Fun Things to Do Near Glacier National Park
Don’t miss fun local activities like whitewater rafting, crowd-free hiking, dining on huckleberry treats and much more, before or after your visit to Glacier National Park.
Most visitors to Montana's Glacier National Park stick to the trails and scenic overlooks within the park itself, but there are tons of fun activities like whitewater rafting, huckleberry-eating, and family-friendly adventures waiting just outside the park's boundary.
Peak season in West Glacier (the most popular entrance) runs from late June through early September, but some activities are available year-round. Check individual business websites or call ahead for seasonal hours and conditions, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Scenic Outdoor Adventures
Whitefish Lake Recreation
Where: Whitefish, MT
Distance: 27 miles from West Glacier
Cost: City Beach parking is $5 per vehicle; Whitefish State Park entry is $8
Have a swim or paddle on Whitefish Lake, which provides stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters. City Beach in downtown Whitefish has public lake access with picnic areas, restrooms, and a designated swimming area.
Nearby Whitefish State Park offers an additional 10 acres of lakefront with boat launches, picnic areas, hiking and more. Boat rentals are available from Memorial Day through mid-September at local marinas.
RV parking is allowed at City Beach and the state park, with spaces accommodating vehicles up to 40 feet. Arrive early during peak summer weekends to secure parking.
Whitewater Rafting
Wild River Adventures
Where: West Glacier, MT
Cost: Depends on trip length
Book an exciting rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, ranging from gentle float trips to thrilling Class III rapids. Popular companies like Wild River Adventures and Great Northern Resort have half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips.
Most outfitters operate late May–mid-September, with peak water levels in June and early July. RV parking is available at most outfitter locations, but call ahead to confirm space for your specific vehicle size. Many companies also have shuttle services from local campgrounds.
Less-Crowded Hiking
Danny On Memorial Trail // Whitefish Mountain Resort
Where: Various locations around West Glacier
Distance: 15–45 minutes from West Glacier
Cost: Free
The forests and mountains outside of Glacier have excellent hiking, without the park's crowds.
Danny On Memorial Trail at Whitefish Mountain Resort (27 miles from West Glacier) is a popular but challenging 6-mile round-trip hike with spectacular wildflowers in late spring/early summer and valley views. Start from the ski resort’s lot for the full hike, or buy a chairlift ride part way up the route. RV parking is available in the resort's main lot.
Columbia Mountain Trail in the Flathead National Forest (20 miles from West Glacier) is a tough 12-mile round-trip hike with 4,200 feet of elevation gain. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier’s distant peaks. The trailhead parking allows smaller RVs, up to 25 feet long.
Herron Park's extensive trail system in Kalispell (30 miles from West Glacier) has family-friendly hikes—like the Foy’s to Blacktail Trails—ranging from easy nature walks to moderate hill climbs. The park’s large gravel parking area can fit RVs up to 35 feet.
Explore beyond Glacier in a Blacksford RV!
Food and Drink Experiences
Huckleberry Patch
Huckleberry Ice Cream // The Huckleberry Patch
Where: Hungry Horse, MT
Distance: About 8 miles from West Glacier
No trip to Glacier is complete without sampling Montana's famous huckleberries. The Huckleberry Patch is a must-stop for homemade pies, jams, syrups, and ice cream, all made with local berries. It's the perfect treat after a day of adventuring.
It’s open daily (except for major holidays in fall and winter), with peak huckleberry season in July and August. The large parking lot can accommodate most RVs.
Glacier Distilling Company
Where: Coram, MT
Distance: About 5 miles from West Glacier
Stop in the Glacier Distilling Company’s cozy tasting room to relax and sample locally crafted whiskeys and spirits like Fireweed Whiskey and Huckleberry Liquor.
Open year-round, with extended summer hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parking is limited for large vehicles, but RVs under 25 feet will fit.
Shopping and Local Culture
Whitefish Farmers Market
White Fish Farmers Market
Where: Downtown Whitefish, MT
Distance: About 25 miles from West Glacier
Every Tuesday from late May through September (5–7:30 PM), Whitefish's downtown comes alive with the Whitefish Farmers Market's local crafts, food, and live music. Shop for handmade souvenirs, local produce, and delicious snacks for the road.
RV-friendly parking lots are available throughout downtown—arrive before 3:30 PM for the best spots. The city lot on Central Avenue can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet.
Whitefish Museum
Whitefish Museum // Stumptown Historical Society
Location: Whitefish, MT
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Distance: 25 miles from West Glacier
Operated by the Stumptown Historical society, the charming Whitefish Museum is housed in a restored 1904 Great Northern Railway depot. Visitors love its railroad memorabilia, vintage photographs, and artifacts documenting the town's early pioneer and logging era.
RV parking is available in a nearby lot. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 11am–3pm.
Family-Friendly Activities
Big Sky Waterpark
Big Sky Waterpark
Where: Columbia Falls, MT
Distance: 17 miles from West Glacier
Cost: $28–$55 per person
Montana's largest waterpark, Big Sky Waterpark features slides, pools, a splash area, and mini-golf. It’s open mid-June–Labor Day, weather permitting, from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours during peak season.
There's dedicated RV parking on-site for vehicles up to 40 feet, though it can fill up quickly during summer afternoons.
Amazing Fun Center
Where: Coram, MT
Distance: About 5 miles from West Glacier
Cost: $8-$36 depending on activity
The entire gang will love the Amazing Fun Center (how could they not, with that name?). Try your hand at mini-golf, a massive wooden maze, bumper boats, and go-karts. It’s open late May through September, weather permitting.
Call about parking larger RVs.
Nearby Campgrounds for RVers
Read through our post to find the best RV campgrounds near Glacier. We included dispersed camping near West Glacier, the 13 campgrounds inside Glacier and a few of our favorite private campgrounds.
Explore Beyond Glacier in a Blacksford RV
Glacier National Park is just the beginning of an unforgettable Montana adventure. These off-the-beaten-path activities near Glacier will enhance your trip and offer experiences you'll remember for a lifetime.
Ready to hit the road to Glacier? Rent your RV from our Bozeman - Yellowstone hub today!