26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Kalispell (MT)

Kalispell is a city nestled in northwest Montana, United States. It was incorporated officially In 1892 as a city and has grown to become a top vacation hub.

Known as the second-largest city in Montana, Kalispell has a population of twenty-three thousand, nine hundred and thirty-five according to the 2020 census.

Hundreds of people from different parts of the world come here to experience all it offers, including its cultures and traditions.

Kalispell might seem dull and laid back, but you will find yourself engaging in various fun activities the moment you visit.

During your trip, explore Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell Farmers Market, Conrad Mansion Museum, SunRift Beer Company, Food For the Soul, Montana Modern Fine Art, Northern Pines Golf Club, and other fun Kalispell attractions.

Are you planning a trip to Montana? Let’s explore the best things to do in Kalispell, MT.

Things to Do in Kalispell

1. Lone Pine State Park

Lone Pine State Park
Credits: Urban Images / Shutterstock
Lone Pine State Park

Lone Pine State Park is a great way to start exploring the city of Kalispell, with a lot of outdoor activities to offer.

The park features several 7.5 miles of trails perfect for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Lone Pine State Park has become a popular destination for hikers with a beautiful and calm spot for relaxation and sightseeing.

The park is a lovely place for picnicking with a view of wildlife, wildflowers, and magnificent elevations.

Lone Pine State Park features a visitor center gift shop with an extensive collection of Montana-themed souvenirs and archery views.

This park organizes adult workshops, interactive programs, and children’s activities, making it great for school field trips, out-of-state visitors, and residents.

Address: 300 Lone Pine Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

2. The BASEMENT Escape Rooms

BASEMENT Escape Rooms
Credits: Julia von Siebenthal / Shutterstock

The BASEMENT Escape Rooms offer you a unique experience in Kalispell when you visit with your close pals.

Each escape room is projected like the real-life escape moment that sends thrills through the players’ veins.

The BASEMENT Escape Rooms are played based on the logical and intellectual intelligence of its players and their ability to work together as a team.

The games require a minimum of four to a maximum of eight persons to play the games, which feature sixty minutes of playtime.

Players are given sixty minutes to search for clues, solve puzzles, and find ideas to help them escape the room.

The BASEMENT Escape Rooms is an excellent location for birthday parties, corporate parties, get-togethers, and more. The center is open on Wednesday & Thursday from 12-10pm, Friday from 12-11pm, Saturday from 10am-11, and Sunday from 10am-8pm.

Address: 139 9th St W, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

3. Downtown Kalispell

Downtown Kalispell
Credits: Jacob Lynch / Shutterstock
Downtown Kalispell

Your list of things to do in Kalispell, MT, isn’t complete without visiting Downtown Kalispell for an amazing experience.

Downtown Kalispell has an assortment of shops offering different essential services to cater to your every need.

There are several coffee shops, breweries, eateries, boutiques, pubs, art galleries, and many others.

Downtown Kalispell is filled with lots of history at almost every corner and buildings dating back to the 1890s and 1900s.

Visit some historic sites like the Northwest Montana History Museum, the Hockaday Museum of Art, the Conrad Mansion Museum, and more.

Take a self-guided tour through Downtown Kalispell and get a feel of Kalispell’s culture and interact with locals.

4. Northern Pines Golf Club

Northern Pines Golf Club
Credits: Bohbeh / Shutterstock

When you’re in the mood to get out and have fun, visiting Northern Pines Golf Club is the best thing to do in Kalispell.

Northern Pines Golf Club was established in 1996 and designed by Roger Packard and Andy North, a two-time U.S Open champion.

This unique golf course features a combination of links golf, rolling fairways, and native grasses with the spectacular Stillwater River, which gives the course its breathtaking views.

Northern Pines Golf Club changes personalities in many ways right at 7015 yards from the tips to 5800 yards from the front tees.

The golf course features a fully equipped gift shop on-site with a wide selection of golf accessories and clothing.

Northern Pines Golf Club consists of an onsite restaurant called the ‘ The Deli that offers sodas, and other delightful beverages with sandwiches and snacks.

Address: 2 US-93, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

5. The Kalispell Farmers Market

Credits: Chubykin Arkady / Shutterstock

The Kalispell Farmers Market is a seasonal market that offers locals a platform to showcase their products.

This market always features a lively and exciting atmosphere that brings out the spirit of culture in the town.

The Kalispell Farmers Market offers tasty and fresh, locally sourced foods, including herbs, vegetables, fruits, bedding plants, etc.

There are several vendors showcasing locally produced fresh and healthy meats and fresh food samples; Kalispell Farmers Market is usually open from May to October.

