11 Best Things to Do in Bigfork, Montana (Near Glacier National Park)

Kayak, paddleboard, water ski, fish, or take a scenic boat tour — Flathead Lake does it all. Base Camp Bigfork (8525 MT Hwy 35, 406-871-9733) rents kayaks and SUPs with free delivery to vacation rentals. Paddle Board Outfitters charges $15/hr or $50 for 4 hours. Flathead Lake rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout run 12–20 inches; guided fishing trips are available year-round.

Snowmelt from the Mission Mountains and Swan Range powers the river from mid-May through early July when flows are at their best. Base Camp Bigfork delivers kayaks to a 7-mile flatwater section upstream for mellower paddlers. For the Wild Mile, join a guided raft trip — the Class III–IV technical rapids require an outfitter unless you’re an experienced whitewater paddler.

The Mount Aeneas Trail (5.6 mi round-trip, ~2,300 ft gain) summits at 7,528 ft with panoramic views of Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. For a bigger challenge, the Jewel Basin via Switchback Trail 725 covers 6.8 miles with 2,736 ft of elevation gain per AllTrails. Both black bears and grizzly bears are present — carry bear spray.

Tickets run $25 (children under 10) to $40 (adults), with seniors at $35 and US military at $31. Box office: 406-837-4886, open May 25–September 4, Monday–Saturday from noon. FLEX passes save money: $140 for 4 admissions or $345 for 10 — valid June 1 through September 5. Book online at bigforksummerplayhouse.com or call ahead. ^Source

No vehicle reservation is required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026. Check current road status before leaving Bigfork; Logan Pass private parking is limited to 3 hours July 1 through September 7.

ARTfusion Bigfork represents 70+ Montana artists with rotating shows. Riecke’s Bayside Gallery focuses on Western and wildlife fine art. Electric Buffalo Gallery leans contemporary. The Bigfork Museum of Art and History adds local context with educational exhibits. Most galleries cluster on Electric Avenue and Bridge Street — the full walk takes under an hour per Visit Western Montana’s Glacier Country.

Located just south of downtown Bigfork on MT Hwy 35, Wayfarers State Park provides direct Flathead Lake access without the crowds of larger parks. The boat launch makes it easy for water sports, while the beach works for an afternoon swim. Several short hiking trails wind through the park’s wooded sections per Montana State Parks.

Rotating taps of Montana-brewed craft beers alongside a food menu suited to the outdoor-adventure crowd. The taproom has the relaxed energy of a place that’s found its groove — no pretense, just good beer and good company. Live music nights amplify the atmosphere in summer, and the seasonal releases are worth asking about when you arrive.

The Bigfork Festival of the Arts runs over a weekend in early August, filling Electric Avenue and the Village Green with working artists, live music, and food vendors. Admission is free — the commerce is optional. The timing aligns with the Summer Playhouse season, making early August the optimal week to visit Bigfork per Bigfork Chamber.

Located near Lakeside, MT (45 minutes from Bigfork), Blacktail’s 26 runs suit beginners through advanced skiers. The uncrowded slopes are a genuine feature — weekday visits can feel nearly private. The Bigfork Community Nordic Center offers groomed cross-country skiing for those who prefer gliding to carving.

The trail follows the Swan River from downtown Bigfork with calm water views, bird watching (osprey, bald eagle, and great blue heron are regularly spotted), and an easy way to stretch without elevation gain. The path is dog-friendly and stroller-accessible. During the Bigfork Whitewater Festival on Memorial Day weekend, the pedestrian bridge on this trail is the best free viewing spot for Class IV kayak competition.