Nestled in a corner in the Flathead Valley, Columbia Falls is the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is a paradise for outdoor recreationists. Situated minutes away from Flathead River, Columbia Falls is the southwestern gateway to Glacier National Park and is frequented by travellers interested in skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. The region is also well known for activities such as golfing, river rafting, llama-guided hiking and fly fishing. It boasts Montana hospitality and entertainment activities for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to take on the flavours of Montana or participate in outdoor recreation such as cross-country skiing and hiking, the following list of things to do in Columbia Falls, MT, has you covered.
For a place to stay in town, check our guide on the best Airbnb vacation rentals too.
1. Spend the day at Big Sky Waterpark
If you’re planning a family getaway to Columbia Falls, add Big Sky Waterpark to your itinerary, and your kids will surely thank you for it! This local waterpark features four thrilling waterslides and other attractions on land, including miniature golf and wall climbing. Amenities such as picnic areas and concessionaires are also available.
Big Sky Waterpark
Address: 7211 Hwy 2 E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Website: Big Sky Waterpark
Price: 17.99 - 22.99 USD
2. Have fun with optical illusions at Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
Located on the outskirts of the city, Montana Vortex is worth the drive for the chance to experience something unique. Native Americans discovered the vortex sometime in 1970, and the shack was added in order to make it easier to spot and access. You’ll pass through a marked trail to the House of Mystery, which tilts to one side. There are various visual illusions to see - including one where you appear to shrink - and the owners will take you through them on an hour-long tour. There’s also a gift shop and picnic spot on-site. This is a roadside attraction that you and your family might enjoy!
Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
Address: 7800 U.S, Hwy 2 E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Website: Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 12 USD
3. Explore Glacier National Park with Glacier Adventure Guides
Those travelling to Columbia Falls to explore Glacier National Park should definitely enlist the help of Glacier Adventure Guides. This professional guide service will help you explore the park through various tours. Choose from their wide selection of adventures, which include cross-country ski tours, snowshoeing tours, ice climbing, and winter camping. You can also book other activities such as guided drives, day hikes, and rock climbing. If you want to personalize your trip, custom itineraries are available.
Glacier Adventure Guides
Address: 24 7th St W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Website: Glacier Adventure Guides
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4. Try handcrafted beer at Backslope Brewing
Backslope Brewing is the perfect place to stop by after a long day of adventures. After all, what better way to cap off the day than with a delicious hand-crafted brew? Their taproom offers the ideal spot to hang out with friends and enjoy a few drinks. Their brews include the Nitro Tap, a Scotch ale, Been Untrue, which is gluten-free, and Let Me Ride, an IPA with Vic Secret and Mosaic hops. The selection is subject to change, so be sure to ask about what’s on rotation. Sandwiches and small plates are available.
Backslope Brewing
Address: 1107 9th St W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Website: Backslope Brewing
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm (daily)
5. Go ziplining at Glacier Ziplines
Looking for more outdoor adventures in Columbia Falls? Go ziplining at Glacier Ziplines. Sign up for their 7-Zipline Canopy Tour, which includes zip lining off an 80-ft (24-m) tower and enjoying excellent views of Flathead River and Bad Rock Canyon. You’ll also be ziplining from one platform to the next. For your safety, you’ll be accompanied by two well-trained guides throughout the tour.
Glacier Ziplines
Address: 7840 Hwy 2 E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Website: Glacier Ziplines
6. Enjoy quality time with family at Marantette Park
Are you wondering what to do in Columbia Falls, MT, with your family? Formerly known as GCA Park, Marantette Park is a beautiful little park with a covered picnic area and updated amenities that cater to people of all ages. The park is a great bandshell for concerts and events. It also features a concert series every summer with Flathead Valley’s favourite bands and band-era music. This is the perfect place for a relaxing day out with the family.
Marantette Park
Address: 133 13th St E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Soak up stunning sunsets at Bad Rock Canyon
Are you curious about what to see in Columbia Falls, MT? Located 2.6 mi (4.2 km) to the east of Columbia Falls, Bad Rock Canyon is a gateway to the wilderness areas of Hungry Horse Dam, Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Glacier National Park. Flathead River flows through the canyon with a spring on the southern side that is used as a water source by many residents. The canyon was a part of the buffalo trail for centuries, stretching from the Rockies to the hunting grounds of Great Plains.
Bad Rock Canyon
Address: Columbia Falls, Montana
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Play baseball at Fenholt Park
Fenholt Park is one of the three grounds that offer baseball facilities in town. With great views and a character that sets itself apart, Fenholt Park is a great option for a ballgame with your friends and family. The park is a relaxing retreat from the downtown area and also leads to picturesque walking paths along Flathead River. This attraction is a must-visit if you and your family love baseball.
Fenholt Park
Address: 9th St E and, 3rd Ave E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
9. Enjoy a game of soccer at Horine Park
With a wide array of facilities and lush fields, Horine Park is an ideal place to play a game of soccer. Horine Park features youth and high school soccer fields and a play area, as well as a skateboard ramp. Whether it is a friendly kickabout or an eleven-on-eleven match, grab your friends and catch the soccer fever in Horine Park.
Horine Park
Address: 11 Beth Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
10. Swing a club at Meadow Lake Golf Course
Located on the west edge of Columbia Falls at Meadow Lake Golf Resort, the Meadow Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course that is ideal for family reunions and corporate meetings. Rated as one of the best public play golf courses in Montana, the staff can help you plan the perfect Montana golf vacation or a group outing by coordinating the golf tee times, scoring, driving ranges, food, and beverages for your group. Thhey have also partnered with some of the best properties in Flathead Valley to offer accommodation in classic villas and hotels with urban sophistications and comforts. The on-site Pro Shop offers beer, wine, and food. Golf lessons with certified golf teaching professionals are available with an advanced reservation.
