Complete Glacier National Park Lodging Guide! Everything you need to know about where to stay in Glacier National Park including a Glacier National Park Lodging Map.
Glacier National Park Lodging
Glacier National Park has some of the most breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain Range. This part of the Rockies is also known as the "Crown of the Continent" and receives over 11 feet of snow per year on average with the Continental Divide receiving over 16 feet. Glacier is also a very large park consisting of over 1 million acres and arguably some of the prettiest country in the lower 48!
Glacier National Park attracts 3 million visitors each year, most of which is in the summer. Needless to say that 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.
Remember there is a short window to reserve the majority of these rooms as the hotels are closed seasonally due to the weather.
Glacier National Park Lodging Map
Glacier National Park Lodging Map
There are several options for lodging in and near Glacier National Park. It can also be very difficult to figure out for someone going to Glacier for the first time. I made the map above to show you where each lodge/hotel is located and color-coded the arrows to make it even easier to understand.
Green Arrows are for the Sperry and Granite Park Chalets. The Chalets require you to hike in to get to them.
Blue arrows are for the lodges located in Glacier National Park.
Red arrows are for lodging near Glacier National Park.
Light Blue Arrow is for the Prince of Wales Hotel in neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.
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 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 have 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 is like taking a step back in time and match the era they were built and do not have modern-day amenities like TV's, hairdryers, private bathrooms, etc. There have been additional lodges added later and they also reflect the time they were built.
Lodging at Glacier National Park
Lodging at Glacier National Park just keeps getting better! Two of the park's hotels have the distinction of being one of the Historic Hotels of America! To give you an idea, there are only three in all of Montana and several states don't have any. You can expect to have unparalleled views and beautiful lodges to make for a great experience in Glacier National Park.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Location: West Glacier next to Lake McDonald
Originally there was 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 who then renamed the Lodge to Lake McDonald Hotel.
The name was changed again to Lake McDonald Lodge in 1957. Whew, I hope you got all that because it tells the story of how and why the hotel was built. What's important to remember about this hotel is that everyone arrived at this lodge by boat before 1920. The design was to greet guests from the lakeside, not from the road's entrance that you will most likely arrive by today.
This is also one of the Historic Hotels of America and is also a Classification 3 (premium) lodge by the National Park Lodge classification system.
There are hour-long scenic boat tours of Lake McDonald (the largest lake in Glacier) that leaves from the Hotel throughout the summer. This is a great way to experience Glacier National Park and you will also get to experience seeing the Lake McDonald Lodge that way it was originally intended to be seen the first time for guests arriving at this incredible area.
Address: 288 Lake McDonald Lodge Loop, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
Motel Lake McDonald
Location: West Glacier next to Lake McDonald
Motel Lake McDonald is within walking distance to 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 bed with a private bathroom. There is WIFI available in the main office and rooms start off at $129/night
Address: 466 Lake McDonald Loop, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: (406) 888-5100
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844) 868-7474
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 by the likes of the Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon, a Classification 1 "Criterion" level hotel. Although the Many Glacier Hotel is classification 2 "Superior" lodge, many argue the outside is noteworthy of the Classification 1 status.
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.
Check out our full post on Many Glacier Hotel to see more photos of this gorgeous hotel.
There is a great book titled "Glaciers's Historic Hotels and Chalets; View with a room" and is a great gift for any National Park enthusiast and "parkitecture" geek out there.
Address: 1 Rte 3, Babb, MT 59411
Phone: (303) 265-7010
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
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
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
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 areas and several bedding arrangements to fit most guests needs.
Address: Lake View Dr, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: (406) 892-2525
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844) 868-7474
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 can easily catch a boat tour of Saint Mary Lake.
Address: Going-to-the-Sun Rd, East Glacier Park Village, MT 59434
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
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 visitors experience to 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.
Address: Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
Granite Park Chalet
Location: Swiftcurrent Pass, Glacier National Park
The Granite Park Chalet is currently the only remaining Chalet that visitors can hike to and stay the night in Glacier National Park. The most common hike 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 and 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!
For reservations contact (888)345-2649.
Sperry Chalet
Location: West Glacier South of Lake McDonald
The Sperry Chalet was lost to the Sprague Fire on August 31, 2017. There has been an outcry from the public to repair this historic Chalet. After a couple of years of repair, the Sperry Chalet will re-open in 2020!
