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Kalispell, MT

Frequently asked questions

Kalispell, MT

Kalispell is a city in Montana and the county seat of Flathead County, Montana, United States. In Montana's northwest region, it is the largest city and the commercial center of the Kalispell Micropolitan Statistical Area. The name is Kalispell is a Salish word meaning "flat land above the lake".

The first European settler to explore the Flathead Valley was likely surveyor Peter Fidler of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 18th century. From 1870, permanent settlement and the introduction of livestock brought permanent changes, as did the near-eradication of local bison populations.

In 1884, a short-lived town called Ashley was founded where Kalispell is today. Three years later nearby Demersville was founded. Demersville quickly grew to be the largest town in the area, but when the Great Northern Railroad bypassed the town it was abandoned just as quickly, with people moving the short distance to the new town of Kalispell.

As the largest city in northwest Montana, Kalispell serves as the county seat and commercial center of Flathead County. The city is considered a secondary trade center with a trade area of approximately 130,000. The city is home to Logan Health Medical Center, which has a 150-bed hospital facility. The railroad history through Kalispell ended in 2018 when the city purchased and tore up the long abandoned track through the city. The city of Kalispell removed the remaining downtown trackage, relocating the railroad to Glacier Rail Park, a new industrial park just north of town; abandoning 2.4 miles of the original route.

Kalispell is located at 48°11′52″N 114°18′58″W (48.197801, −114.316068), at an elevation of 2,956 feet (901 m). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 11.73 square miles (30.38 km2), of which 11.64 square miles (30.15 km2) is land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km2) is water. Kalispell is 7 miles (11 km) north of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S.

Health and wellness are integral to Kalispell's lifestyle, evident in the presence of Kalispell Regional Healthcare, a leading medical facility serving the community. The city is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing, contributing to the overall well-being of the community. The Conrad Mansion, a historic home turned museum, showcases the city's commitment to preserving its heritage.

Top sites in Kalispell, MT are Conrad Mansion Museum, Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, and Lone Pine State Park.

Population: 31,296 (2024). ZIP codes: 59901, 59904. Area code: 406. Elevation: 2,956 ft (901 m). Area: 12.64 sq mi (32.74 km2).

FAQs

What is Kalispell, MT is known for?

Kalispell and the Flathead Valley are home to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake, visitors can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. The region also offers championship golf courses, ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts, and an extensive network of hiking trails for exploration. With charming small towns, vibrant arts, and culture scenes, and warm western hospitality, Kalispell and the Flathead Valley provide an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in the heart of Montana's wilderness.

Is Kalispell, MT expensive to live in?

Based on our Kalispell cost of living calculator, Kalispell is 5% less expensive than the national average and 2% more expensive to live in than the average city in Montana. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apartment. Food costs in Kalispell are less affordable than average in the United States. Transportations costs in Kalispell are more affordable than average in the United States. Housing costs in Kalispell are more affordable than average in the United States.

Is Kalispell, MT a good place to live?

A welcoming business environment and outstanding quality of life make Kalispell and the surrounding Flathead Valley one of the most attractive communities in the West. The City of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley are recipients of numerous state and nationwide acknowledgments and awards. Kalispell, MT was recognized as one of the 25 Best Places to Retire in 2012 by CNN Money, a service of CNN, Fortune & Money. In a December 2012 article by NerdWallet Finance, Kalispell was listed as one of the top 10 towns for young families in Montana. Author, Mike Anderson cited that this study chooses a community based on its public school system, its affordability, and its growth and prosperity, among other factors.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kalispell

Kalispell Regional Healthcare

Flathead Lake

Glacier National Park

Lone Pine State Park

The Conrad Mansion Museum

Visit MT

EriEri

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