Epic guide to Glacier Park Lodge located in Glacier National Park, Montana including reservations, room review, photos and video, nearby attractions, and so much more.
Glacier Park Lodge
Glacier Park Lodge is a great example of early twentieth-century National Park Rustic Architecture, also known as "Parkitecture". It was also the vision of Louis Hill, President of the Great Northern Railway.
The impressive lobby is one of the best places to relax and enjoy the public areas. One of the most amazing grand lodges near a National Park.
How to make Glacier Park Lodge Reservations
You can make reservations to The Glacier Park Lodge by calling (844)868-7474. You can also make your reservations online for the Glacier Park Lodge. The good part about booking online is that you can see the breakdown as to what rooms are available on the dates you want to go.
Accommodation Options at Glacier Park Lodge
There are 161 rooms in the Glacier Park Lodge with 28 different room types. You can find anything from suites and family rooms to value rooms. The one thing I have learned from staying in a National Park Lodge is that you get what you pay for.
Value could include having communal restrooms and showers and a very small room with one double bed to a suite with a private bath, king bed and a balcony with sweeping mountain views.
You may also hear the lodge called the Big Tree Lodge.
Great Northern Mini-Suite
During our stay at the Glacier Lodge, we booked a Great Northern Mini-Suite with a king-size bed. The room was located on the 2nd floor with a view of the front of the main lodge grounds. There was a ton of room in the main portion of the room.
One thing I have to tell you is the bed was quite firm. If you are not a fan of a firm bed this is definitely something to know when you are booking a place to stay. After a long day of hiking and exploring a park the bed was definitely not as soft as we normally enjoy.
The room was quiet during the night but we were at the lodge before the height of the busy season. The room had a shared balcony with two rocking chairs and a lovely couch.
There was a desk with a wooden chair, two side chairs next to the fireplace. The fireplace did not appear to be functional as there were fake flowers placed inside the fireplace.
The bathroom includes a shower, sink, and toilet. There are two body towels, a couple of hand towels and washcloths. Shampoo, body wash, a bar of soap and a vanity kit with a couple of q-tips, make up remover pad and nail file were in a basket in the bathroom.
In the summer a box fan can be requested to help cool off the room. Being a historic hotel there is no air conditioning. The front desk did tell us that later in the summer the lower floor rooms are cooler than the 3rd and 4th-floor rooms. While the top rooms have the best views they may also be really warm in the heat of the summer.
You can request a small refrigerator if you have medications that need to be kept cool. Rollaway beds are available for $15 a night. The front desk also has infant cribs, three-prong outlet converters and irons/ironing boards.
Free wi-fi is available and was quite strong. The password is written on a board at the front desk. You can also ask them for a piece of paper with the wi-fi code written on it. We had great wi-fi coverage throughout the entire lodge.
Glacier Park Lodge History
Glacier Park Lodge is located just outside Glacier National Park in the village of East Glacier Park, Montana.
When the transcontinental railroad was officially completed in 1896, it was a monumental victory for travel and business in America.
In the years to follow, numerous major railroad companies expanded the tracks and made accessibility around the country possible and accessible.
As these rails sprouted across the nation, so did towns and ranches along the routes.
The Great Northern Railway became successful in stages. It created successful lines in populated areas and then began to build in the mainly unsettled western territories.
Canadian-American James J. Hill was president of the railway in the early 1900s. His rail dominated a substantial area in the upper Midwest and northern Great Plains and he was eager to move into the Pacific Northwest.
His railroad would eventually spur an empire of towns and ranches from St. Paul, Minnesota all the way to Seattle Washington. Hill would later come to be known as the “Empire Builder.”
Hill and his son Louis appealed to the wealthy of America. Couples and families who normally vacationed in Europe were drawn to Glacier National Park with Hill’s slogan “See America First.”
What Hill stood to gain from these trips is that families would need to ride his rails to get there. The Great Northern Railroad set out to build lodges, hotels, roads, and trails in the Pacific Northwest to lure the visitors, thereby growing his rail business.
Glacier had been established as a national park in 1910 and by 1912, it was Louis Hill’s goal to construct a grand lodge in the area that mimicked the successful lodges which had been built in Yellowstone.
Great Northern hired St. Paul architect Samuel L. Bartlett to design what was originally called the Glacier Hotel and although his ideas and style were prevalent, Louis Hill oversaw every detail of the design and construction.
He had since stepped down from the railway and devoted all his time to building the hotels and lodges in the Glacier area.
Hill bought 160 acres of land belonging to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, the Native Americans who one freely roamed Montana. Construction began in 1912.
The lodge was later called “big tree lodge” as characterized by the colossal Douglas Fir timbers lining the lobby. 60 trees of Douglas Fir and cedars were brought in by the railroad from Montana, the largest and choice they could obtain.
The lodge resembled some aspects of a Swiss chalet, as was typical of other projects by the Great Northern at the time. It took a construction crew of 100 men about a year to complete the project.
