Once you’ve chosen Whitefish for your road trip’s final destination, you won’t be short on activities to fill your time. From laser tag and hiking to learning about the area you chose for your rejuvenating break, there’s plenty to do in the beautiful Montana landscape. Pack up your car and loved ones and head out on an adventure full of Whitefish fun to keep everyone engaged and happy. Here’s what to expect with a Spring road trip to Whitefish.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first International Peace Park, a designation earned by the collaborative agreement of the US and Canada in 1932, Glacier National Park is 27-miles from Whitefish. There you’ll find beautiful scenery, wildlife, hiking trails, and more to keep you busy and give you a long breath of fresh mountain air after all that time in the car. See 25 named glaciers and over 1,000 species of plant life on this unforgettable outdoor experience.
Springtime fun means a visit or two to the beach. City Beach, Flathead Lake, Swan Lake, Tally Lake, and Whitefish Lake all offer opportunities for swimming or lounging on the shore. Some offer paddleboarding and other water sports like jet skiing and boating. If you’re worried about inexperienced swimmers in your group, head to City Beach where there is a lifeguard on duty.
Gather your group, lace up your hiking shoes, and head just outside of downtown Whitefish. Let your feet help you explore the area on the Whitefish Trail. Walkers, runners, hikers, bikers, and even equestrians follow the trial that winds through over 40-miles of public and private land for an unmatched experience of the Whitefish area’s natural beauty. It’s made up of stacked loops, scenic overlooks, single-track trail, and gated logging roads. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
If unpredictable spring weather has ruined outdoor plans, spend some time indoors learning about your road trip destination. From the outside it may look like a train station, but inside the historic building you’ll find the history of Whitefish. The old town train station is home to the Whitefish Museum and includes lots of railroad paraphernalia and many other displays and exhibits that bring the town’s history to life. Before you enter, you’ll notice the large tree stump outside the main doors, an homage to the city’s former name of “Stumptown” and a reminder to guests and locals alike of the city’s pre-railroad past as a logging town. Explore hands-on exhibits, tap out a message in Morse Code, and learn about local author Dorothy M. Johnson who wrote classics like “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and “The Hanging Tree”, among others. Admission is free, but a donation to the Whitefish Historical Society is recommended and appreciated.
Take a different ride in a different kind of car. Imagine yourself as a Winter Olympic athlete in the luge event as you zoom around the Whitefish Mountain Resort’s Alpine Slide track on a wheeled sled. The one-third-mile long track is full of banked turns, dips, a tunnel, and even winds under some bridges. You can control the speed with a hand brake, or let the track take you. Children under 48” tall are free but must ride with a paying adult.
A fun, outdoor activity for the whole group; laser tag challenges your skills and offers plenty of fun. This local and women-owned business provides laser tag experiences with the added challenge of the obstacles of the great outdoors of Whitefish and the Flathead Valley. The two-hour experience takes place in the heavily wooded areas around the business. Come prepared for battle with closed-toed shoes and long-sleeved shirt and long pants no matter what temperature it is outside to protect against sun, bugs, and foliage. Don’t wear anything you don’t want to get dirty! COVID-19 precautions include sanitized equipment for each participant, CDC-recommended distancing between staff and players, as well as no combined groups. Call for reservations.
After a road trip, you want some rest. Check out the many lakes in the Whitefish area where you can cast a line and see what’s biting. Rent some gear and wander down to the shoreline on your own, or head out on a guided charter tour. There are many different species of trout, as well as northern pike, smallmouth bass, and others that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner after your outing.
Begin and end every fun-filled day of your spring road trip to Whitefish in a vacation rental by Whitefish Rentals. We offer one-bedroom units all the way up to five-bedroom units, so you’ll find something to fit your entire group. Relax and spread out in the open living area, or retreat to the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom. Many units are close to all the Whitefish springtime fun and excitement you came to experience. You’ll be able to stick to your diet and prepare a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Choose a premium unit for perks like stainless steel appliances, flat screen TVs, and decadent bathrooms.
Contact us today to start planning your spring Whitefish road trip!
