Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a parent seeking kid-friendly attractions, Glacier National Park offers something for everyone. From horseback riding and hiking to alpine lakes, ziplining, and museum hopping in historic Kalispell, here are two ways to spend the day in (and around) Montana’s Glacier National Park.
Day 1: Exploring the Park
Morning
Start your day at Montana Coffee Traders for locally roasted gourmet coffee and classics like buttermilk waffles, omelets, and breakfast wraps. Fueling up for a big hike? Order the Big Sky – grilled potatoes topped with black beans, scrambled eggs, avocado, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, and a side of toast. With locations in Whitefish, Kalispell, and Columbia Falls, MCT is a convenient stop no matter where you start.
Alternatively, head to The Buffalo Cafe, a family-owned eatery in Whitefish that blends old-school café vibes with modern flavors for a memorable dining experience. Popular menu items include the chorizo breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, brioche French toast, and the signature Buffalo pie (hash browns stacked high and topped with your choice of fixings).
Next, make your way to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This scenic drive is a Glacier National Park highlight, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains at every turn—and plenty of overlooks along the way. Stop at Inner North Fork Road by the Fish Creek Campground for a quick morning hike on the Rocky Point loop trail. You’ll walk through woods and past babbling creeks, then be treated to incredible views of Lake McDonald and the rocky cliffs that tower above it.
Afternoon
For lunch, swing by Two Medicine Grille, an American diner in East Glacier serving up burgers, sandwiches, and fries. Don’t miss the huckleberry pie—they’re famous for it! If you’re craving pizza, opt instead for Stageline Pizza in East or West Glacier. The menu features a wide selection of salads, wings, and freshly made pizzas like the BBQ Chicken and Cheeseburger Pizza.
Once you’ve fueled up, experience Glacier National Park’s unspoiled beauty up close on a horseback ride with Swan Mountain Outfitters, the only tour provider with rides inside the park. Choose from three 1- to 3-hour corral options to meander through a wide range of forests and terrains. With beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced tours, there’s a picturesque ride for everyone.
Prefer a more thrilling afternoon adventure? Go whitewater rafting down Flathead River and feel the power of the rapids as you experience Montana’s untamed wilderness from deep within the canyon walls. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings and watch as cutthroat trout swim past you in the clear waters. On a warm day, you can even stop to take a dip!
Evening
As the day winds down, take a scenic boat tour on Lake McDonald to relax and soak in the park’s awe-dropping landscapes at sunset. Your guide will narrate the ride while you enjoy views of the mountains, forests, and emerald-hued waters on your one-hour journey. Looking to add a waterfall escapade to your excursion? Choose the St. Mary Lake boat ride to stop at Barings Fall Waterfall (if water levels allow) for sensational photo ops.
For dinner, head to The Belton Grill Dining Room & Tap Room inside the Belton Chalet for a cozy and sophisticated meal in an upscale historic lodge. Enjoy locally sourced steaks and pasta in the wood-accented dining room or dine al fresco on the elevated deck by a century-old fireplace.
Want a more laid-back dining experience? Chow down on mouthwatering barbecue and craft beer at Sunflower Cafe & BBQ. Located just one mile outside the park’s west entrance, this rustic gem offers a relaxed outdoor setting to dine on juicy brisket and pulled pork alongside your fellow travelers. Order the huckleberry lemonade—you won’t regret it!
Day 2: Venturing Beyond the Borders
Morning
Fuel up with coffee and a hot breakfast sandwich or freshly baked pastry at Polebridge Mercantile, just a mile outside Glacier National Park. The North Fork staple has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for over a century. The bakery’s huckleberry bear claws are legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road.
Venture to Whitefish Mountain Resort for an action-packed morning. Try ziplining for an exhilarating aerial view of the Flathead Valley, race down the alpine slides on a rolling sled, or challenge your loved ones to an obstacle course at the aerial adventure park. Go for a lift ride on an enclosed gondola or open chairlift to relax while soaking up jaw-dropping views of Glacier National Park, Whitefish Lake, and the Northern Rockies.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls to indulge in craft brews and tasty lunch options. Choose from a wide selection of bowls, burgers, and sandwiches like the popular pickle-brined fried chicken sandwich. For a real treat, pair your entree with a side of garlic parmesan fries. Sip like a local by ordering The Pilgrim Blonde or Crooked Wind IPA; both brewed in-house, while enjoying mountain views from the outdoor patio.
After your meal, drive to downtown Kalispell to dive into Big Sky Country’s local culture. Step into the life of a wealthy pioneer at the Conrad Mansion Museum, where guides in period dress take you through the magnificent circa-1895 home. Learn all about one of the area’s founding families and how the Conrads impacted state history.
Then, visit the Hockaday Museum of Art to see stunning works inspired by the beauty of Glacier National Park and the surrounding region. Explore exhibits like Glacier National Park Mural Restoration Project and Unsettled Lands: Manette Rene Bradford to discover the cultural history of the American West through paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works.
While you’re in downtown Kalispell, check out the local shopping scene to find everything from art and jewelry to vintage clothing and cowboy boots. Shops like Western Outdoor, Sage & Cedar, and Honey Home are great places to start.
Evening
Stick around Kalispell for dinner, where you’ll have plenty of great options. At Mercantile Steak, dine on top-grade aged beef and fresh fish in a historic building. Between the stained glass windows, Tiffany-style lamps, and marble dining bar, this upscale spot offers a classic and intimate experience.
Prefer something more casual and lively? Go to The Desoto Grill and embrace the upbeat rockabilly vibes and BBQ cuisine. Get your fill with barbecue plates piled high with pulled pork, collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
When you’re ready for dessert, indulge in ice cream made with Montana dairy at Sweet Peaks. With 15+ flavors inspired by the Rocky Mountain West and crafted from local ingredients, every bite offers a delicious taste of the region. Order the Flathead Cherry Chocolate – sweet cream blended with cherries grown on the shores of Flathead Lake and churned with dark chocolate chunks. It’s the perfect way to end your Glacier National Park adventure.
