As a Montana local, I think taking a ferry to Wild Horse Island State Park is one of the best things to do near Glacier National Park.
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I grew up in Kalispell, Montana, about 40 minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
After visiting the park, I recommend visiting Flathead Lake or Whitefish Mountain Resort.
I also suggest taking a tour of the Conrad Mansion Museum, which was built in 1895.
I grew up in Kalispell, Montana, which is about a 40-minute drive from the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
Although the park itself is unmissable and is consistently a favorite among visitors, there are some pretty incredible things to do in the area that many tourists seem to miss.
If you have the extra time, make sure to add these six activities to your Montana trip itinerary.
Visit Flathead Lake for sailing, swimming, and kayaking.Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.
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As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, Flathead Lake has over 185 miles of shoreline.
Located about 45 minutes from Glacier, the lake is perfect for activities like sailing, swimming, and kayaking.
I spent most of my childhood summers on the family boat or reading a book on the dock, and I still make it back every year to spend some time on Flathead.
Take a trip to Whitefish Mountain Resort.In the winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort is popular for skiing.
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Although it's a popular ski resort in the winter months, I love heading to Whitefish Mountain Resort when the snow melts.
If you're into hiking, the Danny On trail, which is partially located on the resort's property, is a great choice that winds up to the top of Big Mountain.
After taking in views of Glacier National Park and enjoying a beverage, you can take the ski gondola back down the mountain for dinner in downtown Whitefish.
Of course, if you're visiting in winter, you'll have access to some of the best ski hills in the state.
Go for a hike in the Jewel Basin area.The Mount Aeneas trail is my favorite in Jewel Basin.
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Montana is a hiker's paradise, and Jewel Basin — located a little over an hour from Glacier National Park — is a literal hidden gem within the greater Flathead National Forest.
This area is closed to activities other than hiking and camping, offering an opportunity to connect profoundly with nature.
My favorite trail is Mount Aeneas, which offers gorgeous views. You're also likely to see a mountain goat or two along the way.
Tour the charming town of Bigfork, Montana.Bigfork, Montana, looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie.
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This charming town is on the northern end of Flathead Lake and only an hour from Glacier's western entrance.
Along with some delicious lakeside dining and shopping opportunities, Bigfork looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie with cozy cabins and Swiss-style architecture.
My grandmother lived here and would often take us downtown to grab some huckleberry ice cream — a local specialty.
If you're there in the summer, the Fourth of July parade is well worth attending for small-town festivities.
Take a boat to Wild Horse Island State Park.Wild Horse Island State Park is known for being home to a small band of horses.
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Located in the very heart of Flathead Lake, you can take a private boat or rent a kayak to visit Wild Horse Island State Park.
Although the park is mostly known for the small band of horses roaming freely throughout the island, it's also home to several other types of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and gigantic mule deer.
Plan on this as a full-day adventure — it will take you at least an hour and a half to get there from Glacier's gates.
Visit the Conrad Mansion Museum.The Conrad Mansion was built in 1895.
Alex Schnee
Built in 1895, the Conrad Mansion was home to Charles E. Conrad, the founder of Kalispell, Montana.
Now a museum, over 90% of the furnishings in the mansion are original. So, if you're interested in history, you'll want to stop by.
I highly recommend hopping on a docent-led tour — you'll learn much more about this influential character in Montana history and what life was like back then.
Correction: March 20, 2025 — An earlier version of this story misstated that a ferry can be taken to White Horse Island State Park. The park can only be accessed via private boat or kayak.
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