Columbia Falls combines local history with trails and outdoor activities. A section of the Gateway to Glacier Trail runs through town; at the Flathead River, River’s Edge Park offers hiking trails, while Teakettle is a state fishing access site and day-use area for fishing and boating. The Shay locomotive at Depot Park, Heritage Days, a golf course and public swim times add other distinct attractions. Keep your travel dates in mind when planning around events and swim times.
A Trail Section and Trails by the Water
The Gateway to Glacier Trail runs through Columbia Falls as a paved, one-mile section, extending from the east side of the bridge on River Road to the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 206. The trail organization reported this section as complete in 2020. At the same time, it envisions a safe, off-road route from Columbia Falls to West Glacier. These represent two different scales for route planning: a specific mile in town and a broader long-term vision.
Along the Flathead River, River’s Edge Park offers hiking trails. Teakettle is near Columbia Falls on the North Fork of the Flathead River and is a state fishing access site and day-use area for fishing and boating. The focus is different at each location: the park is associated with hiking trails, while Teakettle is for fishing and boating. Check access conditions before traveling to Teakettle; seasonal or safety-related restrictions may apply.
Local History and Heritage Days
Columbia Falls’ historic Shay locomotive is located in Depot Park. The city was founded in 1891 in anticipation of the arrival of the Great Northern Railway. Logging and farming shaped the town’s early history; numerous sawmills and farms operated in the surrounding area. The railway connection and the economy of the time thus represent distinct aspects of local history alongside the locomotive.
Columbia Falls Heritage Days takes place every year on the last full weekend in July. The program includes food, music, local traditions, vendor booths, sporting events and a hometown parade. Dates and program details vary from year to year; check that year’s event information if you plan your stay around it. The predecessor event began in 1956 as Progress Days, was later called Round Up Days, and was officially renamed Heritage Days in 1980.
Golf, Swimming and Local Offerings
Meadow Lake Golf Course is on the western edge of Columbia Falls and is an 18-hole championship golf course. If you want to make golf a fixed part of your itinerary, check the latest operating information in advance, as details may change.
Columbia Falls Aquatic Center offers public swim times. The city publishes information for 2026; times are seasonal and may change. Check the current schedule before making swimming a firm part of your plans.
Local farmers, food producers, artists and craftspeople sell their products at the Columbia Falls Community Market. The mix of vendors and dates may change each year. If the market is important to your trip, check the dates for the 2026 season in advance.
Discover more destinations: Bigfork, Kila, Kalispell, Hungry Horse, Essex, Marion, Whitefish, West Glacier.
Return to the main travel overview: Flathead.
