The charming community of Evergreen, MT is bordered on the west by the Whitefish River, and to the east by the Flathead River.
Visitors to the Kalispell area will find that Evergreen is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of one of the state’s largest cities. Evergreen has nice amenities and is a great place to visit if you’re looking to spend some of your vacation time relaxing, exploring Glacier National Park, playing golf, or visiting museums.
Let’s take a closer look at Evergreen, Montana, and the fun activities available.
The 12 Best Things To Do In Evergreen, MT
1. Glacier National Park
The Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park is less than an hour away from Evergreen. Most visitors categorize Glacier as a “must-see” destination when visiting Montana thanks to its signature breathtaking landscape of alpine lakes and thawing glaciers.
One of the most popular things to do in the park is hiking some of the 700 miles of trails that meander through dense woodland and around sparkling bodies of water. Along the way, you’re likely to spot native wildlife that resides in the area, from mountain lions to mule deer to grizzly bears.
Among the most famous landmarks in the park include Avalanche Lake and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which boasts mesmerizing vistas. The park is also home to educational visitor centers and campsites.
Summer tends to draw the most crowds to the park, so if you plan on visiting between June and August, prepare to reserve your accommodation well in advance and arrive at the various sights early in the morning.
You’ll need to pay a registration fee to get into Glacier, the price of which varies. There are certain times of the year when no entry fee is charged, including Veterans Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Visit the official website for a full list of the registration fees.
2. Village Greens Golf Course
The Flathead Valley is renowned for being a gateway to outdoor recreation. Evergreen, in particular, is close to the Village Greens Golf Course, which has been coined as the Flathead’s fastest-growing golf destination.
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned golfers, the Village Greens features an expansive grass teeing area boasting 18 hitting stations. The area stays open May through October thanks to the use of advanced synthetic turf mats, which protect the course during severe weather.
The Village Greens offers a variety of leagues and youth opportunities for enthusiastic golfers and professional instruction for beginners. There is also a café on the premises, on-site private cart storage, and a fully equipped golf shop on the grounds.
3. Conrad Mansion
For history buffs traveling to Evergreen, a visit to the nearby Conrad Mansion in Kalispell is a must.
The mansion, which once served as the lodging of Teddy Roosevelt, has been fully restored since its original construction in 1895, and visitors can take guided tours by staff in period dress or explore the property on their own.
The museum was originally home to pioneer and businessman Charles Conrad. He founded Kalispell with his wife Lettie, who managed the estate while raising the couple’s three children.
The mansion was donated to the city of Kalispell in 1974 by the Conrads’ youngest child, Alicia, who passed away in 1981.
The Conrad Mansion is open year-round and, during summer, is open seven days a week. Self-guided tours are $15 for adults while official tours are $20, and there are discounts available for children and seniors.
4. The Hockaday Museum of Art
The Hockaday Museum of Art is Kalispell’s premier destination for art enthusiasts. Only minutes from Evergreen, the museum displays permanent and temporary exhibits featuring the work of established legends in the space as well as new and emerging artists.
One of the most popular permanent exhibitions focuses on Glacier National Park, exploring the landmark through art and culture. The museum runs various programs throughout the year which aim to enrich the cultural life of the community, and guided tours are also available.
The museum itself is located in Downtown Kalispell, in what was once the town library—a heritage building that was constructed in 1903. It’s open year-round, closing on specific holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Admission prices start at only $5 for adults, while there are discounts for seniors and college students. Members and children under 18 can enter for free.
5. The Northwest Montana History Museum
Kalispell has no shortage of museums, and the Northwest Montana History Museum is another destination where visitors can learn about the fascinating history of the area.
Situated in the restored Central School building, the museum focuses on exhibits that shine a light on the Flathead Valley and the wider Northwest Montana region.
There are several programs that take place at the museum throughout the year, including a history book club, a movie night, and guest speakers.
The exhibitions are both rotating and permanent, and the museum is also home to a bookstore featuring works of fiction and non-fiction that tell the history of Montana.
The Northwest Montana History Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $9 for adults and $7 for seniors, while members and children can enter for free.
6. Lone Pine State Park
Lone Pine State Park has 7.5 miles of trails to explore and is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Most out-of-state visitors tend to miss the park altogether in favor of the much more famous Glacier National Park, so it’s a great option for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with major crowds.
The park offers exquisite views of the sweeping Flathead Valley, while the trails themselves also offer tranquility amongst a relaxing backdrop of wildflowers and native animals.
Within the park, you’ll also find a visitor center and gift shop, plus guided tours of the park are available.
It’s significantly cheaper to enter Lone Pine State Park than Glacier, with fees between $4 and $8 for non-residents. Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration can enter for free, as can non-residents who have a Nonresident Entrance Pass.
3 Free Things To Do In Evergreen
7. Trout Fishing
Trout fishing is Montana’s favorite pastime, and there are several places to do it near Evergreen. Once you’ve set yourself up with your fishing gear, license, and equipment, the experience of trout fishing in Montana is totally free.
A great place for angling in the Flathead Valley is the Old Steel Bridge fishing access spot. One of the best things to do in Evergreen, fishing here is often a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
The Old Steel Bridge provides easy wading into the Flathead River, ideal for fly fishing. Other facilities nearby include a gravel boat ramp for those who want to use a small boat for fishing.
The Shady Lane Kids Fishing Pond is also nearby, a top destination where you can introduce your children to the joys of fishing. The area is also ideal for picnicking during the summer.
8. Picnic in the Park Summer Outdoor Concerts
During the summer, Kalispell offers the Picnic in the Park free summer concert series. Minutes from Evergreen, the series features a range of local and foreign artists from a variety of genres in Downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park.
The concerts are typically held twice a week, Tuesday night and Wednesday at lunchtime. The series has been running since 1992 and brings the local community together for a little fun and to appreciate some wonderful talent.
9. Herron Park
Located just 10 minutes from Kalispell, Herron Park is a great option for outdoor recreation that comes totally free. The single-track trails of the park are open year-round, many of them short enough to complete in a single afternoon. Altogether, there are 15 miles of looped trails.
The scenery features pockets of green forest, paths lined with colorful wildflowers, and grassy fields where you might spot some local wildlife.
There are trails for hikers of all abilities, from beginners seeking easy trails to challenging routes for seasoned hikers. Visitors can also bring dogs to the park, ride bikes on the trails, and even ride horses in the area.
Best Tours In Evergreen
The West Entrance of Glacier National Park is only around 40 minutes from Evergreen, and there are several fantastic tours running for travelers who’d like a curated experience of one of America’s greatest gems.
10. Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip
This scenic raft trip takes travelers down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River for a relaxing float. The trip takes around two to three hours in total, and all participants will be in the safe hands of a knowledgeable and experienced river guide.
11. West Glacier Moped Rental
Run by Swan Mountain Outfitters, this tour is self-guided and allows park guests to enjoy the sights of West Glacier and Lake McDonald by moped. You can choose from two-hour tours, a half-day tour, or a full-day tour.
12. West Glacier 1-Hour Fly Casting Lesson
Fishing is the state’s favorite pastime, and this tour teaches participants the basics of fly casting and fishing in a safe and friendly environment. The relaxing lesson takes place in a picturesque natural setting and is limited to eight students at a time.