Summit Nature Center

This education and visitor information center is located at the summit of Big Mountain Whitefish Mountain Resort in the lower level of Summit House. The center can be accessed by purchasing a lift ticket at the resort or by hiking the Danny On Trail. The center has a wide variety of interpretive displays on wildlife, wildflowers, trees, fire ecology, and other topics that relate to the ecosystem of northwest Montana.

Summer

The center first opened in 1990 and today over 14,000 annual visitors enjoy center displays and hands-on activities.  During the summer there are daily wildflower and nature walks and families can check out an “Adventure Pack” filled with field guides and materials for fun outdoor exploring.  Kids aged 7-12 can participate in the Junior Forest Ranger program.

Winter

During ski season, the Summit Nature Center is open over the holidays and weekends January through mid-March. During the week school groups strap on snowshoes to explore the winter environment.  Younger grades learn how people and animals adapt to winter. Older grades learn how to enjoy the cold and snow and yet stay safe, learning about avalanches and ways to properly gear up for winter adventure.  Email Teresa Wenum for information about school field trips. 

Families and teachers: download the free Junior Snow Ranger book and check out the many fun indoor and outdoor activities.  Learn about what animals do in winter, snow safety, how to make your own snowshoes, what a real snow ranger does and much more.