Trip Report
KIDS LOVE THE FLATHEAD VALLEY!
Over 10 million visitors come to Montana every year, and many of those visitors made a bee-lined path to Flathead Valley. The reason is clear. From crowd-drawing touristy spots to backcountry hideouts, there are a wide variety of fun activities for families to enjoy. The kids of Flathead Valley know this better than anyone. From ages 2 to 15, I’ve interviewed over a dozen local kids to learn the best of the best . . . from a kid’s perspective.
TODDLERS
LOVE ANIMALS
For the toddler crowd, the best summer outings mean getting closer to wildlife . . . without going into the wilderness, of course. Feeding the ducks at Woodland Park in Kalispell are favorite past-times for Teslyn and Tylin, age 2, from Kila.
Woodland Park is found on Woodland Ave and Conrad Drive. Features include playgrounds, picnic tables, a lagoon, formal gardens, and the fairly new Woodland Water Park. Located at Woodland Park, the Water Park (built in 2004) includes a wide variety of water activities for kids of all ages, include waterslides, shallow play areas for toddlers, a lap pool, and more! Swimming Lessons are available. Call (406)758-7778 for information about Open Swim hours and current rates. Also, life vests are now available for use at the Water Park, but parents must stay within arms reach at all times.
For
kids who want to have fun in the sun, Whitefish City Beach, on the southeast
shore of Whitefish Lake, is an all time hot spot. Public swimming, a boat launch,
picnic shelters, and a snack bar keep families entertained during long summer
days.
Lawrence Park on North Main in Kalispell hosts a pavilion, picnic area, nature trails and fun play equipment.
“My favorite spot is Lion Lake,” says Zayne, age 8, from Columbia Falls. The lake is a little gem if you want to take your family fishing or picnicking. Access to the lake is right off Hwy 2. Just take Road #895 that goes to Hungry Horse Dam. The lake is stocked regularly with fish and there is a 10-trout-limit per day.
TEEN TRIPSTERS:
“My favorite activities in the Flathead Valley include berry picking on Big Mountain, swimming at Foy’s Lake, and bird watching at Smith Lake Wildlife Reserve,” says Jessica, age 14, from Kalispell. Like other teens interviewed, fun includes making the most of places tourists sometimes miss. Foy’s Lake has a small swimming area directly off of Foy's Lake Road. The swimming area is open for day use only and features a small dock, perfect for cannon balls.
The Smith Lake Wildlife Reserve is located west of Kalispell on Hwy 2. To find the reserve, take the main Kila turnoff. The entry to the reserve is on the left, across from post office and school. “The Smith Lake Reserve is a wonderful birding spot for both beginners and advanced birders,” says Jessica. “An average birder can spot more than twenty different species on and around the lake. Experts find five times that much, which means it’s important to pack your bird guide and field glasses.”
Like Jessica, picking huckleberries on Big Mountain is also a favorite for Leslie, age 11, of Kalispell. “My family loves to ride the gondola to the top of Big Mountain. We visit the education center in the lower level of the Summit House, and then hike down the Danny On Trail. The trip down the hill is slow because we usually find huckleberries to snack on.”
OFF
THE MOUNTAIN…
Norm’s
News (Kalispell). When talking to kids of all ages, one local business drew
more excitement than any other. Norm’s News opened in 1938 and has been serving
burgers, fries, milk shakes, magazines and candy ever since. While adults are
impressed with the thousands of magazine titles, kids drool at the 400 types
of candy. And the old-time-soda-fountain atmosphere can’t be beat. [FamilyTripster
Note: The Bergren kids go here every summer with their grandparents—they look
forward to it as an annual event!]
“I’d say Montana Tom’s Chocolate Factory is also a favorite,” says Heidi, age 12, of Columbia Falls. Located on Hwy 2 near Glacier Park airport, Montana Tom’s makes and ships world class chocolates, gourmet fudges, and fun food products like Huckleberry Syrup, Pie in a Jar, and even Chocolate Moose in a Mug. Visitors are welcome to stop by the factory for an inside peek at the chocolate making process. Yum.
Big Sky Waterslides is a fun place to cool off on a hot day. The park features a wading pool and a mini-slide for younger children. Older kids can enjoy a half dozen different slides, including two river rides.
