Hotels and Lodges at Glacier National Park: Where to Stay In and Around the Park

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Glacier

If you remember only one thing, spend at least one night in the park at one of its historic lodges. The experience is well worth the booking hassle. If the lodges are sold out or beyond your budget, Whitefish is the most comfortable gateway town on the west side. East Glacier Park and St. Mary provide access to the east side, which is often wilder and less crowded.

Park lodges and gateway towns (12)

All LodgesGateway towns

• Lodge Lake McDonald Lodge Lake McDonald Valley (west) · mid-May/early Oct Directions ↗
• Lodge Many Glacier Hotel Many Glacier (northeast) · mid-June/mid-Sep Directions ↗
• Lodge Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins Many Glacier (northeast) · mid-June/mid-Sep Directions ↗
• Lodge Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins Saint Mary (east) · mid-June/mid-Sep Directions ↗
• Gateway town West Glacier entrance West Entrance - Going-to-the-Sun Road · hotels, restaurants, gas station Directions ↗
• Gateway town Columbia Falls entrance West Entrance - Going-to-the-Sun Road · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
• Gateway town Whitefish entrance West Entrance - Going-to-the-Sun Road · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
• Gateway town Kalispell entrance West Entrance - Going-to-the-Sun Road · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
• Gateway town East Glacier Park entrance Two Medicine · hotels, gas station, restaurants Directions ↗
• Gateway town Browning entrance Two Medicine · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
• Gateway town St. Mary entrance St. Mary - Going-to-the-Sun Road · hotels, supermarket, gas station Directions ↗
• Gateway town Babb entrance Many Glacier · hotels, gas station, restaurants Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

⚠ Lodge & Gateway town data is undergoing editorial review.

In the Park or Outside It?

The Where to Stay at Glacier guide compares every option in detail, including lodges, campgrounds, and gateway towns. The short version is this: lodging inside the park offers an unmatched sense of immersion, but you need to book several months ahead. Gateway towns give you more flexibility and a wider range of prices.

Lodges and Hotels in Glacier National Park

Glacier has five official lodging properties, all managed by the Glacier National Park Lodges concessioner. They share one important trait: they sell out early, often as soon as January for the following summer. This isn't the place for a "I'll figure it out when I get there" strategy.

Many Glacier Hotel

Built in 1915 on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in the park's east, Many Glacier Hotel is Glacier's most iconic lodging. The architecture draws on the grand Swiss chalet tradition. The central lobby, with its tall stone fireplaces, is striking, and the mountain views from the terrace are worth the trip on their own. The rooms are comfortable without being luxurious. What you're paying for is the location: the Many Glacier Valley is one of the park's richest wildlife areas, with grizzlies, moose, and mountain goats, and the most spectacular trails start right from the hotel. Demand is high, so lock in your night as soon as January reservations open.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Set on the shore of Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake on the west side, Lake McDonald Lodge dates to 1914. The atmosphere is that of a hunting lodge, with dark woodwork, a central fireplace, and a few period trophies. It's more intimate than Many Glacier. From here, you can access the Going-to-the-Sun Road directly, making it an efficient base for exploring the west side. Rooms are spread between the main building and lakeside cottages.

Glacier Park Lodge

At the park's southeast entrance in the village of East Glacier Park, Glacier Park Lodge makes an immediate impression with its redwood columns at the entrance. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a golf course, two rare amenities in a national park setting. It's a good choice for families. The East Glacier Amtrak station, served by the Empire Builder line between Chicago and Seattle, is just a few minutes away on foot, making this an appealing entry point for travelers without a car.

Village Inn at Apgar

Less dramatic than the grand lodges, Village Inn at Apgar offers studios and apartments with kitchens on the west shore of Lake McDonald. The atmosphere is relaxed, the setting is quiet, and the location is excellent. It's ideal for families or groups that want to make their own arrangements. Reservations are still in demand, but they're easier to get than at Many Glacier or Lake McDonald Lodge.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

In the same valley as Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is the park's budget option. The cabins and rooms are simple, functional, and unpretentious. The location, however, is the same as the grand lodge next door, just a few hundred yards away, with access to the same hikes and wildlife-viewing spots. If Many Glacier's rooms are out of reach, it's hard to beat Swiftcurrent for location and price.

Where to Stay Around Glacier: Gateway Towns

The park's lodges are often sold out from June through September. Here are the alternatives, organized by geographic area.

Whitefish

Whitefish is the go-to gateway town for accessing the park from the west. It's an active mountain town with good restaurants, shops, and a lively local scene. It also has a ski resort in winter. The area has the widest range of lodging, from hotel chains to boutique hotels and B&Bs. Allow about 30 minutes by car to reach the West Glacier entrance. Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), the closest airport to the park, lies between Whitefish and Kalispell.

Kalispell

The region's largest city, Kalispell offers the broadest range of lodging and the most competitive rates, especially among budget chains. It's an efficient logistical base if keeping lodging costs down is your priority. Allow 45 to 50 minutes to reach the park's west entrance.

West Glacier

A tiny village at the western entrance, West Glacier offers a few motels, a lodge, and cabins. The obvious advantage is that you're sleeping right at the park's doorstep, so you can start exploring without a transition on your first morning. The downside is that the selection is very limited and prices reflect the scarcity. Start watching for openings as soon as winter reservations begin.

East Glacier Park

At the southeast entrance, East Glacier Park is a good choice if you want to explore the east side, which is generally less crowded. Glacier Park Lodge is here, as noted above, and a few B&Bs and motels round out the options. Amtrak service makes the village even more appealing to travelers arriving without a car.

St. Mary

At the park's northeast entrance, St. Mary provides access to the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Many Glacier Valley. Lodging is limited, with a few lodges and motels, but the location is ideal if you'll be focusing on hikes in this area.

How Many Nights Should You Plan at Glacier?

Plan on at least 3 nights to see the highlights. With 4 to 5 nights, you can explore both the east and west sides without rushing. A full week is well justified if you want to cover the major hikes and enjoy wildlife during the quieter hours, early in the morning and late in the day. The Glacier Itineraries guide lays out possible combinations based on your pace and priorities.

When to Book and How Much Does It Cost?

For lodges in the park, the rule is clear: book in January for summer. July and August weekend dates fill within a few weeks of opening. After March, your options shrink considerably.

As for prices, lodges inside the park generally range from $150 to $300 per night, depending on the room type and time of year. Hotels in Whitefish and Kalispell offer a wider range, from $80 to $250. Rates peak in July and August. The When to Visit Glacier guide details the seasonal windows when prices remain more accessible.

One thing to note: park admission is $35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot or by bicycle, and $30 by motorcycle. The annual Glacier pass costs $70 and covers unlimited entry to the park for one year. The Rates & Passes page provides an overview of entrance fees and available passes.

Our Recommendations by Traveler Type

For total immersion. Many Glacier Hotel or Lake McDonald Lodge. Book in January, and don't hesitate over the price: the experience is extraordinary and rooms go fast.

For a controlled budget. Choose Swiftcurrent Motor Inn if you want to stay in the park without paying grand-lodge prices, or a hotel in Kalispell if keeping costs as low as possible is the priority. If you can, add one night inside the park so you don't miss the experience.

For families. Glacier Park Lodge, with its pool, nearby village, and Amtrak connection, or Village Inn at Apgar, with its kitchen-equipped apartments and quiet atmosphere. Whitefish is also an excellent backup plan, with a wide range of family-friendly lodging. Glacier with Kids offers more practical guidance for planning a trip with children.

Frequently Asked Questions