Location: Columbia Falls
Top Things to do in Columbia Falls
The 10 Best Things to Do in Columbia Falls, United States
Columbia Falls (Salish: nq̓éyɫkʷm) is a city in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 4,710 at the 2010 census (though a 2016 estimate puts it at 5,241)
Restaurants in Columbia Falls
1. Glacier ZipLines
Overall Ratings
5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Rebecca K
We had reservation on 8/28/17 at 1 pm booked thru glacier park. We arrived 20 minutes prior and they did not answer phone. We left a message which they never responded to. Needless to say we would never recommend this zip line
2. Meadow Lake Golf Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
This 18-hole championship golf course, par 71 at 6,574 yards, is both a real challenge and delight to play.
Reviewed By Pinktika - Bonnyville, Canada
we visited this place for the for the first time this summer and we weren't disappointed. Beautiful and private area. Our condo had a view of the golf course and mountains and it was beautiful. Their public pool was perfect for the kids as well as the mini splash park. The whole family enjoyed it. Everything was a nice walk away. There is even a park for the kids not to mention there is a lot of fun things to do in Columbia falls. Well definitely visit again!
3. Big Sky Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Turtlegirl99645 - Hayden, Idaho
This was my second year in a row taking my family here during Labor Day weekend. We love that our toddler can ride on our laps down some of there slides. Very nice that they allow you to bring your own food and drinks. Several shaded picnic areas makes it very nice for when you want to eat and relax. Their huge hot tub was perfect for when we got a little chilly too. Very friendly staff and clean facility, way better than Silverwood theme park on so many levels in my opinion. Can't wait until next year!!
4. Glacier Adventure Guides - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
We are the premier year-round guide service in the Glacier National Park area. For more than 15 years, we've been leading tours to some of the most pristine wilderness areas that North America has to offer. We are permitted to guide more than 3 million acres of northwest Montana, and offer a broad range of activities. All ages and skill groups are welcome! We offer: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing tours, backcountry ski tours, winter camping, rock climbing, hiking and backpacking. Our guides have decades of experience and are trained in CPR/First Aid, Outdoor Emergency Care, Mountain Travel and Rescue and Avalanche Safety. We know where to find the best terrain, conditions and views while keeping your trip safe, happy and on time!
Reviewed By Carrie M - Baltimore, United States
Before this adventure, my husband and I had only cross-country skied on groomed golf-course trails, so we knew a trip to Glacier without a guide would limit how much we could explore on our own. With Greg from Glacier Adventure Guides leading the way, we certainly saw a lot more of Glacier and did so safely and comfortably. Greg was knowledgeable about the park and also shared tips for keeping warm and safe while out: when the snow conditions changed, he was prepared with wax for our skis; when we had cooled down after lunch, he shared a thermos of hot mint tea. The day itself was gorgeous with trails covered in fresh snow, and more falling. We loved experiencing the Glacier Winter Wonderland with Greg at the helm!!! Worth every penny.
5. Montana Adventure Stop 4D Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Tucked in the back of a Cenex gas station is a unique attraction everyone is sure to enjoy. Enter a casual convenience store just outside of Glacier National Park, but beware because this isn't your average gas station. Nestled in the back is an 8-seat theater room. This is where you will experience a state-of-art virtual story, complete with interaction and intrigue. After adorning a special headset, and before the show starts, you will view your entry ticket as it magically comes to life, interacting with you and foreshadowing the mystery yet to come. Join the Montana Adventure Stop for a journey through the great outdoors of Montana where the wildlife of Flathead lake awaits.
Reviewed By RiverDays - montana
This is an experience I'll gladly tell our visitors and friends not to miss! Highlight for me was the downhill skiing, which I've never mastered, but for the first time could feel the thrill and ease in perfect maneuvers. At first, I really liked the amusement park roller coaster ride, but turns out it was so authentic that I actually got a little seasick. I was too engrossed to even close my eyes or take off the googles, and was busy "whooo-hoooing" and laughing before I realized I'd gotten a bit nauseous. Now how can that happen simply by sitting in a seat and watching a screen??? A real tribute to the reality of what this experience feels like. Jackie did a great job getting us set up with googles and settled in, and Wade was there at the end to answer questions. It is truly a unique and thrilling experience.
