Montana - Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Bigfork, etc.
Food scene
Some of the best food in the Columbia Falls area. A great spot for lunch. There is indoor and patio seating. Known for their fried chicken sandwich, veggie burger, and healthy bowls. If you drink they also have a great selection of beers, including a gluten-free one called Been Untrue. Kid-friendly.
143 abantu bendawo batusa
Backslope Brewing
1107 9th St WSome of the best food in the Columbia Falls area. A great spot for lunch. There is indoor and patio seating. Known for their fried chicken sandwich, veggie burger, and healthy bowls. If you drink they also have a great selection of beers, including a gluten-free one called Been Untrue. Kid-friendly.
Local grocery store. About 15 min from the Startup Chalet.
There is also a local grocery store 5 min away called Canyon Foods Supermarket, but with much less selection.
47 abantu bendawo batusa
Smith's Food and Drug
195 3rd Ave ELocal grocery store. About 15 min from the Startup Chalet.
There is also a local grocery store 5 min away called Canyon Foods Supermarket, but with much less selection.
Great views (sit upstairs on the deck) and enjoy a brew and some food. Check their business hours as they may not be open every day.
84 abantu bendawo batusa
Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse
116 Holt DrGreat views (sit upstairs on the deck) and enjoy a brew and some food. Check their business hours as they may not be open every day.
Abruzzo Italian Kitchen
115 Central AveGreat Italian food and drinks.
Great Mexican food and cocktails. It is a little higher-end $$, so check the menu to decide for yourself.
42 abantu bendawo batusa
Jalisco Cantina
510 Wisconsin AvenueGreat Mexican food and cocktails. It is a little higher-end $$, so check the menu to decide for yourself.
Large bar with food and bar games. This is the closest bar worth visiting near the Startup Chalet. There are closer ones, but this one is large so good for groups and non-locals. Also, it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so if you are in a pinch and want food near it is worth stopping in. Check the operating hours and menu on their website.
https://www.paulbunyanbar.com
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Paul Bunyan Bar & Grill
9636 Highway 2 EastLarge bar with food and bar games. This is the closest bar worth visiting near the Startup Chalet. There are closer ones, but this one is large so good for groups and non-locals. Also, it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so if you are in a pinch and want food near it is worth stopping in. Check the operating hours and menu on their website.
https://www.paulbunyanbar.com
Located in the historic KM Building, Mercantile Steak brings back a classic dining experience to downtown Kalispell, Montana. This is a favorite spot for finer dining in the area.
16 abantu bendawo batusa
Mercantile Steak
30 2nd Street EastLocated in the historic KM Building, Mercantile Steak brings back a classic dining experience to downtown Kalispell, Montana. This is a favorite spot for finer dining in the area.
Great views of Whitefish Lake. There is a back patio, boat dock, and restaurant for lunch and dinner.
49 abantu bendawo batusa
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin AveGreat views of Whitefish Lake. There is a back patio, boat dock, and restaurant for lunch and dinner.
Local chain serving a menu of Italian dishes & wine in relaxed, art-filled surroundings.
73 abantu bendawo batusa
Ciao Mambo
234 2nd StLocal chain serving a menu of Italian dishes & wine in relaxed, art-filled surroundings.
A great spot for ice cream all year round. In downtown Whitefish near shops and restaurants.
50 abantu bendawo batusa
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream - Whitefish
419 E 3rd StA great spot for ice cream all year round. In downtown Whitefish near shops and restaurants.
Saketome
459 Electric AveBest sushi in the area. Reservations are needed.
Best meat market in the area if you like to cook/grill.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
Perfect Cuts Specialty Meat Shop
1030 3rd Ave EBest meat market in the area if you like to cook/grill.
Carolyn's Cafe
8930 US-2Great little diner close to the house.
Josephine's Bar & Kitchen
10245 US-2Neighborhoods
Great little downtown with a cafe, bookstore, flyfishing store, bowling alley, and live outdoor music at the Gunsight Saloon. During the summer there is also a farmers market/food truck day on each Thursday from 5-7 pm. Approximately 12 minutes from the Startup Chalet.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
Columbia Falls
Great little downtown with a cafe, bookstore, flyfishing store, bowling alley, and live outdoor music at the Gunsight Saloon. During the summer there is also a farmers market/food truck day on each Thursday from 5-7 pm. Approximately 12 minutes from the Startup Chalet.
Busier and more well-known, this town is known for its shops, outdoor adventures (mountain biking, fishing, skiing), and nightlife. Approximately 25 min from the Startup Chalet.
