The resort town of Whitefish is located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains where it provides a gateway to Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest. When you are not out on the ski slopes or on the hiking trails you will find plenty of attractions to keep you busy in a town which is frequently quoted as being one of the best small towns in America.
Visit the Museum at the Whitefish Depot
Owned by the Stumptown Historical Society, the Whitefish Depot is an operating Amtrak railroad station which still sees about 150 travelers arriving and leaving every day. The Tudor Revival Station Building dates back to 1927 and was recorded on the National List of Historic Places in 2002.
Inside you will find a small (free) museum detailing the history of Whitefish and the impact of the railroad on the town. If you are looking for something to read you will find a rack of second-hand books which you can buy by depositing a dollar in the honesty box. On both sides of the historic building you can admire some of the old locomotives used on the line.
Address: Whitefish Depot, 500 Depot Street, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 800-872-7245
Hike in Flathead National Forest
The amazing Flathead National Forest covers over 2.4 million acres in northern Montana, providing locals and visitors with an unrivalled outdoor recreational area.
If you love hiking you will be spoiled for choice in Flathead National Forest which boasts around 2,600 miles of hiking trails which are also popular with cross-country skiers in winter.
One of the most popular trails close to Whitefish is the Danny On Memorial Trail.
Other popular activities in the forest include fishing, hunting, canoeing and paddling as well as wildlife watching, photography and scenic drives. There are several primitive campgrounds in Flathead National Forest for those who would like to stay overnight in the wilderness.
Address: Flathead National Forest, Whitehead, MT 59937, Phone: 406-758-5208
City Beach
City Beach is a tranquil and beautiful spot to spend a few hours relaxing by the lake shore. The park offers a pleasant sandy beach where you can soak up some sun, as well as a shaded grassy area for really hot days.
There is a specially designated swimming area (with lifeguards) and restrooms which are open during the summer season.
The beach is a popular spot for kayaking and SUP and rentals are available on site in summer.
If you have your own boat you can use the boat launch for a modest fee. Gazebos and picnic tables are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Dick Idol Signature Gallery
The Dick Idol Gallery has been a Whitefish landmark attraction for decades. Artist Dick Idol brought his very personal take on art to each and every item in the gallery, from paintings to sculptures and a much-admired collection of handmade household furniture.
Today the gallery belongs to Dick’s son Colt who is dedicated to taking the family business to the next level. Whether you just want to have a look around or wish to buy a future heirloom, the Dick Idol Signature Gallery is the place to go. Several celebrated American painters and sculptors’ works are showcased and you can buy some very unique one-off pieces of furniture and décor.
Address: Dick Idol Signature Gallery, 238 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-5070
Alpine Theatre Project
Bringing Broadway-quality live performances to Whitefish, the Alpine Theatre Project is the brain-child of a trio of Broadway stalwarts including Betsi Morrison, Luke Walrath and David Ackroyd.
The project aims to kindle a love of live performance in the next generation and to that end they host after-school acting, dancing and singing classes for children and interested adults.
In addition, budding local performers can attend their two-week Broadway Summer Training Camps to learn from genuine Broadway stars. Attending one of their regular big-stage productions could be a highlight of your visit to Whitefish so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: Alpine Theatre Project, the ATP Garage, 6464 Hwy 93 South, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-7469
Play with your dog at the Hugh Rogers Wag Park
Whether you are traveling with your pooch or you just enjoy watching some of the local dogs enjoying themselves in a safely fenced-in dog park, the Hugh Rogers Wag Park is the place to go. WAG is the local Whitefish Animal Group which operates the park with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers.
Here you can bring your dog (over the age of four months) to socialize and have a wonderful off-leash run-around.
Your dog will love the pond and dog beach, the dog water-fountain, paved paths and the specially enclosed small-dog area. There is also access to a dog-wash station when your pet has had a swim.
Address: Hugh Rogers Wag Park, 720 E Second St, Whitefish, MT 59937
See a Whitefish Theatre Company Performance
Visitors to Whitefish will be pleased to know that the town has a thriving performing arts culture which you can enjoy when you attend one of the Whitefish Theatre Company performances. The company produces a regular line-up of varied performing arts and music productions including live bands, children’s theatre and great adult entertainment. There is something new every month and local budding performers can attend a variety of courses in dance, music and acting. All performances are held in the I. A. O’Shaughnessy Center which also hosts regular art exhibitions, events and workshops.
