Our Ultimate Guide to Glacier National Park's Famous Lodges

Glacier National Park is home to some of the most historic and picturesque lodges in the country, each offering a unique blend of rustic charm and architectural grandeur. From the Swiss chalet-inspired Many Glacier Hotel to the iconic Lake McDonald Lodge and the towering timbers of Glacier Park Lodge, these hotels have been welcoming visitors for over a century. They not only provide a gateway to the park’s stunning landscapes but also offer a glimpse into the early days of American park tourism. Here is a mini tour of Glacier’s Historic Lodges.

1. Lake McDonald Lodge: A Classic on the Water

Lake McDonald Lodge in the evening

Image courtesy of Glacier National Park Lodges 

Built in 1913, Lake McDonald Lodge is nestled right on the shores of the park’s largest lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Originally called "Lewis Glacier Hotel," it was designed to resemble a rustic European hunting lodge. John E. Lewis purchased the original hotel and property from homesteader George Snyder in 1906 and replaced the original structure with a much grander hotel, that is now known as the Lake McDonald Lodge. When the lodge first opened, it wasn’t even accessible by road. Both building materials and visitors alike arrived via boat across the lake, which only added to the remote, wilderness feel of the place.

The Great Northern Railway purchased the holdings in 1930, then sold it to the National Park Service two years later. The Great Northern Railway heavily promoted the lodge as part of its campaign to attract tourists to the park, contributing to Glacier’s early popularity. The lodge was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The lodge's grand lobby, with its exposed timber beams, massive stone fireplace, and mounted animal taxidermy, evokes the wilderness spirit of the early 20th century. 

Over the years, Lake McDonald Lodge has maintained much of its historic charm while offering modern amenities to guests. Today, it remains a beloved destination for visitors seeking to experience the beauty and history of Glacier National Park. If you’re lucky enough to snag a room here, you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets in the park right from your window or from the lakeside lawn.

Lake McDonald is the home to several dining options: Russell’s Fireside Dining Room, Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria, and Lucke’s Lounge. From the lodge, you can embark on activities such as boat cruises with the Glacier Park Boat Company, horseback rides, Red Bus tours, biking up the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and evening ranger programs.

2. Many Glacier Hotel: The Crown Jewel of Glacier

Many Glacier Hotel, often referred to as the "Crown Jewel of the National Park Lodges," opened in 1915 and is located on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. Its Swiss-inspired design with gabled roofs and wooden balconies that overlook the surrounding mountains make it one of the most picturesque lodges in the entire country. The hotel's grand lobby, with its massive timbers and panoramic windows, offers breathtaking views of the nearby peaks. 

Stepping into the hotel feels like a journey back in time; you can feel the history within the walls and the decor. In the years before World War II, a hydroplant below Swiftcurrent Falls provided power for the valley. Ice was cut from giant blocks on Swiftcurrent Lake in the wintertime, and stored in an icehouse to cool the kitchen’s food. The hotel’s isolation only added to its allure as a wilderness retreat for the elite.

The Great Northern Railway built the hotel to attract wealthy travelers and promote tourism in the region, and it has maintained its grandeur ever since. The hotel quickly became a central hub for visitors exploring the park’s rugged eastern side. Despite periods of decline, restoration efforts over the years have preserved its historic character while upgrading amenities. Today, the Many Glacier Hotel remains a cherished landmark, known for its rustic charm and spectacular setting in the heart of Glacier National Park.

There are several dining options inside the hotel. Enjoy an elegant dinner with a view at the Ptarmigan Dining room, a cocktail at the Swiss Lounge, or a quick cappuccino at Heidi’s Snack Shop & Espresso Stand. Grabbing a snack and heading out onto the deck to check out the views is one of our favorite things to do when we are in Many Glacier.

The Many Glacier Hotel is not only a haven for sightseers and history buffs, but also a hiker’s paradise—many of Glacier’s most famous trails start right at the hotel’s doorstep. Hikes like Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Cracker Lake all start at trailheads around the hotel. The stunning mountain backdrop, frequent wildlife sightings (moose and bears often make an appearance swimming across Swiftcurrent Lake), and enthralling history, make the Many Glacier Hotel a true gem not to be missed when visiting Glacier.

3. Glacier Park Lodge: A Grand Welcome to Glacier

Stunning flower garden at the entrance of Glacier Park Lodge

Image: Courtesy of Glacier Park Collection

Located in East Glacier, Glacier Park Lodge opened its doors in 1913 and was the first of the great lodges built in the park. It was also constructed by the Great Northern Railway as part of their effort to attract tourists to the “American Alps.” The lodge’s massive, 40-foot-tall Douglas fir columns are a testament to its rugged, larger-than-life style. The timber used to construct the lodge was sourced from the nearby forests. It is said that many of the trees were over 600 years old when they were felled. You can feel that history as soon as you enter the lobby. The lobby is held up by 60 of these massive logs, giving it quite the sense of grandeur.

The Blackfeet Nation played a significant role in the history of Glacier Park Lodge, as the land where the lodge stands is part of their reservation. The Great Northern Railway, which built the lodge, heavily utilized images and presence of the Blackfeet to attract tourists to the park, even while largely excluding them from the economic benefits of tourism. The Blackfeet still maintain a cultural connection to the land within Glacier National Park, as much of the park belonged to the tribe before the US government acquired it in 1895.

Glacier Park Lodge was built to impress, with a nine-hole golf course, a pool, and a large veranda offering views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a meal with a stunning view at The Great Northern Dining Room, head to the Empire Lounge to grab a bite in a space designed to feel like an elegant dining car on The Great Northern Railway, or grab your morning java at Triple Divide Coffee.

While it’s one of the more accessible lodges due to its location near the park’s east entrance, it still has that remote, peaceful feel that visitors love. Over the decades, Glacier Park Lodge has retained its historic charm, while serving as a welcoming base for park visitors. Today, the lodge stands as a testament to the early days of park tourism and continues to offer visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Prince of Wales Hotel - Is it in Glacier National Park?

Image courtesy of Glacier Park Collection

Often confused as another Glacier Park Lodge, the Prince of Wales actually sits in Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park. This park shares a border with Glacier National Park that runs through the middle of Waterton Lake. So, sadly, it doesn't make our official list of Glacier Park Lodges, but, holy smokes, isn't it incredible? Many multi-day backpacking trips combine visits with Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks or you can hop on a boat in Waterton to cruise the lake down to the US border and back.  

Wrapping Up the Lodge Tour

Each of these historic lodges offers a unique way to experience Glacier National Park, not just as a visitor but as a part of its living history. Whether you’re sitting by the fire at Lake McDonald Lodge, gazing at Swiftcurrent Lake from the Many Glacier Hotel, or marveling at the timber giants in Glacier Park Lodge, you’re stepping into a century-old tradition of exploring one of America’s most beautiful landscapes. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be staying in more than just a hotel—you’ll be part of a legacy that has welcomed adventurers for over a century. Be sure to book your reservations well in advance, as these hotels are highly sought after by visitors from all over the world.