7 FREE Things to Do in Whitefish, Montana
Surrounded by mountains, a sparkling lake, wild rivers, and a downtown that punches well above its weight, Whitefish, Montana is one of those rare places that gives you everything and much of it won’t cost you a dime. Here is my local’s guide to 7 FREE things to do in Whitefish.
Whitefish is the little town I have called home for more than 20+years. I love to explore, hike, paddle and more, and as a local, I know the best things to do with your family, your sweetheart or own your own. Whether you are here for a weekend or a whole summer, these are my favorite ways to enjoy everything Whitefish and the surrounding area has to offer: no credit card required.
1. Explore Downtown-
The shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants in downtown Whitefish are some of the most unique shops you’ll find anywhere. Be it a custom cowgirl hat at Kemosabe or our incredible blue art galleries, just window shopping and exploring the shops. is a great way to unwind before dinner. My favorite stores include, Mum’s Flowers, Trovare Kitchen shop, Dick Idol Gallery, Sage & Cedar, FOR Art Gallery, Clydesdale Creamery, Sweet Peaks, Heritage Knife Shop, Fleur Bakery, The Toggery, Bookworks and so many more. Pick up some Wild Montana Foods products at Trovare.
Looking for Free Music?
In the middle of downtown, check out our newest music venue- 38 Whitefish. Located on Central ave. 38 Whitefish has food trucks, live music and a great bar you can enjoy every weekend. And the music is FREE!
2. Whitefish Farmer’s Market-
May- September, Tuesday evenings from 5:00- 7:30 Depot Park is filled with produce stands, flowers stalls, jam, honey, vanillas, syrups, hot sauces, cookies, pies and breads all grown and created here in the Flathead Valley. There is no fee to attend. Grab dinner from one of the many food trucks, spread out a blanket and enjoy the free live music on the lawn and take in the views and vibes of Whitefish.
3. In Whitefish, We love a good festival-
Be it our iconic Winter Festival, Octoberfest, Summer Art Fest, Whitefish Woody Festival, or Huckleberry Days, a fun filled festival in Depot Park is usually not too far down the calendar. Check out the Explore Whitefish website for the complete schedule of events in town. All these events are free to attend. For a small fee you can attend a Glacier Range Rangers baseball game or take in our Glacier Symphony Orchestra.
4. Take a Hike-
Everyone in Whitefish loves hiking- we have over 47 miles of the comprehensive Whitefish trail system surrounding town. Here is the map. Also, climb Big Mountain by hiking the Danny On trail or drive a bit and explore the five parks surrounding the shores of Flathead lake or even the Kootenai Falls near Libby. There are hiking trails everywhere in the Flathead valley- not just in Glacier National Park. All of these trails have FREE access. No passes required.
Keep reading for more free things to do in Whitefish:
5. Pick some Hucks-
In late July and early August, huckleberry shrubs become ripe with fruit that are perfect for snacking or baking into pancakes, muffins or pies. Try this recipe for Ricotta Honey Toast garnished with fresh huckleberries. You can find hucks along mountain slopes in sunlit areas. Just be sure to take your bear spray with you and leave plenty for those bears that are trying to fatten in for winter. Do not pick huckleberries inside of Glacier National Park.
6. Take in a little culture on Gallery Nights-
The first Thursday of each month (May- October), Whitefish galleries keep their doors open until 8:00pm. Enjoy wine and nibbles, as you walk from gallery to gallery meeting celebrated Western artists in person, check out beautiful local art and maybe find a once in a lifetime special piece to take home as a souvenir. Here are all the details: Gallery Nights Best of all- it’s FREE!
7. Don’t want to take a hike? Take a Drive-
Northwest Montana is known for some of the most beautiful scenes and landscapes in the entire country. a few of my favorite roads to take a drive are:
- Farm to Market Road
- Whitefish Stage Road
- Star Meadow Road off Farm to Market
- Hwy 35- Creston to Bigfork
- Hwy 83 around Swan Lake to the Swan Lake viewing Point.
- Hwy 93 down to West Shore State Park
Pack some snacks or stop at road side cherry and farm stands along these routes. Most of these drives (sans Farm to Market ) have great restaurants or spots to grab snack.
There is so much to do and see in Whitefish-
Be sure to check out my other Whitefish and Glacier Park Posts. I hope you enjoy my 7 FREE things to do while visiting Whitefish. Enjoy all our area has to offer.
- Best of Whitefish
- 19 places to go when Glacier Park is too busy
- 23 places to dine in and around Glacier Park
Looking for a spot to eat?
Check out these post of our favorite breakfast and dinner spots in Whitefish.
