Montana’s Most Charming Small Town Has A Top National Park On Its Doorstep

There are over 60 national parks in the United States that provide numerous breathtaking landscapes, together with snow-capped mountain peaks and purple rock desert formations. These parks are a preferred journey selection for hundreds of thousands of holiday makers on the lookout for climbing and wildlife experiences annually. Whereas most individuals deal with the parks themselves, the cities simply exterior the boundaries play an necessary function in how guests plan and revel in their journeys.

As a result of many nationwide parks cowl lots of of sq. miles, visiting them usually entails touring lengthy distances. Staying in a close-by city makes it simpler to plan a multi-day journey while not having to e book lodging contained in the park, which are usually restricted and costlier.

Some nationwide park gateway cities supply extra than simply handy lodging. Many have their very own outside actions, native sights, and seasonal occasions. These extras give guests extra to do while not having to go away the realm, making the general journey extra pleasing. One small city matches this description completely. With a nationwide park proper at its doorstep and lots to do inside city limits, Whitefish, Montana, has develop into a favourite amongst guests on the lookout for each journey and luxury.

This Small Montana City Has Glacier Nationwide Park On Its Doorstep

Whitefish is a small city in northwestern Montana that has develop into widespread amongst nationwide park vacationers. With a population of slightly below 10,000, the city is laid again and welcoming. It is also a handy base for exploring Glacier Nationwide Park, which was lately named America’s top destination in 2025.

Often known as one of many oldest national parks in the United States, Glacier Nationwide Park provides a number of the most gorgeous scenic views within the nation. Staying in Whitefish makes it simple to see the highlights with out staying contained in the park. Inside a brief day journey, guests can drive from city to widespread spots like Lake McDonald, Logan Cross, and Going-to-the-Solar Street.

The city has a variety of lodging, from boutique inns and lodges to trip leases and comfortable inns. After a full day of climbing or sightseeing within the park, guests can return to Whitefish to chill out and take a stroll via its walkable downtown.

How To Get From Whitefish To Glacier Nationwide Park

Getting from Whitefish to Glacier Nationwide Park by automotive is comparatively easy, particularly for guests heading to the West Entrance. From downtown Whitefish, the park’s entrance close to Apgar Village takes between 35 and 50 minutes, relying on visitors and the time of 12 months.

Whereas most guests select to drive because it provides essentially the most flexibility when exploring the park, it’s price noting that, between June 13 and September 28, drivers getting into the west facet of Going-to-the-Solar Street and North Fork will need to have a vehicle reservation between 7 a.m. and three p.m. Fortunately, visiting Glacier Nationwide Park is feasible even with no automotive.

For individuals who favor public transportation to the park, Whitefish has its personal Amtrak station served by the Empire Builder line. There are two prepare choices for reaching Glacier Nationwide Park. The primary is to take Amtrak from Whitefish to West Glacier, which takes about half-hour. From there, vacationers can stroll roughly 45 to 50 minutes to the Apgar Customer Middle, the place they’ll board a free shuttle operated by the National Park Service. This shuttle runs seasonally from July 1 via Labor Day.

The second possibility is to take the prepare from Whitefish to East Glacier Park Station, which takes round two hours. From the station, a paid shuttle operated by Glacier Park Collection provides transportation to St. Mary Village and Two Drugs between June and September. Whereas costlier, this feature is finest for many who need to keep away from strolling to the park entrance.

Outside Actions In Whitefish Go Past Glacier Nationwide Park

Glacier Nationwide Park is often the primary motive guests select to remain in Whitefish, however this small Montana city has loads of outside recreation alternatives of its personal. The city is surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains that provide year-round actions for every kind of vacationers.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is likely one of the hottest sights within the space. Throughout the winter, it’s a ski resort with over 3,000 acres of terrain excellent for snowboarding and snowboarding. Within the hotter months, the resort provides ziplining, scenic raise rides, alpine slides, and an aerial journey park. The very best half is it’s solely a 15-minute drive from downtown Whitefish.

For water actions throughout the summer time, Whitefish Lake is a well known spot for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Guests can head to Whitefish City Beach to lease gear or simply chill out by the water. There are additionally gazebos out there to lease, full with picnic tables and outside grills.

Guests may go climbing and biking while not having to enter Glacier Nationwide Park. The Whitefish Trail system has 47 miles of pure floor trails throughout 15 totally different trailheads that encompass the city. With routes starting from beginner-friendly to more difficult, it’s an incredible possibility for vacationers at any stage.

The place To Eat, Store, And Loosen up In Whitefish

Downtown Whitefish is a quaint space that guests really feel comfy exploring on foot. By way of eating, the city has a mixture of informal and upscale institutions serving a variety of cuisines, together with Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, and native fare. A number of eating places additionally supply al fresco, or outside, seating throughout the hotter months.

Standard restaurant choices embody:

• Beldi Restaurant: A restaurant serving Mediterranean delicacies that includes a seasonal, domestically sourced menu.
• Indah Sushi: An Asian fusion restaurant serving sushi made out of recent, sustainable components.
• Herb & Omni: A restaurant specializing in each vegan and omnivore dishes.
• Latitude 48 + Red Room Lounge: A main-floor restaurant serving a mix of up to date and conventional Mediterranean with an upscale tapas bar beneath it.

Along with scrumptious meals, downtown Whitefish has a variety of shops alongside Central Avenue and the historic Railway District stocked with gadgets made by native artisans. There are additionally many artwork galleries downtown showcasing work, images, and different works by native Montana artists. Whether or not it is a memento to recollect the journey or a present for somebody again dwelling, downtown Whitefish is the proper place to buy distinctive gadgets that may’t be discovered wherever else.

Though Whitefish is finest generally known as a gateway to Glacier Nationwide Park, it additionally provides quite a lot of sights that make it a vacation spot price visiting by itself. With scenic views, loads of outside actions, and a walkable downtown, this small Montana city appeals to each nationwide park vacationers and people searching for a soothing mountain getaway.