KALISPELL MONTANA OFFICIAL 2018-2019 VISITOR GUIDE #DISCOVERKALISPELL 888-888-2308 DISCOVERKALISPELL.COM DISCOVER KALISPELL TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 DISCOVER KALISPELL 6 GETTING HERE 7 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK 10 DAY HIKES 11 SCENIC DRIVES 12 WILD & SCENIC 14 QUICK PICKS 23 FAMILY TIME 24 FLATHEAD LAKE 25 EVENTS 26 LODGING 28 EAT & DRINK 32 LOCAL FLAVOR 35 CULTURE 37 SHOPPING 39 PLAN A MEETING 41 COMMUNITY 44 RESOURCES CONNECTING WITH KALISPELL To help with your trip planning or to answer questions during your visit: Kalispell Visitor Information Center Photo: Tom Robertson, Foys To Blacktail Trails Robertson, Foys To Photo: Tom 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901 406-758-2811or 888-888-2308 DiscoverKalispellMontana @visit_Kalispell DiscoverKalispellMontana Discover Kalispell View mobile friendly guide or request a mailed copy at: WWW.DISCOVERKALISPELL.COM Cover Photo: Tyrel Johnson, Glacier Park Boat Company’s Morning Eagle on Lake Josephine www.discoverkalispell.com | 888-888-2308 3 DISCOVER KALISPELL WELCOME TO KALISPELL Photos: Tom Robertson, Kalispell Chamber, Mike Chilcoat Robertson, Kalispell Chamber, Photos: Tom here the spirit of Northwest Montana lives. Where the mighty mountains of the Crown of the Continent soar. Where the cold, clear Flathead River snakes from wild lands in Glacier National Park and the Bob WMarshall Wilderness to the largest freshwater lake in the west. Where you can plan ahead for a trip of wonder—or let each new moment lead your adventures. Follow the open road to see what’s at the very end. Lay out the map and chart a course to its furthest corner. Or explore the galleries, museums, and shops in historic downtown Kalispell—and maybe let the bakery tempt you into an unexpected sweet treat. Here in the heart of the Flathead Valley, life is awe-inspiring and simple at the same time. If we wish to lose ourselves, there’s millions of acres of protected, pristine forest to wander. If we wish to find ourselves, we need only to channel the confident frontier spirit that drove the development of a regional economic, cultural, and governmental powerhouse. These Western roots form the strong foundation for a growing and diversifying community. Which is to say, we are proud of our history but we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Just imagine how much energy all this fresh mountain air gives us. In the past few years, we have doubled down on our commitment to our walkable, vibrant downtown. It’s growing by the minute. And the amount of new breweries, distilleries, coffee shops, and restaurants that have opened their doors on Main Street means your night out just planned itself. Kalispell, Montana, is a place for skiers and hikers and fisherman. It’s a place for creatives and ranchers and scientists. It’s a place for foodies and history buffs and lovers of the arts. It’s a place for you. 4 www.discoverkalispell.com | 888-888-2308 .$/,63(// 10 mountain surround Kalispell, ranges including the Whitefish Range, Glacier National Park’s Livingston and Lewis Ranges, DRIVING DISTANCES FROM the Middle Fork’s DOWNTOWN KALISPELL Flathead Range, and the Swan and To Glacier National Park > 32 miles Mission Ranges, To Glacier Park International Airport > 9 miles which overlook To Flathead Lake > 10 miles Flathead Lake. To Lone Pine State Park > 5 miles To Buffalo Hill Golf Course > 1 mile To Jewel Basin Hiking Area > 28 miles of Flathead County land mass To Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort > 22 miles is national or state forest, To Blacktail Mountain Ski Area > 28 miles wilderness, agricultural, or 94% corporate timber land is the hydrological apex of North America, where two different continental divides cross—meaning rainfall and snowmelt here may flow to the Triple Pacific, Atlantic or Arctic Ocean. It is the only triple divide in the world. Divide Peak 98,082 22,761 2016 POPULATION OF 2016 POPULATION FLATHEAD COUNTY OF KALISPELL 1,990 species of plants have been documented in Glacier National Park. Additionally, there are records of 24 species of fish, 71 species of mammals, and 276 species of birds in the Crown Jewel of the Continent. www.discoverkalispell.com | 888-888-2308 5 GETTING HERE GETTING HERE Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) offers direct flights (some seasonal) to 11 major national hubs including Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minne- apolis/St. Paul, Chicago, and Atlanta. The port is served by Delta/Skywest, United, Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and Allegiant; www.iflyglacier.com Amtrak’s Chicago to Seattle/Portland Empire Builder Trans-American train makes stops twice daily in nearby Whitefish;www.amtrak.com Interstate 90 passes through the city of Missoula 115 miles south of Kalispell. From Missoula, U.S. 93 heads north to Kalispell paralleling the dramatic Mission Moun- tain range and beautiful west shore of Flathead Lake. U.S. 2, known as the Hi-Line, is the main east/west route across Montana’s northern tier and passes through downtown Kalispell. Traveling from Canada From British Columbia enter through the Rooseville border crossing. Open 24 hours year-round. TRAVEL RESOURCES From Alberta enter through the Piegan border crossing. 