When the mountains are calling your family toward an unforgettable adventure someplace new and exciting, there’s no better place to find yourself on the map than scenic Whitefish, Montana. This absolutely stunning getaway destination is an outdoor adventuring family’s dream come true and a picture-perfect place to customize every moment of your trip to fit your unique preferences, interests, and timeframe. Whether you’re here for a few wonderful days or you’re planning an extended vacation alongside those you love most, Whitefish, Montana is a must-visit destination this year for a plethora of reasons.
For the family who is looking forward to spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors, immersed in the beauty of nature, a vacation in Whitefish never fails to impress. Here, you’re only ever moments away from the wonders that await within Glacier National Park. It’s a top-rated destination for hiking, biking, climbing, and wildlife watching as well. With binoculars in hand, you can easily spot everything from mountain goats and bears during your time in Glacier National Park to eagles overhead as well.
While there’s no reason not to set out on an independent family adventure, many who are heading this way with travelers of all ages and interests included in their group choose to book a guided tour through the park instead. It’s a great option when you want to make sure you access top attractions in the park safely, and learn more from a local expert along the way. Beyond the parameters of Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a family-friendly vacation destination where it’s easy to add group activities like fishing and kayaking to your lineup in the warm weather months of the year. If you find yourself with free time in the winter months and you’re making your way to Whitefish with the entire family in tow, you’ll find seasonal recreation activities like skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding too are all delightful additions to your must-try list.
When your family isn’t lingering on the inviting shores of Whitefish Lake during your stay, you’ll find Whitefish, Montana is also a wonderful place for top-tier dining and shopping excursions. Downtown, you can take an afternoon to check out fun boutique shops selling everything from apparel and home décor to crafts and whimsical souvenirs too. There are plenty of terrific restaurants in town that even the pickiest eater in your group will love, and if you’re up for a show, the Whitefish Theatre Company has you covered. Every single step of the way, Whitefish, Montana proves time and again that it’s truly the ultimate family getaway destination.
Tips for Getting Here Stress-Free
Traveling somewhere new with the family is always a treat, but any group getaway deserves a bit of extra planning when it comes to how to get where you’re going. If you’re flying into Whitefish this year for your family trip, you’ll likely be organizing a flight to the Glacier Park International Airport. Families will be thrilled with this airport’s proximity to town as it’s just about 20 minutes away by car. That means before you know it, you’ll be behind the wheel and heading towards the promised adventures—something that can be a huge relief depending on the age of the kids you’re traveling with.
Another route to getting here that you definitely don’t want to overlook is taking the train in instead. This can be a fun experience with the family because you can turn the travel itself into a sightseeing experience that’s one of a kind and likely fascinating for visitors of all ages. Amtrak’s Empire Builder heads this way year-round and comes complete with a full observation car in addition to sleeper cars for families so you can spend a few days chugging your way across gorgeous countryside and dining onboard with stunning views as you head towards Whitefish. When you arrive, you’ll find yourself at the Whitefish Depot, which is a historic stop and a great place to start giving your kids reasons to relish learning more about the stories behind the destination your group has come to enjoy.
No matter how you get to Whitefish, when you’re traveling with the family, you’re most certainly going to want a rental vehicle available to use for the duration of your stay. While the downtown area of Whitefish is extremely walkable, when you want to get out and discover places like Glacier National Park, it won’t take long to realize just how vast and varied the terrain here is. Being able to head out whenever you’d like and at your own pace can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping stress levels low on your family getaway.
Outdoor Adventures to Include on Your Itinerary
Depending on how many children and adults you’re traveling to Whitefish alongside and the ages of your fellow adventurers, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking for a variety of outdoor activities to add to your list during your stay that speak to attention spans and interests of all types. The good news is that Whitefish is a destination designed by nature for exactly this experience! Those who are heading this way in the summertime when temperatures are on the rise won’t want to miss out on quality time enjoyed together at Whitefish City Beach. Here, there are options to sunbathe, swim, or paddleboard along no less than 7 beautiful miles of glacial shorelines. There are also bike trails to check out here so if half the group wants to be in the water, the other half is more than welcome to hit the trails together and meet back at the beach when adventures are complete for a tasty group picnic.
Over at Glacier National Park, there are always options for outdoor adventures for those who love to hike, bike, wildlife watch, and rock climb. However, if you’re traveling kids who are quite up for the strenuous time on the trails, but you still want to get out and explore together, you can opt to take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road instead. This is a beautiful route through the park that comes with incredible views included and convenient options for stop offs at those places that would suit your group best for prolonged observation.
