If you’ve been looking for a fun vacation, you may be interested in a town called Kalispell, Montana. This city is a great gateway to Glacier National Park, which features high peaks, alpine trails, and wildlife such as grizzly bears. You can also check out downtown, which has restored 1800s buildings and features the historic Conrad Mansion, now a museum. The Hockaday Museum of Art features works by Montana artists, while Flathead Lake offers beaches, hiking, and biking trails. Wild Horse Island, an island filled with bighorn sheep, is another fun place to explore.
The Conrad Mansion is a 19th century home that offers a glimpse into the rich history of the town. Founded in 1895 by an entrepreneur, the Conrad Mansion is now a museum highlighting the town’s rich history. The historic home also houses several historical artifacts from the area. The museum’s helpful guide will walk you through the town’s history as you explore the historic buildings.
While in the town, don’t miss out on shopping along Main Street. The town’s shops and galleries offer a variety of goods. Some of the best places to shop in the downtown area include Sage and Cedar, The Toggery, and Rocky Mountain Outfitters. You can also pick up some travel brochures from the Kalispell Visitor Center, located at the north end of Main Street. You’ll want to check out the local eateries, as well.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in Kalispell. There are many parks throughout the city that offer you a taste of nature. Woodland Park, near Main Street, has a skate park, duck pond, and picnic areas. If you’re looking for a fun family activity, consider going to ThursdayFest, a free event on Thursday nights. There are also several family-friendly events during this time of year.
Downtown Kalispell offers a lively culinary scene. You can enjoy a hearty meal at Hops Downtown Grill or treat yourself to a tasty treat at Sweet Peaks. If you like to hike, you can head over to Lone Pine State Park, which offers stunning views of the Flathead region. In addition to hiking trails, there are also numerous other activities you can enjoy, such as kayaking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
If you love good food and craft beer, you won’t have trouble finding an ice cream place in Kalispell. Sweet Peaks Fourth and Main is one of the few ice cream shops that pays tribute to the area’s history. If you are visiting Kalispell, be sure to stop by their huckleberry ice cream. Huckleberries are difficult to grow, so many ice cream makers add blueberries to the flavor. Sweet Peaks uses only local huckleberries.
For the culinary inclined, you’ll want to try the local fare at the Kalispell Farmers Market. Open from May to October, this popular market sells locally-produced produce, as well as fresh berries, meat, and vegetables. For a truly local experience, you may also want to check out the town’s many local food markets. If you have a taste for local fare, check out the Flathead Valley Community College Farmers Market on Saturdays.