Whitefish

Whitefish is a city in Flathead County in northwestern Montana, close to the Canadian border and just miles from Glacier National Park. Streets run through a compact downtown with low buildings, while forested hills and lakes stretch out around it.

The Great Northern Railway moved its route through this area and established a station here, leading to the incorporation of the settlement. Before this development, the area was primarily marked by logging camps that cleared large parts of the forest.

The name Whitefish comes from a native fish species once common in local waters. Today, art galleries and small shops along Central Avenue draw visitors who walk through streets lined with historic wooden and brick buildings.

A visit works well for travelers who prefer outdoor activities in summer or winter sports, as the area offers many hiking and skiing spots. The downtown can be explored on foot, and parking is available along main streets.

Some buildings downtown date back to the first years after the railway arrived and still show the simple construction style of that time. The nearby lake remains partly open even in winter and is then visited by ice fishers.

Location: Flathead County

Elevation above the sea: 923 m

Website: http://cityofwhitefish.org

GPS coordinates: 48.41170,-114.34000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:04