Some Fourth of July activities are obvious: The classic celebrations like fireworks, community fairs and parades are in abundance in almost every American town, including the Flathead (Find a full listing of these on our “Events” page).
But there are less traditional, and uniquely local, ways to celebrate the Fourth as well. In this section, we aim to highlight some Flathead excursions that we think hold promise for an especially memorable day – whether you’re looking for the valley’s best party spot or family-friendly activities.
For Family:
This is new to the valley: Take the kids up to Whitefish Mountain, where the resort has beefed up its summer offerings with the addition of a zip line tour and alpine slide.
The zip line tour takes about two hours to complete, including orientation. Two cables run parallel, so friends can scream at each other while speeding from one tower to another. And with some of the cables spanning distances of a quarter-mile, suspended more than 100 feet off the ground, thrill-seekers won’t be disappointed.
The alpine slide switchbacks through the trees, allowing riders to go as fast as they like on a plastic wheeled sled with a handbrake. Think a luge race, without the ice.
Zip line tours will be offered from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for $59, while the alpine slide will run from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and cost $8 per ride, $20 for three rides or $30 for five rides. Zip line reservations are highly recommended; call 406-862-2900 for more information.
The resort is also continuing its traditional summer offering, with its summit chairlift rides and the Walk in the Treetops, an elevated boardwalk through the treetop canopy.
For Romance:
Looking to impress your special someone with a romantic holiday? Take advantage of one of the most unique opportunities in Northwest Montana: sailing. Several businesses offer chartered sailing or rentals, including the Dayton Yacht Harbor (406-849-5423) located on the West Shore of Flathead Lake just south of Lakeside. Here you can find it all: lessons, boat storage, rentals, and guided excursions to Wild Horse Island and elsewhere.
This one will set you back a bit, with rentals costing $150 for a half day and $250 for a full day, but a day sailing and sunning around the lake is as close to idiot-proof romance as we can conjure up.
Other sailing companies include Hands On Sailing and Kayaking (406-260-3125) and the Flathead Lake Lodge (406-837-4391), which boasts a pair of historic sailing boats made to compete in the America’s Cup.
If you need a more wallet-friendly option and your date isn’t averse to putting in some muscle work, a number of companies offer sea kayak and canoe rentals. Try Silver Moon Kayak Company in Somers (406-752-3794) or Rocky Mountain Outfitter in Kalispell (406-752-2446).
We recommend springing for two single boats over the tandem kayak, however, if you want to keep that relationship intact.
For the Party:
Pool your money and head up to West Glacier, where you can hire a guide and shoot the rapids of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River – some of the best in the state – with your friends. Glacier Raft Company (406-888-5454) is one of the most well-known river companies in the area, and offers a full list of river trips, including half-day, full-day, self-guided, dinner excursions, and multi-day trips. Other outfitters include Wild River Adventures (406-387-9453), Montana Raft Co. (406-387-5555) and Great Northern Whitewater Raft & Resort (406-387-5340).
A similar, recession-friendly option: Grab your buddies, several intertubes, and a cooler and float many of the valley’s tamer waters.
For the evening, there’s no secret here: Downtown Bigfork is party central for this holiday, with Whitefish following close behind. You’ll find packed houses and live music at most of the bars in these towns. As always, though, remember to be responsible – book a room at a hotel within walking distance for the night or find a responsible designated driver.
For Avoiding Crowds:
For a unique experience with a little more elbow room head to Polebridge, a blink-and-you-miss-it sort of town just outside Glacier National Park.
Here you’ll find an unusual take on the typical July Fourth parade: For more than 20 years, the locals here have hosted a “spontaneous parade” at noon where anyone who shows up can march along the main street or enjoy the view from the sidelines. While you’re there, be sure to enjoy the pastries and custom-roasted coffee at the Polebridge Mercantile and the pizza or wild game at the Northern Lights Saloon.
Then, this is a great jumping off point for a truly solitary experience. The North Fork of the Flathead River borders the northwestern entrance to the park and provides fishing and boating access to the pristine blue water. The entrance is also the gateway to Glacier’s upper lakes: Bowman, Kintla, Quartz and Lower Quartz.
One word of warning: Locals along the unpaved North Fork Road hate choking on dust all summer, so slow down and give their lungs a break.