A bonus -- the convenience store is clean, spacious and well-kept. Obviously the people who work here care about the place. And who would have thought that a gas station and C-Store could open up a whole new world? Go for it!
6. Montana Vortex and House of Mystery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Happytraveler212014 - Port Matilda, Pennsylvania
This place is located along the main highway on the way to Glacier National park. Very interesting place to visit. Great people that work there and a great experience for people of all ages. It's an experience you'll remember for a long time!
7. The Shops at Station 8
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Located in the historic train depot, Station 8 is a gathering of vintage home decor, antiques, Glacier Park collectibles and gifts that are beautifully displayed. Come in and browse the enticing merchandise and find a treasure to take home with you. Specializing in Made in Montana jewelry, sapphires and gifts. A friendly staff will greet your arrival! Plenty of parking for RV's as well.
Reviewed By underthebus - Denver, Colorado
Visited in April while on tour to Glacier. This is definitely one of the best of it's kind. During our week long stay we visited several times because each time there were new and unique items... we had to keep going back to see what one or the other of us missed the first 2 times. You will find many special treasures here.
And the staff are exceptionally gracious and helpful.
8. Glacier Jeep Rentals
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Explore Montana in a Jeep! Experience the scenic beauty of Glacier National Park without unnecessary walls. Feel the cool breeze, smell the clean air and reach out and touch the Montana wilderness. Go ahead.
Reviewed By Robert G - Scotts Valley, California
There is no doubt that seeing Glacier NP from our Jeep rental was outstanding! We rented one of their Jeeps for just a day to drive the Going-to-the-Sun road last July. It was a great day and a wonderful memory of the park. Since we were traveling in our RV and staying in Apgar campground, we would not have been able to drive the road without renting a vehicle. It would have been a huge hassle to move the RV and drive it to Columbia Falls to pick up the Jeep. We contacted Jason and Laura and they were willing to drive the Jeep to our campsite and then pick it up at the end of our rental day! We really appreciated their above-and-beyond customer service. Rent your Jeep for Glacier from this company.
9. Depot Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Mike P - Phoenix, Arizona
On our way to see Bowman Lake via Polebridge Mercantile, we stopped at the Depot Park in Columbia Falls, MT at coordinates N 48° 22.776 W 114° 10.895 on SR 486 (Railroad St) to see the 1904 Shay Locomotive that use to pull its short train of flatcars loaded with logs to a sawmill in the Swan Valley and north of Half Moon at an average speed of 12 mph. On loan to the city of Columbia Falls by Stoltze Land and Lumber Company, this Tom Thumb locomotive was restored as a 1964 Montana Territorial Project of the Jaycees, with help from many local volunteers for the Columbia Falls 1964 Centennial, celebrating the I00th year of Montana Territory, May 26, 1864, and coincidentally, The Diamond Jubilee of Montana Statehood, November 8, 1889.
The smaller Shay Locomotive differs from the larger steam engines because it has vertical pistons and cylinders and is gear driven whereas regular railroad engines were driven by horizontal pistons and is driven by push rods. Peter Cooper’s first American made locomotive he named “Tom Thumb” because he considered it so insignificant to simply prove that the little locomotive would actually work.
We were able to walk up and touch this historical locomotive instead of looking at it from the distance through a fence. A true example of the history that made the United States of America a great country of opportunity. Stop by and touch history before popularity requires it to be fenced in for its safety.
10. Bad Rock Books
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By notoriouskelly - Great Falls, Montana
Having recently rediscovered the pleasure of off-line reading, I stopped by Bad Rock Books in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Two ladies gave me a friendly greeting while the were arranging new selections, then broke away to show where my desired categories were.
This is an old-fashioned book store where customer's credits are recorded on 3X5 cards at the counter.
Didn't take long for me to find some great reads at half off or more from listed price.
Limited seating but you can grab coffee for $1 and a few other items.
Bad Rock is on the main street (Nucleus Ave) tucked in next to a barber shop, beauty salon, bars/restaurants, thrift stores, and Glacier Lanes a few blocks away.
You could make a day of it!
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