Kalispell is the largest city in the Flathead Valley of northwest Montana, near Glacier National Park. The name means "flat land above the lake" in Salish, referring to Flathead Lake just to the south, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The city of about 25,000 people is full of shopping and restaurants. A number of smaller towns surround Kalispell. This guide also includes additional restaurants and picturesque views in Evergreen, Lakeside, and Somers.
The Flathead Valley is a unique area of Montana created by the forces of glacier processes. The valley is a testament to the wonders nature can create. It offers a variety of recreational activities including skiing, fishing, camping, water sports, climbing and old fashioned exploring. Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, 15 Depot Park, toll-free: +1-888-888-2308.
Walk, drive, bike, or take the Mountain Climber on-demand transit service to get around. The city isn't too large, so you shouldn't get lost.
1 Conrad Mansion, 330 Woodland Ave, ☏ +1 406 755-2166. Tours May-Oct: 10AM-5PM. 2 Flathead Lake (15 miles south on US-93). Largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. 3 Glacier Range Riders, 25 McDermott Ln, ☏ +1 406 519-4115. See website for current season schedule. Enjoy a Pioneer League baseball game at Glacier Bank Park. (updated Aug 2023) 4 Hockaday Museum of Art, 302 2nd Ave E, ☏ +1 406 755-5268. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. Price: $5. (updated Jun 2023)
1 Northern Pines Golf Club, 3230 Highway 93 N (5.5 mi (8.9 km) north along US-93), ☏ +1 406 751-1950. 18 holes, built in 1996, designed by Andy North and Roger B. Packard. 2 Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, 13990 Blacktail Rd (in Lakeside, turn west at Blacktail Grocery), ☏ +1 406 844-0991, skiing@blacktailmountain.com. Family friendly downhill ski area with 26 runs. (updated Jul 2023) 3 Blacktail Mountain X-Country Ski Trails, Blacktail Rd (about 8 miles up from US-93, upper parking area another 1.5 miles), ☏ +1 406 250-8025, info@northshorenordic.org. daily, Dec 1-Mar 31. Classic and skate skiing trails groomed daily. Maintained by the non-profit North Shore Nordic Club.
Cislo's Family Restaurant, 2046 U.S. Hwy 2 E (in Evergreen), ☏ +1 406 756-7330. American diner fare. (updated Jan 2024) Frugals, 1815 US Hwy 93 South. Fast fresh burgers and shakes. Drive thru only. (updated Dec 2018) Norm's News, 34 Main St. A combination soda fountain and newsstand, this establishment offers the usual soda fountain fare (shakes, soda, floats, burgers, etc.) and a wide selection of candy, magazines, and newspapers. Desoto Grill (The Desoto), 227 1st St W, ☏ +1 406 314-6095. Closed Tuesdays. BBQ. Great beers and locally owned. Off the beaten path, where the locals gather. Indoor and outdoor seating. (updated Jul 2020)
1 Bias Brewing, 412 S Main St, ☏ +1 406 730-3020, info@biasbrewing.com. 11AM-7PM daily. Craft beer. Lots of rotators and experiments. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Moose's Saloon, 179 N Main St, ☏ +1 406 755-2337, Info@MoosesSaloon.com. Open daily: bar 10AM-midnight; kitchen 11AM-11PM. Patrons seem to be preoccupied with carving their initials into the woodwork while not having a draught or some pizza. Montana mainstay since 1957. (updated Jul 2023) 3 Tamarack Brewing Company, 105 Blacktail Rd, Suite #1 (in Lakeside, 14 miles south), ☏ +1 406 844-0244. Opens daily 11AM. Craft beer and pub fare. Happy hour 3-5PM weekdays. Has creekside patio for summer use and fireplace in colder months.
Roads outside of town are mostly two-lane and winding. Naturally, use extra caution when snowing.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Kalispell typically sees ~26°C daytime highs and 3 rainy days.
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