Kalispell

About KalispellKalispell (KAL-is-pell) is in the Flathead Valley between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, a region noted for the production of sweet cherries. The area was known only to the Salish, who called it “the land between the mountains,” until 1891 when the Great Northern Railroad laid track to this point. The nearby settlements of Demersville and Ashley were moved to create Kalispell.

Kalispell is circled by dense forests, lakes, rivers and mountains. To the east is the Swan Range of the Rocky Mountains, and to the west, the Kootenai Range. Flathead National Forest has its headquarters in the city.

Local parks include Woodland Park, with lagoons, formal gardens and picnicking. Three forks of the Flathead River drain into Flathead Lake, making the area an ideal place for fly fishing, white-water rafting, kayaking and sailing.

Visitor Centers Kalispell Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitor Bureau 15 Depot Park Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone:(406)758-2811 or (888)888-2308

Self-guiding ToursInformation about walking tours of the historic district is available from the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce; phone (406) 758-2811. For information about the greater northwestern Montana area contact Glacier Country at (800) 338-5072.

ShoppingThe Kalispell Farmers Market, in the Flathead Valley Community College parking lot, offers more than 100 vendors selling homemade and homegrown products Saturdays 9-12:30 from spring through fall.

Things to Do Conrad Mansion Museum

Hockaday Museum of Art

Northwest Montana Historical Society's Museum at Central School

Recreational Activities

Hot Air Ballooning Fantasy Flights