The nonprofit that oversees the Whitefish Trail system has purchased the former Whitefish Bike Retreat property.

Whitefish Legacy Partners said Wednesday it acquired the 35-acre parcel and plans to convert the existing lodge into an outdoor education center.

The forested bike retreat property in the Beaver Lakes area north of Whitefish includes a main residence, a five-bedroom lodge, a camp store and campsites. It was listed for sale in 2024 and was valued at $2.16 million in the 2025 state property tax appraisal. At one point, a 90-plus-unit high-density development was considered for the property, according to a Legacy Partners news release.

The new Whitefish Legacy Center is expected to open next summer after renovations. The center will offer a place for outdoor education, recreation and conservation programs, and community events.

“The Whitefish Legacy Center is so much more than a place — it’s an investment in the character, culture and future of our valley and the Whitefish Trail,” said Heidi Van Everen, executive director of Whitefish Legacy Partners. “Whitefish Legacy Partners’ vision will reflect the spirit of the community and continue our commitment as a trusted steward of local lands. We are building a new home for community connections and shared experiences — in one warm, welcoming outdoor place.”

Donations helped facilitate the property purchase.

“It is inspiring for Summerfield and me to support an organization that so successfully protects our community’s character, our surrounding landscapes, and the recreation amenities and stewardship ethos that are essential to our way of life,” said donor and Legacy Partners board member Julie Baldridge.

Fundraising is ramping up to renovate the existing structures and build a new trailhead access. Legacy Partners plans to share more information about public access and programming in late spring 2026.

“The creation of the Whitefish Legacy Center comes in the middle of an already big year for our organization,” said Reid Sabin, chair of the Legacy Partners board. “We continue our work to permanently protect lands and expand trails at the head of Whitefish Lake, and to improve connectivity from the Holbrook Overlook Trailhead in partnership with the Flathead National Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort, bringing us ever closer to closing the loop of the Whitefish Trail.”

The Whitefish Trail network includes 47 miles of trail and 15 trailheads.