Best Things to Do in Kalispell, Montana: Bike, Kayak, Hike and Step Back in Time

By Judy Antell She Buys Travel

Updated July 7, 2026 4:46 PM

Looking for outstanding outdoor adventures in Montana? Kalispell offers the perfect blend of recreation, natural beauty and small-town charm. Near Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, this historic Montana town is an ideal base for biking, kayaking, hiking and exploring one of the most charming downtowns – listed on the National Register of Historic Places – in the Rocky Mountains.

Highlights of a Kalispell, Montana Adventure:

Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Night-time illuminated kayaking
Uncrowded hiking trails in Flathead Valley
Local places to eat
Exploring the historic buildings and streets

Editor's note: the writer was hosted

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Glacier National Park Adventure: Bucket List Biking

For a very limited time, enjoy biking the car-free Going-to-the-Sun Road. Photo credit: Judy Antell

As a frequent cyclist, I have heard of iconic rides. One don't-miss ride, long on my short list, was the Going-to-the-Sun Road. If the gorgeous scenery, potentially challenging terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities weren't enough reason, consider this: the road is open to cyclists, without cars, for just two months a year. Spring biking in Glacier National Park is literally the ONLY way you can fully enjoy this Glacier National Park bike tour.

Part of our Glacier National Park adventure – a deer posing for her picture. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Montana gets so much snow – it snowed a foot three days before I arrived in Kalispell in May – that the road isn't plowed. After the snow melts, road crews fix barriers, clear debris and ready the road for the summer traffic to the summit. During this time, after the crews have left for the day, Going-to-the-Sun Road cyclists have the place to themselves (well, almost: there are also bears and deer). I would not want to attempt those hairpin turns with an SUV barreling down on me.

Glacier Guides, which also offers bike rentals for D-I-Y-ers, arranged our Glacier National Park cycling tour.

SheBuysTravel tip: Bring extra gloves in case yours get wet and extra shoes and socks for the car after your ride, along with a plastic bag for wet gear.

Time to Relax and Smell the Lavender Near Kalispell

The microclimate in Montana is ideal for lavender. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Visit Longview Lavender Farm, which grows 6 of the over 400 varieties of lavender. Pick up some essential oil, lavender soap, or honey made by the farm's bees. You actually don't even have to go to the farm to smell it; the scent carries for two miles!

Hands-On with Lavender

June through August, take a distillation workshop. Learn how you can harvest lavender at home and take home a bottle of essential oil.

Starry Night-time Fun: Kayaking Adventure Near Kalispell

I left my phone on dry land. This is the guide’s kayak before our LED night kayaking. Photo credit: Judy Antell

We had a magical kayaking adventure with Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company. This new company has LED lights on clear kayaks. We set out at sunset and were soon enveloped in darkness. As someone who is afraid of water, I found this both exhilarating and terrifying. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

SheBuysTravel tip: Bring dry shoes and socks for the ride home "just in case".

Best Hiking in Kalispell

Even a short hike yields 5 star views at Lone Pine State Park. Photo credit: Judy Antell

For a day hike, consider Lone Pine State Park. Glacier National Park has a more extensive trail system – over 700 miles of hiking trails. But Lone Pine is a great local place to hike, with seven and a half miles of trails and views of Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley. There is also a visitor's center.

Somers Beach State Park

The new Somers Beach State Park has short walking trails and a sandy beach.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you are planning to hike AND bike in Glacier National Park, consider buying an annual pass. State park fees are much less expensive than daily fees at national parks.

Unique Places to Stay in Kalispell, Montana

The outside of my duplex in the grain silo, a unique places to stay. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Clark Family Silos

Your adventure doesn't need to end at night. Stay in the Clark Family Silos. This magical hotel has five separate silos and a couple (or family) gets a private duplex. You feel like you are truly on your own – with Wi-Fi of course.

The bedroom in the grain silo; downstairs had a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. Photo credit: Judy Antell

The owners, who have farmed on the land for five generations, have thought of everything at this luxury grain silo (not an oxymoron). There is a firepit with wood and comfy chairs outside so you can look at the stars at night, or make s'mores. The uber-comfortable king bed (disclosure: I hadn't slept in 36 hours – I would have fallen asleep in a pickup truck) had chargers on the nightstand, and all the light switches were labeled throughout.

