54 Best Sights in Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana, Montana

The Red Sleep Mountain Drive, a 19-mile loop road, allows close-up views of bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, and mountain sheep. The gravel road rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete; you're required to begin the drive no later than 6 pm and to finish before the gate closes at dark. The 19,000-acre refuge at the foot of the Mission Mountains was established in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt. Today the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes own the refuge and manage the herd of approximately 350 to 500 bison. A visitor center explains the history, habits, and habitat of the bison. To reach the bison range, follow the signs west, then north from the junction of U.S. 93 and Route 200 in Ravalli.

In 1995, after four years and more than 100,000 hours of volunteer work, this restored 1918 carousel took its first spin in downtown Caras Park. Kids hop in the saddles of hand-carved steeds and try to grab their very own brass ring. The carousel's horses and chariots are accompanied by tunes from the largest band organ in continuous use in the United States. The Dragon Hollow play area next to the carousel features a dragon, a castle, and many play structures.

Get lost in the maze at the Amazing Ventures Fun Center, a circuitous outdoor route made of plywood walls and ladders, with viewing areas where parents can watch their kids (and give directions when necessary). Other attractions include Bankshot Basketball, go-karts, 18 holes of miniature golf, thriller bumper boats in a pond, and a picnic area.

A popular summertime spot, Montana's biggest water park has 10 waterslides and a giant whirlpool, as well as a miniature golf course, arcade games, bumper cars, a carousel, a climbing tower, barbecue grills, a picnic area, and food service.

The rotating exhibits at Bigfork Art & Cultural Center display bronzes, paintings, and works in other mediums by Montana artists.

Downtown's favorite green space, the park has a walking path along the Clark Fork River and a summer pavilion that hosts live musical performances and other events. The annual calendar includes several brewfests, the River City Roots Festival (last weekend in August), and GermanFest (early September). In the summer, Downtown ToNight is a Thursday evening event that also features food, music, and what the Chamber of Commerce likes to call a "beverage garden." On Wednesday, Out to Lunch brings a band, food trucks, and vendors, and activities for the kids to help get everyone over Hump Day.

Paddling on the 3½-miles along an isolated portion of the Clearwater River, you may see moose and will likely see songbirds, great blue herons, and belted kingfishers. The Seeley Lake Ranger Station has free maps and directions to the put-in for the two-hour paddle.

Of the approximately 6,950 enrolled tribal members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, about 4,500 live on the reservation, which is interspersed with non–Native American ranches and other property. Both tribes celebrate their heritage during the annual July Powwow.

A town highlight is the Conrad Mansion National Historic Site Museum, a 26-room Norman-style mansion that was the home of Charles E. Conrad, who made a fortune in shipping and freighting on the Missouri River and founded Kalispell. Docents lead entertaining and informative guided tours, including a variety of special theme tours offered throughout the year.

History buffs appreciate this park's significance as the place where Isaac Stevens and the Pend d'Oreille and Flathead Kootenai Indians signed the Hell Gate Treaty in 1855 to relinquish their ancestral lands in exchange for the Flathead Reservation in the Mission Valley. The park occupies 187 primitive acres; it has interpretive signs, a picnic area, fishing access, and a hiking trail.

Over the last decade, copper king Marcus Daly's 24,000-square-foot, 56-room Daly Mansion, with 25 bedrooms, 15 baths, and five Italian marble fireplaces, has been meticulously restored to preserve its history and elegance. The showplace of Hamilton, this Georgian Revival–style house is open to the public, and tours run every two hours, starting at 11 am. There's also a printed walking guide available to the extensive grounds. A number of events and festivities are held at the mansion during the summer.

For nature lovers, the main attractions of the Flathead Indian Reservation are fishing and water recreation on numerous lakes and streams and bird-watching in Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge. A tribal fishing license is required, and is available at most licensing agents.

Information on the Bob Marshall Wilderness is available through the Flathead National Forest website or office, which have maps, listings of outfitters and access points, and safety information about travel in bear country.

Established in 1846 as the last Hudson Bay Company trading post built in the United States, Fort Connah was used by fur traders until 1871. Of the original three buildings, one remains today; it's believed to be the oldest building still standing in Montana. You can't go inside, but a historical marker details events and inhabitants.

Major John Owen established Fort Owen as a trading post in 1850. The property also served as the headquarters of the Flathead Agency until 1860. It's worth a half hour to visit the museum to see the restored barracks, artifacts, and some of the fort's original furnishings.