You get a chance to meet and interact with many locals, ask questions about the city and how to prepare some of their traditional meals.

Address: 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

6. Gatiss Gardens

Gatiss Gardens
Credits: Little daisy / Shutterstock

Gatiss Gardens is a beautiful 5-acre property and should be on your list of places to visit in Kalispell, MT.

The garden is a private garden comprising hardy plants from 1898 from the family homestead in England with American Heritage garden species collected for years.

Gatiss Gardens features a variety of flowers of over two thousand with signs for identification open during the summer months from 9am-9pm.

There is a trail that rambles along mill creek, with music drifting from the tool shed you will often hear while enjoying the flowers.

Address: 4790 Montana Hwy 35, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

7. Artemis Acres Guest Ranch

Artemis Acres Guest Ranch
Credits: Virrage Images / Shutterstock

Your bucket list of fun things to do in Kalispell, MT, won’t be complete without Artemis Acres Guest Ranch.

Artemis Acres Guest Ranch offers horseback rides that follow through miles of private timberland on logging roads and horse trails.

Aside from hiking and horse rides, you can spend the day boating or swimming in one of the numerous lakes and even fishing in streams.

Artemis Acres Guest Ranch host a Western BBQ Dinner ride which is one of the main highlights of the ranch, although the BBQ is seasonal only within a particular time of the year.

This is a one of a kind venue that offers traditional western fare suitable for breakfast and dinner prepared using quality ingredients.

Artemis Acres Guest Ranch takes you on a golfing session at a variety of finest to championship level golf courses.

This is a great place to experience a peaceful vacation with eight miles from Flathead Lake, blacktail ski areas, halfway between Big Mountain and Glacier National Park.

Address: 610 Patrick Creek Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

8. Conrad Mansion Museum

Conrad Mansion Museum
Credits: Royalbroil [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Conrad Mansion Museum
Conrad Mansion Museum was the former home of Charles Conrad, who emigrated to the Montana Territory when he was eighteen years old.

When he got to Montana, he built a trading and freighting empire, which operated for more than twenty years, leaving a print to be remembered in Montana.

Conrad Mansion Museum was constructed four years after he founded the city of Kalispell in 1891, with a 13, 000 square ft of living space.

The mansion occupies three acres of land and offers guided tours to visitors who would like to explore the historic home from Tuesday to Sunday.

Conrad Mansion Museum is gorgeous and of historical significance, with drystone fences and other original elements.

Address: 330 Woodland Ave, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

East of Montana is South Dakota, also check out our checklist of things to do in Mitchell, things to do in Spearfish and fun things to do in Aberdeen for a memorable time.

9. Montana Modern Fine Art

Montana Modern Fine Art
Credits: guruXOX / Shutterstock

One fun thing to do in Kalispell is visiting Montana Modern Fine Art, which has served the community for more than twenty years.

Montana Modern Fine Art was built with a long family tradition as an art gallery and has diligently helped visitors produce lovely and distinct art collections.

The gallery features numerous artworks and takes pride in offering workshops by tremendously talented fine art artists.

Montana Modern Fine Art features a diverse art collection that includes original works on canvas, paper, and sculpture.

The gallery is mostly dedicated to nurturing emerging, mid-level career and distinguished artists to improve cultural dialogue and promote contemporary art in the Flathead.

Montana Modern Fine Art features competent consultants who combine their experience in art and design sensibility to connect the art to the client.

Address: 127 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

10. Sweet Peaks’ Ice Cream Creations

Sweet Peaks' Ice Cream Creations
Credits: Atsushi Hirao / Shutterstock

Make a quick stop at Sweet Peaks’ Ice Cream Creations in Kalispell as you go around the city for sightseeing.

Sweet Peaks’ Ice Cream Creations is a store that offers delightful treats and is well known for offering quality ingredients and creative flavors.

They offer about sixteen to eighteen delicious flavors with a selection of quality ingredients from the mountains West and beyond.

Sweet Peaks’ Ice Cream Creations offer great music and a cheerful environment where you can relax and chat with friends.

The popular flavors like Lafaza Madagascar, Vanilla, and pine soaked cream & huckleberries; make sure you try out the huckleberry flavor, although flavors rotate with each season.

You can also make your own ice cream with any three toppings of your choice like cashews, peanuts, kings cupboard hot caramel, and more.

Address: 343 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

11. Snappy Sport Senter

Snappy Sport Senter
Credits: Snappy’s – Snappy Sport Senter / Facebook
Snappy Sport Senter

For an amazing shopping experience, add shopping at Snappy Sport Senter to your list of things to do in Kalispell, MT.

