Kalispell is a city in Flathea County, Montana, USA. The population was 14,223 at the 2000 census. A 2004 estimate placed its population at 17,381. It is the county seat of Flathead County. Kalispell is the largest city and commercial center of Northwest Montana. The name Kalispell is a Salish word meaning "flat land above the lake." Kalispell is the nearest population center to Glacier National Park.