Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. National Bison Range
The Red Sleep Mountain Drive, a 19-mile loop road, allows close-up views of bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, and mountain sheep. The gravel road rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete; you're required to begin the drive no later than 6 pm and to finish before the gate closes at dark. The 19,000-acre refuge at the foot of the Mission Mountains was established in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt. Today the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes own the refuge and manage the herd of approximately 350 to 500 bison. A visitor center explains the history, habits, and habitat of the bison. To reach the bison range, follow the signs west, then north from the junction of U.S. 93 and Route 200 in Ravalli.
View Tours and Activities58355 Bison Range Rd., Moiese, Montana, 59824, USA406-644–2211Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20 per vehicle -
2. A Carousel for Missoula
In 1995, after four years and more than 100,000 hours of volunteer work, this restored 1918 carousel took its first spin in downtown Caras Park. Kids hop in the saddles of hand-carved steeds and try to grab their very own brass ring. The carousel's horses and chariots are accompanied by tunes from the largest band organ in continuous use in the United States. The Dragon Hollow play area next to the carousel features a dragon, a castle, and many play structures.
101 Carousel Dr., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USA406-549–8382Sight Details
Rate Includes: $3, Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily 11–7; Labor Day–Memorial Day, daily 11–5:30 -
3. Amazing Ventures Fun Center
Get lost in the maze at the Amazing Ventures Fun Center, a circuitous outdoor route made of plywood walls and ladders, with viewing areas where parents can watch their kids (and give directions when necessary). Other attractions include Bankshot Basketball, go-karts, 18 holes of miniature golf, thriller bumper boats in a pond, and a picnic area.
10265 U.S. 2 E, Coram, Montana, 59913, USA406-387–5902Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sept. 20--Memorial Day, Memorial Day–mid-Sept., daily 9:30–an hr before dark -
4. Big Sky Waterpark
A popular summertime spot, Montana's biggest water park has 10 waterslides and a giant whirlpool, as well as a miniature golf course, arcade games, bumper cars, a carousel, a climbing tower, barbecue grills, a picnic area, and food service.
7211 U.S. Hwy. 2 E, Columbia Falls, Montana, 59912, USA406-892–5025Sight Details
Rate Includes: $28, Late May–early Sept., daily 11–7 -
5. Bigfork Art & Cultural Center
The rotating exhibits at Bigfork Art & Cultural Center display bronzes, paintings, and works in other mediums by Montana artists.
525 Electric Ave., Bigfork, Montana, 59911, USA406-837–6927Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Free (donations accepted) -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Caras Park
Downtown's favorite green space, the park has a walking path along the Clark Fork River and a summer pavilion that hosts live musical performances and other events. The annual calendar includes several brewfests, the River City Roots Festival (last weekend in August), and GermanFest (early September). In the summer, Downtown ToNight is a Thursday evening event that also features food, music, and what the Chamber of Commerce likes to call a "beverage garden." On Wednesday, Out to Lunch brings a band, food trucks, and vendors, and activities for the kids to help get everyone over Hump Day.
Front and Ryman Sts., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USA406-543–4238Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 6 am–11 pm -
7. Clearwater Canoe Trail
Paddling on the 3½-miles along an isolated portion of the Clearwater River, you may see moose and will likely see songbirds, great blue herons, and belted kingfishers. The Seeley Lake Ranger Station has free maps and directions to the put-in for the two-hour paddle.
Seeley Lake, Montana, 59868, USA406-677–2233Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, May–Oct. -
8. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Indigenous SightOf the approximately 6,950 enrolled tribal members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, about 4,500 live on the reservation, which is interspersed with non–Native American ranches and other property. Both tribes celebrate their heritage during the annual July Powwow.
42487 Complex Blvd., Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana, 59855, USA406-675–2700 -
9. Conrad Mansion National Historic Site Museum
A town highlight is the Conrad Mansion National Historic Site Museum, a 26-room Norman-style mansion that was the home of Charles E. Conrad, who made a fortune in shipping and freighting on the Missouri River and founded Kalispell. Docents lead entertaining and informative guided tours, including a variety of special theme tours offered throughout the year.
330 Woodland Ave., Kalispell, Montana, 59901, USA406-755–2166Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20, Closed Sat.–Mon., Guided tours mid-May–mid-Oct., Tues.–Sun. 9–4 on the hour; Christmas tours Thanksgiving–late Dec., Fri.–Sat. 11, 1, and 3 -
10. Council Grove State Park
History buffs appreciate this park's significance as the place where Isaac Stevens and the Pend d'Oreille and Flathead Kootenai Indians signed the Hell Gate Treaty in 1855 to relinquish their ancestral lands in exchange for the Flathead Reservation in the Mission Valley. The park occupies 187 primitive acres; it has interpretive signs, a picnic area, fishing access, and a hiking trail.
