Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson

Area Guide

We've compiled some of the best things to do in Polson. Explore Montana's famed wilderness. Discover handmade crafts at local shops. Savor the juiciest burgers in the West. Whatever Polson activities you enjoy, you'll find them near our hotel. At any time of the year, there are also exciting Montana events and festivals happening around our neighborhood.

Polson Activities

Explore Montana's Most Scenic Locale

We're your guide to the best Polson activities. Our hotel is near many things to do in Polson, from scenic outdoor activities to local festivals. Read on to discover the best activities in Polson.

Flathead Lake

Experience Montana's famous wilderness. Flathead Lake features quality fishing and boating. Two rivers, the Flathead and Swan rivers, supply clean fresh water to Flathead Lake year-round. Almost thirty miles long and fifteen miles across at its widest point, Flathead lake is the largest natural lake in western U.S. A 160-mile shoreline covers nearly two-hundred square miles of Montana, and at 300 feet deep, you’d better restring your fishing reel with some extra line.

Kerr Dam

The concrete arch-type dam stands at 204 feet high, which is 54 feet higher than Niagara Falls. A 1,000 foot boardwalk takes you down, right above the falls, where you can enjoy an amazing view of the canyon. In the spring and early summer, the spillway is fantastic. 

Glacier National Park

Come and experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you.

Whitewater Rafting

Flathead rafting company offers tours through lakes and rivers. Also make sure to try their Native American tours, where they educate you on the history of the local Native American tribes. Whitewater rafting is a fun, relaxing way to experience Montana's stunning waters and wilderness.

Cherry Picking

Believe it or not, Montana is the hidden home of many quality cherry orchards. Visit one of our many local orchards to savor tasty cherries straight off the cherry tree. Also make sure to check out the Polson Main Street Cherry Festival, a celebration for the best tasting cherries in the West.

Attractions in Flathead, Montana

Explore the Area Near Our Hotel

Red Lion Inn & Suites Polson is situated near some of the top attractions in Flathead, Montana. When you stay with us, you'll have the best of Flathead Valley adventures and excursions to choose from. Here are some of our favorites, which we hope will become your latest memories from your time in Polson and Flathead. 

Visiting Glacier National Park, a massive part of the region, can bring you to secluded trails, sparkling lakes, or towering waterfalls. All of nature's stunning variety can be found across 730 miles of hiking trails, from half-hour nature trails to week-long treks; there are a number of places to go cross-country skiing and snowshoe, as well as abundant visitor centers. 

Skiing is its own way of life here, with the Flathead Valley offering slopes at Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. These ski areas' websites provide information and maps to find the trails that match your experience level. 

If camping, swimming, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and boating are your passions, head to Flathead Lake for all of these activities in a beautiful surrounding. The biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake is open for camping at any of its five lakeside locations. 

Lovers of historic monuments and homes will be swept away by the Conrad Mansion. Built by the founder of Kalispell, Charles E. Conrad,  in 1895, the mansion is a perfect encapsulation of the Flathead Valley's frontier-era history. 

Breweries and Wineries in Polson, Montana

The Best Vintages and Pours

The taste of the North is abundant at the many breweries and wineries near our Polson, MT hotel. After years of sampling and searching, we think it's safe to say that two of our favorites have established themselves. Glacier Brewing Company and Grinde Bay Winery, both shining stars of the scene out here, are renowned for their products, not only regionally but across the world as well. 

Boasting a tap room, in addition to its brew house and list of exciting, flavor-bending beers, Glacier Brewing Company always features no fewer than seven rotating beers (and two sodas) on tap. Try the seasonal selections indoors or out in the spacious beer garden, choosing a sampler tray or pint. You'll also be able to pick up a growler, keg, or six-pack if you find a brew you just can't bear to be without.