Snappy Sport Senter is one of the best outdoor sporting goods stores and a haven for sports enthusiasts in Kalispell.

The moment you step into the store, you will be stunned and hung back by the assortment of merchandise in different kinds and colors.

Snappy Sport Senter was established in 1947 yet still offers top-quality merchandise with a high durability rate to cater to the customers’ needs.

The store is divided according to the goods; there is a wide gun/shooting sports department, footwear & team/athletic sports department, camping & backpacking department, fishing department, watersports & marine department.

Snappy Sport Senter is open from Monday to Friday from 8am-7pm, Saturday from 8am-6pm, and Sunday from 9am-5pm

Address: 1400 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

12. Moose’s Saloon

Moose's Saloon
Credits: sports / Flickr
Moose’s Saloon

Moose’s Saloon is a historic bar and a Western town’s trademark which has been in existence for more than sixty years.

It was called The Corral Bar in 1957, and later on Moose and Shirley Miller planned to renovate and refurbish the bar.

Moose’s Saloon was given a new Old West look with the help of about twenty friends with sawdust floors and a new name.

The saloon became a meeting place for laborers, corporate presidents, governors, business people, and tradesmen from different regions.

Moose’s Saloon started offering souvenirs sold from the bar in the early 70s, like the Saloon’s own T-shirt, hat, sweatshirts, and poster store.

They serve delicious and well prepared pizzas and sandwiches with a wide variety of draft beers and other beverages.

The moment you step into the building, its unique interior takes you back to the 70s and offers you an exceptional service.

Address: 173 N Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

13. Food For the Soul

 Food For The Soul
Credits: Food For The Soul / Facebook
Food For The Soul

A favorite food stop in Kalispell for many families is Food For the Soul; this cafeteria is beautifully designed and offers a homey feeling.

Food For the Soul is a modern cafe that offers healthy and hearty meals that will get your stomach dancing at the sight of the dish.

The restaurant serves meals like Baja veggie burrito, blacktail quesadillas, Yellowstone tacos, Philly breakfast, Denver omelet bagel, Italian stallion, huckleberry, biscuits & gravy, and more.

Food For the Soul offers the best Italian soda, Americano black, unflavored or flavored tea, coffee, smoothies, and several others.

The staff is extremely nice and friendly, always willing to offer assistance and give their options to customers confused about what to order.

Address: 1250 U.S. Hwy 2 W, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

14. Montana Horse Works

Montana Horse Works
Credits: Flamingo Images / Shutterstock

If you have never gone on a horseback ride, or you would like to repeat the adventure, include a visit to Montana Horse Works on your list of things to do in Kalispell, MT.

Montana Horse Works provides an outstanding space to challenge and inspire from children to adults with natural horsemanship activities.

They offer horseback training, horse leasing, horse husbandries, trail rides, pack trips, boarding, clinics, and more.

Montana Horse Works takes good care of their horses and believes horses play a vital part in teaching people about themselves and others.

The staff is friendly and nice, creating a relaxed atmosphere for visitors to learn, inspire and challenge themselves.

Address: 1110 Spur Trail, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

15. Bias Brewing

Bias Brewing
Credits: Odairson Antonello / Shutterstock

Bias Brewing is a number one meeting place for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors in Kalispell.

The brewery is the most recent craft brewery in Kalispell, Montana, dedicated to creating community through tasty and quality craft beer.

Bias Brewing allows visitors to explore new beer styles by offering dozens of “mainstay” beers on tap.

They offer seasonal, rotators, and brewers’ experiments specialties in an environment blessed with an abundance of northwest Montana’s natural gems like flathead lake and Glacier National Park.

Bias Brewing offers drinks like Strawberry Mango Sour, Experimental 005 Cyro Hazy, Barro Sabroso Mexican Chocolate Porter (Nitro), Hard Kombucha, Mittelkinder Kolsch, Bias Frozen Daiquiri, Rye Knot Rye Pale Ale, Fife’n Irish Red, and more.

Address: 409 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

North of Montana is Idaho, also check out our checklist of things to do in Lewiston, things to do in Nampa and fun things to do in Driggs for a memorable time.

16. Hockaday Museum of Art

Hockaday Museum of Art
Credits: Hockaday Museum of Art / Facebook
Hockaday Museum of Art

For a wonderful experience, add a visit to the Hockaday Museum of Art to your list of things to do in Kalispell, MT.

Hockaday Museum of Art is housed in a former town library built in 1903 as a gorgeous classic-revival-style building.

