11 Best Things to Do in Whitefish, MT

May 26, 2020 - Updated

Shannon D. Hanson/stock.adobe.com

The resort town of Whitefish is located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains where it provides a gateway to Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest. When you are not out on the ski slopes or on the hiking trails you will find plenty of attractions to keep you busy in a town which is frequently quoted as being one of the best small towns in America. A walk along Central Street will introduce you to the arty side of the town – here you can find several one-of-a-kind galleries and the Whitefish Theatre Company. To learn a bit about the history of Whitefish you can visit the Whitefish Depot Railroad Museum.

1.Whitefish Depot

Owned by the Stumptown Historical Society, the Whitefish Depot is an operating Amtrak railroad station which still sees about 150 travelers arriving and leaving every day. The Tudor Revival Station Building dates back to 1927 and was recorded on the National List of Historic Places in 2002. Inside you will find a small (free) museum detailing the history of Whitefish and the impact of the railroad on the town. If you are looking for something to read you will find a rack of second-hand books which you can buy by depositing a dollar in the honesty box. On both sides of the historic building you can admire some of the old locomotives used on the line.

Whitefish Depot, 500 Depot Street, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 800-872-7245

2.Flathead National Forest

The amazing Flathead National Forest covers over 2.4 million acres in northern Montana, providing locals and visitors with an unrivalled outdoor recreational area. If you love hiking you will be spoiled for choice in Flathead National Forest which boasts around 2,600 miles of hiking trails which are also popular with cross-country skiers in winter. One of the most popular trails close to Whitefish is the Danny On Memorial Trail. Other popular activities in the forest include fishing, hunting, canoeing and paddling as well as wildlife watching, photography and scenic drives. There are several primitive campgrounds in the forest for those who would like to stay overnight in the wilderness.

Flathead National Forest, Whitehead, MT 59937, Phone: 406-758-5208

3.Sunti World Art Gallery

Located in what was once a neglected old church building dating back to 1905, the Sunti World Art Gallery has become a landmark attraction in Whitefish. This unique gallery showcases the work of celebrated artists from all corners of the world. Here you will find some extraordinary fine art including works in oils, acrylic, pastels and charcoal. In addition there are some very interesting sculptures carved out of wood or molded in bronze as well as beautiful pottery in the Raku style. After you have admired the beautiful artworks in the gallery you can enjoy a light lunch, delicious pastry or a specialty coffee in the Café to round off your visit.

Sunti World Art Gallery, 345 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-1084

4.Dick Idol Signature Gallery

The Dick Idol Gallery has been a Whitefish landmark attraction for decades. Artist Dick Idol brought his very personal take on art to each and every item in the gallery, from paintings to sculptures and a much-admired collection of handmade household furniture. Today the gallery belongs to Dick’s son Colt who is dedicated to taking the family business to the next level. Whether you just want to have a look around or wish to buy a future heirloom, the Dick Idol Signature Gallery is the place to go. Several celebrated American painters and sculptors’ works are showcased and you can buy some very unique one-off pieces of furniture and décor.

Dick Idol Signature Gallery, 238 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-5070

5.Alpine Theatre Project

Bringing Broadway-quality live performances to Whitefish, the Alpine Theatre Project is the brain-child of a trio of Broadway stalwarts including Betsi Morrison, Luke Walrath and David Ackroyd. The project aims to kindle a love of live performance in the next generation and to that end they host after-school acting, dancing and singing classes for children and interested adults. In addition, budding local performers can attend their two-week Broadway Summer Training Camps to learn from genuine Broadway stars. Attending one of their regular big-stage productions could be a highlight of your visit to Whitefish so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Alpine Theatre Project, the ATP Garage, 6464 Hwy 93 South, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-7469

6.Hugh Rogers Wag Park

Whether you are travelling with your pooch or you just enjoy watching some of the local dogs enjoying themselves in a safely fenced-in dog park, the Hugh Rogers Wag Park is the place to go. WAG is the local Whitefish Animal Group which operates the park with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers. Here you can bring your dog (over the age of four months) to socialize and have a wonderful off-leash run-around. Your dog will love the pond and dog beach, the dog water-fountain, paved paths and the specially enclosed small-dog area. There is also access to a dog-wash station when your pet has had a swim.

Hugh Rogers Wag Park, 720 E Second St, Whitefish, MT 59937

7.Whitefish Theatre Company

Visitors to Whitefish will be pleased to know that the town has a thriving performing arts culture which you can enjoy when you attend one of the Whitefish Theatre Company performances. The company produces a regular line-up of varied performing arts and music productions including live bands, children’s theatre and great adult entertainment. There is something new every month and local budding performers can attend a variety of courses in dance, music and acting. All performances are held in the I. A. O’Shaughnessy Center which also hosts regular art exhibitions, events and workshops. Check their website to see what is on.

Whitefish Theatre Company, 1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-5371

8.Frame of Reference Fine Art Gallery

Located in an historic landmark building in the heart of Whitefish’s Old Town District, the Frame of Reference Fine Art Gallery is a must-see attraction for all art lovers. If you have a special piece of art in need of a new frame you can bring it along – the gallery operates a very successful framing business offering a wide selection of unusual frames. The gallery collection almost exclusively features original art works by established or up-and-coming artists using a variety of mediums including paints, glass, wood, bronze and even photography. This is an ideal place to buy a significant piece of art which will forever remind you of the wild and wonderful places of Montana.

Frame of Reference Fine Art Gallery, 235 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-730-8855

9.Whitefish Lake Restaurant

Located in the Clubhouse of the original Whitefish Golf Club, in one of the oldest log-built structures in Montana, the Whitefish Lake Restaurant is the ideal choice for excellent food and a great atmosphere. The historic building was completed in 1937 and offers three separate areas where you can dine – the Dining Room serves lunch and dinner choices from a sophisticated menu while lighter dining options are available in the Club House and on the Terrace. Children are welcome and there is a full bar service. The Golf Club welcomes visitors and you can enjoy a round at one of two eighteen-hole courses.

Whitefish Lake Restaurant, 1200 US-93 N, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-5285

10.Mama Blanca's

When only a fresh and flavorful Latin style dinner will satisfy your taste-buds you can head to Mama Blanca’s, conveniently situated on Central Avenue. The restaurant is located alongside the Remington Bar and Casino and is rumored to serve up the best specialty cocktails in town. You can feast on all your favorite Mexican and Latin fusion dishes including Carne Asada with chimichurri sauce, Shrimp Diablo and a variety of delicious fresh bowls, burritos and tacos. They also serve sandwiches and burgers as well as a good selection of sweet treats to round off your meal – save room for churros, chocolate Chili torte or delectable fried ice-cream.

Mama Blanca’s, 130 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-730-2360

11.The Farmhouse Inn and Kitchen

The Farmhouse Inn and Kitchen offers visitors a choice of rustic/luxury suites and serves breakfast and lunch to both residents and visitors. The restaurant/cafe prides itself on showcasing local farm produce and crafts and serves delicious meals prepared from fresh locally-sourced produce, most of which is organically farmed. Breakfast specialties include fabulous Czech Crepes (made to order using a family recipe from Grandma Bejeck), Farmhouse Breakfast Sandwich or Czech Breakfast Plate and various delicious baked goods. The lunch and brunch menu features farm-fresh sandwiches, tacos, soups, salads and combos. You can pick up a delicious and healthy lunch-to-go if you are heading out to the Flathead Forest for a picnic.

The Farmhouse Inn and Kitchen, 28 Lupfer Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-4211