198 abantu bendawo batusa
Whitefish
Busier and more well-known, this town is known for its shops, outdoor adventures (mountain biking, fishing, skiing), and nightlife. Approximately 25 min from the Startup Chalet.
Known for its proximity to Flathead Lake. Visitors can enjoy, boating, theater & live music, fishing, kayaking & paddle boarding, and golfing. If you like Sushi you will want to make reservations at Saketome, which is the best sushi in the Flathead Valley. Located approximately 40 min from the Startup Chalet.
157 abantu bendawo batusa
Bigfork
Known for its proximity to Flathead Lake. Visitors can enjoy, boating, theater & live music, fishing, kayaking & paddle boarding, and golfing. If you like Sushi you will want to make reservations at Saketome, which is the best sushi in the Flathead Valley. Located approximately 40 min from the Startup Chalet.
The town is at the west entrance to Glacier National Park and is located on U.S. Route 2. There is whitewater rafting, fishing, miniature golf, an 18-hole golf course, and of course Glacier National Park. Located approximately 15 min from the Startup Chalet.
13 abantu bendawo batusa
West Glacier
The town is at the west entrance to Glacier National Park and is located on U.S. Route 2. There is whitewater rafting, fishing, miniature golf, an 18-hole golf course, and of course Glacier National Park. Located approximately 15 min from the Startup Chalet.
There are a few shops and a brewery downtown. If you are looking for chain restaurants and department stores they are located about 3 miles north of downtown Kalispell. There is Chick-fil-a, Chipotle, MOD Pizza, Home Depot, Best Buy, REI, Cabellas, etc.
65 abantu bendawo batusa
Kalispell
There are a few shops and a brewery downtown. If you are looking for chain restaurants and department stores they are located about 3 miles north of downtown Kalispell. There is Chick-fil-a, Chipotle, MOD Pizza, Home Depot, Best Buy, REI, Cabellas, etc.
Drinks
A great distillery with tastings and a small restaurant up the hill that is separate but offers their drinks and small bites as well.
54 abantu bendawo batusa
Glacier Distilling Company
10237 US-2A great distillery with tastings and a small restaurant up the hill that is separate but offers their drinks and small bites as well.
A local favorite with live music in the evenings on some nights. They also have pool tables and some other bar games.
https://greatnorthernbar.com
61 abantu bendawo batusa
The Great Northern Bar & Grill
27 Central AveA local favorite with live music in the evenings on some nights. They also have pool tables and some other bar games.
https://greatnorthernbar.com
Sightseeing
Top destination during the months of May-Sept. Note: A vehicle reservation is required for both the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from May 27 to September 11, 2022. Please check for the latest information here: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
Depending on when you visit the famous going to the sun road may only be partially open or only open to bikers. It is typically fully open by late June.
Favorite hikes: Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, St Mary & Virginia Falls.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-hikes-in-glacier-national-park/
645 abantu bendawo batusa
Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun RoadTop destination during the months of May-Sept. Note: A vehicle reservation is required for both the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from May 27 to September 11, 2022. Please check for the latest information here: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
Depending on when you visit the famous going to the sun road may only be partially open or only open to bikers. It is typically fully open by late June.
Favorite hikes: Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, St Mary & Virginia Falls.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-hikes-in-glacier-national-park/
A beautiful dam and large reservoir for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The drive itself is worth doing for about 20 min ending at the Lost Johnny Point Campground. You can drive all the way around but it is not recommended because it becomes a dirt road.
47 abantu bendawo batusa
Hungry Horse Dam
A beautiful dam and large reservoir for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The drive itself is worth doing for about 20 min ending at the Lost Johnny Point Campground. You can drive all the way around but it is not recommended because it becomes a dirt road.
A great way to see nature and enjoy some fun rafting that is family-friendly. Make reservations early.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
Glacier Raft Company
106 Going-to-the-Sun RdA great way to see nature and enjoy some fun rafting that is family-friendly. Make reservations early.
Free (seasonally) campground that typically doesn't have the crowds like others do. It is off a dirt road so 4x4 is advised, but if you have a paddleboard or kayak this is a great spot to enter the Hungry Horse Reservoir from.
Goose Head Campground
Free (seasonally) campground that typically doesn't have the crowds like others do. It is off a dirt road so 4x4 is advised, but if you have a paddleboard or kayak this is a great spot to enter the Hungry Horse Reservoir from.
