Nestled among Montana's most spectacular peaks, Glacier National Park's historic lodges offer visitors an unforgettable combination of rustic charm and modern comfort. From the grand Swiss-style Many Glacier Hotel to the intimate cabins at Rising Sun Motor Inn, these iconic accommodations provide the perfect base for exploring America's "Crown of the Continent." This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about choosing, booking, and enjoying your stay at Glacier's legendary lodges.

Quick Navigation

• Many Glacier Hotel
• Lake McDonald Lodge
• Rising Sun Motor Inn
• Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
• Village Inn at Apgar
• Traveler Type Recommendations
• Room Types & Pricing
• Booking Strategies
• Family Guide
• Seasonal Information
• FAQs

Why Stay at Glacier National Park Lodges?

Before diving into specific properties, it's important to understand what makes these lodges truly special. Unlike standard hotels or motels, Glacier's lodges offer:

• Historic architecture dating back to the early 1900s
• Prime locations within the park's boundaries
• Immediate access to hiking trails and activities
• Authentic Montana mountain experience
• Chance to stay in National Historic Landmarks
• Spectacular views from your doorstep
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Dark sky stargazing access

Understanding Glacier's Lodge Locations

The strategic placement of Glacier's lodges allows visitors to explore different regions of the park:

East Side Lodges

• Many Glacier Hotel and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn: Access to Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake trails
• Rising Sun Motor Inn: Convenient stop along Going-to-the-Sun Road

West Side Lodges

• Lake McDonald Lodge: Gateway to the park's western valleys
• Village Inn at Apgar: Perfect base for Lake McDonald activities

Many Glacier Hotel

Overview

Standing proudly on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake since 1915, Many Glacier Hotel is the crown jewel of accommodations in Glacier National Park. This five-story Swiss-style chalet offers 214 rooms and some of the most breathtaking views in North America.

Key Features

• Historic Swiss alpine architecture
• Recently renovated rooms (completed in 2017)
• Ptarmigan Dining Room with panoramic lake views
• Swiss Lounge for evening entertainment
• Heidi's Snack Shop and Gift Shop
• Boat tours available from the hotel dock

Room Types & Amenities

• Lakeside rooms with balconies ($320-360/night)
• Mountain view rooms ($280-320/night)
• Standard rooms ($240-280/night)
• Suites ($420-460/night)
• Private bathrooms
• Historic furnishings with modern comforts

Views

• Swiftcurrent Lake panoramas
• Grinnell Point dramatic peaks
• Mt. Gould and Salamander Glacier
• Dawn light on mountain peaks
• Wildlife viewing from lobby
• Glacier-carved valley views

Lake McDonald Lodge

Overview

Built in 1913, this historic lodge offers a rustic yet comfortable retreat on the shores of Lake McDonald. The hunting lodge architecture and Native American-inspired decor create an authentic Montana experience.

Key Features

• Three-story Swiss chalet-style building
• Russell's Fireside Dining Room
• Lucke's Lounge
• Jammer Joe's Grill and Pizzeria
• Gift shop
• Boat tours and rentals

Room Types & Pricing

• Standard Room: $220-260/night
• Cabin: $240-280/night
• Suite: $380-420/night
• Motel Room: $180-220/night

Views

• Length of Lake McDonald
• Garden Wall peaks
• Sunset reflections on lake
• Forest and mountain vistas
• Lake McDonald beach access
• Historic boat dock views

Rising Sun Motor Inn

Overview

Located along Going-to-the-Sun Road near Saint Mary Lake, Rising Sun Motor Inn provides a more modest but equally scenic option for park visitors.

Room Types & Pricing

• Standard Room: $160-200/night
• Small Cabin: $180-220/night
• Large Cabin: $200-240/night

Features

• Two Dot Cafe
• General store
• Nearby hiking trails
• Access to boat tours
• Motor inn rooms and cabins

Views

• Going-to-the-Sun Mountain
• St. Mary Lake vistas
• Wild Goose Island overlook nearby
• Mountain goat viewing opportunities
• Dawn light on peaks
• Valley views

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Overview

Situated in the Many Glacier Valley, this motor inn offers budget-friendly accommodations with easy access to some of the park's best hiking trails.

Room Types & Pricing

• Standard Room: $150-190/night
• Cabin: $170-210/night

Amenities

• Restaurant
• Camp store
• Hiking trail access
• Simple, clean rooms
• Historic cabins

Views

• Grinnell Glacier trail views
• Swiftcurrent Valley panoramas
• Many Glacier peaks
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Hiking trail vistas
• Mountain meadow views

Village Inn at Apgar

Overview

Located at Apgar Village on Lake McDonald, this mid-century modern inn offers family-friendly accommodations with stunning lake views.

