Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
Planning where to stay in Glacier National Park can feel overwhelming, I get it. With over 3 million visitors competing for a limited number of rooms inside one of America's most spectacular National Parks, knowing your options and booking strategy is essential.
I've spent years exploring Glacier's lodges, from the Grand Swiss chalet-style hotels built by the Great Northern Railway to rustic motor inns and remote backcountry chalets you can only reach on foot. In this complete guide, I'll walk you through lodging options in and around Glacier National Park, share insider tips on when to book, and help you find the perfect place to rest your head after a full day of exploring the "Crown of the Continent."
Whether you're dreaming of waking up to sunrise over Lake McDonald, seeking a budget-friendly base camp for hiking adventures, or wanting the full historic lodge experience, you'll find everything you need to make the right choice for your glacier adventure.
Glacier National Park attracts 3 million visitors each year, most of which is in the summer. Needless to say, the lodges are extremely popular in the summer, so preparing in advance will greatly increase your opportunity to stay in one or more of these magnificent lodges.
Find your perfect Glacier Accommodation
The first step is to know when you plan on going to Glacier. It is a high-elevation park, and many areas are inaccessible for months out of the year. For example, perhaps the park's most iconic attraction is the Going -to-the-Sun Road, which is typically open between late June/ early July to around the third Monday in October.
I have attached a table giving you an idea as to when lodges are open year-round and which are seasonal. The dates on this chart are not exact as opening and closing dates can fluctuate each year, especially due to weather conditions.
The second step is knowing which part(s) of Glacier you would like to see, especially since Glacier is over one million acres, has over 700 miles of trails, and roughly 100 miles of roads.
Most visitors, especially first-time visitors, will want to stay in the most popular areas with most of the park's highlights, including Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Area, East Glacier area, and the Many Glacier Area.
The map below will show you where each lodge is located within Glacier, and I will list some of the top attractions near each of the lodges.
Glacier National Park Lodging Map
In the map above, each lodge/hotel is located with a color-coded arrow.
- Blue arrows are for the lodges located in Glacier National Park.
- Red arrows are for lodging near Glacier National Park.
- Green Arrows are for the Sperry and Granite Park Chalets. The Chalets require you to hike in to get to them.
- Light Blue Arrow is for the Prince of Wales Hotel in neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.
⛰️ Park Ranger John's Top Picks
After years of exploring Glacier and staying at nearly every property listed here, I've developed some strong favorites for different types of travelers.
If this is your first time and you want the full historic experience, book the Many Glacier Hotel. (Check availability) The views are simply unmatched! Just imagine waking up as the sun rises in the east, casting golden light and illuminating the peaks like Mount Grinnell across from Swiftcurrent Lake; it's something you will never forget.
For the best value in the park, I've always recommended the Village Inn at Apgar. (Check availability) It has the best lakefront views at (national park) motor inn prices, and there's something wonderfully nostalgic about the 1970s vibe. For those wanting to save money, they should consider booking a room type that has a kitchen, as not all units have one. Being able to make breakfast and pack lunches saves money and time, plus you can't beat the location.
If you're a serious hiker, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (Check availability) puts you at the gateway to Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake Trails, and it's significantly more affordable than Many Glacier Hotel just down the road.
For those seeking something truly unique, Granite Park Chalet (must call 888 345-2649 for reservations) offers a backcountry experience that will give you stories to tell for years. Just remember: the hike is challenging but absolutely worth every step. Whatever you choose, you're making the right decision; there's honestly no bad option when you're staying in Glacier National Park.
Lodges inside Glacier National Park (West Side)
Lake McDonald Lodge
Location: West Glacier, next to Lake McDonald
The Lake McDonald Lodge is filled with the National Park Rustic look and is one of only three Historic Hotels of America in the entire state of Montana. It offers rustic yet comfortable rooms, a Wi-Fi hotspot (very limited), a general store, a gift store, a lounge, and a dining room.