A nice public park with lake access. Parking can be an issue depending on when you visit.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
Whitefish Montana
70 Lakeside BoulevardA nice public park with lake access. Parking can be an issue depending on when you visit.
Skiing in the winter, mountain biking, and zipline tours in the summer. On a clear day definitely make it up to the top if you can via the lift chairs or hike.
https://skiwhitefish.com/zip-line-tours
337 abantu bendawo batusa
Whitefish Mountain Resort
1015 Glades DrSkiing in the winter, mountain biking, and zipline tours in the summer. On a clear day definitely make it up to the top if you can via the lift chairs or hike.
https://skiwhitefish.com/zip-line-tours
Get your train fix in historic cabooses converted into one-of-a-kind cabin rentals near Glacier National Park!
A cool hotel to check out and walk around the property, there are hiking trails across the train track walkway/overpass.
https://izaakwaltoninn.com
13 abantu bendawo batusa
Izaak Walton Inn
290 Izaak Walton Inn RdGet your train fix in historic cabooses converted into one-of-a-kind cabin rentals near Glacier National Park!
A cool hotel to check out and walk around the property, there are hiking trails across the train track walkway/overpass.
https://izaakwaltoninn.com
Boat tours and rentals inside Glacier National Park.
https://www.glacierparkboats.com
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Glacier Park Boat Company
Apgar Loop RoadBoat tours and rentals inside Glacier National Park.
https://www.glacierparkboats.com
Great picnic area and lake to kayak or paddleboard around in. It is smaller than other lakes in the area so typically not as cold as larger ones. Locals frequent here. Only 5 min from the Startup Chalet.
Lion Lake
Great picnic area and lake to kayak or paddleboard around in. It is smaller than other lakes in the area so typically not as cold as larger ones. Locals frequent here. Only 5 min from the Startup Chalet.
Local bike rental for adults and kids. They have electric bikes as well and kits to haul them on your vehicle.
http://thepedalcompanyatglacier.com
Thepedalcompany@glacier
9589 Highway 2 EastLocal bike rental for adults and kids. They have electric bikes as well and kits to haul them on your vehicle.
http://thepedalcompanyatglacier.com
Helicopter or plane rides overlooking Glacier National Park. Highly recommended if you have the budget to do it.
https://glacieraviationservices.com
Glacier Aviation Services
4170 US-2Helicopter or plane rides overlooking Glacier National Park. Highly recommended if you have the budget to do it.
https://glacieraviationservices.com
Workout Spots
Spin classes if you are into that. Note: The Startup Chalet has a treadmill and home gym in the garage.
Sobbacycle
160 E 1st StSpin classes if you are into that. Note: The Startup Chalet has a treadmill and home gym in the garage.
Pilates, you can book online.
https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/delia-pilates-studio
Delia Pilates
505 Railway StPilates, you can book online.
https://www.mindbodyonline.com/explore/locations/delia-pilates-studio
Kid Focused Entertainment
Miniature golf, go-karts, maze, etc.
http://amazingfuncenter.com
53 abantu bendawo batusa
Amazing Fun Center
10265 Hwy 2 EMiniature golf, go-karts, maze, etc.
http://amazingfuncenter.com
Small local bowling alley. Karaoke nights on Thursdays.
Note: it is not a casino despite the name.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Glacier Lanes & Casino
307 Nucleus AvenueSmall local bowling alley. Karaoke nights on Thursdays.
Note: it is not a casino despite the name.
Izeluleko zedolobha
Bhukha ngaphambi kokuthi uhambe
Bear Spray
Please make sure to take bear spray with you when going on hikes or outdoor adventures. There are some cans of it provided at the Startup Chalet at no additional cost, but make sure to return them if unused. Note: if you encounter a bear they will typically run off if you make a loud noise.
It should be used only at close range. When the bear is 20-30 FT (6-10 M) away, give a 1-2 second blast. Aim slightly downward in front of the bear's head. Remember, you have only about 7-9 seconds worth of spray in a can.
Okufanele ukupakishe
Bring proper hiking shoes and a jacket
Depending on the time of year it does cool off at elevation (on hikes) and in the evenings so a jacket is advised. The hikes in Glacier although generally pretty easy going would benefit from you wearing the proper hiking attire and hiking shoes.
Ukuzulazula
A vehicle is highly recommended
Uber and Lyft can not be relied upon. Although they exist it is really hard to get a request met during the busy season and these services do not operate in or around Glacier National Park. There are shuttle/taxi services you can book ahead of time to get to the airport, but no guarantees so we highly recommend your own vehicle.