Quick Facts
Basic Area Facts
Population: 6,150
Elevation: 3,033
Restaurants: 51
Lodging Properties: 46
11 miles from Glacier Park International Airport
Whitefish Lake
7 miles x 2.5 miles
222 feet deep
3340 acres
5 public access/parks/campground
Whitefish Mountain Resort
8 miles from downtown Whitefish
3,000 skiable acres
98 runs
13 lifts – 3 high speed quads
19 miles from Glacier Park International Airport
Glacier National Park
23 miles from Whitefish to West Entrance
37 glaciers
762 lakes
1,013,594 acres
700+ miles of marked trails
5 historic boat tours
63 varieties of mammals
272 varieties of birds
23 species of fish
1,270 varieties of plants
13 campgrounds
66 backcountry campsites
6 National Historic Landmarks:
• Sun Road
• Sperry Chalet
• Granite Park Chalet
• Two Medicine Store
• Many Glacier Hotel
• Lake McDonald Lodge
2 million visitors annually
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Facts About Whitefish Montana

An Introduction to Whitefish, Montana...
Whitefish, the recreation capital of Montana, is truly a magical
place where the highest structures are still trees and wildlife still outnumbers residents. This is a place where eagles and osprey soar through the sky as elk, moose, and mountain goat move through the land with natural grace. Dont be surprised if you share a trail or meadow with one of these magnificent animals.

Despite its seemingly remote location, Whitefish boasts among the closest direct air service into a mountain ski town (just 11 miles) in the U.S. Its Northern Rockies location, adjacent to the peaks of Glacier National Park, Big Mountain Resort and the Whitefish Range, is comprised of numerous lakes, including Whitefish Lake, wild and scenic rivers and an enormous valley that stretches 60 square miles and features Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The location of the valley keeps it safe from extreme climate changes encountered in other portions of Montana, making it ideal for year-round recreation.

The development of Whitefish as a recreation town is as unique as the beauty its famous for. Unlike many mountain destinations, Whitefish was not developed by outside investors, but by the residents themselves. Over 50 years ago, the Whitefish population bonded together with a common vision of creating a unique and memorable recreation location. Pooling their money and making decisions together, the current Big Mountain Resort, Whitefish Lake Golf Club and the town of Whitefish are a reflection of that dream, initiative and hard work.

The people of Whitefish are genuinely friendly and down-to-earth. The towns low-key atmosphere tends to make life in this tight-knit community a happy and warm place to live as well as visit. Though you may spot a movie star on occasion, Whitefish is the kind of town that wants to keep out of the spotlight despite the high-profile beauty of its own backyard. Success here is measured in terms of how many mountains one has climbed, runs skied or fish caught. The locals are welcoming and willing to share their recreational passions with visitors -- freely swapping stories at the local galleries, coffeehouses or saloons.

With its covered sidewalk main street leading to the cultural arts center, historic depot museum and public library, this quaint, picturesque western town offers visitors a change from the fast-paced, hustle and bustle of urban life. Central Avenue is filled with a variety of quality restaurants, shopping and night life. Lodging choices range from full-service resorts to charming B&Bs, rustic but elegant lodges and cabins, as well as condominiums and private homes.

Photos

Central Avenue of Whitefish, Montana in the autumn as first snows frost the ski mountain behind.