The lodge originally started as the Snyder Hotel. John Lewis bought it in 1896 and became the Lewis Glacier Hotel. The hotel was rebuilt beginning in the winter of 1914 and was back open in June 1914. The hotel was sold to the Great Northern Railway in 1930, which then renamed the Lodge to Lake McDonald Hotel. The name was changed again to Lake McDonald Lodge in 1957. The Lodge was renovated in 2015.
Everyone who arrived at this lodge was by boat before 1920. The design was to greet guests from the lakeside, not from the road's entrance, which you will most likely arrive by today.
Lake McDonald Cabins
There is a limited number of cabins at the Lake McDonald Lodge. Each has a ¾ bath with a shower only, a coffee maker, heat, phone, hairdryer, and an alarm clock. WIFI is VERY limited.
Lake McDonald Lodge & Cabins Activities
- Drive the Going-to-the Sun Road
- Take a Lake McDonald Boat Tour: This is a great way to experience Glacier National Park, and you will also get to experience seeing the Lake McDonald Lodge, which was originally intended to be seen for the first time for guests arriving at this incredible area.
- Hike The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail
Address: 288 Lake McDonald Lodge Loop, West Glacier, MT 59936
Check Lake McDonald Lodge & Cabins Availability
Village Inn at Apgar
Location: West Glacier on the South end of Lake McDonald in Apgar Village
The Village Inn at Apgar comes from a different era than many of the grand hotels at Glacier National Park. It was built in the 1950s, an era of "Motor Inn Hotels" where people began using cars to vacation, needing room to stay with their "motor vehicle" parked out front.
This means that you are not going to get the grandeur of the historic Swiss Chalet style lodging from the Great Northern Railway era or the modern amenities of today's hotels. What you will get is being 2 miles inside the park's West entrance and right on the shore of Lake McDonald! Make sure to take the time to sit on one of the deck chairs and let time pass by!
I personally love this hotel! It has the best views of Lake McDonald and has a 70's vibe to it. I also think it is one of the best values for your money within the park.
Address: Lake View Drive, Pincode- 59936, West Glacier, MT 59936
Village Inn at Apgar Activities
- Visit the Apgar Visitor Center
- Drive the Going-to-the Sun Road
- Take a Lake McDonald Boat Tour from the Lake McDonald Lodge
- Take a Red Bus Tour
- Bring your own/rent a Kayak orpaddleboard and enjoy Lake McDonald
Check Village Inn at Apgar Availability
Motel Lake McDonald
Location: West Glacier, next to Lake McDonald
Motel Lake McDonald is within walking distance of the Lake McDonald Lodge. Although not as grand as the Lake McDonald Lodge, it does provide an affordable option for staying in this area. Guests are offered a one or two double beds with a private bathroom. There is WIFI available in the main office.
Address: 466 Lake McDonald Loop, West Glacier, MT 59936
Motel Lake McDonald Activities
- Drive the Going-to-the Sun Road
- Take a Lake McDonald Boat Tour
- Hike The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844) 868-7474
Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins
Location: West Glacier on the South end of Lake McDonald in Apgar Village
The Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins are located behind the Village Inn in Apgar, just past the West entrance of the park. This is a beautiful location sitting on the South end of Lake McDonald, and guests to this area rave about its beauty and the lake. As far as the Apgar Village Lodge, their website claims that it is perfect for the budget traveler as rooms begin at $115/night.
They will have 1 or 2 queen beds in a small room with simple amenities. You will not have A/C or a television in the lodge or cabins. They also have three different types of cabins at Apgar: cabins without a kitchen starting at $129/night, cabins with a kitchen starting at $149/night, and a family cabin starting at $319/night.
The cabins have a small living and dining area and several bedding arrangements to fit most guests' needs.
Address: Lake View Dr, West Glacier, MT 59936
Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins Activities
- Visit the Apgar Visitor Center
- Drive the Going-to-the Sun Road
- Take a Lake McDonald Boat Tour from the Lake McDonald Lodge
- Take a Red Bus Tour
- Bring your own/rent a Kayak orpaddleboard and enjoy Lake McDonald
Reservations: Reservations can be made online
Lodges in Glacier National Park (East Side)
Many Glacier Hotel
Location: Northeast Glacier National Park along Swiftcurrent Lake
The Many Glacier Hotel was planned to be the grand showpiece of lodges created by the Great Northern Railway. The views of the mountains, hotel, and lake are what people dream of for vacation! The Great Northern Railway promoted this hotel as " One of the most noteworthy tourist hotels that have been erected in America."