The kitchen has coffee beans from a local roaster, a French press and an array of spices in case you want to cook.

The bathroom is stocked with eco-friendly amenities, including organic, vegan toiletries, sunscreen and bug spray.

Homewood Suites

At first, I was disappointed that we had to move from the silos. But Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell was a standout. The front desk attendant called me after I checked in to see if I needed anything. The lobby had a fire going – it was hovering around freezing at night in May. The bed was extremely comfortable, and there was a kitchenette and a spotless bathroom.

And the free breakfast was superb. There were overnight oats and chia pudding, both vegan, plus nuts and seeds to put in. And lots of fresh fruit. There were also breakfast burritos, oatmeal, bagels and yogurt. Very impressive for a small town chain hotel.

The hotel also had an evening reception with cheese, nuts soup and salad. If all the outdoor activities aren't enough, there is an indoor pool and hot tub and a gym with a Peloton, a Bosu ball, and lots of weights.

SheBuysTravel tip: Use your Hilton rewards number to get perks and points!

Where to Eat on a Kalispell Adventure

Save room for dessert at DeSoto Grill, particularly the peanut butter pie. Photo credit; Judy Antell

Calories don't count when you are fueling for outdoor adventures.

Freestone Restaurant

Perfect pasta for carbo-loading before an active day (and tasty!) Photo credit: Judy Antell

Carbo-load at Freestone Restaurant, which also has craft cocktails, local beers on tap, seafood and steak. Start with the Brussels sprouts with huckleberry sauce and blue cheese.

The Desoto Grill

The Desoto Grillhas lots of vegetarian options along with barbeque. This is a seriously fun place that cannot be skipped.

Biased about the Beer

The industrial space that houses Bias Brewing. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Bias Brewingemphasizes local beer, community and a wide-ranging menu with Asian veggie bowls and sandwiches. The downtown spot built out the brewery using reclaimed materials to keep waste out of the landfill. Definitely a place to support. And the food and beer are delicious!

Apples and Pears and Dinner, Oh My

Salad with local produce at big Mountain Ciderworks. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Big Mountain Ciderworks, and apple and pear orchard that makes hard and non-alcoholic ciders, has flatbreads, sandwiches and salads. They list the local farms, ranches and bakeries they source from. I had a big salad with beets, goat cheese, walnuts and greens. It paired well with the dry apple/pear hard cider.

Things to Do in Historic Downtown Kalispell

Replace the new vehicles with antique cars and you could be on a movie set in the 1920s. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Main Street in downtown Kalispell has local shops, from antique boutiques to an old-fashioned soda fountain to sporting goods stores where you can buy the wool socks or waterproof hat you forgot to pack.

Conrad Mansion Museum

I was surprised to learn that the Conrad Mansion, built in 1895, had electricity, indoor plumbing and an elevator. We took a docent-led tour, but you can also explore the museum on your own.

The Conrad Mansion Museum, on the National Register of Historic Places, sprawls over 13,000 square feet. And 90% of the furnishings are original.

SheBuysTravel tip:Don’t miss the third floor, which has a dollhouse version of the mansion.

Glacier Art Museum

Built as a Carnegie library, the Glacier Art Museum is yet another landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The library opened in 1904, and when the library moved across the street (with the books carried in a bucket brigade by the community) the building became the art museum.The artwork includes paintings, photographs and vintage maps. The museum is also a short stroll from Main Street.

The Flathead River, near the northwest entrance to Glacier National Park. Photo credit: Judy Antell

FAQ:

What is Kalispell, Montana known for?

Kalispell is known for its proximity to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, outdoor recreation and historic downtown district.

Is Kalispell a good base for visiting Glacier National Park?

Yes. Kalispell offers hotels, restaurants and easy access to Glacier National Park’s west entrance.

When can you bike Going-to-the-Sun Road?

Cyclists have access during the spring road-clearing period before the road opens fully to vehicle traffic.

What is your preferred level of activity intensity (relaxed, moderate, or high-adrenaline)?

You can have any or all three in Kalispell – choose your own adventure!

How many days should you spend in Kalispell?

Three to five days gives you plenty of time to explore Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake and local restaurants. But I would love to spend more time here!

The post Best Things to Do in Kalispell, Montana: Bike, Kayak, Hike and Step Back in Time appeared first on She Buys Travel.

This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 4:24 PM.