Another favorite spot is the family recreation park, Amazing Ventures, Inc., located off Hwy 2 on the way to Glacier National Park. The fun park includes a huge wooden maze, bumper water boats, bank shot basketball, a miniature golf course, and racecar track. “My family and I like to break up to teams and see who can make it out of the maze first,” says Nathan, age 10, of Kalispell. “Last time me and my mom won.” (http://visitmt.com/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordID=10845&siteid=1 )
THEY
LIKE THE TOURIST SPOTS TOO…
Not every kid in the U.S. can say they have a national park in their backyard. Glacier National Park is also listed as a favorite with kids. “It’s bea-u-tiful,” says Lexi, age 9, of Columbia Falls. Her brother and sisters agree.
Before
visiting the park, kids 6-12 can pick up a Junior Ranger newspaper at a Glacier
Park Visitors Center. Visitor centers are located in Apgar, Logan Pass, and
St. Mary. Each of these visitors centers, as well as the Many Glacier and Two
Medicine Ranger Stations, have park rangers on duty throughout the summer to
answer questions and provide park information.
Once kids complete five of the seven activities listed in the newspaper, they can return the form to the visitor center and become a Junior Ranger. While you’re at the center also be sure to pick up Nature with a Naturalist, a biweekly summer park publication that contains a complete schedule of guided hikes, ranger talks, kids’ programs, and special events for the parks.
Many local families visiting Glacier Park enjoy the shorter hikes, some of which have self-guided trails, teaching the natural history of the area.
“My favorite short hike is Trail of the Cedars,” says Leslie, age 11, of Kalispell. “I like to snap pictures along the walk.”
Other
hikes perfect for families include Huckleberry Mountain north of Apgar on Camas
Rod, Sun Point along St. Mary Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook on Logan Pass, and
Swiftcurrent Lake at Many Glacier.
While
you’re at Glacier Park, also check out Lake McDonald Lodge, a favorite of Jessica,
age 14, from Kalispell. Opened in 1914, the front of Lake McDonald lodge actually
faces the lake. It was designed this way to welcome guests who arrived by boat
before roads were built. Appearing as a mix of Swiss chalet and hunting lodge,
Lake McDonald Lodge is small and quaint, and a fun overnight getaway.
Also, if you make it to Lake McDonald, don’t forget your fishing pole. There is no fee or license required to fish in Glacier Park, but there are regulations that need to be followed. A list of regulations can also be found at a visitors center.
A LOCAL FAMILY’S SECRET FAVORITES
“As a family, we like to hike the Columbia Mountain Trailhead,” comments Brandon, age 15, of Columbia Falls.
To reach the Columbia Mountain Trailhead, drive east of Columbia Falls on U.S. Highway 2. Shortly after the junction, turn right onto an unmarked dirt road just past the House of Mystery. The Columbia Mountain Trailhead will be on your left. The Columbia Mountain Trail starts to the southeast of the parking area. The first two and a half miles are moderate and offer a wonderful view of the valley. The few miles to the top are more challenging.
“You don’t have to go far before you get nice views of the valley,” says mom Tara. “We even took our big-wheel stroller and mountain bikes for the younger kids.”
Another lesser-known spot is found south on Hwy 93 near Big Arm. “I have always thought islands were neat,” says Jenae, age 9, of Kalispell. “I like hiking around on Wildhorse Island. The boat ride to the island is fun too. We always stop and look at the Indian paintings on the rocks.”
The largest island in Flathead Lake, Wildhorse Island was once used by the Salish-Kootenai Indians who reportedly pastured horses there to keep them from being stolen by other tribes. The park is noted for its wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, and falcons, as well as wild horses. Day-use only is allowed, and there are other strict rules to ensure maintenance of its natural character. There are no facilities and no fees. (http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280179.aspx )
Lone Pine State Park provides three scenic overviews that can really provide kids with a bird’s eye-view of the Flathead Valley. The park has a visitor center that offers visitors information about the cultural and natural history of the valley. Families can picnic and hike along the self-guide nature trails. Call 406-755-2706 for information about free talks and workshops for families. (http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280065.aspx )
Hungry Horse Dam visitor center offers guided tours and provides kids with an inside look on the dam and how it operates. Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. visitor tours run every hour.
This FamilyTripster.com Local’s Report was based on an article written by professional writer, TRICIA GOYER. (FamilyTripster Note: Don’t let it scare you! We don’t expect you all to be pros!). Tricia and her husband, John, live in Kalispell with their three children. For more on her, see www.TriciaGoyer.com.
KIDS LOVE THE FLATHEAD VALLEY!