Its views of the lake itself could only be compared to those of the Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon.
The Ptarmigan Dining Room serves hot dinner and hot breakfast options. There is also Heidi's cafe in the lower part of the hotel for quick snacks and meals.
There is a great book titled "Glacier's Historic Hotels and Chalets; View with a room," and it is a great gift for any National Park enthusiast and "parkitecture" geek out there.
Address: 1 Rte 3, Babb, MT 59411
Many Glacier Lodge Activities
- Take a scenic Swiftcurrent Lake boat cruise
- Take a Red Bus Tour
- Go Horseback Riding
- Hike Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake
Check Many Glacier Hotel Availability
Rising Sun Motor Inn
Location: Between the Logan Pass Visitor Center (Top of Going to the Sun Highway) and St Mary.
The Rising Sun Motor Inn is located on the East side of the park on the Going to the Sun Road along Saint Mary Lake. It was built in 1940 and is a nice central location for visiting the park. It is only 12 miles to the summit of the Going to the Sun Road, hiking trails, and you can easily catch a boat tour of Saint Mary Lake.
Rising Sun Motor Inn Cabins
Cabins here are duplex style and are along the roadway that winds through the complex. Each cabin has a Queen or two double beds and a private bathroom. Cooking is not permitted in or around the cabins, but there is the Two Dog Flatts Grill nearby.
Address: Going-to-the-Sun Rd, East Glacier Park Village, MT 59434
Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins Activities
- Take a scenic St Mary Lake boat cruise
- Take a Red Bus Tour
- Visit the Saint Mary Visitor Center
- Drive the Going-to-the Sun Road
Check Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins Availability
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
Location: Northeast Glacier National Park, just past Swiftcurrent Lake
The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is one mile away from the Many Glacier Hotel and is the gateway to many of Glacier's epic hiking trails! This motor inn is a classification 4 (special merit) hotel and has no real enhancement to a park visitor's experience of Glacier; however, it is close to so much that is special to Glacier and more affordable compared to many of the grand lodges like Many Glacier Hotel just down the road.
Swift Current Cabins
Cabins at Swift Current are arranged in circles. Some have a private bathroom, while others have to walk to the bathroom and shower. WIFI is VERY limited.
Address: Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins Activities
- Take a scenic Swiftcurrent Lake boat cruise
- Take a Red Bus Tour
- Go Horseback Riding
- Hike Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake
Check Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins Availability
Backcountry Chalets (Hike-In Only)
Granite Park Chalet
Location: Swiftcurrent Pass, Glacier National Park
The most common hike to get to the Granite Park Chalet is the Highline Trail that goes past the famous "Garden Wall". The trailhead starts west of the Logan Pass Visitor Center and is an easy-to-moderate 7.6-mile hike to the Chalet.
The Loop Trail is for those wanting a shorter hike (4 miles each way). Be cautious, though, as it is a 2300' climb up to the chalet that will most definitely get the blood pumping. Remember that this is a high-elevation park, which makes an ordinarily easy hike much more difficult, especially for those living closer to sea level. The good news is that this is a breathtaking trip.
Both the hike and the rugged remoteness of this lodge will give you an experience like no other. Don't expect amenities here; in fact, there is a pit toilet out back, but it is pretty luxurious for backcountry hiking!
Click here for reservation information for the Granite Park Chalet.
Sperry Chalet
Location: West Glacier, South of Lake McDonald
The Sperry Chalet has 17 private guest rooms, ranging in occupancy from one to five guests, with various single and double bed arrangements. Rooms are assigned by the reservation office at the time the reservation is made.
Click here for Reservation Information for the Sperry Chalet.
