Kalispell trip planner

Kalispell is a city in, and the county seat of, Flathead County, Montana. The 2013 Census estimates put Kalispell's population at 20,972. The Kalispell Micropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 93,068 and it 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 also the gateway to Glacier National Park.HistoryWorking using his own capital, Charles Edward Conrad, a businessman and banker from Fort Benton, Montana, formed the Kalispell Townsite Company with three other men. The townsite was quickly platted and lots began selling by the spring of 1891. It was officially incorporated as a city the following year. 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 the Flathead valley, Kalispell is 31mi from Glacier National Park and 22mi from Hungry Horse Dam. Skiers have access to Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area each 17mi away. Flathead Lake is 7mi away. Buffalo Hill Golf Club, designed by Robert Muir Graves, serves the needs of golfers.