The Museum is dedicated to the culture and art of the state of Montana, including artists representing the renowned Glacier National Park.

The Hockaday Museum of Art showcases a permanent exhibit known as Crown of the Continent, including rotating exhibits of artworks of upcoming and national artists.

The permanent exhibit includes works by Gary Schultz, O.C Seltzer, Jeanne Hamilton, and Ace Powell like sculptures, photographs, paintings, and more.

If you’re interested in the cultures and art of the state, make sure you stop by Hockaday Museum of Art.

Address: 302 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901 United States

17. Woodland Water Park

Woodland Water Park
Credits: Eric Cote / Shutterstock

Woodland Water Park is an incredible outdoor waterpark in Kalispell, usually open from May to September.

The park is a favorite place for families, especially those with little children and it features zero-depth entry and water elements.

Woodland Water Park consists of two 3-story waterslides with a six-lane lap pool offering scheduled times for fitness swimming and more.

There is a large lazy river with features perfect for floating or swimming lazily in the water while relaxing and cooling off.

Woodland Water Park offers swimming lessons for children and adults in a group setting and individually.

The facility is available for birthdays and private parties rentals, with several concession stands on-site offering drinks, ice cream, and snacks.

Address: Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

18. Northwest Montana History Museum

Northwest Montana History Museum
Credits: Jeff the quiet / Wiki (Public Domain)
Northwest Montana History Museum

For history lovers, one of the top things to do in Kalispell is a visit to Northwest Montana History Museum.

Northwest Montana History Museum is a solid brick and stone tower, a refurbished building and remnants of classic Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.

The biggest and most extensive local history museum in the Northwest Montana area, its building has been in existence since late 1894.

Northwest Montana History Museum’s tin-plate ceilings, hardwood floors, and wainscoting are as authentic as its original ones.

The museum showcases several exhibits and hosts concerts and community gatherings; Northwest Montana History Museum is operated by a non-profit organization, the Northwest Montana Historical Society

Northwest Montana History Museum is properly run by more than sixty volunteers, with numerous exhibits relating to the history of Montana Pioneers, Early Kalispell, Northwest American Culture, and the timber industry of Northwest Montana. 

Address: 124 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901 United States

19. Johnny Cochrane Massage Therapy, Llc.

Johnny Cochrane Massage Therapy, Llc
Credits: Aleks Gudenko / Shutterstock

As you explore the city of Kalispell, take a break and stop by Johnny Cochrane Massage Therapy, Llc, a place that will help relieve your stress.

Johnny Cochrane Massage Therapy, Llc is a great place for those that want to relieve stress, resolve muscle pain, compliment athletic training, or recover from a car accident.

The company offers nothing but the highest quality massage therapy highly recommended for people practicing a healthy routine, soccer moms, young & middle-aged athletes, stressed out & fatigued sports injuries, and more.

Johnny Cochrane Massage Therapy, Llc offers neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue massage, chair massage, trigger point, Swedish massage, kinesio taping, and more.

This therapy company is different from others, and they offer different packages, evening & weekend appointments, and so on.

Address: 43 Woodland Park Dr #20, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

20. Sykes Diner & Market

Sykes Diner & Market
Credits: Sykes Diner / Facebook
Sykes Diner & Market

Sykes Diner & Market is an outstanding restaurant, and dining here is one of the best things to do in Kalispell, MT, with your friends.

The restaurant has served the public for decades as well as undergoing series of renovations and essential additions.

Sykes Diner & Market offers a friendly and peaceful vibe for visitors to come in and grab a delicious heart-filled meal.

It is an ancient neighborhood with a pharmacy and a cafeteria serving comfort meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Sykes Diner & Market offers an extensive list, including biscuits & gravy with potatoes, smokehouse hash, huevos rancheros, pancakes, waffles & French toast, Wild Mushroom Cheddar Cheese Eggs Benedict, Irish benny, and more.

Sykes Diner’s homey ambiance will make you feel at home with great staff that offers exceptional customer service.

Address: 202 2nd Ave W, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

21. Lawrence Park

Lawrence Park
Credits: Jim Handcock / Flickr
Lawrence Park

Lawrence Park is a beautiful community park in Kalispell with lots of exciting facilities and amenities for everyone to enjoy.

There is a large recreational area with a well designed layout of greens for soccer and a fantastic golf course.

Lawrence Park consists of horseshoe pits, climbing boulders, walking, and bicycle trails that offer access to the Stillwater River.

The park features a large playground with lots of play equipment for little children to explore and have fun to their fill.

Lawrence Park also features several picnic sites with two rentable pavilions perfect for an intimate time with loved ones.