Address: Whitefish Theatre Company, 1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-5371
Shop for Art at the Frame of Reference Fine Art Gallery
Located in an historic landmark building in the heart of Whitefish’s Old Town District, the Frame of Reference Fine Art Gallery is a must-see attraction for all art lovers. If you have a special piece of art in need of a new frame you can bring it along – the gallery operates a very successful framing business offering a wide selection of unusual frames.
The gallery collection almost exclusively features original art works by established or up-and-coming artists using a variety of mediums including paints, glass, wood, bronze and even photography. This is an ideal place to buy a significant piece of art which will forever remind you of the wild and wonderful places of Montana.
Address: Frame of Reference Fine Art Gallery, 235 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-730-8855
Whitefish Lake Restaurant
Located in the Clubhouse of the original Whitefish Golf Club, in one of the oldest log-built structures in Montana, the Whitefish Lake Restaurant is the ideal choice for excellent food and a great atmosphere.
The historic building was completed in 1937 and offers three separate areas where you can dine – the Dining Room serves lunch and dinner choices from a sophisticated menu while lighter dining options are available in the Club House and on the Terrace. Children are welcome and there is a full bar service. The Golf Club welcomes visitors and you can enjoy a round at one of two eighteen-hole courses.
Address: Whitefish Lake Restaurant, 1200 US-93 N, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406-862-5285
Les Mason State Park
Picturesquely located on the east shore of Whitefish Lake, Les Mason State Park is a great destination for a fun day out. There is a long section (580 feet) of sand and gravel lake shore where you can catch some rays, practice your favorite water sports or go swimming.
There is an on-site concession where you can rent various boating and paddling equipment (or you can bring your own).
Many visitors simply come to the park to enjoy the scenery, the lovely fresh air and the opportunity to do some bird watching. There are picnic tables where you can enjoy lunch. Other amenities include toilets and on-site parking.
Address: 2650 E. Lakeshore Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406 752 5501
Whitefish Lake State Park
Whitefish Lake State Park is the perfect place for families to unwind, relax and get back to nature. The park is located on the western shores of Whitefish Lake and offers an abundance of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy.
You can certainly come as a day visitor, but you could also bring your tent or RV to one of the campsites and set up a base camp from which to explore.
On-site activities include hiking and biking, fishing, boating, water-skiing, paddling and swimming.
There are picnic shelters with grills and a boat launch - boat rentals are available on site.
Address: 1615 W. Lakeshore Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406 862 3991
Going to the Sun Gallery
If you would like to take home a souvenir to remind you of your visit to Montana, Going to the Sun Gallery in Whitefish is the ideal place to find something really special. The gallery, which is located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, stocks a wide variety of art works by local artists as well as beautiful jewelry items made by the owners of the gallery, Rochelle and Brandie Lombardi.
You will find many paintings and sculptures which are uniquely Montanan, including some very beautiful paintings of the local wildlife in Glacier National Park.
Address: 137 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406 862 2751
Spotted Bear Spirits
Named for the Spotted Bear Ranger District, (which lies at the entrance to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex), Spotted Bear Spirits endeavor to instill the true spirit of adventure found in wild Montana into each and every batch of their artisan spirits.
When you visit their Tasting Room, located at the northern end of downtown Whitefish, you can get acquainted with some of their fine products including vodka, gin, agave spirit, a delicious coffee liquor and Mountain Mint schnapps – perfect added to hot chocolate for a winter warm-up. Other products include a hand-crafted Limoncello, Huckleberry Vodka, a corn-mash Whiskey and their Midnight Forest Bourbon.
Address: 503 Railway Street, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406 730 2436
Hanks Hatchets Axe Throwing
Hanks Hatchets Axe Throwing invites you to come and try a new, all-weather fun activity during your visit to Whitefish. Hank’s Hatchets is an indoor axe throwing range where couples, groups and teams can have hours of healthy fun while learning a new skill.
You and your team can book your lane in advance and absolutely no experience is necessary – the Hatchets team will soon have you throwing like a pro. The activity is perfect for a party of any kind – just round up a team of friends and come and have fun. All players have to be over the age of 8 years and children need to be accompanied by an adult player.
Address: 6078 US Hwy 93 South, Whitefish, MT 59937, Phone: 406 730 2556
