Cities and Towns in Flathead County, Montana
Founded in February 6, 1893, Flathead County is one of 56 counties in the state of Montana. Historically, Flathead County was formed from Missoula County. The city of Kalispell is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Flathead County has a population of 108,454 and area of 5,099 square miles (13,206 km²).
List of all cities in Flathead County, MT alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Apgar, MT | 59936 | 406 |
| Bigfork, MT | 59911 | 406 |
| Columbia Falls, MT | 59912 | 406 |
| Coram, MT | 59913 | 406 |
| Creston, MT | 59901 | 406 |
| Essex, MT | 59916 | 406 |
| Evergreen, MT | 59901 | 406 |
| Hungry Horse, MT | 59919 | 406 |
| Kalispell, MT | 59901 | 406 |
| 59903 | 406 | |
| 59904 | 406 | |
| Kila, MT | 59920 | 406 |
| Lake McDonald, MT | 59921 | 406 |
| Lakeside, MT | 59922 | 406 |
| Marion, MT | 59925 | 406 |
| Martin City, MT | 59926 | 406 |
| Olney, MT | 59927 | 406 |
| Polebridge, MT | 59928 | 406 |
| Somers, MT | 59932 | 406 |
| Swan Lake, MT | 59911 | 406 |
| West Glacier, MT | 59921 | 406 |
| 59936 | 406 | |
| Whitefish, MT | 59937 | 406 |
Major Cities and Towns in Flathead County, Montana
Kalispell
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 9.35 sq mi
- Population: 24,500 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59901, 59903
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.1958° N, 114.3164° W
Location and History
Kalispell, the largest city in Flathead County, is located in the northwestern part of Montana, near the western edge of the Flathead Valley. The town was founded in 1891 as a railroad town, serving as a vital stop for the Great Northern Railway. Kalispell is situated between the Flathead Lake and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains, providing residents and visitors with a beautiful and scenic backdrop. The city’s name, derived from the Salish language, means “flat land above the lake.” The city grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its location at the crossroads of agricultural, timber, and transportation industries. Kalispell has long served as the economic and cultural hub for the surrounding region, with industries like agriculture, tourism, and healthcare driving its growth. Today, Kalispell is known for its vibrant downtown, with historical buildings and a mix of local shops, restaurants, and galleries, reflecting its rich cultural and economic past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kalispell is served by several schools in the Kalispell School District, including Flathead High School, Glacier High School, and multiple elementary schools. The city also has a significant community college, Flathead Valley Community College, offering higher education and vocational programs. Major landmarks in Kalispell include the Conrad Mansion Museum, a historic home that dates back to 1895 and serves as a museum showcasing the city’s history. The Kalispell downtown area has many preserved historic buildings, with shops, theaters, and restaurants that blend old-world charm with modern amenities. Kalispell is also a gateway to outdoor recreation, with proximity to Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and the nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The city offers year-round opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whitefish
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.89 sq mi
- Population: 7,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59937
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.4115° N, 114.3380° W
Location and History
Whitefish, located just north of Kalispell, is known for its scenic beauty and as a popular resort destination. The town was founded in the early 1900s when the Great Northern Railway established a station here, capitalizing on the area’s natural resources, including timber and water. It was initially a small logging town, but as the railway expanded and tourism increased, Whitefish began to thrive as a resort town. Its proximity to Whitefish Lake and the Whitefish Mountain Resort has made it a prime location for outdoor recreation year-round. The town’s historical downtown is a mix of Western architecture and modern shops and restaurants. Over the years, Whitefish has become renowned for its strong arts community and is often considered one of Montana’s most vibrant small towns. Tourism, recreation, and outdoor industries are key components of Whitefish’s economy today, with visitors flocking to the area for skiing, hiking, and a taste of small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Whitefish is served by the Whitefish School District, with Whitefish High School, Whitefish Middle School, and several elementary schools. Whitefish also hosts the Whitefish School of Music and several community arts programs. Major landmarks in Whitefish include the Whitefish Mountain Resort, offering skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The Whitefish Lake State Park is another popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, while the town itself is home to several historic buildings, such as the Stumptown Historical Society Museum, which details the area’s history. Whitefish is also known for its arts scene, with numerous galleries, music festivals, and local events throughout the year. The town offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it a vibrant destination for both residents and tourists alike.
Columbia Falls
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 4.28 sq mi
- Population: 5,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59912
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.3714° N, 114.1843° W
Location and History
Columbia Falls, located in the Flathead Valley and just a short distance from Glacier National Park, is a gateway city known for its proximity to outdoor recreation. The town was founded in the late 1800s as a railroad and mill town, with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway in the 1890s playing a major role in its growth. Columbia Falls became a hub for the timber industry, and its economy was driven by the local sawmills. In the mid-20th century, the development of nearby attractions, such as Glacier Park, shifted the town’s economy from logging to tourism. Today, Columbia Falls continues to serve as a key service center for residents and visitors in the region. The town is also known for its beautiful views of the nearby mountains and its proximity to the Flathead River.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Columbia Falls is served by the Columbia Falls School District, with Columbia Falls High School, Columbia Falls Middle School, and several elementary schools. The town also offers a variety of recreational programs for residents of all ages. Key landmarks in Columbia Falls include the Flathead National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, and the nearby Glacier National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town itself has a charming historic district with shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Columbia Falls is home to the Montana Vortex, a popular roadside attraction featuring strange optical illusions and gravitational anomalies. The town also hosts several community events, such as the Columbia Falls Farmers Market, and is well known for its welcoming atmosphere, where residents and visitors can enjoy both the outdoors and the arts.
Somers
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.42 sq mi
- Population: 1,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 59932
- Latitude and Longitude: 48.1364° N, 114.3229° W
Location and History
Somers is a small town located along the western shore of Flathead Lake, in the northwestern part of Montana. Established in the late 1800s, Somers grew as a small agricultural and transportation center with its location along the railroad line. The town’s economy was initially tied to the timber industry and the local sawmills, as well as farming in the surrounding valley. As one of the earliest settlements in the Flathead Lake area, Somers became a popular stop for travelers and settlers moving westward. Today, Somers is primarily a residential community, with a small, tight-knit population and a growing tourism industry, due in large part to its proximity to Flathead Lake, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the U.S. The town has maintained much of its old-world charm, with historical homes and buildings dating back to its early years.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Somers is served by the Somers-Lakeside School District, with Somers Middle School and Lakeside Elementary School serving local students. Somers is well-known for its beautiful views of Flathead Lake and its access to the lake’s recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Somers Beach State Park offers a great spot for picnics and outdoor activities, and the town is a short drive from Glacier National Park, making it an ideal location for those seeking easy access to world-class outdoor recreation. Somers’ historic downtown is home to a few local businesses, offering a small but vibrant community atmosphere. The town also hosts events like the Somers Fourth of July Parade, which brings residents and visitors together for a celebration of local pride.