Room Types & Pricing

• Standard Room: $180-220/night
• Kitchenette Unit: $220-260/night
• Lake View Room: $240-280/night

Features

• Full kitchens in some units
• Lake McDonald views
• Close to visitor center
• Easy access to boat rentals
• Nearby dining and shopping

Views

• Lake McDonald views
• Mountain reflections
• Sunset vistas
• Beach access views
• Forest surroundings
• Wildlife viewing opportunities

Best Lodge by Traveler Type

Families with Children

• Best Choice: Village Inn at Apgar
  • Kitchenette units available
  • Safe swimming area
  • Close to visitor center
  • Spacious rooms
  • Easy hiking access
  • Affordable dining options

Luxury Travelers

• Best Choice: Many Glacier Hotel
  • Premium lakeside suites
  • Fine dining
  • Historic ambiance
  • Balcony rooms
  • Evening entertainment

Adventure Seekers

• Best Choice: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
  • Prime trail access
  • Affordable rates
  • Early start for hikes
  • Simple but comfortable
  • Active wildlife area

Romantic Getaways

• Best Choice: Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Cozy lakeside cabins
  • Intimate dining
  • Boat rentals
  • Sunset cruises
  • Historic charm

Budget Travelers

• Best Choice: Rising Sun Motor Inn
  • Lowest rates
  • Basic comfort
  • Great location
  • Self-catering options
  • Access to trails

Family-Friendly Features

Activities for Kids

• Junior Ranger programs
• Safe swimming areas
• Easy nature trails
• Evening ranger programs
• Wildlife watching
• Educational exhibits

Family Amenities

• Picnic areas
• Game rooms
• Kid-friendly dining
• Large grounds
• Cribs available
• Gear storage

Money-Saving Tips

1. Book kitchenette units
2. Visit shoulder season
3. Look for packages
4. Use ranger programs
5. Take shuttles
6. Pack lunches

Securing Hard-to-Get Reservations

Primary Booking Methods

1. Official park concessioner website
2. Direct phone reservations
3. Third-party services
4. Travel agencies
5. Package tours
6. Cancellation monitoring

Using Reservation Services

Services like reservealodge.com can help secure rooms even when lodges appear fully booked:

• 24/7 cancellation monitoring
• Automatic booking
• Date alerts
• Last-minute availability
• Multiple lodge checking
• Early access to cancellations

Booking Tips

1. Reserve 13 months ahead
2. Be flexible with dates
3. Consider shoulder season
4. Monitor cancellations
5. Use multiple strategies
6. Have backup plans

Seasonal Operations

Summer (Peak: July-August)

• All lodges open
• Highest rates
• Full services
• Warmest weather
• Longest days
• Busiest period

Spring (June)

• Opening periods vary
• Better availability
• Lower rates
• Some snow possible
• Wildflowers blooming
• Wildlife active

Fall (September)

• Closing dates vary
• Better availability
• Lower rates
• Fall colors
• Fewer crowds
• Clear weather

Winter (October-May)

• Most lodges closed
• Limited services
• Cross-country skiing
• Snow activities
• Quiet season
• Photography opportunities

Dining Experiences

Fine Dining

• Ptarmigan Dining Room
  • Local game
  • Montana beers
  • Lake views
  • Reservations needed
  • Smart casual

Casual Options

• Jammer Joe's Grill
• Two Dot Cafe
• Swiss Lounge
• Heidi's Snack Shop
• Coffee shops

Activities and Programs

Ranger Programs

• Guided hikes
• Evening talks
• Wildlife tours
• Star viewing
• History presentations
• Geology walks

Recreation

• Boat tours
• Horseback riding
• Hiking trails
• Red Bus tours
• Kayak rentals
• Photography

Planning Your Visit

What to Pack

• Layered clothing
• Rain gear
• Hiking boots
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Bear spray
• Sun protection
• First aid
• Water bottles
• Trail maps

Transportation

• Personal vehicle
• Park shuttles
• Red Bus Tours
• Hiker shuttles
• Rental cars
• Airport transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the lodges air-conditioned?

Most historic lodges do not have air conditioning. Rooms include fans, and mountain temperatures are typically cool.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Limited Wi-Fi is available in most lodge lobbies and common areas. Connection speeds may be slow.

Can I charge electric vehicles?

Limited charging stations are available at major lodges. Advance planning recommended.

Are rooms soundproof?

Historic buildings have traditional construction - some ambient noise should be expected.

What dining reservations are needed?

Fine dining venues require advance booking, especially Ptarmigan Dining Room.

Are there medical facilities?

Basic first aid is available; nearest hospitals are in surrounding communities.

Additional Resources

• Reservations: 1-855-733-4522
• Park website: www.nps.gov/glac
• Trail status: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trails.htm
• Weather: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weather.htm
• Family guide: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/families.htm
• Accessibility: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Last updated: November 2024. All information, including rates, availability, and services, is subject to change. Please verify current details with official sources when planning your visit.