Museum offers walk into Kalispell's past
Jul. 5—The Northwest Montana History Museum is breathing new life into the history of Kalispell and its surrounding areas through a guided downtown walking tour.
Every Monday at 10 a.m. until Sept. 25, tour groups will be guided by an experienced historian from the museum to learn about Kalispell's architecture, prominent figures and early environmentalism.
"The walking tour was a program that has been in the works for years," said Margaret E. Davis, the museum's executive director. "At first, a 50-page script was developed and then we had a dedicated volunteer help out. Barb Trippet Sanders was our angel. She had retired from her higher education job in Spokane and showed up ready to work on a big project. She made a spreadsheet of themes and stories that were alluring and condensed it into a 17-page tour."
The tour is possible thanks to a grant from The Foundation for Montana History in Helena. With in-depth information on the Flathead's history, the dedicated guides aim to give a fresh perspective to locals and an insider's look for tourists.
"We give our guides leeway in what they choose to emphasize. That way, it's fun for them too," said Davis. "We have three guides and so far, half of the group has been locals. As the summer goes on, I'm sure it will vary."
The tour is titled "The Iron Horse Snorted in the Garden of Eden" in reference to the town's early association with the railroad system and its origins as a hub for transportation and economic prosperity.
During the two-hour and ADA accessible tour, participants will cover about a mile on foot and look at over 30 buildings.
"We cover 130 years in less than a mile," Davis said with a laugh. "The frontier spirit and can-do attitude is apparent in the buildings. There were a lot of people doing a lot of different things and you can get an understanding of how diverse it was."
During the tour, participants will learn the meaning behind the name "Lawrence Park," named after W.H. Lawrence, Kalispell's Water Department superintendent, or how Charles Conrad of Conrad Mansion fame played a significant role in saving the American bison by providing sheltered ranges. By the end of the tour, even long-time locals will look upon their city with fresh eyes.
"I look at downtown in a whole new way now," said Davis. "I see the details and I have a sense of the order of the buildings, and it's exciting to see the modern reuse too."
Tickets are $20 for adults and can be purchased at the museum, online or by calling. Veterans, seniors, students, and children can receive discounted tickets. Private tours also are available. While all ages are welcome, the tour is recommended for ages 10 and up. After the tour, participants receive free admission to the museum to continue their historical adventure.
"We sell well-crafted presentations of history to anyone and so far, this has been a hit," said Davis. "Our mission is always to educate and preserve history."
Visitors interested in signing up for a tour or learning more, can visit the museum's website at nwmthistory.org or call 406-756-8381.
Reporter Summer Zalesky may be reached at szalesky@dailyinterlake.com.
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