When you want to expand on your family fun further during a summer trip to Whitefish, Montana, don’t leave options like whitewater rafting off the list. This is perfect for thrill-seeking families looking for new adventures while those who want to see the backcountry but at a slower pace might prefer a guided horseback ride instead. For the family that loves to golf, Whitefish is a wonderful place to hit the greens in the summertime and if you’re more in the mood for some local retail therapy, the Whitefish Farmers Market is always up and running this time of year too.
Hiking is a fan-favorite activity among Whitefish locals and visitors alike and yet another terrific activity to build into your family getaway in this direction. The Whitefish Trail is a community-supported pathway in town that covers 47 miles of terrain but can easily be broken up into smaller sections to fit your family’s skill level and preferences. Afterward, you can head over to places like Baker Park and enjoy a picnic while the little ones burn off any excess energy on the playgrounds.
Families spending time in Whitefish in the winter will love every second spent at Whitefish Mountain Resort. This inviting destination hosts nearly 3,000 skiable acres and 11 marked trails, so there’s always a route to fit your family’s needs. Whitefish Mountain Resort has been serving families here for the last 75 years and is a convenient place to ski and snowboard thanks to on-site rental options, a great après-ski scene, and lessons available on request too.
Indoor Entertainment Suitable for All Ages
If you happen to find yourself in Whitefish on a rainy day, or you’re looking for a great place to warm up in the wintertime that’s equal parts educational and engaging, make sure your family getaway to Whitefish includes time at the Whitefish Museum. Officially known as the Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum, this inviting destination for all ages is found at 500 Depot Street. It’s where you arrived if you took the train into town, so this is a great chance to return and spend more time when you’re well rested exploring this beautifully restored Great Northern depot with a locomotive included.
The museum is right in the heart of Whitefish, and it’s a great stop when you’re interested in learning more about the area’s railroad past as well as how logging had a huge impact on the growth of the Flathead Valley. There’s no cost to visit the museum, but donations are always welcomed. The Whitefish Museum is open year-round, and if you happen to be visiting with a large group, making a reservation or tour request ahead of time is highly recommended.
When you’re looking to add a place to your lineup where the kids can run and let their imaginations soar, set your sights on an afternoon at the Amazing Fun Center. You’ll find this hub of kid-friendly activities at 10265 Highway 2E in nearby Columbia Falls which is just a 10 mile drive from the center of town. At the Amazing Fun Center, kids are invited to enjoy miniature golf, go karting, bumper boats, basketball, life-sized 3D puzzles, and much more!
Local Restaurants Known for Offering Family-Friendly Dining Experiences
Planning a family getaway anywhere on the map is bound to come with some unexpected surprises along the way. Inevitably, things that happen you simply couldn’t have predicted. However, the one thing you can remain confident in at all times when you make Whitefish your getaway destination of choice is that you’ll have delicious options for curbing cravings no matter what everyone in your group prefers to enjoy! Make time for a meal at the Buffalo Café at least once while you’re here and your tastebuds are sure to thank you for the experience. This family-friendly eatery is located right downtown and has been serving up savory bites to the local community since 1979.
Today, it remains a beloved place to settle in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and the menu is a masterpiece in variety, giving everyone in your traveling group a reason to bring their appetite along. This relaxed eatery has a ton of locally sourced specials on the menu as well as over 10 draft beers showcased from surrounding breweries for the adults to enjoy. The kid’s menu is just as appealing featuring everything from cheeseburgers and tacos to quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, buffalo wings, and mac n’ cheese. There’s no dress code to worry about here and the service is frequently praised for its exceptional level of friendliness. It’s a win-win all the way around!
In the event your family is craving pizza, a trip to the Mackenzie River Pizza Company is certainly in order during your next getaway. You’ll find this delicious stop at 9 Central Avenue and in addition to custom-topped pizzas, you can easily order up sandwiches, salads, and tasty pastas. Afterward, don’t hesitate to make your way over to Sweet Peaks Ice Cream at 419 E. 3rd Street where you can end the evening on a sweet note with an ice cream cone (or two) for everyone in your group.
Book a Family-Friendly Vacation Rental Through I Love Whitefish for Your Next Visit
Your family deserves to feel right at home on your next Whitefish vacation and at I Love Whitefish, we have the property options to do just that. Our family-friendly vacation rentals are spacious, feature fantastic views, and come with amenities in place that make your time indoors as inviting as your time out exploring. Feel free to browse our family-friendly rental options that sit at the mountain base, lakeside, or right in the heart of the mountain village. From properties with hot tubs to enjoy, sprawling outdoor decks to use, large yards, and impressive entertainment centers too, we’ll make sure everything you need for an amazing stay is in place upon arrival. When you’re traveling with your canine companion, we have pet-friendly rentals to choose from as well. Reach out today to learn more!