Lodging Just Outside Glacier National Park
Glacier Park Lodge
Location: Southeast corner of Glacier National Park
Glacier Park Lodge is a spectacular sight to see! The lodge is in the National Park Rustic theme, also known as Parkitecture. Your first impressions are that the grounds are spectacular, and the lodge beckons you to come inside.
You will not forget your first time walking into the giant lobby. There is an open campfire like a fireplace with 60 forty-foot tall, 3-foot-diameter unpeeled Douglas Fir Tree trunks for structural beams.
The sight is something you just have to see to truly appreciate! It's no surprise that this is considered a superior classification 2 lodge by the National Park Lodge classification system.
Address: Glacier Park Lodge 499 MT-49 East Glacier Park, MT 59434
Check Glacier Park Lodge Availability
Cedar Creek Lodge
Location: 17 Miles West of the West Entrance of Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls, Montana
I placed the Cedar Creek Lodge in this article as it is managed by Glacier Park Inc., which also manages reservations for several hotels in and around Glacier National Park. This hotel is actually 17 miles (23 minutes) from the park's west entrance.
Cedar Creek Lodge is the only lodge managed by Glacier Park Inc. that is open year-round. This is like staying at any hotel in town, and visitors can expect a modern hotel experience as they offer free breakfast, mini-fridges, microwaves, WIFI, a year-round indoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, a business center, and shuttles to the park.
Cedar Creek Lodge makes a great option for those more interested in modern-day amenities.
Address: 930 2nd Ave W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Check Cedar Creek Lodge Availability
Red Lion Inn (Kalispell)
This is my hidden gem when traveling to Glacier. It has been a go-to lodge to book for me & Tammilee over the years! Kalispell is 40 minutes from the park, but the city of Kalispell has great restaurants, breweries, etc. There are several coffee stands along the way to the park to get caffeinated beforehand, and the scenery coming in is beautiful.
Pro Tip: Moose's Saloon is right across the street from the Red Lion, and it's as Montana as it gets! Great pizza, cold beer, sawdust on the floor. They even have the swinging doors at the front entrance!
The hotel has free breakfast, nice, comfortable beds, and an epic Elk antler chandelier in the lobby. You will also find all the amenities you would expect.
Check Red Lion Inn Kalispell Availability
Prince of Wales Hotel (Waterton Lakes, Canada)
Location: North end of Upper Waterton Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada
The Prince of Wales Hotel is a stunning hotel with equally stunning views in every direction! You can stare out onto the beauty of Upper Waterton Lake and enjoy incredible mountain views! The Prince of Wales Hotel's website claims that "When you stay at the Prince, you might just find you have a view with a room."
The Prince of Wales is the only railroad lodge built in Canada by a U.S. Railroad. The railroad saw a new tourism opportunity in the 1920s by attracting U.S. Tourists to Canada during the prohibition era.
Park Ranger John Pro Tip: Make sure to stop into the lobby between 1 pm and 5 pm during summer for Afternoon Tea. Here you will get to experience the Waterton Tradition, inspired by the British. Expect to have tea, sandwich squares, and pastries while staring out at one of the most spectacular views around!
You will literally feel the stresses of the world melting away. If you miss afternoon tea while exploring the park, then make sure to stop in the lounge in the evening. Here you will find a prohibition inspired the cocktail menu. I am confident that whatever you decide to do, you will have a great time in this amazing hotel.
Address: AB-5, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada
Check The Prince of Wales Availability
Alternative Lodging Options if Glacier Park Lodges are Fully Booked
Glacier National Park lodges do fill up in the summer. Fortunately, there are several lodging options in gateway towns like Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. Check the map below for additional lodging options in the area.
Brief History of the Lodges in and around Glacier National Park
Glacier became a National Park on May 11, 1910. Several of the National Park Lodges in Glacier were already in the works. Louis Hill, President of the Great Northern Railway, had worked on making Glacier a National Park. He also wanted to expand his railroad beyond freight traffic to include tourist traffic to the area as well. He knew that they would need to build some lodges for these tourists to stay if this were to be successful.