24 HOUR ROAD CONDITIONS CUSTOMS & BORDER CROSSING WESTERN MONTANA Open 7am-11pm year-round. Available statewide: 511 Immigration/Customs WEATHER REPORTS From Waterton National Park into Glacier National Park www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/511 406-335-9559 or 406-895-2664 406-721-3939 enter through Chief Mountain border crossing. Open May 15-Sept 20, 7 days a week. Closed remainder of the year. 6 www.discoverkalispell.com | 888-888-2308 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK LOCAL SECRETS IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Imagine growing up 30 miles from one of the most stunning places in the world — a place known as the Crown of the Continent. 4Glacier is a playground with more than 1 million acres of land, 762 lakes, 745 miles of trail, 563 streams, 175 mountains and 26 glaciers. And that doesn’t even begin to count the diverse animals that call this area home — or all the plant species. For many, a trip to Glacier National Park is a lifelong bucket list item. But with so many incredible vistas and breathtakingly beauti- ful natural features, it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. So we’ve asked the experts for their advice on the best spots in the park — the must-see places, items that aren’t overrated and the secrets they usually only share with their own visiting friends and family. ADVENTURE ROAD OPEN FOR MEET GLACIER’S ANCIENT CULTURES AND TRANQUILITY HIKING & BIKING ONLY OFFICIAL MASCOT & TRIBAL TRADITIONS Most vacationers come to Those words are what locals Locals will be the first to tell COME TO LIFE Glacier in summertime. But and park enthusiasts wait you — don’t get close to This year marks the 34th ask around and you’ll find for all year. That means wildlife, even if you’re trying season of the park’s Native plenty of locals who firmly the plows have pushed to get that once-in-a-lifetime America Speaks program. believe that the time to the winter snows off the photograph. Even so, you’re Each summer, Blackfeet, experience the park is in the Going to the Sun Road and likely to see and enjoy Salish, Kootenai and Pend deep of winter when Mother walkers and cyclists can various wildlife in the park, d’Oreille tribal members Nature transforms it into one enjoy a car-free experience including mountain goats, share their knowledge of the Photos: GNP-Jacob Franks, Tom Robertson, Discover Kalispell, Montana Office Tourism & Business Development Tourism Robertson, Discover Kalispell, Montana Office Photos: GNP-Jacob Franks, Tom of the finest cross-country on this iconic landmark. This one of the rarest mammals in history and culture of their ski and snowshoe areas epic ride from Avalanche the lower 48 states. With two tribes with park visitors. found anywhere in North Lake parking lot to Logan layers of wool and a dense On most summer evenings America. Hemmed on both Pass provides a challenge undercoat, these big white through Labor Day, you sides by towering crags, the to cyclists along with a mammals are well-suited can find tribal leaders and swish of your skis blending heavy dose of jaw-dropping for mountain survival. Their entertainers sharing their with the babble of McDonald scenery. While parts of specialized hooves have songs, dances and stories Creek showcases Glacier the road can be difficult if traction-creating inner pads — in campgrounds, lodges in its most peaceful and you don’t bike regularly, and dewclaws to provide and at St. Mary Visitor glorious state. For ambitious riding to ‘The Loop’ or to sure footing on steep, rocky Center. Rarely do these snowshoers, pretty much the top of Logan Pass, is slopes. You’ll be amazed at events have an entrance fee, all of Glacier is an option. an experience of a lifetime. the vertical cliffs they can but those that do benefit Beginners might better enjoy Ride at your own pace, even jump between. the Glacier National Park a hike along the lower Going stopping along the way for a Conservancy’s support of to the Sun Road, or one of picnic, and enjoy the sights If you’d like to get away from the Native America the guided snowshoe walks and sounds of McDonald the crowds, we recommend Speaks program. that take place on Saturdays Creek. Wear layers and bring visiting the south entrance and Sundays from early rain gear. When you start to the park at Walton Ranger January through mid-March. riding downhill the temps will Station.