Things To Do
Glacier National Park
- Location: About an hour’s drive north from Lakeside. - What to Do: Glacier National Park is a must-see, especially for first-time visitors. Guests can take the Going-to-the-Sun Road for iconic views, enjoy numerous hiking trails like Trail of the Cedars (easy, 1 mile), Avalanche Lake (moderate, 5 miles), Highline, or Grinnell Glacier (difficult, 10+ miles), and spot wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and possibly even a bear! If you're not up to hiking, stop by the rainbow pebble-filled Lake McDonald. - Tip: It's highly recommended to arrive early in the day to secure parking, and consider buying a park pass online in advance to save time.
Flathead Lake
- Location: Right by Lakeside. - What to Do: Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with crystal-clear water. Guests can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. - Where to Go: Volunteer Park in Lakeside is great for swimming and picnicking, or you could drive to Bigfork Bay on the lake’s east side for more water activities. - Tip: Rentals for kayaks or paddleboards are available in Lakeside. Check out the alpine coaster!
Bigfork Village
- Location: About a 25-minute drive east of Lakeside. - What to Do: This charming, artsy town is full of unique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants. Guests can stroll through Bigfork Village, visit local artists' studios, or enjoy a meal with lake views.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Location: About a 50-minute drive north from Lakeside, near Whitefish. - What to Do: A popular year-round destination, Whitefish Mountain Resort has activities like scenic lift rides, zip-lining, mountain biking, and hiking in the summer. In the winter, it’s known for excellent skiing and snowboarding. - Tip: For non-hikers, the scenic chairlift ride offers incredible mountain views without the climb.
Kalispell Breweries and Distilleries
- Location: About a 30-minute drive north of Lakeside. - What to Do: Kalispell has a lively craft brewery scene, perfect for a casual afternoon. Popular spots include Kalispell Brewing Company and Sacred Waters Brewing Company. For something different, Whistling Andy Distillery in Bigfork is nearby and offers craft cocktails and tastings. - Tip: Suggest a designated driver or look into group transportation if several guests want to do a brewery tour.
Artemis Acres Painthorse Ranch
- Location: Just outside Kalispell. - What to Do: This ranch offers scenic horseback riding trails through the beautiful Montana wilderness. It’s a fun way to explore the natural landscape and is accessible for all experience levels. - Tip: Highly recommeneded to book in advance, especially on weekends