Located in northwest Montana, Kalispell lies in the heart of the Flathead Valley, and serves as both the seat of Flathead County and the commercial hub of Northwest Montana. Set against the backdrop of Glacier National Park, the "Crown of the Continent", and situated near the head of spectacular Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Kalispell offers a range of recreational and business opportunities a quality of life that attract a wide variety of tourists and residents. Just west of the Swan Range, Kalispell is located on Highway 93, 31 miles southeast of Glacier National Park and 120 miles north of Missoula. Whitefish and the Big Mountain ski area is 11 miles to the north. From skiing to shopping, sailing to snowmobiling, wildlife watching to golfing, fishing to hiking, whitewater rafting to just relaxing and taking in the scenery, there are a plethora of activities to keep you busy as long as you care to stay. The possibilities are truly endless. Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski area, Montana's newest ski area, offer acres of uncrowded terrain. The Flathead River boasts incredible fishing and is practically a stone's throw from downtown. Glacier National Park and the legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness provide a recreational wonderland and wildlife haven larger than some states. Surrounded by towering mountains, pristine lakes, and fertile valleys, Kalispell is the commercial hub of the Flathead Valley and the county seat. Founded in 1891, Kalispell is now a bustling small city and home to much history, culture, commercial activity and outdoor recreation. With a population of 12,924, Kalispell is the 7th largest city in Montana and the largest city in northwest Montana.