When you’re looking for a place on the map to enjoy a great getaway that perfectly pairs pristine outdoor beauty and in-town fun alike, you’ll find it all and more in Whitefish, Montana. No matter what season you arrive, Whitefish is a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor recreation or spend time shopping and dining your way through a one-of-a-kind stay. Close to stunning national parks and offering up small-town charm in abundance too, Whitefish is a locale that has a way of bringing visitors back year after year. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Whitefish. When you’re looking to balance that vacation budget, the following are the top 5 free things to do in Whitefish, MT the next time travel plans bring you in this direction.
When Things Warm Up, Cool Down at City Beach
A day at the beach might not immediately spring to mind when you think of a trip to Whitefish but it absolutely should! When you’re looking for a family-friendly outdoor experience that doesn’t cost a dime and comes with priceless views, you’re going to want to make room on the itinerary for an afternoon of swimming and fun at City Beach in Whitefish. Located right in town, City Beach sits on the edge of Whitefish Lake and provides a picture-perfect place to make the most of a waterside picnic with family and friends, soak up the sun, or go for a swim. It’s a free locale to access and filled with opportunities for fun so don’t be surprised when you end up lingering longer than you originally planned.
Check Out the Whitefish Farmers Market
Yet another warm weather activity to add to your to-do list in Whitefish when you want to budget your travel funds but have an amazing time too is to check out the Whitefish Farmers Market while you’re here. This inviting event is hosted on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at Depot Park in front of the train station. When you drop by, you’ll find the area packed with local vendors showcasing everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to flowers, jewelry, handcrafted goods, homemade pastries, and more. There’s live music included in the farmers market experience making your evening that much more entertaining! While you’re certainly welcome to purchase items you fall in love with, there’s no requirement to pay anything upfront to make the most of the fun.
Wander Through Downtown
If you’re the type of traveler with a passion for history, a stroll through downtown Whitefish is sure to inspire and it doesn’t cost anything at all. Downtown Whitefish is endlessly charming and easy to navigate, but it’s the many historic buildings in the area that keep those who love pursuing stories of the past coming back for more. Here, you can match your historic architecture walk with opportunities to drop in local galleries and shops to browse art, outdoor gear, books, and beyond. If you want to learn more about the buildings in this area, check out the placards detailing their significance along Central Avenue.
Take a Hike on the Scenic Whitefish Trail
Time enjoyed in the great outdoors is free and thrilling in Whitefish when you dedicate time to hiking the Whitefish Trail. Situated within the Flathead Valley, this network spans an impressive 47 miles and hosts 15 trailheads to choose from. This means you can easily customize your time trekking to fit your preferred timeframe and skillset. Routes like the Reservoir Trailhead can be accessed from downtown while others link up at Whitefish Lake.
Stop by the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing
Whether you’re someone who loves to ski or you’re interested in learning more about the history of the sport, time at the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing in Whitefish is a must. This museum is found in the historic Saddle Club cabin and hosts photographic exhibits about the history of skiing in the area alongside a Ski Hall of Fame, ski cabin replicas from 1935, and a video library that covers ski events in Whitefish spanning the 30s, 40s, and 50s. You’ll find the museum at 705 Wisconsin Avenue and there’s no entrance fee as the museum runs exclusively on donations.
Book Your Whitefish Getaway in Style Today
Travelers who are looking forward to turning their Whitefish, Montana travel plans into a reality have no reason to wait when they want to make the most of the fun ahead. Simply reach out to the team at I Love Whitefish today to learn more about our luxurious and inviting vacation rental options in the area that will keep you close to the activities and attractions you can’t wait to check out while infusing style, comfort, and convenience into your experience as well. We look forward to seeing you in Montana soon!