Over 10 million visitors come to Montana every year, and many of those visitors made a bee-lined path to Flathead Valley. The reason is clear. From crowd-drawing touristy spots to backcountry hideouts, there are a wide variety of fun activities for families to enjoy. The kids of Flathead Valley know this better than anyone. From ages 2 to 15, I’ve interviewed over a dozen local kids to learn the best of the best . . . from a kid’s perspective.
TODDLERS
LOVE ANIMALSFor the toddler crowd, the best summer outings mean getting closer to wildlife . . . without going into the wilderness, of course. Feeding the ducks at Woodland Park in Kalispell are favorite past-times for Teslyn and Tylin, age 2, from Kila.
Woodland Park is found on Woodland Ave and Conrad Drive. Features include playgrounds, picnic tables, a lagoon, formal gardens, and the fairly new Woodland Water Park. Located at Woodland Park, the Water Park (built in 2004) includes a wide variety of water activities for kids of all ages, include waterslides, shallow play areas for toddlers, a lap pool, and more! Swimming Lessons are available. Call (406)758-7778 for information about Open Swim hours and current rates. Also, life vests are now available for use at the Water Park, but parents must stay within arms reach at all times.
For
kids who want to have fun in the sun, Whitefish City Beach, on the southeast
shore of Whitefish Lake, is an all time hot spot. Public swimming, a boat launch,
picnic shelters, and a snack bar keep families entertained during long summer
days. Lawrence Park on North Main in Kalispell hosts a pavilion, picnic area, nature trails and fun play equipment.
“My favorite spot is Lion Lake,” says Zayne, age 8, from Columbia Falls. The lake is a little gem if you want to take your family fishing or picnicking. Access to the lake is right off Hwy 2. Just take Road #895 that goes to Hungry Horse Dam. The lake is stocked regularly with fish and there is a 10-trout-limit per day.
TEEN TRIPSTERS:
“My favorite activities in the Flathead Valley include berry picking on Big Mountain, swimming at Foy’s Lake, and bird watching at Smith Lake Wildlife Reserve,” says Jessica, age 14, from Kalispell. Like other teens interviewed, fun includes making the most of places tourists sometimes miss. Foy’s Lake has a small swimming area directly off of Foy's Lake Road. The swimming area is open for day use only and features a small dock, perfect for cannon balls.
The Smith Lake Wildlife Reserve is located west of Kalispell on Hwy 2. To find the reserve, take the main Kila turnoff. The entry to the reserve is on the left, across from post office and school. “The Smith Lake Reserve is a wonderful birding spot for both beginners and advanced birders,” says Jessica. “An average birder can spot more than twenty different species on and around the lake. Experts find five times that much, which means it’s important to pack your bird guide and field glasses.”
Like Jessica, picking huckleberries on Big Mountain is also a favorite for Leslie, age 11, of Kalispell. “My family loves to ride the gondola to the top of Big Mountain. We visit the education center in the lower level of the Summit House, and then hike down the Danny On Trail. The trip down the hill is slow because we usually find huckleberries to snack on.”
| FAMILYTRIPSTER note:
Big Mountain was upgrading the Glacier Chaser gondola and Summit House during Summer 2007. Check http://www.bigmtn.com/ for current information on the coming season. Also—we were excited to see the note about their “Walk in the Treetops” for people age 10 and over. Very cool! The Bergrens will be checking THAT out Summer 2008! In addition to the gondola and the Danny On trail, Big Mountain has numerous other free activities for families. See if this year’s offerings include wildflower walks or the horse drawn wagon ride around the village area. |
OFF
THE MOUNTAIN…Norm’s
News (Kalispell). When talking to kids of all ages, one local business drew
more excitement than any other. Norm’s News opened in 1938 and has been serving
burgers, fries, milk shakes, magazines and candy ever since. While adults are
impressed with the thousands of magazine titles, kids drool at the 400 types
of candy. And the old-time-soda-fountain atmosphere can’t be beat. [FamilyTripster
Note: The Bergren kids go here every summer with their grandparents—they look
forward to it as an annual event!]“I’d say Montana Tom’s Chocolate Factory is also a favorite,” says Heidi, age 12, of Columbia Falls. Located on Hwy 2 near Glacier Park airport, Montana Tom’s makes and ships world class chocolates, gourmet fudges, and fun food products like Huckleberry Syrup, Pie in a Jar, and even Chocolate Moose in a Mug. Visitors are welcome to stop by the factory for an inside peek at the chocolate making process. Yum.
Big Sky Waterslides is a fun place to cool off on a hot day. The park features a wading pool and a mini-slide for younger children. Older kids can enjoy a half dozen different slides, including two river rides.
