Kalispell Map
Kalispell is a city in and the county seat of Flathead County, Montana, United States. The 2010 census put Kalispell's population at 19,927 up 5,704 over 2000. At 40.1% this is the largest percentage of growth of any Montana city. Kalispell is the largest city and commercial center of Northwest Montana. The name Kalispell is a Salish word meaning "flat land above the lake". Kalispell is the principal city of the Kalispell Micropolitan Statistical Area the largest Micropolitan Statistical Area in Montana and the third largest of all of the Montana census statistical areas. Kalispell is also the gateway to Glacier National Park.
James J. Hill of the Great Northern Railroad founded Kalispell in 1891. Since that time, the city of Kalispell has continued to grow in population reaching 19,927 in 2010. 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 also is home to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, which boasts a 150-bed facility.
Nestled in a valley, Kalispell is only 31 miles from Glacier National Park 22 miles from Hungry Horse Dam. Skiers have access to Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area each only 17 miles away. Flathead Lake is only 7 miles away.
Nearby cities include Lakeside, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Whitefish, Hungry Horse.