2021 Travel Guide to the West Glacier Area
Things To Do Near Glacier Park
There is much more near Glacier National Park than most visitors know. There are hidden local gems here that are often passed by as people head into the park. From aerial adventure parks to rustic cabins to the best huckleberry pancakes – this is the ultimate Local’s Travel Guide to the West Glacier area complete with the best things to do and see!
The best things to do near Glacier National Park:
- Go Flathead River rafting
- Walk or bike the Gateway to Glacier Trail
- Eat at the Huckleberry Patch
- Sample authentic Mexican cuisine at La Casita
- Enjoy a bite at Josephine’s
- Stop for a drink at Glacier Distilling Company
- Grab a beer at Kalispell Brewing Company
- Treat your group to family activities near Glacier National Park at Glacier Highline
Things to Do near Glacier National Park
Flathead River Whitewater Rafting
As you head to Glacier Park, get out and stretch your legs with an adventure! Too often visitors make their visit to Glacier National Park a driving tour and skip the exciting adventures. Glacier Raft Company offers a variety of Flathead River rafting trip options that range from heart racing to mellow cruising. Trips include half-day, full-day, multi-day, catered dinner trips, inflatable kayaks trips, and more! Combination trips bring rafting together with aerial adventure parks or horseback riding. WANNA SAVE 10%?!?! Check out our PARK N PADDLE ACTIVITY PACKAGE for a half-day at Glacier Highline’s adventure park and a half-day of whitewater rafting with Glacier Raft Company!
Gateway to Glacier Trail
A 7-mile bicycle and pedestrian path that connects Coram to West Glacier has brought a new way of travel to the valley. This path will connect the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park when it’s fully completed. During the summer months, bicycle travelers can be seen using it to make overnight trips across the area. The Gateway to Glacier Trail hopes to reduce the number of motorized vehicles traveling into the national park. A great outdoor activity to get out and take in the beautiful area!
Need equipment? Montana Raft and Glacier Guides have all your biking needs met! They rent an assortment of bikes, even E-bikes. Pedal along this trail with the help of Glacier Guides!
Eat at The Huckleberry Patch
If you haven’t stuffed your face with huckleberries yet, then you haven’t done everything there is to do near Glacier National Park. There’s no shortage of huckleberry options here- from the cannery to the bakery to the huckleberry pantry to souvenirs to the sweet shop.
The Huckleberry Patch is located just 9 miles from the West entrance to Glacier Park, in Hungry Horse, Montana which claims fame as the ‘wild huckleberry capital of the west’. You don’t want to drive past this local gem! Stop in for some huckleberry pancakes and grab a handful of huckleberry taffy for the road.
Sample Authentic Mexican Cuisine at La Casita
Located in the Crown of the Continent Discovery Center in West Glacier, right along HWY 2 E., this restaurant offers the best authentic homemade Mexican specialties. A favorite local spot to hit when Glacier’s in full swing. Offering great burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and many more specialties on homemade tortillas.
Enjoy a Bite at Josephine’s
Josephine’s Bar and Kitchen right up the road behind Glacier Distilling’s Red Barn is a must as well! They not only have killer food but they are also servin’ up great drinks as well. This menu is always changing but has a constant Montana flair. My favorites are the Bison Gyro and Prime Rib sandwich, but you can’t go wrong with anything here. I mean you can even start out your meal with some fried green tomatoes – how often can ya do that?!
Stop for a Drink at Glacier Distilling Company 
This Montana distillery can be found nestled in the foothills of Glacier National Park. Specializing in small-batch whiskeys that reflect Montana’s rugged beauty, Glacier Distilling Company brings everything about the surrounding area into a drink. Located in Coram, just 7 miles from the west entrance of Glacier Park. The distillery offers tasting flights, cocktails, and bottle sales.
Grab a Beer at Kalispell Brewing Company
This brewery brings the entire surrounding area into the beers they brew- Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Bob Marshall Wilderness, snow-capped peaks, endless hiking trails, raging whitewater river, deep cold smoke powder- they all add to the flavors of brews. The brewery specializes in lagers and ales and promoting Montana adventuring.
