Overview
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.
4 sights · 8 things to do · 4 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kalispell
Conrad Mansion
Flathead Lake
Largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
Glacier Range Riders
Enjoy a Pioneer League baseball game at Glacier Bank Park.
Hockaday Museum of Art
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
Family friendly downhill ski area with 26 runs.
Lone Pine State Park
7.5 miles of trails available for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Visitor Center. Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair available for reservation.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Superior)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FCA Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell — 8 mi away. Directions
- MSO Missoula Montana Airport, Missoula — 89 mi away. Directions
- GEG Spokane International Airport, Spokane — 154 mi away (major hub). Directions
It's served by:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $75–$130 a night (typical $107), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$300.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Conrad Mansion, Woodland Water Park, Hockaday Museum of Art
- Lunch Cislo's Family Restaurant
- Afternoon Lone Pine State Park, Northern Pines Golf Club
- Dinner Frugals
- Evening Moose's Saloon
Day 2
- Morning Flathead Lake, West Shore State Park
- Lunch Norm's News
- Afternoon Somers Fishing Access Site, Woodland Skatepark
- Dinner Desoto Grill
- Evening Tamarack Brewing Company
Day 3
- Morning Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
- Afternoon Blacktail Mountain X-Country Ski Trails
- Evening Bias Brewing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
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.
Local information
Get in
By plane
It's 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.
There is also a small general aviation airport:
By car
Kalispell is at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 (US-2) and U.S. Highway 93 (US-93).
From Interstate 90, take Exit 96 on I-90 near Missoula and head north on US-93. US-93 heads northwest into British Columbia, eventually reaching Cranbrook.
From Interstate 15, take Exit 364 at Shelby and head west past Glacier National Park. US-2 continues west through the mountains into northern Idaho and eventually reaches Spokane from the north.
By bus
- Greyhound Lines for travel up to Whitefish from Missoula through Avaro, Arlee, Ravalli, St Ignatius, Pablo, Paulson, Lakeside and Kalispell along US Hwy 93. Passengers transfer to Jefferson Lines in Missoula to get to additional destinations.
By train
The nearest Amtrak Station is on the north side of downtown Whitefish, 16 mi north of Kalispell along US-93. It is served by the 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 on-demand transit service to get around. The city isn't too large, so you shouldn't get lost.
See
See Conrad Mansion
Do
Buy
North Kalispell is the shopping area of the city. Stores include most of the nationwide chains.
Shop Kalispell Center Mall
A traditional shopping mall, anchored by JCPenney. It also includes a Red Lion Hotel.
Eat
Budget
Eat Cislo's Family Restaurant
American diner fare.
Eat Frugals
Fast fresh burgers and shakes. Drive thru only.
Eat Norm's News
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
Eat Desoto Grill (The Desoto)
BBQ. Great beers and locally owned. Off the beaten path, where the locals gather. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Drink
Drink Bias Brewing
Craft beer. Lots of rotators and experiments.
Drink Moose's Saloon
Patrons seem to be preoccupied with carving their initials into the woodwork while not having a draught or some pizza. Montana mainstay since 1957.
Drink Tamarack Brewing Company
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
Stay safe
Roads outside of town are mostly two-lane and winding. Naturally, use extra caution when snowing.
Go next
- The world-class Whitefish Mountain Resort
- Glacier National Park
- Cranbrook in British Columbia, Canada
- Missoula
- Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Nearby
Columbia Falls
City / town · 13 listings · 13 mi away
Bigfork
City / town · 6 listings · 14 mi away
Whitefish
City / town · 30 listings · 15 mi away
West Glacier
City / town · 22 listings · 26 mi away
Polson
City / town · 11 listings · 36 mi away
Glacier National Park
Park · 36 listings · 41 mi away
East Glacier
City / town · 13 listings · 53 mi away
St. Mary
City / town · 4 listings · 55 mi away
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