Kalispell, as we now know it, came in to being on New Year’s Day in 1892. That was the day that the first steam locomotive of James J. Hill’s Great Northern Railway 
chugged its way to the center of Main Street. A huge celebration was held, at which a commemorative silver spike was driven home into the final wooden tie by the area’s two oldest residents at the time.
Over the years, the railroad has brought settlers, businessmen, tourists, and pioneers looking for a new start. Sawmills, flour mills, merchants, and farmers soon established themselves in and around Kalispell.
Kalispell established itself as the trading center for Northwestern Montana, and eventually the seat of Flathead County.
Situated 2,959 feet above sea level on the west slope of the Rocky Mountains, Kalispell and the surrounding 24 square mile Flathead Valley, enjoy a relatively mild and pleasant climate year round. Four distinct seasons, each provide a new way of enjoying the area. There are very few places in the world where you can ski, swim, golf, and sail - occasionally on the same day!
Centrally located to the Flathead Valley's recreational hot spots:
• 31 miles from Glacier National Park
• 22 miles from Hungry Horse Dam
• 17 miles from Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort
• 9 miles north of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with a length of over 27 miles and a maximum width of over 15 miles.
However, there is no need to go far to experience a little bit of nature. Woodland Park offers over two miles of walking trails, picnic areas lined by native trees, many species of swans, ducks and geese in the pond and 
humans can cool off in the community pool. In the winter the park offers ice skating, ice hockey and opportunities for peaceful winter strolls. Another favorite city park is Lawrence Park close to Buffalo Hill Golf Course which lies adjacent to the river, has walking paths, open fields and playgrounds.
Kalispell's economy has evolved quite a bit from the town's inception and is becoming a hotbed for more progressive industries. Several high-tech companies have realized the valuable resources that Kalispell and the Flathead Valley can offer. Technology, medicine, manufacturing, banking, timber, retail, construction, and service industries are well represented and thriving.
And Kalispell is still an important point on what has grown to become the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. Amtrak’s Empire Builder (named after James J. Hill himself) continues to call on Kalispell twice daily (once in each direction) with sleeping car service available.
For recreation, the Flathead Valley area plays host to eight go lf courses within a 45 minute drive, two ski resorts, 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, indoor and outdoor tennis, swimming, health facilities, and world class hunting and fishing.
Kalispell maintains a western charm through some of the architecture,strong 4-H program, many outlying ranches, an active horse community, and small town hospitality.
The entire Flathead Valley is connected to all major global businesscenters through state-of-the-art technology including fiber optic phone cable, satellite, and Internet 
service providers linked worldwide through T1/E1 trunk lines. Kalispell Regional Medical Center was named by Newsweek magazine as one of the Top 100 hospitals in America. The health care system in the valley offers 2 facilities, 142 beds, 197 doctors, 911 services, and emergency helicopter service. Elderly Care includes a VA administration home, free medical transportation, hospice care, and two different home care agencies.
Glacier Park International Airport just completed a $12 million expansion. Airlines servicing this area include Delta, Northwest, Horizon, and Big Sky.
The Flathead Valley truly is a tourism, recreation, and retirement Mecca, with Kalispell being the center of the consumer activity. National stores include Costco, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, and JC Penney. Many specialty shops showcase the work of talented artisans in the area. Downtown Kalispell hosts many small boutiques and antique stores providing hours of leisurely browsing.
If you are looking to relocate your family to the Flathead Valley, and want the advantage of both quiet solitude and modern convenience, Kalispell just might be the place for you to make your next home.
Search the MLS for Kalispell, Montana Real Estate or Contact Matthew to learn more about Real Estate in Kalispell.