The Blackfeet tribe was paid by Great Northern to play a big part in drawing visitors to the Lodge. When travelers would arrive by rail, members of the tribe would greet them. Blackfeet members would perform ceremonial dances each evening and a teepee village was set up on the grounds which travelers could tour.
In the 1920s and 1930s, travel began to change as automobiles became more accessible to families, thus decreasing usage of passenger railways.
The effect of the Great Depression decreased business at the Glacier Hotel and many others alike all over the west. Great Northern tried to sell many of their lodges to willing buyers. Additionally, the lodges were closed for three summers during World War II.
In 1956, Great Northern hired Knutson Hotel Company to manage and revamp their western hotels. The first order of business for Glacier Hotel was to officially rename it “Glacier Lodge.”
Knutson also added a pool and other amenities and cut ties with the Blackfeet, giving the lodge more of a “cowboy” theme. In 1960, the revamped lodge was sold to Glacier Park, Inc.
The 1960s was a disastrous decade for the lodge. There was a boiler explosion in 1962 and in 1964, a historic flood closed the lodge for multiple days.
In 1967, two of the lodge’s employees was one of three victims in what was called the “Night of the Grizzlies.”
On the night of August 12-13, two separate grizzly attacks killed two woman and severely injured one man. Julie Helgeson and her boyfriend Roy Ducat were both employed at the Glacier Lodge and were camping near Glacier Park Chalet, about 55 miles north of the Glacier Lodge.
The other female victim was killed while camping at Trout Lake in Glacier National Park.
In 1967, a botched robbery at Glacier Lodge was attempted by two men in cowboy hats with bandanas over their faces and shotguns in their hands.
They had come with the intent of obtaining the hotel safe’s large sum of payroll cash. A night watchmen was able to scare the robbers away into the night after they had taken 5 individuals hostage. The crime was never solved.
Glacier Park, Inc. still owns and maintains the lodge which has undergone many updates and additions in the last fifty years.
In 1999, USA Today named the lodge one of the top 10 best lodges in the National Park System.
Today it is a gorgeous getaway for families to enjoy with breathtaking views from every building, world class dining, a golf course, along with a rich history to appreciate.
It didn't take long to realize that the original lodge was not going to be big enough for all of the guests that wanted to visit Glacier Lodge. During the winter of 1913 to 1914 the annex building, employee quarters, powerhouse and laundry were built along with expanding the dining room. A crew of 75 men spent over a year and a half constructing the two main buildings.
Great Northern Dining Room
The Great Northern Dining Room at Glacier Park Lodge offers farm to table meals that are truly delicious. You can find everything from Huckleberry meatballs to Bison ribs on the menu that focuses on cuisine with a Montana flare.
We had a hard time choosing what to order for dinner because the menu looked so good. The cocktail list is inspired by Glacier and Montana and is well worth pursuing. My wife had the frozen huckleberry margarita and said that it was the perfect blend of tart huckleberries in a sweet margarita. I had the old fashion which was well balanced and tasted amazing.
Our dinner started with a nice portion of fried ravioli. The ravioli was crisp and the cheese melted in the middle perfectly. I am not sure what happened but all of a sudden the plate was empty and we were looking at each other wondering if we could make more ravioli appear.
For dinner, I went with the bison ribs served with summer vegetables and mashed potatoes. The summer vegetables were fantastic. The bison ribs fell off the bone and you could tell they had been cooked low and slow to truly make them fall off the bone.
My wife had the classic mac and cheese and it was a huge portion. Even with both of us enjoying it there was well over half the dish left when we were done.
Their dessert menu looked amazing and included huckleberry bread pudding, berry crisp, and ice cream. We passed on dessert as we were full from dinner.
The Great Northern Dining Room does not take reservations and is first come first served.
Breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 10 am
There is no lunch service at the Great Northern Dining Room but the Empire Lounge is open for lunch.
Dinner is served from 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Empire Lounge
The Empire Lounge is located in the main lobby and offers a well-stocked bar with Montana microbrews and classic Jammer soda.
The Empire Lounge also offers a stunning view from the back porch. This is the place to relax and enjoy a delicious cocktail after spending the day in the park. The Empire Lounge also offers lunch and dinner with a menu focused on appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers.
The Empire Bar serves food from 11:30 am to 10 pm. Cocktails are served until 11 pm.
Empire Café
The Empire Café is an espresso bar located in the lobby of the Glacier Park Lodge. This was my first stop in the morning so I could get fueled up on caffeine before hitting the park. Starting at 6 am they serve a selection of Montana Coffee Trader's brewed coffee, espresso, steamers, teas and hot chocolate along with iced coffees and Italian sodas.
Hotel/Lodge Amenities
Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course
Phone: (406)226-5642
The historic Glacier Park Lodge nine-hole golf course was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1928. The Blackfeet Indians named the course "Oom-c00-ska-pes-che" or Big Green Blanket by Chief Earl Old Person.
The Clubhouse has both club and cart rentals available on site. The entire family can enjoy the pitch n' putt course with the par 27 course located on the front lawn of the Glacier Park Hotel offers fun for everyone. You can rent equipment to play at the Concierge desk.
Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course is open late May-September. Club and cart rentals are both available.
