Woodland Park

In the cozy city of Kalispell, you will find a true green oasis — Woodland Park. This picturesque public space in the USA is a favorite getaway for both locals and travelers seeking tranquility amidst the well-kept landscapes of Montana.

The park is famous for its magnificent gardens and water features. One of its main highlights is the Pieter Drent Formal Garden, dedicated to the former director of city parks. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the well-maintained paths surrounding a small pond, which serves as the centerpiece of this natural retreat.

Thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and high rating, Woodland Park is considered an ideal place for relaxation. It harmoniously combines natural beauty with thoughtful urban infrastructure, from quiet zones for meditative reflection to convenient areas for family picnics, making it a must-visit spot in the Flathead Valley.

If you are planning to visit Woodland Park and want to clarify details or book a space for an event, please use the following contact information:

Woodland Park offers many options for quality outdoor recreation. You can start your exploration with a walk along the loop trail around the pond — an easy path that is perfect for nature watching and quiet reflection. Be sure to stop by the Pieter Drent Formal Garden to appreciate the elegant landscape design and the beauty of the floral arrangements.

For those traveling with family or friends, the park features excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch in a calm setting. In winter, the park remains a hub of activity as it transforms into a popular spot for ice skating on a specially equipped rink, offering guests a true winter fairy tale in the Montana mountains.

Active lifestyle enthusiasts should check out the Park Line Trail, which runs right above the park. A walk along this trail leads to the city center and allows you to see historical relics such as an old locomotive and a vintage clock. Or, if you simply want to relax, you can sit by the water and watch the birds, which have been an integral part of the park's ecosystem since the late 19th century.

Getting to the park is easy, as it is conveniently located in the central part of the city at 705 2nd St E. If you are traveling by rental car, parking is available near the park at the intersection of Conrad Dr and Woodland Ave. The drive from the famous Glacier National Park takes only about 30 minutes via US-93.

For those who prefer more active ways to get around, walking or cycling along the Park Line Trail is an excellent option. It runs right above the park and connects it to the city's Main Street, with the total round-trip distance being less than 3 kilometers.

Since public transportation in Kalispell is limited, the most convenient way for tourists without a car is to take a taxi from the city center. The park is accessible to pedestrians from the western end of the city trail, making it an easy stroll from the outskirts to the historic center.

The history of this place dates back to the 1890s, when Charles Conrad, rightfully considered the founding father of Kalispell, began developing this area with his family. It was then that the first water features were created, attracting birds and laying the foundation for a unique natural corner in the growing city.

Woodland Park evolved as an important public space in the Flathead Valley — one of the last regions west of the Mississippi to be settled due to its geographic isolation. In the mid-20th century, specifically in 1945, the park already featured an outdoor swimming pool, photos of which are now carefully preserved in the Northwest Montana History Museum.

Pieter Drent, who served as the city's parks director from 1973 to 1987, played a special role in shaping the park's modern appearance. In recognition of his service, one of the most beautiful corners of the grounds was named the Pieter Drent Formal Garden. Today, the park reflects the amazing evolution of the region: from the rugged pioneer days to its current status as a tourist hub at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

The park's proximity to the historical railroad and the Park Line Trail serves as a constant reminder of Kalispell's railway heritage. This place carefully preserves memories of the past while remaining a modern space for relaxation and inspiration.

For a standard visit to Woodland Park, which includes a stroll through the manicured gardens and relaxing by the pond, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This provides enough time to leisurely explore the grounds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

If you plan to have a family picnic or decide to complement your adventure with a walk on the Park Line Trail leading to the city's historical sites, you should set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. The park is an ideal place to take a break from a busy travel schedule and simply observe nature.

Woodland Park is open to visitors daily, allowing you to enjoy walks in the morning sun or the quiet of evening twilight. The operating hours are the same every day of the week, including weekends and holidays:

Exploring the area surrounding Woodland Park will help you gain a deeper understanding of Kalispell's rich history and culture. After relaxing in the shade of the trees, it is worth taking time to walk through the nearby streets, which are home to unique architectural monuments and historic engineering relics.

Within a short walk, you will find interesting historic districts and open-air museums. Below is a list of nearby attractions: