Glacier National Park Hotel: A Guide to Stay & History

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park? You’re in for a treat! This beautiful park in Montana is full of mountains, clear lakes, and amazing views. It also has a lot of history and cool places to stay. In this blog, we’ll talk about the park’s past, the best Glacier National Park hotel, how to get there, and where you can stay both inside the park and nearby. If it’s your first visit or not, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip!

Introduction & History

Glacier National Park was created in 1910. People soon started calling it “America’s Switzerland” because of its beautiful mountains and views. To welcome visitors, the Great Northern Railway built lodges, chalets, and tent camps. These buildings were inspired by Swiss style and placed about a day’s ride apart so travelers could rest along the way.

Between 1910 and 1915, many of these famous places were built. This includes Glacier Park Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, and the Belton Chalets. These lodges gave people a cozy and special place to stay. They had big wooden lobbies, amazing mountain views, and a rustic feel but still offered comfort. Glacier National Park is also one of the best places to travel in August, with pleasant weather, clear skies, and full access to trails and roads.

Importance of Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is an important and special place in the U.S. Here’s why it matters:

It has glaciers, clear alpine lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails.
The park protects rare plants, animals, and unique natural areas.
You can spot wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats.
The old lodges in the park show off early 1900s building styles, called “parkitecture.”
It honors Native American history, especially the culture of the Blackfeet Nation.
Groups like the National Park Service and Glacier National Park Conservancy help take care of the park.

Top Glacier National Park Hotels & Places to Stay

Looking for the best places to stay near Glacier National Park? Here are some top hotels and lodges that offer comfort, great views, and easy access to the park.

Glacier Park Lodge

Glacier Park Lodge is one of the oldest and most famous Glacier National Park hotels, built in 1913, located near the East Glacier Amtrak Station.

Just outside the park boundary
Huge wooden lobby with 40-foot Douglas fir columns
Cozy stone fireplace and relaxing veranda
Onsite dining and a golf course
Full of historic charm and great views

Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel is known as the “Crown Jewel” of Glacier National Park lodges, this beautiful hotel opened in 1915 and sits on Swiftcurrent Lake.

Stunning mountain and lake views
Close to hiking trails like Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake
Swiss-style design with panoramic windows
Large, historic lobby with classic lodge feel
One of the best Glacier National Park lodge options

Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald Lodge was built in 1913–14, this lodge sits right next to Lake McDonald and is full of rustic charm.

Originally called Lewis Glacier Hotel
Named a National Historic Landmark in 1987
Offers lodge rooms, cozy cottages, and a motor inn
Dining options include Russell’s Fireside Dining Room and Jammer Joe’s Grill
Peaceful lakeside setting inside the park

Belton Chalets & Rising Sun Auto Camp

These are two great places to stay in or near the park, both offering a more simple and historic experience.

Belton Chalets (near West Glacier):

Built in 1910–11
Swiss-style chalet with cozy rooms and a restaurant
Located just outside the West Glacier entrance

Rising Sun Auto Camp (inside the park):

Close to St. Mary Lake along the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Offers simple cabins and motel-style rooms
Surrounded by nature and great for wildlife viewing
Great for travelers who want to stay close to Glacier’s beauty

Transportation & How to Reach Glacier National Park Hotel

Getting to Glacier National Park hotel areas is easy with several travel options. If you’re coming by car, train, or air, here’s how you can reach the park and its nearby lodges.

By Train:
You can take the Amtrak Empire Builder train to East Glacier Park Station, right across from Glacier Park Lodge. It’s one of the most direct and scenic ways to reach a Glacier National Park hotel.
By Car:
Most visitors drive to the park. The main routes are U.S. Highway 2 for East Glacier and U.S. Highway 89 for the St. Mary entrance. Driving gives you easy access to many hotels in Glacier National Park and nearby towns.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. It’s about 30 miles from the West Glacier entrance. Rental cars are available at the airport for your journey to places to stay in Glacier National Park.
Red Bus Tours (Inside the Park):
These old-fashioned, guided buses are a fun way to explore the park. They stop at popular lodges like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, perfect if you’re staying in a Glacier National Park lodge.

Nearby Towns & Additional Lodging

If you can’t find a room inside the park or want more options, nearby towns like Kalispell and Whitefish are great places to stay.

Kalispell is a busy town about 30 miles from West Glacier. It has many hotels, shops, and restaurants. A popular choice here is the Kalispell Grand Hotel, which offers a comfortable and cozy stay. It’s a good spot if you want to explore both the town and the park. You’ll find lots of services here, including rental cars, stores, and travel help.

Whitefish is another beautiful town, located near the park’s western entrance. It has a charming downtown with local shops, cafés, and boutique hotels. The town is known for its relaxed vibe and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. It’s a great base if you want to enjoy both Glacier National Park and a fun, walkable town.

These nearby towns offer great places to stay in Glacier National Park areas, especially if lodges inside the park are full.

Tips & Extra Info

Here are some helpful tips to make your Glacier National Park trip smooth and enjoyable:

Historic lodges are charming but simple. Most do not have air conditioning, TVs, or strong Wi‑Fi. This is part of their old-fashioned and peaceful feel.
Book early! Lodging inside Glacier National Park, like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge, fills up quickly. The main travel season is from late May to September.
Enjoy the extras. Don’t miss out on scenic drives, ranger-led programs, boat tours, and cultural talks.
Try the food. Lodge restaurants often serve local dishes in cozy, old-style settings that reflect the park’s railway history.

Wrap Up!

Glacier National Park is a place where nature, history, and comfort come together. With beautiful mountains, lakes, and wildlife, it’s a perfect spot for any traveler. Whether you stay in a Glacier National Park hotel, a historic Glacier National Park lodge, or choose glacier national park hotels nearby, you’ll have a great experience. These hotels in Glacier National Park and nearby places to stay in Glacier National Park help you enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Plan your trip now on Xplooya and find the best places to stay in Glacier National Park!

FAQ’s

What is the history of the Glacier Park Hotel?

It was built in 1913 by a train company. Big logs came from the west, and floors came from the east. It’s one of the oldest hotels near the park.

What is the history of Glacier National Park?

The park was made in 1910. People loved the mountains and glaciers. A train company built hotels and trails to help people visit.

What is special about Glacier National Park?

It has beautiful mountains, lakes, and over 700 miles of trails. You can see glaciers, wildlife, and old lodges. It’s perfect for nature lovers and hikers.