Map Of Kalispell Montana Travel Guide

Introduction

Kalispell Montana is a city located in Flathead County, known for its natural beauty, rich history and outdoor adventures. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff or adventure seeker, Kalispell has something to offer for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Kalispell.

Top Attractions

Glacier National Park

One of the top attractions in Kalispell is Glacier National Park, known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails and wildlife. You can explore the park on foot, by car or even by boat. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most breathtaking views in the park.

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking. You can also take a scenic drive around the lake and visit some of the charming towns and villages along the way.

Hidden Gems

Bigfork Village

Bigfork Village is a hidden gem located just a few miles from Kalispell. This charming village is known for its art galleries, boutique shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, a professional theatre company that produces Broadway-quality shows.

Hungry Horse Dam

Hungry Horse Dam is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Kalispell. This impressive structure is one of the largest concrete arch dams in the United States, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Food Scene

Kalispell has a vibrant food scene, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local specialties, such as huckleberry jam, bison burgers and trout. Some of the top restaurants in Kalispell include 406 Bar and Grill, Jagz Restaurant and Lounge and Hops Downtown Grill.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Kalispell can be an expensive destination, especially during the peak season. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly tips that can help you save money. Consider visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from September to November, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are smaller. You can also save money by staying in a vacation rental or a campground instead of a hotel.

Outdoor Adventures

Kalispell is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and skiing. Some of the top outdoor adventures in Kalispell include hiking in Glacier National Park, skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort and fishing in Flathead Lake.

Historical Landmarks

Conrad Mansion

The Conrad Mansion is a historical landmark located in the heart of Kalispell. This impressive mansion was built in 1895 by Charles E. Conrad, a wealthy businessman and politician. Today, the mansion is open to the public and offers guided tours that provide a glimpse into the life of the Conrad family.

Museum at Central School

The Museum at Central School is a historical landmark located in downtown Kalispell. This impressive building was built in 1894 and served as a school for over 70 years. Today, the museum offers exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Flathead County.

Family-Friendly Activities

Wilderness Club Water Park

The Wilderness Club Water Park is a family-friendly attraction located just a short drive from Kalispell. This impressive water park features a lazy river, water slides and a wave pool, as well as plenty of activities for kids of all ages.

Montana Vortex and House of Mystery

The Montana Vortex and House of Mystery is a unique attraction located just a few miles from Kalispell. This mysterious place is known for its strange gravitational anomalies and optical illusions, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Polebridge Mercantile

The Polebridge Mercantile is a hidden gem located in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park. This charming store offers a variety of handmade goods, including bread, pastries and jams. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous huckleberry bear claws, a local specialty.

Scenic Drive to Yaak Valley

The scenic drive to Yaak Valley is a must-see attraction for those who want to explore the beauty of Montana’s wilderness. This scenic drive takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the state, offering stunning views of the mountains, rivers and valleys.

Natural Wonders

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is a natural wonder located in Glacier National Park. This stunning lake is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the park. You can reach the lake by hiking the Avalanche Lake Trail, a 4.5-mile round-trip hike that is suitable for all skill levels.

Wild Horse Island State Park

Wild Horse Island State Park is a natural wonder located in Flathead Lake. This unique island is home to wild horses, bighorn sheep and other wildlife, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches and hiking trails in the area.

Vibrant Nightlife

Kalispell has a vibrant nightlife, offering plenty of options for those who want to experience the local bar scene. Some of the top bars in Kalispell include Hop’s Downtown Grill, Red’s Wines and Blues and Scotty’s Bar.

Local Markets

Kalispell Farmers Market

The Kalispell Farmers Market is a local market that takes place every Saturday from May to October. This market offers a variety of fresh produce, handmade goods and live music, making it a fun and lively experience for the whole family.

Whitefish Farmers Market

The Whitefish Farmers Market is another local market that takes place every Tuesday from May to September. This market offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal foods and handmade crafts, as well as live music and entertainment.

Beaches and Mountains

Kalispell offers plenty of options for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the beaches and mountains. Some of the top beaches in Kalispell include Somers Bay and Wayfarers State Park, while some of the top mountains include Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.

Cultural Immersion

Sacred Dancing Society

The Sacred Dancing Society is a cultural immersion experience that takes place every summer in the Flathead Valley. This unique event features traditional Native American dances, music and storytelling, as well as arts and crafts and food vendors.

Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball is a cultural immersion experience that takes place every winter in Kalispell. This unique event features live music, dancing and a costume contest, as well as food and drinks from local vendors.

Art and Music Scene

Kalispell has a thriving art and music scene, offering plenty of opportunities to experience local talent. Some of the top art galleries in Kalispell include Hockaday Museum of Art, The Purple Pomegranate and Going to the Sun Gallery, while some of the top music venues include The Filling Station, The Raven and The Red Room Lounge.

Walking Tours

Historic Downtown Kalispell Walking Tour

The Historic Downtown Kalispell Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that takes you through the charming streets of Kalispell’s historic district. Along the way, you will see some of the city’s most impressive buildings and landmarks, as well as learn about the history and culture of the area.

Whitefish Walking Tour

The Whitefish Walking Tour is another self-guided tour that takes you through the charming streets of Whitefish. Along the way, you will see some of the city’s most impressive buildings and landmarks, as well as learn about the history and culture of the area.

Architectural Marvels

Conrad Mansion

The Conrad Mansion is not only a historical landmark, but also an architectural marvel. This impressive mansion was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, featuring a combination of stone, brick and wood materials.

Hockaday Museum of Art

The Hockaday Museum of Art is another architectural marvel located in Kalispell. This impressive building was built in the Beaux-Arts style, featuring a combination of classical and Renaissance elements.