Louis Hill first wanted to build the Glacier Park Lodge right across the street from the railroad depot and have it serve as a staging area where tourists would stay, perhaps one night, then head out to one of the other lodges to get the feel of what Glacier had to offer. They started construction on the Glacier Park Lodge in 1910, and it was completed in 1912.
The Great Northern Railroad also constructed the Many Glacier Hotel, the Sperry Chalet, Granite Park Chalet, and later in 1927 the Prince of Wales Hotel just across the Canadian Border in Waterton Lakes National Park.
All of these lodges are excellent examples of National Park Rustic, or "Parkitecture" design that fellow National Park Enthusiasts like me go crazy over! The Glacier Park Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel had a Swiss Chalet Style theme, as the surrounding mountains in Glacier reminded them of the peaks in Switzerland.
It is worth noting that if it were not for the railroad's riches, many of these hotels would most likely never have been more than a dream. The Glacier Park Lodge alone originally cost a little over $786,000, but would easily cost $25 million-plus today.
Most of the hotels/lodges in this park are like taking a step back in time and match the era they were built in, and do not have modern-day amenities like TVs, hairdryers, private bathrooms, etc. There have been additional lodges added later, and they also reflect the time they were built.
Glacier National Park's lodging options offer something truly special: the chance to stay in historic properties that have welcomed visitors for over a century, each with its own character and stunning mountain views. The key to a successful stay is planning and booking early, especially for the iconic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge. Remember that summer reservations often open in January and can sell out within days for peak season, so mark your calendar and get ready to act.
Don't get discouraged if your first choice is fully booked. I've found that some of the best Glacier experiences come from staying in lesser-known properties like The Village Inn at Apgar, or exploring the Canadian side at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Whichever lodge or cabin you choose, you're in for an unforgettable experience in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. The mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes will be waiting for you. Go secure that reservation and start counting down the days until your Glacier adventure begins.
Safe travels, and I'll see you on the trails!
Glacier National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Glacier National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$45.00-$145.00 for commercial sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons), $25.oo for vehicle plus $20.00 per person 16+.
$75.00 for a commercial van with 7-15 seats
$100 for a commercial mini-bus with 16-25 seats
$200.00 for a commercial motor coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Glacier Ticketed Entry
In 2021, Glacier NP created a ticketed entry program for the Going to the Sun Road. This was created to help relieve congestion and allow visitors to enjoy the park.
In 2025, a ticketed entry was required to enter the Going to the Sun Road via the West Entrance between June 13 and September 28, 2025, between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm.
One ticket per vehicle will again be required to enter the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) at the West Entrance, St. Mary Entrance, and the new Camas Entrance.
A ticket per vehicle was also required at the Polebridge Ranger Station to visit the North Fork area of the park.
There are two separate tickets for the Going to the Sun Road and the North Fork area. Visitors will be required to have a separate ticket for each area. The park anticipates a portion of tickets becoming available by early March.
The park will offer three-day tickets for GTSR rather than the seven-day ticket offered last year, and one-day tickets for the North Fork.
Visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations within the GTSR corridor can use their reservation for entry in lieu of a $2 ticket.
Click the links below to get your ticketed entry for:
- Going to the Sun Road via the West Entrance Timed Entry Vehicle Reservation
- North Fork Timed Entry Vehicle Reservation
As of January 11, 2026, there has been no official announcement has been made for 2026. Keep checking back to the links above for availability.
Related Resources for Planning Your Glacier Trip
- Glacier National Park - Complete planning guide to Glacier National Park
- Things to do in Glacier National Park - List of the area's top attractions!
- Glacier National Park Camping Guide - Complete guide to all of Glacier National Park's campgrounds
- Trail of the Cedars - Stunning trail on the West side of Glacier National Park!
- Yellowstone National Park - Complete planning guide to Yellowstone National Park
Things to do in Glacier National Park
Epic List of National Park Lodges
Things to do Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park Camping Guide.
Check out all of the Montana National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in Wyoming, National Parks in South Dakota, North Dakota National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.
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