Best Things to Do Near Glacier National Park

Top Things To Do Near Hungry Horse, Montana

You could spend a week here and still not see it all.

Glacier National Park is the main attraction, but it's only the beginning. Scenic drives, alpine lakes, waterfalls, zip lines, historic sites, local shops, and family adventures are all within a short drive of Glacier Gateway Lodge.

Here are some popular things to do.

Glacier National Park (West Entrance)

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 15 minutes

Address: West Glacier Entrance, West Glacier, MT 59936

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac

Glacier National Park is one of America's most spectacular national parks, known for its alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks, scenic drives, wildlife, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The West Entrance provides easy access to Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.


Lake McDonald

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 25 minutes

Address: Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/lakemcdonald.htm

The largest lake in Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald is famous for its crystal-clear water, colorful rocks, mountain scenery, and historic Lake McDonald Lodge. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply relaxing along the shoreline.


Going-to-the-Sun Road

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 15 minutes to the West Entrance

Address: Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrinfo.htm

One of the most scenic drives in North America, Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs through Glacier National Park with breathtaking overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trailheads, and incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. (Seasonal opening dates apply.)


Avalanche Lake Trail

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 30 minutes

Address: Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, MT

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm

One of Glacier's most popular hikes, Avalanche Lake Trail winds through old-growth cedar forest before ending at a stunning alpine lake surrounded by waterfalls and towering mountain cliffs.


Whitefish Mountain Resort

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 30 minutes

Address: 1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937

Website: https://skiwhitefish.com

There's something happening here in every season. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, while summer offers scenic lift rides, mountain biking, hiking, zip lines, alpine slides, and panoramic views across Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.


Glacier Highline Adventure Park

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 15 minutes

Address: 10167 U.S. Highway 2 East, Coram, MT 59913

Website: https://glacierhighline.com

Glacier Highline Adventure Park offers aerial obstacle courses, zip lines, climbing challenges, giant swings, and family-friendly activities for all ages. It's one of the area's most popular outdoor attractions during the summer.


Glacier Ziplines

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 15 minutes

Address: 7840 U.S. Highway 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Website: https://glacierziplines.com

Soar through the trees on guided zip line tours overlooking the Flathead River and surrounding mountains. Multiple tour options make this a fun adventure for families, couples, and groups.


Hungry Horse Dam & Visitor Center

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 15 minutes

Address: 249 Dam Road, Hungry Horse, MT 59919

Website: https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hungryhorse/info/index.html

Standing 564 feet tall, Hungry Horse Dam is one of the tallest concrete dams in the United States. Visit the overlook and visitor center to learn about its construction while enjoying panoramic views of Hungry Horse Reservoir.


Hungry Horse Reservoir

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 10 minutes

Address: Hungry Horse Reservoir, Hungry Horse, MT 59919

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead/recreation/hungry-horse-reservoir

Stretching more than 34 miles through the mountains, Hungry Horse Reservoir is a favorite for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and enjoying Montana's spectacular scenery.


Flathead National Forest

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 10 minutes

Address: Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse Ranger District, Hungry Horse, MT

Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead

Flathead National Forest surrounds much of the Glacier region and offers hiking, fishing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, camping, mountain biking, and countless opportunities to enjoy northwest Montana's outdoors.


Glacier Art Museum

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 30 minutes

Address: 302 2nd Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901

Website: https://glacierartmuseum.org

Formerly the Hockaday Museum of Art, Glacier Art Museum showcases Montana artists, Glacier National Park-inspired artwork, rotating exhibitions, and the cultural history of northwest Montana.


Conrad Mansion Museum

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 30 minutes

Address: 330 Woodland Avenue, Kalispell, MT 59901

Website: https://conradmansion.com

Built in 1895, Conrad Mansion offers guided tours through one of Montana's best-preserved historic homes. Visitors can explore original furnishings, beautifully maintained gardens, and learn about the history of the Flathead Valley.


Glacier Carvings

Distance from Glacier Gateway Lodge: Approximately 5 minutes

Address: 10265 U.S. Highway 2 East, Hungry Horse, MT 59919

Website: https://davidwestberg.com/

Watch local chainsaw artists transform logs into impressive wildlife sculptures and handcrafted works of art. It's a unique stop for photos and one-of-a-kind Montana souvenirs.

Looking for a Place to Stay?

Our vacation homes are located near many of the attractions featured in this guide, making it easy to plan and enjoy your trip.

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100% refund until 24 hours after booking accepted

100% refund until 30 days before check-in

50% refund until 7 days before check-in

Call: +1-334-235-7498

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