Family activities near Glacier National Park at Glacier Highline
Glacier Highline is the perfect family activity for a summer day. From overcoming obstacles in the high ropes courses to traversing the rock wall, racing through the inflatable obstacle course, or sliding into the swimming pond – there’s endless fun.
Our on-site restaurant, the Tower Grill, serves a variety of espresso drinks, frozen HUCKLEBERRY lemonade, lunch, and snacks to fuel you for your treetop adventures. Spend the entire day here climbing in the trees, swimming in the pond, and relaxing at the Tower.
The Adventure Pass gives you access to the entire park with over 50 different high ropes course activities. Glacier Highline is a family-friendly place that makes every summer day enjoyable. Whether you’re 60 years old or 6 years old, test your aerial adventure skills! Children 5 and under can test their skills on our inflatable obstacle course and waterslide. Our grounds are open for plenty of space for spectators too! Enjoy our park. There’s fun, laughs and memories to be had by all ages!
BONUS: Best Places to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Lookout Tower
Wake up with a view!! I mean who wouldn’t love to start their morning with a cup of coffee, that MT sunrise along with the peace and serenity of our pond and waterfall! The Lookout Tower is a custom rental located in the Tower at Glacier Highline. The onsite amenities of the swimming pond, espresso bar, and food in the lower level of the Tower are available during your stay. The rental sleeps four people and is a studio-style living quarters, perfect for family vacations. Check out our calendar availability on our lodging page!
Every stay at the Lookout Tower includes discounted passes to Glacier Highline! That means access to the 50 different high ropes course activities, rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, and the swimming pond! After playing all day in the adventure park, you can enjoy the peaceful summer evening from the deck of the Lookout Tower apartment.
Glacier Highline’s Rustic Cabin
If you’re looking for a cabin hideaway, the Rustic Cabin has all the rustic charm you could ask for. This red cabin is the perfect Montana home away from home. It sleeps up to eight, with an open concept floor plan to accommodate all different traveling groups.
The Rustic Cabin is located just 7 miles from Glacier National Park’s west entrance. Within walking distance are two family fun parks, multiple restaurants, and a distillery. Every stay includes discounted Glacier Highline Adventure Passes, which is located right next door. This calendar is also located on our lodging page!
Building 338 Condos
Looking to stay close to Glacier National Park, but avoid the chaos of summertime in the park? The Condos at Building 338 are what you are looking for! A quick 10-minute drive to the West entrance, a quick trip to start the day’s adventure!
There are 4 identical condo units that each sleep up to 6 with a 2 bedroom 1 large bath layout. Complete with a full kitchen, living area and an outdoor common area. Spend your evenings outback at 338 with the community fire pit, racquetball court or BBQ on your covered patio area. These too also include discounted adventure passes to Glacier Highline. This is the ULTIMATE spot to rest after a full day exploring. Traveling with a couple families? Rent a few- the options here are endless! Check out this calendar as well on our Glacier National Park lodging page.
Belton Chalet
Located at the west entrance to Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Belton Chalet has been restored to provide a full Montana experience. Lodging options include the Lodge, private Cottages, and the Adobe House rental. The Belton Grill Dining Room and Tap Room serve guests traditional and elegant Montana dishes, accompanied with an assortment of fine wines.
Belton Lodge and Cottage guests enjoy the simplicity of the accommodations. There are no televisions, radios, or telephones to detract from the beautiful surroundings. The mountain climate keeps the area cool and comfortable during the summer.
Treetop Adventures – Ziplines, High Ropes Course, Rock Climbing, Inflatable Obstacle Course, and Waterslide
The Adventure Pass gives you access to the entire park of 50 different high ropes course activities. Glacier Highline is a family-friendly place that makes every summer day enjoyable. Whether you’re 60 years old or 6 years old, test your aerial adventure skills!