Inside the historic Great Northern Depot is visitor information from the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and the Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau. Outside is the lovely Depot Park, where live music, arts shows, a gazebo, picnicking, and a playground attract both locals and travelers.

This Queen Anne–style commercial structure, a granite, copper-domed corner building with red polychromed brick, occupies a block in the heart of downtown. On the National Register of Historic Places, it's now home to a bank and several shops.

Fort Missoula, at the western edge of town, was established in 1877 at the height of the U.S. Army's conflict with the Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph. The museum's indoor and outdoor exhibits, including 13 historic structures relocated from nearby sites, depict and explain the early development of Missoula County. The black 25th Infantry of bicycle soldiers arrived in 1888 to test bicycles for military use; near-life-size photos depict the soldiers during an expedition to Yellowstone National Park's Mammoth Terraces. Uniforms and artifacts are also on display. They ultimately rode one-speed bicycles from Missoula to St. Louis. Guided tours are available by appointment. Sadly, there is very little material about the Native Americans who lived here before the fort was established.

Housed in a renovated, turn-of-the-20th-century Carnegie library building, the Hockaday Museum of Art presents contemporary art exhibits focusing on Montana artists and the art and culture of Glacier National Park.

The hike to Holland Falls is about 1½ mile from the lodge. The last bit is a steep climb, but it's well worth it for the view.

You've found the power center of Montana at the House of Mystery–Montana Vortex, a wacky roadside attraction where the laws of physics don't apply and other mystifying phenomena prevail.

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, on the edge of town, is nearly as pristine as it was before development encroached upon the wilds in this part of the state. Within its 2,800 acres reside 242 species of birds, 41 species of mammals, and 17 species of reptiles and amphibians. Bald eagles, osprey, deer, and muskrats are frequently seen along the preserve's 2 miles of nature trails and in the wildlife-viewing area. Fishing is permitted on the river and in Francois Slough. Archery season for deer and waterfowl hunting occur during their specific seasons in autumn.

At an elevation of 2,959 feet, this 186-acre park offers breathtaking views of Kalispell, Flathead Lake, and the Whitefish Mountain Range. Features include a self-guided nature trail, a gift shop and visitor center that has exhibits detailing the local wildlife and ecology, nature interpretive programs, picnic areas and shelters, horse trails, and a horseshoe pit. Be sure to bring your camera.

Between the Bitteroot Valley and the Flathead Valley, Highway 93 winds its way around the west side of Flathead Lake. Known for the two-lane, often slow-going traffic, this route has many places to stop and drink in the mountain backdrop that frames the lake. Along the way, wine lovers should check out the family-owned Mission Mountain Winery, where you can sample wines from Montana's first bonded winery. The pinot noir and pinot gris, both from grapes grown in the property's vineyard, are award-winners.

From much of the Mission Valley and Flathead Indian Reservation you can see the Mission Mountains, on which there's a 73,877-acre wilderness area full of hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The area is probably best known for the 1,000-foot drops of Elizabeth and Mission falls. Glorious McDonald Peak looms at 9,280 feet; it's a favorite of grizzly bears, who gather on the snowfields to eat swarms of cutworm moths and ladybugs. Try the Mission Reservoir Trail for a relatively easy hike up a beautiful valley. Those who aren't tribal members must obtain a recreation permit to hike, fish, and camp here among the mountain lions, lynx, wolverines, black bears, and grizzlies. Recreational permits are available at local grocery and sporting-goods stores and most gas stations. Call the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes at the number below for camping permits and information on the recreation permits.

Each year two-dozen changing contemporary art exhibits join a permanent collection featuring works by E.S. Paxson, Walter Hook, Rudy and Lela Autio, and modern-day Native American artists. The 1903 Carnegie Library building, reopened in summer 2006 after extensive remodeling that added handicapped accessibility, has much more gallery space and classrooms.

The university's art museum, divided into the Meloy and Paxson galleries, hosts traveling exhibitions and has a permanent collection of more than 10,000 works, with an emphasis on historic and contemporary art from the West.

A 2½-mile hike (one-way) leads to the lovely cascades of Morrell Falls. It is actually a series of falls, with the longest about a 100-foot drop. This is a moderately difficult family hike, perfect for a picnic, and often used by bicyclists and horse riders. Maps and travel information are available at the Seeley Lake Ranger District office.

Don't forget your bear spray.