Things to do while in montana
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, established May 1, 1910, known as the “crown of the continent,” is a majestic territory joining the Canadian border. 700 miles of trails through forest, meadows, and mountains, is a hikers dream. Historic chalets, lodges, and the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun Road take visitors back to another time. The distance from our wedding venue to the park entrance is only 2 miles!
Going-to-the-Sun Road (one of Glacier’s featured attractions) is open to both bikes and cars in September.
Many Glacier Lodge: After a drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, have a drink on the patio and enjoy the view.
Autumn Hikes in Glacier - September is one of the best times to visit GNP, due to the changing leaves and there being fewer visitors!
Apgar Village at the foot of Lake McDonald — just 2 miles into the park, and has a stunning view across the lake
Avalanche Creek Hike — this is one of the first hikes Jackson and Jaz went on together!
Upper & Lower Quartz Lakes/Bowman Lake
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a lovely little town, and could be a great “home base” option if you’re extending your stay in Montana. It’s only 35 minutes from the venue, so it would be easy to drive up for the festivities! Whitefish has various lodging options, lots of shopping, restaurants, bars, and access to Whitefish Lake, and the Whitefish Mountain Resort. Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Whitefish:
Abruzzo: One of the Demler’s favorites; they recommend the beef bolognese and beet salad
Loula’s: made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch (and pie!)
The Bulldog Saloon: historical, “colorful” fun sports bar featuring burgers, beer, and interesting bathroom decor
Tupelo Grill: New Orleans style dishes, full bar; another family fave
Casey’s: American cuisine, great cocktails, and a rooftop bar
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with over 200 square miles of glacial clear water and 185 miles of shoreline. When Jackson’s family first saw Flathead Lake back when Jackson was a little boy, they fell in love with Montana and decided to make it their second home. The Demler’s home is located on the northwest shore of the lake, in Somers Bay.
Bigfork, Montana
Bigfork is another cute town, located at the north end of Flathead Lake. Bigfork features lodging, shopping, restaurants, bars, and Wayfarers State Park. Bigfork is about 44 minutes from the venue.
Our favorite places in Bigfork:
Oro Y Plata: Jackson’s mom’s favorite cocktail bar and architecture! “Rocky makes the best old-fashioned”
The Garden Bar: Jackson and his brother’s old hangout with their college friends; bar food, drinks, and live music
Lakeside, Montana
Located just south of Kalispell on the west shore of Flathead Lake is Lakeside, home to about 3,000 people. Summer buzzes in Lakeside when the residency around the lake expands. Sailboat races on Tuesdays and Fridays offer gorgeous views from the Demler’s dock. 14 miles away is Blacktail Mountain for winter skiing and summer/fall hikes.
Our favorite places in Lakeside:
Tamarack Brewing: best brewery in the Flathead Valley, good food, and second home to Montana friends
Spinnaker: where everybody knows your name and everything you’ve done recently. Jaz recently debuted “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia for Saturday night karaoke.
Glacier Perks Coffee House: very cute coffee shop; homemade pastries, quiches, and soups
Beargrass Bistro: upscale restaurant for lakeside evening dining
Short Branch: another Lakeside downtown bar. Great for chats and free popcorn
Kalispell, Montana
Kalispell is home to the Glacier National Park Airport, and it’s a cute little town to explore. Kalispell is just about 35 minutes from our wedding venue.
Our favorite places in Kalispell:
Moose’s Saloon: best pizza in the Flathead Valley, and a good place to stomp your boots and throw peanut shells on the floor
Norm’s Soda Fountain: old-fashioned 50s diner with the best milkshakes and cheeseburgers in in the world
Somers, Montana
Small, peaceful, quaint. The setting of Jackson’s Montana home.
Our favorites in Somers:
Del’s Bar: Jackson’s favorite bar in the world; drinks, pizza, fried chicken, pool, and Wednesday night bingo
Somers Bay Cafe: charming historic bank building; great breakfast