The city of Whitefish is located in northwest Montana about 60 miles from the Canadian border and 120 miles east of Idaho. The town sits at the base of Big Mountain and on the shore of Whitefish Lake among some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. It is also only 25 miles west of Glacier National Park, which is known as the "Crown of North America" because of its majestic mountains, verdant green valleys, and pristine lakes and streams. Whitefish was known as a fur trading settlement before the arrival of the logging industry and the Great Northern Railway in the late 18th century. Its quaint downtown retains much of its charm due to the preservation of several historic building. Visitors can learn more about Whitefish’s past at the Stumptown Historical Society, which is housed in the historic Great Northern Railroad Depot. The Museum includes railroad artifacts, community memorabilia, photographs, and the Great Northern Locomotive #181, one of only seven of its kind ever built. It’s located between the northern ends of Spokane and Central Avenues at the Railroad Tracks.
The town boasts several antique stores, galleries and boutique shopping on delightful Central Avenue, the town's main street. Pubs and restaurants in historic buildings provide relaxed dining, including the award winning Tupelo Grille, and plenty of social entertainment. Considered one of Whitefish’s hot spots, The Northern Brewing Company is also located on Central Avenue. There’s a tasting room upstairs where they offer free samples of their specialty beers Monday-Saturday. It’s a great place to relax and get to know the locals.
The Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort, just outside of town, towers above Whitefish with views to the magnificent Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley and the Canadian Rockies. The 50-year-old resort boasts over 3,000 acres and a vertical drop of 2,500 feet. There's plenty of snow every winter, but summer also offers a number of activities including the most scenic gondola ride in the Northwest, hiking, horseback riding, kids day camp, chuckwagon dinners, village and summit dining, and music festivals in the outdoor amphitheater.
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