Operating dates and fares for the 2020 season are still being determined.
Sperry Chalet will begin accepting reservations for the 2020 season on January 13, 2020.
Reservations: Call (888)345-2649 to make reservations.
Cabins next to Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Cabins
Are you looking for something other than a lodge? Perhaps you want to rent one of the many Glacier National Park Cabins. If so, you are not alone! The demand for cabin rentals is at an all-time high. Several places can't build cabins fast enough to keep up with consumer demand.
This means that you need to be proactive and look early if you want to rent a cabin, especially somewhere like Glacier National Park.
Listed below is each location with cabin rentals in Glacier National Park.
Lake McDonald Cabins
Location: West Glacier next to Lake McDonald
Address: 288 Lake McDonald Lodge Loop, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
There is a limited number of cabins by the Lake McDonald Lodge. Each has a 3/4 bath with a shower only, a coffee maker, heat, phone, hairdryer, and an alarm clock. WIFI is VERY limited.
Rising Sun Motor Inn Cabins
Location: Between the Logan Pass Visitor Center (Top of Going to the Sun Highway) and St Mary.
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
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
Swift Current Cabins
Location: Northeast Glacier National Park just past Swiftcurrent Lake
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
Phone: (855) 733-4522
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
Lodging Near Glacier National Park
Check out these great lodging options near 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 in 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 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
Phone: (406)892-2525
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844) 868-7474
Prince of Wales Hotel
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, 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 - 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 starring out 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 is this amazing hotel.
Address: AB-5, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada
Phone: (403)-859-2231
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844)868-7474
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 on this article as it is managed by Glacier Park Inc. who 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, year-round indoor pool, and hot tub, fitness center, 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
Phone: (406) 897-7070
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (855) 733-4522
West Glacier Motel & Cabins
Location: Just outside the West Entrance of Glacier National Park
The West Glacier Motel and Cabins are located just outside the parks West entrance on the famous Going-To-The-Sun Road. They have three different lodging options for guests; Village Motel Rooms, Bluff Motel Rooms, and Bluff Cabins. Each of these options is considered rustic and budget-friendly options. This means not to expect much for amenities with a basic room.
- The Village motel rooms are located in West Glacier Village and come with one or two Queen beds. The starting rate is $99/night.
- The Bluff Motel Rooms are located on the bluff overlooking the Flathead River. The rooms come with one or two queen beds and start at $109/night.
- The Bluff Cabins are stand-alone cabins on a bluff overlooking the Flathead River. They have a fully equipped kitchen, one or two Queen beds and start at $189/night.
Address: 250 Going-to-the-Sun Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936
Phone: (406) 888-5662
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844) 868-7474
St Mary Village
Location: At the East entrance of Glacier National Park
St Mary Village is located just outside the park's east entrance on the corner of Highway 89 and the Going to the Sun Road. This is a great location for those who want to get out and see all the park due to its central location. They have numerous types of lodging options from a basic hotel room to a more luxurious room.
They also have cabins, tiny homes, a hiker cabin and even a house to rent. They also have something that many places don't have, A/C. While this is useless for most of the year it can be really nice when it gets hot.
Address: 3 Going-to-the-Sun Rd, St Mary, MT 59417
Phone: (406) 892-2525
Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling (844) 868-7474
Glacier National Park Lodging Reservations
Glacier Park Inc. handles reservations for:
- Many Glacier Hotel
- Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins
- Cedar Creek Lodge
- Swift Current Motor Inn and Cabins
- Lake McDonald Lodge
- Village Inn at Apgar
Simply click here to make online reservations for any of the above-named hotels/cabins or call (855)733-4522.
Belton Chalets Inc. handles Reservations for:
- Granite Park Chalet
- Sperry Chalet (Closed due to wildfire damage)
Call (888)345-2649 to make reservations.
Glacier Park Collection handles reservations for:
- Glacier Park Lodge
- Prince of Wales Hotel
- Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins
- Motel Lake McDonald
- West Glacier Motel and Cabins
- St. Mary Village
Simply click here to make online reservations for any of the above-named hotels/cabins or call (884)868-7474
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