Meet the Makers: Small Businesses to Support in the Flathead Valley

The Flathead Valley is full of creative spirit and hardworking small business owners who help make the region feel like home. Whether you’re looking for a handcrafted gift, local artwork, or a chance to meet the people behind Montana’s best-made goods, there’s no shortage of makers to support right here in Kalispell. At Kalispell Toyota, we’re proud to spotlight a few local favorites that keep our valley’s culture thriving.

Kalispell Art Foundry

At 461 Ash Road, Kalispell Art Foundry is a hands-on studio and gallery option for those interested in metalwork, sculpture, fabrication, and fine art. This studio-forward space is where artisans and sculptors collaborate, create, and exhibit locally.

Sassafras Art Co-op

Another long-standing favorite on Main Street is Sassafras Art Co-op, located at 120 Main Street. This artist-run cooperative has been part of Kalispell’s downtown for years and now represents over 50 local makers. The space features various handcrafted goods, including jewelry, woodworking, pottery, leather, fiber art, and paintings.

Sassafras is known for its cozy, welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to meet artists in person. Members often rotate behind the counter, so you’ll likely chat directly with the people who made the work you’re buying. Whether you’re browsing for gifts, looking to add something handmade to your home, or want to see what local creativity looks like up close, Sassafras is a must-visit.

Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., it’s easy to make this stop part of a weekend downtown stroll. Many visitors stop at Sassafras before heading to local cafés or breweries, making it a perfect pairing with an afternoon in Kalispell’s historic district.

The Making Place

Just a short drive from Kalispell in Columbia Falls, The Making Place is a shared creative workspace designed to help artists and small business owners thrive. This innovative makerspace offers tools, studio space, and classes for anyone interested in learning or expanding their craft. It’s a place where metalworkers, woodturners, jewelers, and designers collaborate, share ideas, and grow their businesses.

For locals who want to learn a new skill or start their own craft business, The Making Place hosts workshops that cover everything from laser engraving to product photography. The space also holds community art shows and open houses, giving makers an outlet to display and sell their work. Supporting The Making Place means supporting the next generation of creators in the Flathead Valley.

Flathead Valley Makers Markets

If you’d rather discover makers all in one spot, the Flathead Valley Makers Markets are where you’ll find them. These popular events are held throughout the year, most often at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Dozens of vendors set up booths offering handcrafted art, candles, soaps, woodworking, photography, and baked goods.

Each market feels like a celebration of Montana craftsmanship. Local musicians often play live music while visitors browse handmade goods, grab food from local trucks, and meet artisans face to face. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the products are always one of a kind.

These markets are especially vibrant during the holiday season when locals stock up on unique gifts made right here in the valley. Follow their Facebook page for the most up-to-date event listings and vendor announcements.

Phillips Fine Art Gallery

Phillips Fine Art Gallery is a reliable gallery in town. It is located in the Kalispell Center Mall at 20 North Main Street. The gallery displays rotating exhibitions and local artists and hosts opening receptions on First Fridays. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., it’s a quality stop while you’re shopping downtown.

Honey Home & Design

Honey Home & Design, located at 219 Main Street, offers a carefully curated mix of locally made home décor, gifts, and Montana-inspired goods. They partner with regional artisans to fill their shop with candles, ceramics, textiles, and small-batch pantry products that celebrate local craftsmanship.

The store’s aesthetic blends rustic mountain charm with modern design. Shoppers often describe it as warm, welcoming, and authentically Montana. Whether you’re redecorating or picking up a housewarming gift, you’ll find unique, sustainable pieces that showcase the Flathead Valley’s creative talent.

Why Supporting Local Makers Matters

When you buy from a local business, your dollars go right back into the community, supporting families, keeping storefronts open, and helping Kalispell’s downtown continue to grow. The Made in Montana program ensures these products are authentically produced or enhanced in the state, so when you buy local, you’re also buying real Montana quality.

Supporting small businesses means more than a transaction; it’s an investment in the people who make Kalispell special. From the hands that craft your coffee mug to the artisans designing jewelry and furniture, each purchase strengthens the local economy and sustains a network of independent makers.

Plan Your Own Maker Tour

If you want to explore, plan a weekend “maker crawl” around the Flathead Valley. Start in downtown Kalispell with Montana Craft Haus, Sassafras, and Honey Home & Design, then check out the event calendar for the next Flathead Valley Makers Market. Round out your tour with a short drive to Columbia Falls to visit The Making Place and see local artists in action.

Bring a friend, grab a cup of coffee from one of the downtown cafés, and spend the day meeting the people who keep Kalispell’s creative heart beating.

Drive Local, Shop Local in Kalispell, MT

At Kalispell Toyota, being part of the community means supporting the people who shape it. When you shop local, you’re investing in creativity, sustainability, and the future of the Flathead Valley. Whether you’re buying a new vehicle or a handmade ceramic bowl, each choice to stay local helps keep our region strong.

So next time you’re downtown, take a detour into a local shop, meet a maker, and discover something that’s made right here in Montana, you might just find a piece of Kalispell to take home.