Whitefish, MT
Population: 8,281
Elevation: 3,033 feet
Town Motto: Recreation Capital of Montana
Access: 20 minutes north of Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell; Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops at the downtown station daily.
The cache of Rocky Mountain peaks in Glacier National Park—celebrating its centennial with special events all summer—is one of the big draws to this valley town. A growing (and quirky) culture spurred by avant-garde artists, big-money Montana transplants, and backcountry addicts means that Whitefish has much more to offer than big-sky views.
1. Ride: A Trail Runs Through It
The official grand opening of the first 8-mile stretch of this planned 80-mile trail system is July 17, but the trail is already accessible. Start near the golf course, less than 2 miles north of town, and ride the natural-surface trail north to Beaver Lake.
2. Adrenaline rush: Whitefish Mountain Resort
When the snow’s away, the kids can still play. There’s almost more to do on Big Mountain’s 2,353-foot rise come summertime: an alpine slide, six screaming-fast ziplines, a canopy-height boardwalk through the trees, and 94 marked downhill mountain bike runs.
3. Local brew: Great Northern Brewing Company
This 20-barrel brew house’s glass facade is a town centerpiece. Try the citrusy Going to the Sun IPA after an all-day drive on the same name road that cruises Glacier National Park.
4. Fresh fruit: Farmers’ Market
Look for local specialties—huckleberries and honey—at this festive affair that closes the north end of Central Avenue. on Tuesday afternoons through September. Go early: the live music wraps up by 7:30 p.m.
5. On the water: Whitefish Lake
Under the rippling surface of this 7-mile-long body of water, pike and even prehistoric-looking sturgeon swim freely. Rent a boat for a day on the water, or admire anglers, and hop in for a swim, from the sandy shores of City Beach or Whitefish Lake State Park.