The park is an excellent place for bird-watching as several birds flock around, coupled with the clean and well-maintained environment.

Address: 1105 North Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901 United States

22. Chinatown Restaurant

Chinatown Restaurant
Credits: AALA IMAGES / Shutterstock
Curry chicken

Chinatown Restaurant is a lovely restaurant and should be on your list of things to do in Kalispell, MT, for some memorable moments.

The restaurant officially opened in 1997 and began as a buffet before they shifted to an a la carte menu for better enjoyment.

Chinatown Restaurant features great chefs with over twenty years of experience preparing meals with special recipes and fresh food items.

The restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensuring there is always something for everyone.

Chinatown Restaurant offers a wide food menu which includes shrimp & egg, curry chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Kong Pao Chicken with Lo Mein, General TSO’s Chicken House Rice Noodles, side French fries, Chicken with Broccoli, seafood tofu soup, crispy pawns and many more.

They offer beverages like lemonade, milk, juice, Arnold Palmer, chocolate milk, coffee, ice tea, soft drinks, and others to match the meals.

Address: 1031 U.S. Hwy 2 W, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

23. SunRift Beer Company

SunRift Beer Company
Credits: Cherries / Shutterstock

SunRift Beer Company is located in downtown Kalispell. It is a craft brewery and tasting room which are part of the Flathead Valley.

The brewery offers Belgian and American inspired Ales and Lagers, including specialty whims made with locally sourced ingredients.

SunRift Beer Company serves flagship beers, non-beer, wines, spirits, seltzers, and cider such as rough cut hard cider, sea sun pinot noir, tattoo girl rose, ranch water, hefty nuts, sundown honey brown, and more.

Their restaurant offers a food menu including sweet cake corn, Thai Chicken soup, house salad, beef bolognese, Buffalo bleu mac, hot dog & fries, hamburgers, and more to compliment the drinks

Would you be hanging out with friends in Kalispell, add a visit to SunRift Beer Company to your list of things to do in Kalispell.

Address: 55 1st Ave WN Kalispell, MT 59901 United States

24. Apple Barrel Country Market

Apple Barrel Country Market
Credits: Lucky Business / Shutterstock

The Apple Barrel Country Market is the right place to visit if you want to stock up on your grocery items at home.

The market was started by a couple, Diane and Wayne, and their son Dave Cordell. They began farming way back in 1996 in East Wenatchee, Washington. Eventually, they established a fruit market on Highway 2, a few miles from Kalispell. 

What began as a small and seasonal store has witnessed tremendous growth and has become a spacious facility that provides both locals and visitors with quality foods and wines.

They provide you with the best experience when you visit.

Address: 3250 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

25. Gatiss Gardens

Gatiss Gardens
Credits: EliteCustomAdventures.com / Shutterstock

The Gatiss Gardens is a beautiful garden and is just the perfect place to be if you want some peaceful and quiet moments to yourself even as you enjoy the views and sights of this garden.

It is a private garden with an abundance of varieties of ornamental plants and a flowing creek that is open for the entire public to see.

When you visit this 5-acre garden, you will be opportune to see Hardy plants from the family’s farmstead in England and species of the American Heritage garden plants amassed all through these years. 

The farm is available to everyone to visit from Memorial to Labor Day, from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission into the farm is free, and donations are also welcomed.

Address: 4790 Montana Hwy 35, Kalispell, MT 59901, United States

26. Flathead National Forest

Flathead National Forest
Credits: Zoe Rae / Shutterstock
Flathead National Forest

The Flathead National Forest is nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana, surrounded by the Canadian border and the Glacier National Forest.

The National Forest occupies 2,404,935 acres, and 1 million acres are considered wilderness areas. The name of this place was sourced from the Flathead Native Americans who inhabit the region.

This Forest has an abundance of lakes, rough wilderness, more than 2,000 miles of trails, ski areas, wild rivers, stunning mountain ranges, cabins, picnic areas, campgrounds, and many beautiful sceneries.

Another exciting activity to do in this Flathead National Forest is to go hiking in the peaceful wilderness, or you might also choose to go boating. No matter what the outdoor occasion is, the Flathead National Forest has got you covered.

Address: Montana, United States

Check out more attractions in Montana, here is  a guide on things to do in Montana, and things to do in Butte in for a fun time

Plan a Trip to Kalispell

Whether you’re looking for a place to have great fun or just chill and relax, Kalispell is the perfect place for you.

During your trip, be sure you visit some of its lovely restaurants and try out different delicious local dishes.

Have a fun trip!