Things To Do in Kalispell

Woodland Park, on the east edge of town at Woodland Park Drive, is a little spot that offers visitors a place to sit down in the sun and relax if they want to kill a few hours outside without killing themselves. There's a lagoon with ducks and a swimming pool. Walking tracks skirt the park. Another worthwhile attraction is the Museum at Central School, 124 2nd Ave. E. (tel. 406/756-8381; www.yourmuseum.org), dedicated to preserving Kalispell's history. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, and kids are free.

Although not a major shopping destination, Kalispell has enough to offer if your money is burning a hole in your pocket. The Kalispell Center Mall, 20 N. Main St. (tel. 406/751-5052), has more than 40 stores and restaurants. Just up the street, downtown Kalispell has a few stores of its own. Norm's News, 34 Main St. (tel. 406/755-5466), has the latest newspapers from around the globe as well as a comprehensive magazine rack and espresso bar. Books West (tel. 406/752-6900) is the downtown bookshop on 101 Main St. The Western Outdoor Store, 48 Main St. (tel. 406/756-5818), has a vast collection of Western gear for sale -- 4,000 pairs of cowboy boots, sterling silver Western belt buckles, and, for the wannabe dude, cowboy hats in all sizes and shapes. There's also an antiques store in the basement. The Rocky Mountain Outfitter, 135 Main St. (tel. 406/752-2446), has all the gear you'll need for hiking nearby trails and scaling the peaks. You can also rent kayaks and canoes if you want to head out on the water on your own. Mark Ogle Gallery, 101 E. Center St. (tel. 406/752-4217), features a selection of wildlife paintings and prints by its same-named owner.