August trip location suggestion

Question

Hello, family of 4 ( 2 kids 6 and 10), visiting Montana for the first time. We have 7 nights to spare. So far we booked 4 nights in White fish. Looking for suggestions where to book the remaining 3 nights.

Our plan in White Fish is to visit GNP (will drive outside reserved vehicle window), whitefish itself, flathead lake area/big fork. We are comfortable doing day trips within 1.5 hrs drive each way, so the second location we stay at for 3 nights would have to be further than 1.5 but less than 6 hrs away.

Our interests are nature ( very limited short hikes with the kids, but they will play at a lake, enjoy a view, build a fort with sticks), animals ( wild life or within a rescue/captivity setting), family friendly adventures like horseback riding excursion, perhaps boating, quaint towns with character unique to Montana, and of course mandatory pool time at the accomodations.

Is 4 nights too much or too little in White Fish? If it's enough what other location can we add?

Thank you!

Answer

Your 7-night trip to Montana sounds wonderful, and with 4 nights already booked in Whitefish, you have ample time to explore some other areas of this stunning state. It sounds like you have a great mix of outdoor and family-friendly activities in mind, so I’d recommend considering a second location that offers a blend of nature, wildlife experiences, and charming small-town atmosphere. Here are some thoughts and suggestions for both your time in Whitefish and your next stop:

Is 4 nights too much or too little in Whitefish?

Four nights in Whitefish is a great amount of time, especially given your interests. You’ll have enough time to explore the nearby Glacier National Park (GNP), enjoy the charming town of Whitefish, and spend time at Flathead Lake. GNP offers a range of activities, including easy hikes, wildlife watching, and scenic drives. You can also explore Whitefish’s unique shops, restaurants, and the beautiful Whitefish Lake, perfect for some relaxed family fun.

Suggestions for the next 3 nights:

Since you’re looking for a second location that’s more than 1.5 but less than 6 hours away, here are a few options that could provide the experiences you’re seeking:

Missoula (approx. 3.5 hours from Whitefish): Missoula is a vibrant town that combines a charming small-town atmosphere with outdoor adventure. You can visit the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to learn about local wildlife, and nearby Flathead River offers opportunities for family-friendly rafting or kayaking. There’s also the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium, which could be fascinating for the kids, as well as local hiking spots. The city also has a number of parks and playgrounds, perfect for your kids to burn off some energy. Many hotels in the area have pools for relaxation.
Bozeman (approx. 4.5 hours from Whitefish): Bozeman is another great family-friendly town, and it offers access to Yellowstone National Park (though it’s a bit further, a day trip to Yellowstone’s west entrance is possible). The Montana Grizzly Encounter, a grizzly bear rescue, could be exciting for your family. For outdoor activities, you can explore Hyalite Canyon or visit nearby Gallatin River for some peaceful fishing or boating. Bozeman itself is full of quirky shops and local eateries that give it an eclectic vibe. There are also great accommodations with pools here.
Big Sky (approx. 5 hours from Whitefish): Known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities, Big Sky is a perfect destination for nature lovers. While Big Sky is often known for winter sports, the summer offers plenty of opportunities for easy hikes, nature walks, and scenic drives. Your family can also enjoy horseback riding at local ranches, and there are boat rentals available at Lake Hebgen for some water fun. The area is more remote, offering a peaceful environment, and many resorts here have pools.
Flathead National Forest (less than 2 hours from Whitefish): If you prefer to stay closer to Whitefish, the Flathead National Forest offers stunning views and lots of family-friendly outdoor activities. It’s a great place to take short hikes or enjoy a scenic drive through forested areas, as well as spots like Lake McDonald in GNP for boating or simply enjoying the scenery. While this may not be as far from Whitefish, it’s a beautiful, quiet spot for a second location if you want to remain close to the northern Rockies.

Other recommendations:

Wildlife Viewing: Many places in Montana offer wildlife experiences such as bear viewing at Yellowstone Bear World or a visit to animal rescue centers. For example, Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone (about 5 hours from Whitefish) is a great family activity that combines wildlife education with hands-on experiences.
Horseback Riding: You can find horseback riding opportunities in several areas, including Bozeman, Big Sky, and the Flathead region. Look for ranches or guided tours offering family-friendly rides that will allow you to experience Montana’s stunning landscapes on horseback.
Quaint Montana Towns: Many smaller towns in Montana offer great family-friendly experiences. You could explore Philipsburg (about 3.5 hours from Whitefish), known for its historic charm, or Red Lodge (about 5 hours away), with its unique vibe and proximity to outdoor activities.

In summary:

Four nights in Whitefish is a perfect amount of time to explore the area, but for the remaining three nights, you’ll want to consider either staying closer, like in Missoula or Bigfork, or venturing further into the heart of Montana, with destinations like Bozeman or Big Sky. These options provide access to wildlife, family-friendly adventures, and stunning landscapes. All of these places offer accommodations with pools to help unwind after a day of activities.

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