Meadow Lake Golf Course
Address: 490 St. Andrews Drive, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Website: Meadow Lake Golf Course
Opening hours: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm (daily)
Price: From 35 USD
11. Have fun at Depot Park
Situated on the intersection of Railroad Street and Nucleus Avenue, Depot Park is a small park with an antique train engine that is great fun for kids to climb and play around in. The train is one of the oldest in the country that was used to run lumber to the main railroad lines, and it’s an attraction that fascinates old train enthusiasts and kiddies alike. The park is at the edge of the town and is a great place to visit with your family.
Depot Park
Address: Railroad St E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Drop by The Montana Adventure Stop
This unique attraction is tucked at the back of a gas station and offers state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences such as hunting and waterslides. The theatre can accommodate a maximum of eight persons and offers ski goggles-sized headsets that take the viewers on a 360-degree virtual guided experience with amazing views of Flathead Lake. The theatre also has a convenience and maintenance store with a selection of beers, wines, snacks, and ice creams.
The Montana Adventure Stop
Address: 7358 Hwy 2 E, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Website: The Montana Adventure Stop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 9pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
Price: 10 USD
13. Have a picnic at Columbia Falls Community Garden
With 18 garden plots, Columbia Falls Community Garden was established in 2010 at the entrance of River’s Edge Park. The garden features beds of onions, raspberries, garlic, blueberries, strawberries, plenty of herbs and a dedicated food bank plot. One of their community services includes delivering fresh produce to Columbia Falls Food Bank, with the harvest season running from June to September. This tourist attraction in Columbia Falls, MT, offers a picnic table, tool shed, running water and tools for gardeners. With scenic walking paths that lead to Flathead River, the park features a vast landscape and is ideal for a relaxing getaway from the bustles of downtown.
Columbia Falls Community Garden
Address: Columbia Falls, Montana 59912, USA, Montana, USA 59912
Website: Columbia Falls Community Garden
14. Go camping at Glacier Peaks RV Park & Campground
Glacier Peaks RV Park and Campground offers full-size RV spaces, sleeper cabins and deluxe cabins, with all necessary amenities and comforts. The campsite is part of an extensive national park with easy access to Glacier National Park and the shopping options at Kalispell. The amenities at the park include Wifi, pull-through sites, public phone, big rig access, and tent camping facilities.
Glacier Peaks RV Park & Campground
Address: 3185 Mt Highway 40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Website: Glacier Peaks RV Park & Campground
Price: From 30 USD
15. Dance the night away at Blue Moon Nite Club
Opened in the 1940s during the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam, Blue Moon Nite Club has undergone a transformation from a bar to a bar and casino, and now to a ‘bar, casino and grill’. Located close to Glacier Park International Airport, this establishment features live entertainment, pool tables, a touchtone jukebox, and a casino. The club also hosts ladies’ night on Wednesdays with free champagne for all the ladies and a happy hour with a dollar off every beverage.
Blue Moon Nite Club
Address: 6105 Highway 2 West, Columbia Falls, Montana 59912, U.S.A.
Website: Blue Moon Nite Club
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
16. Stop by Three Forks Grille for a delicious meal
Three Forks Grille is a casual eatery that features Rocky Mountain fare with an Italian flair. Located in Nucleus Avenue, the restaurant serves traditional and contemporary dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu is seasonal, and guests savour delicious food in a cosy setting. The restaurant also features a brunch menu on Sundays that include breakfast risottos, veggie bowls, and buckwheat cakes. With a great selection of farm-to-table dishes, Three Forks Grille is the place to head to if you are looking for great food made fresh.
Three Forks Grille
Address: 729 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Website: Three Forks Grille
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 9pm; Sun: 9 am - 1 pm, 5pm - 9 pm
17. Catch your favorite game at Silver Bullet Bar & Casino
Silver Bullet Bar and Casino offers great food and beverages for lunch and dinner and features pool tables, casino, and live music. The happy and friendly staff and the warm ambience of the bar make it an ideal choice to watch your favourite games here with your friends. Their menu includes a great selection of burgers, pizzas, fries and drink specials.
Silver Bullet Bar & Casino
Address: 1700 Montana Hwy 206, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Website: Silver Bullet Bar & Casino
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 2am; Sun: 3pm - 10pm
18. Try your luck at Glacier Lanes & Casino
With a wide microbrew selection and live music, Glacier Lanes and Casino is the place to head to if you are interested in bowling and gambling. The place features a spotless eight-lane facility and a bar with amazing food and slot machines. Kids can also choose to use the metal rollers at the alleys to help them bowl straight.
Glacier Lanes & Casino
Address: 307 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, USA
Website: Glacier Lanes & Casino
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 4pm - 12am; Thu - Sat: 12pm -12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
19. Visit the Soldiers' Home Historic District
The Soldier’s Home Historic District is an old soldier’s home campus with nine listed buildings in the design of Victorian and Colonial Revival styles. Also known as the Montana State Soldier’s Home, the institution strives to serve local veterans. The campus was added to the country’s National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Drop by to take a look at this piece of history.
Soldiers' Home Historic District
Address: Veterans Drive, Columbia Falls, Montana
Opening hours: 12am - 12am (daily)
Price: Free
Explore Flathead County's wilderness
Just minutes away from Glacier National Park and boasting golf courses, ski resorts, roadside attractions, and a central location, the quaint city of Columbia Falls is the ideal wilderness getaway to escape to. Take your pick from the above list of things to do in Montana and go off the grid to embrace serenity and the splendour of nature and wildlife.