Your Guide to Playing on Flathead Lake

There’s still plenty of summer left in Montana and if you’re ready to soak up Kalispell’s backyard treasure, we invite you to put Flathead Lake on your must-visit list. The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, it’s the perfect place for on-the-water recreation. To make it easy, we’re recommending six ways to play on Flathead Lake, including cruising the lake on The Far West – Montana’s largest tour boat – fishing for lake trout and kayaking with Sea Me Paddle. A local outfitter, Sea Me Paddle offers guided tours of Somers Bay, day trips to Wild Horse Island (the largest island on Flathead Lake) and a full moon night paddle on August 17.

For a beach getaway in the heart of Montana, check out the new gravel beachlines at the Yellow Bay Unit of Flathead Lake State Park 14 miles south of Bigfork and Somers Beach State Park on the north shore of Flathead Lake.

Six Ways to Play on the Lake

Visit the Crown of the Continent.

With our location 32 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, it’s easy to visit the park when you’re in Kalispell. It’s a bucket list destination for many visitors and was one of the top 15 most visited parks in 2023. While the past few years have included a pilot program for vehicle reservations for the park, this year it’s easier to visit the park with new updates to the system. (In case missed it, you can find all the information here.) Enrich your visit by taking advantage of the park’s ranger-led activities and the Native America Speaks Program. The program has been in place since 1982 and includes presentations, storytelling and more from members of the Blackfeet Nation and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 


Native American Speaks Program Schedule here.

Treat it Like Grandma's House

When you come to Montana, we ask that you recreate responsibly. Think of it like you’re visiting your grandma and act accordingly. Pick up after yourself, be kind, mind your manners and leave things better than you find them. Be sure to practice water safety (always wear personal flotation devices), store food properly and completely extinguish any campfires. Get the full rundown on how to recreate responsibly here.  

Plan Your Fall Vacation

While we’re all about summer, we can’t help but daydream of fall in Montana. The season is magical and includes warm days, cool nights, gorgeous fall colors and more room to breathe with fewer visitors. Recommendations for your potential fall trip: take a trek with llamas in the Swan Mountains, hike in Glacier National Park with Glacier Institute and float down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. 

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Explore Downtown Kalispell

The heartbeat of any place is its downtown, and Kalispell is no exception. While our buildings are historic, they have a vibrant energy and are home to local businesses and the kind of folks who are happy to see you. And while the mountains and rivers may be the reason you come here, we recommend making the time to stroll wander Main Street, dine in downtown restaurants, sip on local-made beers, pick up made-in-Montana items and rub elbows with the locals. 

📍Mountain Berry Bowls



Will we see you there?

LOCATION

15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT 59901

DATE AND TIME

08/10/24 3:00pm - 08/10/24 8:00pm US/Mountain
Join us for a showcase of over 70 craft beers and ciders, along with wine, local food, and live music from Montana and beyond.
I'll Be There!
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On My List For Next Year!

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