Skip to main content
Go to search page

Kick off the new year with outdoor adventures and educational fun at Montana State Parks

Dec 19, 2024 2:33 PM

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering exciting opportunities to enjoy winter in the outdoors with upcoming events and educational programs.

First Day Hikes

Kick off the new year with a "First Day Hike" at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, FWP will host hikes at several state parks.

In northwest Montana, there will be hikes at:

  • Flathead Lake State Park

  • Lone Pine State Park

  • Whitefish State Park

  • Thompson Chain of Lakes

  • Logan

  • Lake Mary Ronan

  • Somers Beach State Park

These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly.

First Day Hike participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #FirstDayHikes. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle and ice cleats or snowshoes if the trail conditions are snowy or icy. For more information on these or other Montana state parks, visit stateparks.mt.gov. Out-of-state vehicles are subject to an $8 entrance fee.

Win Prizes

For those participating in northwest Montana, prizes are available to those who complete different challenges, including taking photographs, having a picnic and more on their hikes. For a full list of activities and point breakdown, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/first-day-hikes. 

To earn points, participants must take a photograph of each activity and submit via email to wayfarers@mt.gov. All activities must occur at one of the participating parks in northwest Montana on Jan. 1, 2025. Photos, names of participants, and miles hiked/ran must be submitted via email by 6 p.m. on Jan. 3 to be entered to win prizes.

Prizes include two nights at Flathead Lake State Parks cabins and yurts or $40 gift card to the Lone Pine and Flathead Lake State Park visitor center shops.

 

Junior Ranger To-Go Kits

Families can enjoy a series of free, educational kits designed for children in grades 2 through 6. Offered biweekly from Dec. 20, 2024, to Feb. 28, 2025, these kits explore topics like birding, snow science, and lake ecology.

Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park, the Flathead Lake Biological Station, and FWP Regional Headquarters in Kalispell.

Each kit includes lesson plans, activities, and materials for hands-on learning. Supplies are limited to one per household.

Lesson Plan Schedule:

  • Dec. 20: Hibernation
  • Jan. 3: Winter Lake Ecology
  • Jan. 17: Snow Ranger
  • Jan. 31: Winter Birding
  • Feb. 14: Winter Scientists
  • Feb. 28: Owls

Learn more about Montana's state parks at https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/.