Glacier National Park is a highlight for many who travel to Montana. With its towering snow-capped mountains, clear lakes, and sweeping forest vistas, it is definitely a must-see destination. Missoula is only a 3-hour drive from this national treasure and the day trip up is part of the fun! Stopping along Route 93 up past Flathead Lake and to all the interesting towns and attractions in between will surely be an exciting way to spend a day!
After a day trip up to Glacier National Park and back we will be here to welcome you to our Missoula mountainside retreat. Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast is the perfect spot to relax, recoup, and reconnect. We sit next to 20 secluded acres of National Forest land with amazing views of the valley below. If you are ready to get away from it all at our tranquil and romantic inn, book your stay today!
The Drive From Missoula to Glacier National Park
The 140 mile trip from Missoula up to Glacier National Park is an enjoyable drive full of history, spectacular scenery, and quaint towns on the edge of a mountain wilderness. Moving north there are notable places to stop for a bite to eat, take in the expansive landscape, jump in a lake, and learn about this unique part of America.
Here are our favorite 10 places to check out on a day trip from Missoula to Glacier National Park.
- Black Coffee Roasting Co. in Missoula is a great stop for all the coffee lovers out there! This local favorite sells organic, craft roasted and sustainable coffee. Can’t decide which flavor you like the best? Get a sampler to take home with you. A great souvenir of your time spent in Missoula. In order to keep everyone safe, pre-order and pickup is now available.
- The Smokejumper Visitor Center in Missoula is an interesting and interactive way to learn about the professionals who parachute into forests to fight wildfires in Glacier National Park and beyond. This unique stop is the only place in the country where you can take a tour of a smokejumper training facility. The free tour is a great way to learn about this important occupation.
- The National Bison Range was established in 1908 by Teddy Roosevelt to provide a permanent home for these magnificent creatures. 350 bison inhabit this range today. Due to COVID-19, there is a phased reopening of the range, however, the auto tour is now open to enjoy this diverse ecosystem by car!
- The Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge is another gorgeous Montana landscape to enjoy on the way to Glacier National Park. This wetland contains over 800 glacial potholes and a 1,778-acre reservoir. The refuge is a great place for birding as 200 bird species have been recorded here. Nesting Great Blue Herons and Double-crested Cormorants can be observed here.
- Flathead Lake is the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. There are unlimited recreational opportunities among the 6 units of Flathead Lake State Park. Picnics, boating, kayaking, birding, fishing, and camping are available to do here.
- Polson is a lakeside community on the southern end of Flathead Lake. Get a round of golf in at the beautiful and scenic Polson Bay Golf Course. Polson is also home to Glacier Brewing company which makes delicious craft beers on site. History buffs will love the Flathead Historical Museum which details the history of the Flathead Valley.
- Tamarack Brewing Company in Lakeside is a great place to stop for a delicious meal and a cold brew. In the summer enjoy sipping a craft beer out on their patio.
- Bigfork is a small village on the northern end of Flathead Lake. This storybook community boasts a historic and picturesque waterfront. Wander around this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise that is the ideal place for kayaking, fishing, and biking.
- Kalispell is a charming town with lots of downtown shopping, restaurants, and breweries to choose from. One notable stop here is the Hockaday Museum where you can learn stories of Glacier National Park through various artists and authors.
- The Alpine Slide at the Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish is an exhilarating and thrilling way to enjoy the mountains. You’ll ride down a track on wheeled sleds and let the adrenaline kick in. Sure to be a highlight on your road trip to Glacier National Park!
The Ultimate Missoula Lodging
A day of exploring and road-tripping can leave you feeling happy but a bit drained. At Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast you can relax in your private guest room furnished by a plush king or queen size bed fitted with fine linens and a cozy down comforter. Sit in your room and look out over into the gardens and surrounding mountains and forests. Our mountain sanctuary will leave you feeling right at home while letting all your worries drift away. If you want the perfect Montana retreat to escape to book your room today!
