Adventure awaits, if you want it, no matter the season at northwest Montana’s Glacier National Park. Those who love their extreme outdoor adventures can go dog sledding, skiing, hiking or whitewater rafting, while those who prefer a leisurely hike or want to feast their eyes on local art are equally well served. Established in 1910, the vast park—it makes up more than 1 million acres—is older than the national park system itself (the system was established in 1916). Whether you arrive by plane or on Amtrak on one of the country’s most scenic train rides, get ready to discover one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. This is Big Sky Country.
RECOMMENDED: where to stay in Glacier National Park
Known to locals as “Big Mountain,” Whitefish Mountain Resort is the place to go, whether you really want to focus on your skiing (you can even go night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays through early March) or just want to kick back and have a little fun. The resort is both expansive—stay in one of the 200 on-mountain condominiums, mountain homes or hotel rooms—and laid-back, with relaxing options for food and drinks steps from the slopes. Grab a classic burger at Ed and Mully’s or visit the burrito bar at Summit House—at 7,000 feet, you can look out over the region’s lakes and enjoy a panoramic view of Glacier National Park on a clear day.
Photograph: Chuck Haney
You could catch bass, pike, crappie or who knows what else when you try ice fishing on McWenneger Slough near Kalispell. But even if you don’t catch a single fish, the view of Swan Mountains in the background makes this a worthy adventure.
Photograph: Chuck Haney
Kalispell’s signature winter event is the Pond Hockey Classic (February 19–21, 2016), one of only four such events in the U.S. It attracts adult players from all over the country and Canada. Watch as the four-player teams hit the ice with no goalie for a fast-paced game.
Photograph: Craig Moore
Take camping to the extreme when you head to the wilderness in winter on a guided camping trip. One of the most beautiful camping spots be found along the Nyack Creek near Upper Nyack Creek Campground. The Nyack trail loops along the southern border of Glacier National Park.
Photograph: Craig Moore
The annual Montana Dragon Boat Festival is a hoot, as crowds gather around Flathead Lake for family-friendly fun. Even if you aren’t part of the main festivities, you can find plenty to do to fill the weekend, with shops, restaurants and other attractions all within walking distance.
Photograph: Gravity Shots
The Huckleberry 100 takes riders on a 100-mile course from Kalispell through the area’s liveliest towns and most scenic byways in the Flathead Valley. If 100 miles sounds like, well, a bit much, you can also sign up for the 50-mile, 25-mile or family ride options. No matter what, it’s a sight to see, as hundreds of cyclists fill downtown streets and rural highways alike.
Photograph: Noah Couser
Take a hike, go mountain biking, hit the free archery range or simply take in the scenic views from one of the overlooks, where, on a clear day, you can cast your eyes over Glacier National Park, the Whitefish Mountain range and Flathead Lake.
Photograph: Chuck Haney
Way off the beaten path (60 miles from Kalispell) in a tiny unincorporated area called Essex, you’ll find the Izaak Walton Inn. Spend the night in a caboose or opt for one of the more traditional lodge rooms, with easy access to a charming restaurant—a depot-themed spot with a chef who’s both clever and accommodating (our party had both a vegetarian and a dairy allergy, and while offerings like stuffed mushrooms and garlic cauliflower may sound simple, they were divine). The historic inn under the stars dates back to 1939 and is open year-round. From here you can hit the trail to cross-country ski, or simply catch up on some rest after a long train journey (Amtrak will all but drop you at the inn’s door). Downstairs, a laid-back bar makes you feel like you’re hanging out in a friend’s basement, but with shuffleboard, foosball, pool and a piano, just in case you’re feeling fancy.
Photograph: Courtesy Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission
Order a pizza from the walk-up window just inside Moose’s Saloon, a Kalispell institution since the ’50s. And don’t be afraid to get a little messy—you’ll find peanut shells all over the floor and past customers’ initials and messages carved into every inch of the tables and walls. While the eatery and bar is family-friendly all day, you’ll also be at home with the locals in the evening when you mosey on up to the bar for a cheap local beer in a frosted mug.
Photograph: Noah Couser
While the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell hosts rotating exhibits that cover everything from women in art to photos of native wildlife, the permanent exhibition shows off the grandeur of Glacier National Park. Take in works from local photographers and artists as well as vintage maps. The museum itself is housed in a turn-of-the-century Carnegie Library Building.
Photograph: Chuck Haney
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