A charming mountain town that has been called “the Soul of Montana”, Kalispell is a destination of unrivaled alpine views and true community spirit. Located in Flathead County, in Montana’s northwest, Kalispell is less than an hour from the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park.
Despite the throngs of tourists arriving in town, Kalispell locals are known for their friendliness and inclination toward Western hospitality. The town has a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the city center is dotted with gourmet eateries and fascinating museums.
Kalispell is a gateway to adventure and wilderness, giving visitors close access to gems like Flathead Lake and Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort. There are also world-renowned golf courses and a plethora of hiking trails and fishing streams to explore.
With a variety of activities available, Kalispell is the perfect destination for any traveler. There’s also a selection of cozy mountain lodgings to stay at while you discover what the town has to offer, from lavish resorts to rustic bed and breakfasts.
In this article, we will give you some travel tips and suggestions for the best bed and breakfasts in Kalispell, Montana.
Travel Tips for Staying in Kalispell
You can fly into Kalispell via the Glacier Park International Airport, which connects to several major cities around the country, including Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. There are also seasonal direct flights to New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and San Diego, amongst others.
If you want to take the train to Kalispell, Amtrak’s Chicago to Seattle/Portland Empire Builder stops in Whitefish three days per week, which is around a 20-minute drive away.
You can hire a rental car from Glacier Park International Airport, plus other off-site locations. U.S. Hwy. 2, also known as the Hi-Line, passes through Kalispell.
A rental car is particularly useful when visiting Kalispell as there are several points of interest within driving distance. Flathead Lake is 10 miles away, Glacier National Park is 33 miles away, the city of Missoula is 117 miles away, and Yellowstone National Park is 371 miles from Kalispell.
Discover Kalispell recommends booking your rental car early, as there are national shortages. If you can’t book a rental car online, try calling the company directly.
June through August is Kalispell’s busiest season. While the weather is likely to be warm and pleasant, this is also when you’ll encounter the most crowds and, most likely, the highest prices. To avoid these, consider visiting during the shoulder season, from mid-April to early June or late August to early October.
The largest city in northwest Montana, Kalispell is brimming with things to do. The nearby sites of Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake are among the area’s top attractions, both offering a selection of stunning vistas and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Whitewater rafting is a particularly fun pastime that many visitors seek out when visiting the area, and there are a few local outfitters and tour companies running guided rafting trips.
There are also spectacular hiking opportunities in the Jewel Basin, in Flathead National Forest. Lone Pine State Park is also a short five-mile drive away and offers the chance for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Winter sports enthusiasts will love the nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort, which boasts 3,000 acres and receives more than 300 inches of snow per season. The ski season runs from late November through early March in Kalispell.
While many of the area’s most famous highlights are located just outside of Kalispell, Main Street is one point of interest within the city boundaries that is worth visiting. The street is characterized by colorful building facades, some of which have been standing since the 19th century.
In the city center, you’ll find a collection of restaurants, specialty stores, galleries, and museums to explore. A must-visit cultural destination is the Conrad Mansion, a historic house that once belonged to the founder of the city, Charles Conrad.
If you consider yourself an art fan, you can’t miss the Hockaday Museum of Art, which rotates exhibits from local and international artists while also chronicling the history and culture of the First Nations people.
The Kalispell Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning from May through October in the Flathead Valley Community College south parking lot. Here, you can grab fresh produce and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip to the mountain town.
Foodies can’t visit Kalispell without a trip to Sweet Peaks, which sells a range of ice cream flavors inspired by Montana. If you can’t decide, most Montanans will recommend the huckleberry ice cream, which is made from locally sourced fruit.
The Buffalo Hill Golf Club on the edge of town provides 27 holes and picture-perfect views. For golf enthusiasts, the Northern Pines Golf Club and the Village Greens are two more local courses offering the chance for a relaxing afternoon on the green.
The 7 Best Bed and Breakfasts in Kalispell
- Aero Inn
- Lonesome Dove Guest Ranch
- Bad Rock B&B
- The Garrison Inn – A Montana Bed & Breakfast
- Outlook Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Hidden Moose Lodge
- The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen
1. Aero Inn – Kalispell – $
Kalispell’s Aero Inn is a cozy motel that welcomes guests with warm hospitality. Though not a bed and breakfast in the strictest sense, the inn’s rustic décor brings the feel of home to the property. And a free continental breakfast is offered to every guest.
The Aero Inn boasts an indoor pool and sauna so that guests can relax no matter the weather outside. There’s also free Wi-Fi available, satellite TV in all the rooms, and air conditioning. The reception desk at the inn is staffed 24/7 so assistance is never far away if you need it during your stay.
There’s free parking available for guests driving to Kalispell, and the inn is also pet friendly for those travelers visiting with furry companions!
From the inn, it’s an hour and a half’s drive to Glacier National Park,