Kalispell

Kalispell is a town in Montana, near Glacier National Park. The name of the town means "flat land above the lake" in Salish, a Native American language. The population is about 23,000 (2016).

Understand

Kalispell is the largest city in the Flathead Valley. 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.

Today, the Flathead Valley offers a variety of recreational activities including skiing (considering world class Whitefish Mountain Resort is nearby), fishing, camping, water sports, climbing and old fashioned exploring. The city of Kalispell is full of shopping and restaurants and is also just north of Flathead Lake, which is the USA's largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

A number of smaller towns surround Kalispell giving visitors a chance to explore. Find additional restaurants and picturesque views in Evergreen, Lakeside, and Somers.

Get in

By plane

The 🌍 Kalispell City Airport FAA LID: S27 is a city-owned airport for public general aviation use. The airport is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) southeast of the city center along US Hwy 93.

For commercial flights, the nearest airport to Kalispell, Whitefish and Glacier National Park is: 🌍 Glacier Park International Airport (FCA  IATA) (roughly 10 mi (16 km) northeast of town on U.S. Highway 2.). The nearest U.S. commercial airport to Calgary and Edmonton, served by:
Horizon Air as Alaska Airlines (Seattle); Seasonally from Portland
Allegiant (Las Vegas; seasonally from Los Angeles and Oakland)
Delta and Skywest dba Delta Connection (Minneapolis-St Paul and Salt Lake City)
Gojet and Skywest dba United Express (Denver)
There is no public transportation from the airport into town. Alternatives are rental car, taxi or ride sharing. 

By car

You can take either Exit 96 on I-90 near Missoula and head north on U.S. 93, or take Exit 364 on I-15 at Shelby and head west past Glacier National Park. U.S. 2 continues west through the mountains into northern Idaho and eventually reaches Spokane from the north, while U.S. 93 heads northwest into British Columbia, eventually reaching Cranbrook.

By bus

By train
See also: Rail travel in the United States

The nearest 🌍 Amtrak Station is in Whitefish, 16 mi (26 km) north of Kalispell along Hwy 93. The train station is at 500 Depot St in the north side of downtown Whitefish. It is only served by:

  • Amtrak Empire Builder which runs once daily (towards each direction) between Spokane & Chicago via Glacier National Park (West Glacier stop) in one direction and Libby in the opposite direction. The westbound train splits in Spokane with one half continuing towards Seattle and the other towards Portland while the eastbound train joins in Spokane for the onward trip to Chicago.

Get around

Walk, drive, bike, or take the Mountain Climber to get around. The city isn't too large, so you shouldn't get lost.

See

Do

Buy

North Kalispell is the shopping area of the city. Stores include most of the nationwide chains.

For those who prefer the more traditional shopping mall, the Kalispell Center Mall is at 20 North Main Street. Anchored by JCPenney, it also includes a Red Lion Hotel.

Eat

Budget
  • Cislo's Family Restaurant, 2046 U.S. Hwy 2 E, ☏ +1 406 756-7330. In Evergreen. American diner fare. (updated Jan 2024)
  • Frugals, 1815 US Hwy 93 South. Fast fresh burgers and shakes. Drive thru only. (updated Dec 2018)
  • Los Caporales Mexican Restaurant. (at least 3 locations) Real Mexican food, like enchiladas mole or verdes with real corn tortillas. 
  • 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. 

Mid-Range
  • 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)

Drink
  • 🌍 Bias Brewing, 412 S Main St, ☏ +1 406 730-3020, . 11AM-7PM daily. Craft beer. Lots of rotators and experiments. 
  • 🌍 Moose's Saloon, 179 N Main St, ☏ +1 406 755-2337, . 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. 
  • 🌍 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. Common in small towns not to have a fixed close time, just call ahead if it is in the evening. 

Sleep

Connect

Kalispell is part of the market region of Spokane, Washington, despite being in a different time zone. Local Montana over-the-air TV networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox have their weekday primetime from 7PM to 10PM, while those from Spokane are from 9PM to midnight (which is quite unusual).

Stay safe

Roads outside of town are mostly two-lane and winding. Naturally, use extra caution when snowing. It is advisable to turn on lights during the day in any rain. This gives better visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic.

Go next
Routes through Kalispell
Sandpoint ← Libby ←  W  E  → Columbia Falls → Shelby
Cranbrook ← Whitefish ←   N  S  → Jct E → Polson → Missoula
END ←   N  S  → Bigfork → Polson


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