To the east: the soaring peaks of Glacier National Park. To the south: Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. To the north: Whitefish Mountain, renowned for its epic powder and short lift-lines in winter, plus summertime mountain biking, zip lining and other activities. Everywhere around: historic charm, affordable adventure and soul-stirring beauty.

Welcome to Kalispell, a friendly small city where discovery lies in every direction. Located just a few miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park, Kalispell serves as a jumping-off point to experience the best that Montana has to offer — epic hikes, peaceful sailing, fantastic fly                         fishing, life-list birding, you name it. Kalispell also offers affordable shopping, fine dining and excellent cultural attractions. That makes the city a perfect destination for people who like a little city comfort mixed in with their outdoor wonder.  

Kalispell's peak visitor season has traditionally been summer. However, travelers are increasingly discovering the allure of other seasons in the Flathead Valley. When the sumacs and tamaracks change color in autumn, there are few more beautiful places to visit in North America. Winter brings epic alpine and cross-country skiing as well as snowmobiling and even dogsledding. Spring means some of the best fly fishing of the year, vistas washed over with wildflowers, uncrowded road cycling and more.

Vacation-Making Events

Montana Spartan Sprint

May 10, 2014

Last May, 4,300 men and women turned out to race in the mud, leap flames and scale walls in the first Montana Spartan Sprint. Featuring a racecourse stretched over 5 miles that included 38 obstacles, the event drew racers from 34 states, three Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom. The 2014 race promises even more excitement in one of Montana's most scenic locations: the hills above Flathead Lake in Bigfork. Info: Spartanrace.com/montana-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2014.html

Montana Dragon Boat Festival

Sept. 13 & 14, 2014

Now in its third year, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival has quickly grown into one of the largest team events in Montana. Over the course of two days at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, more than 2,000 paddlers will compete in heats aboard colorful, 46-foot Chinese-style dragon boats. Thousands of spectators come to thrill at the races and enjoy music, food and other entertainment on the shores of scenic Flathead Lake. Info: Montanadragonboats.com

Montana Pond Hockey Classic

February 2015

Earlier this year, a new winter tradition in Kalispell brought hockey back to its roots. Hundreds of hockey players from across the U.S. and Canada converged for three days of competition, plus the opportunity to meet Stanley Cup Champion & Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald at the Montana Pond Hockey Classic. It was the largest event of its kind in the Rocky Mountain West — and it will only continue to grow next year as word spreads. Info: Pondhockeyclassic.com/Montana

Story Ideas

Epic Road Trips Start Here

For many visitors, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is synonymous with Glacier National Park itself — a breathtaking transect of a breathtaking landscape. Remarkably, that's just one of several stunning drives in the region. READ MORE: http://press.discoverkalispell.com/epic-drives-in-every-direction/

Cowboys and Beethoven: Get Cultured, Montana-style

Most people first come to Kalispell for the vast natural beauty of this region. But what often keeps them coming back, year after year, is the culture of the place.READ MORE: http://www.discoverkalispell.com/cowboys-beethoven/

Flock to the Flathead: Kalispell is a Birder's Paradise

Year after year, birds flock through the area along a major north-south migratory route — drawing birders from near and far. READ MORE: http://press.discoverkalispell.com/a-birders-paradise-awaits-in-northwest-montana/

Kalispell is a winter recreation wonderland

Spectacular scenery and epic winter-sport terrain don't abruptly stop at the borders of Glacier National Park. READ MORE: http://www.discoverkalispell.com/shred-sled-swish-fish/

Drink in the Scenery: Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries.

Microbreweries have been a big deal everywhere for a generation. But even within that context, Northwest Montana is a veritable oasis of breweries, distilleries and wineries. READ MORE: http://www.discoverkalispell.com/brews-wines

Check out www.press.discoverkalispell.com for story ideas, events and print-quality photos.