6 Best Things to Do in Kalispell, Montana

By VacationIdea Staff on June 6, 2022 - Updated

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Situated among some of the most popular destinations in the state of Montana, the town of Kalispell is home to many of its own unique things to do in addition to being located close to many major attractions, such as Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. There are seemingly endless trails for hiking, as well as several streams and lakes for fishing, in the area, in addition to plenty of history, arts, and culture combined with the warm hospitality of the west. Kalispell is nearly surrounded by wilderness, making the town a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Conrad Mansion

The Conrad Mansion is the former home of Charles Conrad, who left home at the age of eighteen in 1868 and traveled from Virginia to the Montana Territory. In Montana, Conrad built a freighting and trading empire along the Missouri River, which operated for over twenty years, leaving an “indelible mark” on the now state. In 1891, he founded the town of Kalispell and built the historic Conrad Mansion four years later. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the historic home Tuesday to Sunday. The tour lasts around an hour and ends at the Victorian gift shop.

330 Woodland Ave, Kalispell, MT 59901, Phone: 406-755-2166

2.Northwest Montana History Museum, Kalispell, Montana

The Northwest Montana History Museum is housed inside of the historic Central School building, built back in 1894 and one of the Flathead Valley’s first brick and stone buildings. The structure is also one of only a few examples of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style still in existence and still has its original appearance. The now elegant museum facility showcases many different exhibits that highlight the local history of Northwest Montana, such as Early Kalispell, the timber industry ofNorthwest Montana, Montana pioneers, and Northwest Native American Culture. Tours of the Northwest Montana History Museum are also available.

124 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901, Phone: 406-756-8381

3.Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell, Montana

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, Montana features exhibitions focused on the culture and art of the state of Montana, as well as artists representing the famed Glacier National Park. Rotating exhibits showcase the works of art by both emerging and nationally renowned artists, in addition to a permanent exhibit called “Crown of the Continent: Glacier National Park Gallery,” which is focused around the collectibles, sculptors, authors, photographers, and painters of Glacier National Park. There is also a Gift Gallery and the Discovery Gallery designed for children, featuring hands-on activities that change along with the museum’s rotating exhibitions.

302 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901, Phone: 406-755-5268

4.Things to Do Near Me: Sacred Waters Brewing Company, Kalispell, Montana

The Sacred Waters Brewing Company is a craft brewery that was founded as a celebration of the heritage passed down to the owners from previous generations, one that they’re passing down to their children and that all can relate to in the state of Montana. When the owner lost her mother, she dedicated the brewery to her mother's “love of wild places.” The brewery is designed to be a “reflection of everyone’s special place outside and people,” or “everyone’s Sacred Waters.” The Taphouse at Sacred Waters Brewing Company is open seven days a week, from noon until 8:00pm.

3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, MT 59901, Phone: 406-257-1992

5.Things to Do Near Me: Flathead River, Kalispell, Montana

The Flathead River courses its way in Northwest Montana along the Glacier National Park’s western border and is a noted kokanee salmon spawning stream. Originating in the ROcky Mountains and flowing into Flathead Lake, the river has recreational access as a Class 1 river. All of the Flathead River’s headwaters forks are in part or entirely designated as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The river meanders through some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, flowing through parts of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Glacier National Park. The waters offer several opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially fishing.

3240 US-2, Kalispell, MT 59901

6.Things to Do in Kalispell, Montana: The Desoto Grill

At the Desoto Grill in the wilderness-surrounded town of Kalispell, Montana, the specialty is “Montana Barbecue.” Housed within a quirky former blacksmith shop that dates back to the year 1910, the barbecue restaurant offers made-from-scratch sauces, rubs, sides, and desserts. The unique local Montana dining establishment invites people of all ages to “step out of the ordinary” and into its “funky Forge building” to experience their “custom deluxe barbecue.” The Desoto Grill is open on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00am until 8:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am until 9:00pm.

227 1st St W, Kalispell, MT 59901, Phone: 406-314-6095