Before you know it, 2025 will be here and another brand-new year of potential adventures will be well underway. When you want to make sure your plans are firmly in place before January 1 arrives, making sure you’ve set your sights on a journey to scenic Whitefish, Montana at least once is a must! This beautiful destination is one on the map that travelers will find exceptionally inviting and exciting in every single season of the year. No matter when you happen to have time to put away work and daily demands and focus on a well-deserved vacation instead for a while, Whitefish offers up exceptional small-town charm paired with stunning scenery. Here, you can’t help but feel you’re invited upon arrival to get out and make the absolute most of the great outdoors. Everywhere you look, there’s a breathtaking view to enjoy and if you choose to stay in town and find local fun, there’s plenty to discover there too. Mountain vistas and local lakes abound in Whitefish while the fresh air here is hard to top when you’re looking for a scenario that couldn’t be further away from that office space you’re used to occupying most days back home.
For ski enthusiasts, it’s highly likely that a 2025 visit this way will happen in the name of downhill fun with good reason. Whitefish Mountain Resort over on Big Mountain is a must-visit locale for those who can’t wait to try every local trail and run possible when the fresh powder falls. Of course, outdoor adventurers with a passion for filling their itineraries with time in nature will love Whitefish, Montana’s proximity to places like the astounding Glacier National Park too. While anglers are busy fishing the Flathead River, leisure seekers can spend quality time in the summer on the scenic shores of Whitefish Lake. Home to great golf courses, ziplining areas, and a rich history as well, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in Whitefish in 2025. The following Whitefish Montana vacation travel preview is a great way to make sure you’ve covered the basics with plenty of room for new discoveries of your own while you’re here too!
Contemplate the Best Time of Year to Travel This Way in 2025
Inevitably, every traveler heading to Whitefish comes this way with a unique vision in mind of what makes the picture-perfect trip. The good news is that the sheer variety of seasonal activities and events found in Whitefish year-round makes it easy for travelers in 2025 to plan a trip that’s fully customized around their preferred travel style. If you know without a doubt that you’ll want to spend as much time as possible on the ski slopes while you’re here, a winter getaway is clearly going to be your travel season of choice.
Winters are typically cold and snow-filled across Whitefish, Montana—exactly how downhill enthusiasts like it! You can count on daily highs lingering in the 20s most winter days between December and February which also happen to be the months of the year that see the most snowfall. As long as you’re willing to pack your warmest outdoor gear, there’s no reason you can’t spend every waking moment in Whitefish savoring runs and trails of all kinds on a snowboard or skis during your stay. This truly is a popular time of year so while Whitefish is loved for its laid-back appeal, over the holidays especially, you can count on some crowds to contend with at the ski resort. Showing up early is always recommended and the closer you can book your stay to the slopes, the better.
Spring is a great off-season travel time to find yourself in Whitefish in 2025 that comes complete with beautiful wildflower blooms across the newly melted mountain terrain. Daily highs typically linger in the 50s so you’ll definitely want to pack in layers but you can likely leave that ski parka behind. As summer approaches in Whitefish, temperatures climb into the 70s and by the heart of the season, afternoons here are enjoyed by visitors looking forward to the 80s. Summer is another popular time for visitors to travel so you’ll want to plan on hitting the hiking and biking trails earlier this time of year too. Fall rounds out the offseason travel time in Whitefish and is great for those who are looking forward to an escape from life with a fun focus on leap-peeping. Count on fall temperatures fluctuating between the 50s and 60s in the daytime with evening lows dipping down into the 40s on an average year.
Travel Tips to Consider When Whitefish Is Your Destination of Choice
It’s easy and exciting to focus on all of the activities and attractions you’ll enjoy once you arrive in Whitefish, but putting your 2025 travel plans into place successfully means giving some thought to how you’ll get here too. Many visitors choose to take advantage of direct flights that are offered into the Glacier Park International Airport, which is found just about 20 minutes from town. An often overlooked, but truly appealing and scenic way to get to Whitefish is to book a place on Amtrak’s Empire Builder train. This gives you opportunities to enjoy sightseeing along the way as you pull into the Whitefish Depot, which is a historic stop and a great place to start your journey in unique style. No matter how you arrive in Whitefish in 2025, planning to have a rental car in place when you’re here is highly recommended. Whitefish Montana showcases landmarks that are vast and varied and when you want to be able to see them all at your own pace, options to hop behind the wheel and get from point A to point B make a trip that much more convenient and inviting. It’s also great to have a rental car handy when you’re adding sprawling locations like Glacier National Park to your itinerary.