Grinde Bay Winery, located in Polson near Flathead Lake, is somewhat new to the area, but we've already fallen in love with it. With both red and white grape varieties winning over wine enthusiasts, Grinde Bay is one of the best new places to taste, learn, and relax. Since the first bottling in 2013, and the ongoing construction of a new website, Grinde Bay has grown under its master vintner. 

Access the Kerr / Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam From Our Flathead Lake Hotel

Breathtaking Views From Above

Soar sky-high when you visit the man made marvel of the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, formerly known as the Kerr Dam, at Flathead Lake. Designed as a hydroelectricity generator, the concrete arch Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ / Kerr Dam is also a stunning architectural and recreational destination. Rising 204 feet high, the dam soars more than 50 feet higher then Niagara Falls, offering incredible canyon views.

Head up to the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ / Kerr Dam boardwalk for panoramic views and a picnic following a scenic white-water rafting session, serene fishing expedition, or boat outing on Flathead Lake. Explore the Flathead Valley, beginning with one of the most historic dams in Montana, all from the convenience of our conveniently located Flathead Lake hotel, Red Lion Inn & Suites Ridgewater in Polson.

Local Polson Restaurants

Dine Onsite or Eat Out

Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson features onsite dining at MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub. With pizza, burgers, and beer, we serve hearty meals that everyone loves. Our Polson restaurant has friendly service and an inviting atmosphere. You'll feel right at home as the conversation flows from appetizers to desserts.

Local Favorites

Polson restaurants have a wide variety of delicious dishes. Try the best Western cuisine, from classic barbecues to hearty steaks. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Polson.

• Finley Point Grill

Mile Marker 6, Hwy 35

Savor dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Specializing in locally crafted Montana brews, Finley is an outstanding place for an impressive dinner. Also, make sure to try their extensive wine selection.

• Mrs. Wonderful’s Marmalade Café

325 Main St

Check out this great local destination for breakfast. They have amazing homemade local organic baked good. 

• Cherries BBQ Pit

105 2nd Street East

Ribs, rib tips, brisket baskets, and grilled chicken. Any meat lover will relish a trip to this outstanding BBQ pit.

• Richwine’s Burgers

50567 Hwy 93

The beef's in every bite in Richwine's burgers. Richwine's is a local family owned drive-in restaurant. They're best known for their 100% bull hamburger, hand ground, fresh on the premises. Hand pressed daily and made to customer specifications.

• Mission Mountain Natural Foods

319 Main Street

If you want to cook your dinner, head to Mission Mountain, where you can choose from a variety of healthy food options.

• Betty's Diner

49779 US Hwy 93

Classic American dining in a classic American diner. Head to Betty's for great burgers and even a nice gluten free selection.

• Boardwalk Outdoor Café

Country Club Drive

Ice cream, fish, and chips, and pastries. Boardwalk has a delectable selection of treats. Their freshly baked brownies go well with a scoop of caramel caribou ice cream.

Polson Stores & Shops

Browse Handmade Crafts and Local Goods

Polson shopping is some of the best in Montana. With local stores that focus on handmade crafts, local food, and even fun activities, Polson stores are filled with sudden treasures that will make your inner shopaholic smile with delight.

• Three Dog Down Outlet

Purchase a soft, relaxing down comforter at this local shop. Three Dog Down also has their own small bookstore, along with Salty Dog Candy Store that serves up over 70 different flavors of taffy. Their wares also include Boatine soap, a herbal soap that helps rejuvenate your skin. With so many things on offer, Three Dog Down Outlet is a must see for any shopper. 

• All in Stitches

210 Main Street

Calling all quilters. All in Stitches sells comfy, cozy quilts as well as the materials you need to create your own quilts or knit new clothes. Workshops on quilting and knitting happen all the time, so make sure to stop by and learn or practice some quilting skills.

• Jackie M’s Footwear

212 Main Street

Jackie M's footwear sells running shoes, UGGS, and sandals. Get a new pair of shoes, then break them in by walking around town.