Kalispell
The town of Kalispell is encircled by the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park and lies in the center of the Rocky Mountain Wildlands. It is close to all of the Flathead Valley's recreational best's spots including; Hungry Horse Dam, Big Mountain Ski Area, Flathead Lake and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Many generations of families as well as relocated newcomers enjoy the daily living in Kalispell which posts a low crime rate and a strong local community. Helping the local economy is the many areas of shopping that range from the quaint historic downtown district with unique local shops, to discount stores and onto the major national retailers.
Local restaurants serve up everything from fine dining to deli's to fast food while there are array of bar and grill's.
Outdoor activities are year round in Kalispell. This is the perfect location to fish, hike, raft, play golf. The city has over 20 parks with the most popular, the 38 acre Woodland Park, a year round family favorite with a rose garden, rustic log gazebos and pavilion, picnic areas, walking trails, swimming pool, water park, skate board park and pond that freezes for winter skating. For skiing enthusiasts you only need to drive 23 miles north and you'll reach Big Mountain and 14 miles to the south is the Blacktail Mountain Ski Area .
Glacier National Park is only 31 miles from Kalispell. It is the perfect location for kids to begin enjoying and valuing nature and outdoors. You can take all day hiking trips or overnight camping. You can rent a boat, take a tour, or fish. The Going to the Sun Road is the landmark crossing between the west entrance near Flathead Valley and the east entrance at St. Mary via Logan Pass. The 50 mile road was placed on the National Register of Historic places and is a National Landmark. It is steep, narrow and winding with area for viewing the beautiful scenery.
Flathead Lake just south of Kalispell, is one of the largest natural freshwater in the United States. It is 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, of sparkling waters and unlimited recreational opportunities from fishing to boating, camping, swimming and sailing. The lake's largest island, Wild Horse, is a wildlife refuge for over 75 species of bird along with bear, coyotes, deer and big horn sheep.
There are many activities for children to have fun through out the year. Winter fun includes skiing/snow boarding, snowmobiling, ice skating and cross country skiing. During the summer there is swimming at local pools, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking/boat rentals, roller skating, bike riding, skateboarding, and fishing. There are lots of Kid's Activities the Flathead Valley to keep your little ones busy.
Kalispell offers many ongoing cultural attractions. You can take walking tours of the historic buildings, shop the Arts in Park and take in the Picnic in the Park Summer Concert series. The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce hosts the Glacier Jazz Stampede each October.
The Conrad Mansion is a National Historic site. The founder of Kalispell, Charles E. Conrad, built the mansion in 1895. Tours are available by Victorian dressed guides from May through October. The original furnishings, accessories, family clothing, children's toys are still located in the 26 rooms of the mansion.
Hockaday Museum of Art features a permanent collection and rotating exhibits focusing on the art and culture of Montana and artists of Glacier National Park. Along with the Discovery Gallery, a hands on activity center for children, there is a gift shop with wares made by local artists.
The Museum at Central School features exhibits that show local Northwest Montana History. Exhibits include Northwest Native American Culture, the Northwest Montana Timber Industry, U.S. Forest Service and much more.
The Glacier Symphony and Chorale performs classic series, holiday and pops concerts from October through July with world-class and emerging guest artists. They perform all over the Flathead Valley. The Chorale has over 75 adult symphonic members that perform with the Symphony for holiday and special concerts.
There are a wide range of medical services that are offered in the Kalispell area. The city has one hospital, Kalispell Regional Medical Center and they employ over 1,500 staff.
Kalispell is a wonderful place to raise a family and get an education. The Kalispell Public School systems standardized tests scores are higher than the national average, class sizes are small and parent tend to be highly involved in the school. The school system is comprised of five elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high, two high schools and two alternative schools.
Higher education can be obtained at Flathead Valley Community College which offers Associate and Certificate Programs, Adult Basic Education/GED Preparation and on-line courses.
Kalispell is home to a wide variety of religious faiths. There are over 50 churches in the area.
Looking to purchase a home? Check with the Montana Association of Realtors to find a realtor to help you find your dream home.