Area Events Coming Up in 2025
Whitefish, Montana may be known and loved by travelers for its spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure, but it’s also a destination on the map that knows how to celebrate. Here, you can find fun festivals and events to attend year-round that pay honor to the local culture and provide opportunities for locals and visitors alike to come together in the name of fun. If you’re traveling this way in the summertime, you’ll find your trip will likely align with the annual Whitefish Arts Festival. This 3-day event typically happens over Independence Day weekend and includes a fantastic showcase of local artwork as well as great food to try, and live musical entertainment to enjoy. The Whitefish Arts Festival is often hosted at 510 Depot Park and is sponsored by Whitefish Christian Academy. The mountains work as a scenic backdrop for this festive gathering and art on display spans everything from photography and paintings to woodworking, jewelry, home décor, apparel, metal sculptures, and much more.
Fall travelers setting their sights on an exciting Whitefish, Montan stay will be delighted to find that the annual Whitefish Oktoberfest happens this time of year too. For those who enjoy dressing up in Lederhosen, treating themselves to German beer at its best, and gathering with friends and family to make the most of traditional German music, food, and festivities, this is the local event just for you in 2025! If you happen to be traveling to Whitefish in the wintertime with ski-focused fun on your mind, be sure to set aside a bit of room on the itinerary to experience the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival for yourself! The Whitefish Winter Carnival is a family-friendly event that spans a week of fun complete with winter parades, sports competitions, and ice sculptures built into the experience.
Holiday travelers looking forward to end-of-year festivities in Whitefish can always choose to attend the annual Santa’s Gift Giveaway and Torchlight Parade on December 24. This highly anticipated and beloved event puts everyone in the seasonal spirit over at the Whitefish Mountain Resort. The fun kicks off around 5:00 pm with opportunities for little ones to meet with Santa on-site. Once the sun goes down, the torchlight parade sets off, illuminating the night in colorful and breathtaking style.
Activities to Make Sure You Enjoy When You’re Here
Your trip to Whitefish, Montana in 2025 deserves to be one-of-a-kind. Personalizing your experience from start to finish is easier than ever thanks to the area’s robust lineup of options for fun! When you set aside at least a day to visit Glacier National Park while you’re here, you can maximize the thrilling views by driving down Going-to-the-Sun Road with a camera in hand. If you’re heading to Whitefish with a passion in place for time on the trails, making time on the Whitefish Trail a priority is a must.
This community-supported trail spans 47 miles and showcases some of the area’s most impressive terrain. If you’re up for a true challenge, you can attempt to cover as much of the trail as you’d like but it’s often used by recreational hikers in smaller portions depending on what they’re up for. Of course, skiing the slopes over at Whitefish Mountain Resort could very well be the highlight of your stay, just as it has been for travelers heading this way for the last 75 years. With 3,000 skiable acres ready to be discovered and no less than 111 marked trails, there’s no shortage of options for fun and thrills when you’re here.
In 2025, make sure your trip to Whitefish includes some quality time downtown too. A stroll along Central Avenue puts places like the historic Railway District at your fingertips and if you love to shop, the local charming boutiques here are bound to delight. Swing by the Cawdrey Gallery if you’re in the mood to browse contemporary works of art during your visit while the Polka Dot Sheep Fine Yarns storefront will beckon to those with a passion for crafting looking to stock up on essentials.
For the traveler heading to Whitefish in the upcoming year looking forward to time by the water and under the sun, there’s no better place to lounge an afternoon away than Whitefish City Beach. Spanning 7 miles of glacial lake, Whitefish City Beach is a beautiful place to linger, swim, picnic, bike, or paddleboard. A summer getaway in this direction can also easily include an afternoon of golf, a horseback riding tour through Whitefish backcountry alongside a local guide, or a day of boating and whitewater rafting as well. The Whitefish Farmers Market will once again be up and running in the summer of 2025 much to the delight of locals and visitors alike while an afternoon at the Whitefish Museum is a must when you want to learn more about this fascinating place you’ve come to explore.
Book Your Getaway Today
At I Love Whitefish, we believe that every trip to this beautiful destination deserves to come with customized comfort, convenience, style, and luxury included. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our collection of local vacation rentals available to book when your 2025 travel plans have you heading this way. From mountain view retreats and lakeview stays to gorgeous villas to enjoy, we’ll help you get settled in just the right rental to meet your needs and exceed expectations too. We look forward to helping you create a one-of-a-kind adventure and can’t wait to see you in Whitefish, Montana soon!