11249 Mullan Rd., Missoula, Montana, 59804, USA406-542–5500Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6 per vehicle, $4 walk in, on bicycle, or by bus, Daily dawn–dusk -
11. Daly Mansion
Over the last decade, copper king Marcus Daly's 24,000-square-foot, 56-room Daly Mansion, with 25 bedrooms, 15 baths, and five Italian marble fireplaces, has been meticulously restored to preserve its history and elegance. The showplace of Hamilton, this Georgian Revival–style house is open to the public, and tours run every two hours, starting at 11 am. There's also a printed walking guide available to the extensive grounds. A number of events and festivities are held at the mansion during the summer.
251 Eastside Hwy., Hamilton, Montana, 59840, USA406-363–6004Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15, Mid-Apr.–mid-Oct., daily 10–3; and for special events -
12. Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum
One of the area's first hand-hewn-log homesteads, built in 1886, is now the Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum, a repository for pioneer artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. There is even a photograph of the building, constructed near the mouth of Tin Cup Creek, in its original setting, before it was moved into town.
101 E. Tanner, Darby, Montana, USA406-361--1214Sight Details
Rate Includes: June–Aug., weekdays noon –4 or by special arrangement -
13. Flathead Indian Reservation
Indigenous SightFor nature lovers, the main attractions of the Flathead Indian Reservation are fishing and water recreation on numerous lakes and streams and bird-watching in Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge. A tribal fishing license is required, and is available at most licensing agents.
Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana, USA406-675–0160Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
14. Flathead National Forest
Information on the Bob Marshall Wilderness is available through the Flathead National Forest website or office, which have maps, listings of outfitters and access points, and safety information about travel in bear country.
650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, USA406-758–5208Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends, Weekdays 8–4 -
15. Fort Connah
Established in 1846 as the last Hudson Bay Company trading post built in the United States, Fort Connah was used by fur traders until 1871. Of the original three buildings, one remains today; it's believed to be the oldest building still standing in Montana. You can't go inside, but a historical marker details events and inhabitants.
U.S. 93 at Post Creek, Flathead Reservation, Montana, 59864, USA406-676–5541Sight Details
Rate Includes: By appointment -
16. Fort Owen
Major John Owen established Fort Owen as a trading post in 1850. The property also served as the headquarters of the Flathead Agency until 1860. It's worth a half hour to visit the museum to see the restored barracks, artifacts, and some of the fort's original furnishings.
94 Stevensville Cutoff Rd. E, Stevensville, Montana, 59870, USA406-273–4253Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Daily dawn–dusk -
17. Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
You might not expect to find a Buddhist temple in the middle of the Flathead Reservation, but if you find yourself in or near Arlee, which is about 27 miles north of Missoula, this garden is worth a stop if only for the magnificent photo op of 1,000 Buddha statues in a beautiful, picturesque public garden attached to the Ewan Buddhist Institute. While the garden is open year-round, tours are offered only from April through October.
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18. Great Northern Depot
Inside the historic Great Northern Depot is visitor information from the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and the Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau. Outside is the lovely Depot Park, where live music, arts shows, a gazebo, picnicking, and a playground attract both locals and travelers.
15 Depot Park, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, USA406-758–2800Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends, Weekdays 8–5 -
19. Higgins Block
This Queen Anne–style commercial structure, a granite, copper-domed corner building with red polychromed brick, occupies a block in the heart of downtown. On the National Register of Historic Places, it's now home to a bank and several shops.
202 N. Higgins Ave., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
20. Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Fort Missoula, at the western edge of town, was established in 1877 at the height of the U.S. Army's conflict with the Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph. The museum's indoor and outdoor exhibits, including 13 historic structures relocated from nearby sites, depict and explain the early development of Missoula County. The black 25th Infantry of bicycle soldiers arrived in 1888 to test bicycles for military use; near-life-size photos depict the soldiers during an expedition to Yellowstone National Park's Mammoth Terraces. Uniforms and artifacts are also on display. They ultimately rode one-speed bicycles from Missoula to St. Louis. Guided tours are available by appointment. Sadly, there is very little material about the Native Americans who lived here before the fort was established.
3400 Captain Rawn Way, Missoula, Montana, 59804, USA406-728–3476Sight Details
Rate Includes: $4, Memorial Day–Labor Day, Mon.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. noon–5; Labor Day–Memorial Day, Tues.–Sun. noon–5
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