping with a variety of things to see, do and experience, making it an ideal destination for group travel.
The first thing you’ll notice is the scenery. Whether you fly into Glacier Park International Airport, take Amtrak’s Empire Builder or drive here, the lush valley, mountain peaks and Flathead Lake will stop you in your tracks. Surrounded by various ranges of the Rocky Mountains, Kalispell is a place that lives and breathes mountain culture and the spirit of the West. Plus, it has easy-to-access trailheads, driving tours and water recreation on nearby national and state public lands.
From downtown Kalispell, it’s an easy 32-mile drive to the Crown of the Continent – Glacier National Park. The park is open year-round, while most outdoor recreation takes place during spring, summer and fall. During spring, groups can book a guided biking trip on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and enjoy before it’s open to vehicular traffic. Summer and fall bring a variety of activity options as well, including interpretive red bus tours, cruises on vintage wooden boats, guided hikes and more. Meanwhile, south of the park is Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West. The lake has 185 miles of shoreline, numerous islands and state parks. The best way to experience it? On the Far West, Montana’s largest tour boat. Additional options include guided kayaking and fishing excursions.
Within city limits, Kalispell’s charming downtown will welcome you with its historic buildings and modern amenities, including restaurants, boutiques, shops and watering holes. You’ll also find a variety of group-friendly dining options, including Big Mountain Ciderworks, Water’s Edge Winery, Bias Brewing, Sacred Waters Brewing Company, The Sitting Duck and DeSoto Grill. And as Kalispell is rooted in agriculture, it’s likely no surprise that there are plenty of ways to incorporate local farms into your group’s experience. Set out on the Huckleberry Treat Trail year-round, enjoy picking cherries along Flathead Lake from mid-July through early September and stroll through the plants at Longview Lavender Farm, with the chance for hands-on learning.
Additional activities for groups to consider: cowboying up at a local rodeo, touring local museums to learn more about the history and art of the region and attending an event at the Wachholz Performing Arts Center.