Another favorite spot is the family recreation park, Amazing Ventures, Inc., located off Hwy 2 on the way to Glacier National Park. The fun park includes a huge wooden maze, bumper water boats, bank shot basketball, a miniature golf course, and racecar track. “My family and I like to break up to teams and see who can make it out of the maze first,” says Nathan, age 10, of Kalispell. “Last time me and my mom won.” (http://visitmt.com/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordID=10845&siteid=1 )
THEY
LIKE THE TOURIST SPOTS TOO…Not every kid in the U.S. can say they have a national park in their backyard. Glacier National Park is also listed as a favorite with kids. “It’s bea-u-tiful,” says Lexi, age 9, of Columbia Falls. Her brother and sisters agree.
Before
visiting the park, kids 6-12 can pick up a Junior Ranger newspaper at a Glacier
Park Visitors Center. Visitor centers are located in Apgar, Logan Pass, and
St. Mary. Each of these visitors centers, as well as the Many Glacier and Two
Medicine Ranger Stations, have park rangers on duty throughout the summer to
answer questions and provide park information. Once kids complete five of the seven activities listed in the newspaper, they can return the form to the visitor center and become a Junior Ranger. While you’re at the center also be sure to pick up Nature with a Naturalist, a biweekly summer park publication that contains a complete schedule of guided hikes, ranger talks, kids’ programs, and special events for the parks.
Many local families visiting Glacier Park enjoy the shorter hikes, some of which have self-guided trails, teaching the natural history of the area.
“My favorite short hike is Trail of the Cedars,” says Leslie, age 11, of Kalispell. “I like to snap pictures along the walk.”
Other
hikes perfect for families include Huckleberry Mountain north of Apgar on Camas
Rod, Sun Point along St. Mary Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook on Logan Pass, and
Swiftcurrent Lake at Many Glacier. While
you’re at Glacier Park, also check out Lake McDonald Lodge, a favorite of Jessica,
age 14, from Kalispell. Opened in 1914, the front of Lake McDonald lodge actually
faces the lake. It was designed this way to welcome guests who arrived by boat
before roads were built. Appearing as a mix of Swiss chalet and hunting lodge,
Lake McDonald Lodge is small and quaint, and a fun overnight getaway. Also, if you make it to Lake McDonald, don’t forget your fishing pole. There is no fee or license required to fish in Glacier Park, but there are regulations that need to be followed. A list of regulations can also be found at a visitors center.
A LOCAL FAMILY’S SECRET FAVORITES
“As a family, we like to hike the Columbia Mountain Trailhead,” comments Brandon, age 15, of Columbia Falls.
To reach the Columbia Mountain Trailhead, drive east of Columbia Falls on U.S. Highway 2. Shortly after the junction, turn right onto an unmarked dirt road just past the House of Mystery. The Columbia Mountain Trailhead will be on your left. The Columbia Mountain Trail starts to the southeast of the parking area. The first two and a half miles are moderate and offer a wonderful view of the valley. The few miles to the top are more challenging.
“You don’t have to go far before you get nice views of the valley,” says mom Tara. “We even took our big-wheel stroller and mountain bikes for the younger kids.”
Another lesser-known spot is found south on Hwy 93 near Big Arm. “I have always thought islands were neat,” says Jenae, age 9, of Kalispell. “I like hiking around on Wildhorse Island. The boat ride to the island is fun too. We always stop and look at the Indian paintings on the rocks.”
The largest island in Flathead Lake, Wildhorse Island was once used by the Salish-Kootenai Indians who reportedly pastured horses there to keep them from being stolen by other tribes. The park is noted for its wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, and falcons, as well as wild horses. Day-use only is allowed, and there are other strict rules to ensure maintenance of its natural character. There are no facilities and no fees. (http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280179.aspx )
Lone Pine State Park provides three scenic overviews that can really provide kids with a bird’s eye-view of the Flathead Valley. The park has a visitor center that offers visitors information about the cultural and natural history of the valley. Families can picnic and hike along the self-guide nature trails. Call 406-755-2706 for information about free talks and workshops for families. (http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280065.aspx )
Hungry Horse Dam visitor center offers guided tours and provides kids with an inside look on the dam and how it operates. Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. visitor tours run every hour.
This FamilyTripster.com Local’s Report was based on an article written by professional writer, TRICIA GOYER. (FamilyTripster Note: Don’t let it scare you! We don’t expect you all to be pros!). Tricia and her husband, John, live in Kalispell with their three children. For more on her, see www.TriciaGoyer.com.