Montana's Most Charming Small Town Shines With A Storybook Downtown And Stunning Natural Wonders

In a mountain town, the vibes are slow and relaxed. Fresh air abounds, and friendly neighbors want to chat at the local coffee shop. Folks get ready to cycle as the sun rises, or head up to a mountain trail. Montana is a host of secret mountain towns with endless recreation, with one such shining community often credited with being one of the best and most charming small towns in the state. 

Whitefish, Montana, is popular with new college grads seeking adventure and folks of all ages who love the outdoors. With everything it has to offer, it's no wonder people are flocking here to live, travel, and rent. The picturesque Whitefish downtown is set before a mountain backdrop, with dense streets full of small businesses, and cyclist-friendly paths. Additionally, the community is a perfect base camp for Glacier National Park, only 35 minutes away via U.S. Highway 2.

The Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell is the closest airport to Whitefish, at about 20 minutes away by car. Once you arrive, one sought-after spot to stay — no matter the season — is the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Guests can access over 20 miles of mountain bike trails and enjoy over 3,000 acres of snowy terrain, perfect for hiking or skiing. The types of lodging at the resort vary from cabins to chalets or condos. Nightly rates range from around $250 for studio condos up to $875 a night for large properties ideal for big families or groups. Many other lodging options, from chain hotels and motels to luxury boutique resorts, camping, or glamping, can be found directly in or near Whitefish.

Downtown Whitefish is known for its art scene, as it is home to many art galleries, small shops, a local theater, and live music. While wandering streets that look like they've come from a postcard, you'll find a variety of locally-owned shops with artisan wares, a variety of eats from fine dining to distilleries, and plenty of arts and culture hubs. For example, downtown has multiple performing arts companies, including the Whitefish Theatre Company, the Alpine Theater Project, and the Glacier Symphony and Chorale, which performs classical pieces and choral works.

When you're looking to hit the mountain trails or slopes, Whitefish has many outfitters to cover all your needs, from e-bike rentals to fishing equipment, and even boat rentals on Whitefish Lake during the summer months through Whitefish Marine. In the winter, you can enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, winter hiking, skiing, or even guided tours of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley through Whitefish Outfitters & Tours. They're the top-rated tour company on Tripadvisor with an impressive 4.9-star rating.

Plan ahead by checking the Whitefish community events calendar to see which performances or events are happening that you won't want to miss. It's also important to dress for the season; note that downtown may be busier from spring through fall, and pack appropriately for snowy winter months in Montana.

Glacier National Park is known as the Crown of the Continent due to its unmatched beauty. The park is a kingdom of melting glaciers, glimmering lakes, and sprawling meadows through over 700 miles of trails. The park hosts guided tours and activities throughout the year, and even offers special winter programming, including weekend snowshoe walks and guided cross-country skiing. Due to the natural landscape, popularity of some attractions, and weather or wildfire conditions, it is best to check with the park directly before planning your stay. You may need a timed entry vehicle registration between June 13th and September 28th when the park is extra busy with seasonal visitors. 

Whitefish Lake State Park is less than 10 minutes away from downtown Whitefish by car, and less than 20 minutes away by bike. The park features woodland trails and beach access for every type of outdoor adventure, from cycling and hiking to swimming, boating, or water skiing during the warmer months. If you'd like to experience paddleboarding, kayaking, or rent a pedal boat, Sea Me Paddle has tours and rents equipment on both Flathead and Whitefish Lakes.

Finally, the Whitefish Trail is made up of miles of looped trails, overlooks with stunning natural wonders, mountain recreation, and wildlife viewing. There are multiple trails and several access points; the nearest one is only 2.2 miles south of town. The trail welcomes all types of outdoor explorers, including walkers, hikers, cyclists, runners, and equestrians, through miles of both public and private lands. No matter which type of outdoor excursion you seek, Whitefish is the perfect place to start exploring Montana.