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

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.

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.

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.