Gift shops at the Glacier Park Lodge
There are a couple of gift shops located within the lobby of the Glacier Park Lodge. They offer great souvenir and gift items along with practical items needed for visiting Glacier National Park.
The Native American Trading Post
This gift shop offers souvenirs including a large selection of huckleberry items, Pendleton blankets and more from the Pendleton National Park Collections. The gift store also features local Blackfeet Native American crafts and gifts.
Country Corner Mercantile
The Country Corner Mercantile offers snacks, coffee, books, magazine, digital camera supplies, along with health and beauty supplies.
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Activities/Tours
Scenic Rafting Trip - Enjoy an easy 2 to 3 hour scenic raft trip down Glacier NP Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Relax and learn about the river and Glacier with a friendly, interpretive river guide.
Whitewater Rafting Trip - Enjoy an exciting half-day Glacier whitewater rafting trip on the middle fork section of the Flathead River.
West Glacier Moped Rental - Enjoy a 2-hour, half-day, or full-day moped rental and explore this stunning area on your own with a convenient self-guided tour.
1 hour fly casting lesson - Learn the basics of fly casting and how to fish on your own. Forget the hustle and enjoy a relaxing lesson with a professional instructor in a natural setting.
From Whitefish - Glacier and Polebridge Day Tour
Discover Montana's wild beauty on this private day trip from Whitefish. Stroll across Hungry Horse Dam, explore Glacier, and stop at the historic outpost Polebridge Mercantile.
Where is the Glacier Park Lodge Located?
Glacier Park Lodge is located in the remote Southeast corner of Glacier National Park in East Glacier Park Village, Montana.
There is easy access into the park.
Glacier Park Lodge Address
499 MT-49
East Glacier Park, MT 59434
GPS Coordinates for Glacier Park Lodge
Latitude 48°26'34.3"N and Longitude 113°13'21.1"W.
Fun things to do near Glacier Park Lodge
Going to the Sun Road - Going to the Sun Road is one of the highlights of a visit to Glacier National Park in Montana. It is the chance to experience the Crown of the Continent with epics views.
Many Glacier - This is one of our favorite areas in the park. So many gorgeous trails and some of the best hikes in the park.
Lake McDonald - Lake McDonald is located on the west side of Glacier National Park in Montana. The lake is nearly 10 miles long and nearly 500 feet deep. The largest lake in Glacier NP is not to be missed. Don't miss the amazing Lake McDonald Boat Tour!
Prince of Wales Hotel - The Prince of Wales Hotel is a stately hotel located high on a bluff overlooking Waterton Lakes National Park in Waterton Alberta, Canada. Its location provides both unparalleled mountain views as well as a tremendous lake view of Upper Waterton Lake.
Trail of the Cedars - Trail of the Cedars is perhaps the most popular of all the Glacier National Park Trails. It is also one of two wheelchair-accessible trails in the park and has several interpretative panels as it guides you through towering trees along Avalanche Creek. It is a must-see during any visit to the park.
Important Information for planning a stay
Season -2023 Dates: May 26 – September 24
2024 Dates: May 24 – September 22
Phone Number - Glacier Park Lodge phone number - 406 226 5600
Check-in Time - 3:00 pm
Check out time - 11:00 am
Pet Friendly? - No pets are allowed
Deposit - An advance deposit equal to one night stay and tax less surcharges is due when you make your reservation. If you book excursions/activities through the Glacier Park Lodge you will need to pre-pay for these activities when you book them.
There is a bellman available for assistance with luggage at check-in and check out. This can be extremely helpful if you are on the 3rd or 4th floors. There are no elevators on the property.
Luggage storage is also available.
If you are taking the Amtrak the Glacier Park Lodge has complimentary transfers to and from East Glacier Park Amtrak Station.
Safe deposit boxes are available for complimentary use at the front desk.
Make sure and hold onto your keys! The hotel uses metal keys and there is a $10 replacement fee if one is lost.
There is a concierge located in the main lobby that can help with hiking recommendations, travel tips, maps, and directions. They can also assist in booking activities in the area including Red Bus Tours, whitewater rafting, and more.
The outdoor swimming pool is located behind the main building. The pool being open is weather dependent and is normally open from July to August. There are towels available poolside. Pool hours are normally from 10 am to 9 pm.
There is an ATM located in the lobby.
Box lunches are available to take on your daily adventures. Make sure and order them at the front desk by 8 pm the night before. Lunches are available for pick up after 7 am. The menu is available at the front desk.
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Things to know before your visit to Glacier National Park
Glacier NP is open year-round but only certain parts of the park are accessible in the winter.
Entrance fee
7-day single-vehicle park pass - $35
7-day individual park pass - $20
7-day motorcycle park pass - $30
Glacier NP Annual Park Pass - $70
Valid for one year through the month of purchase. Admits one private, non-commercial vehicle or its pass holder to Death Valley.
Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Glacier Ticketed Entry/Reservations -
- May 26 through September 10 reservations are required for Going-to-the-Sun Road westside entrances and the North Fork from 6 am to 3 pm.
- July 1 through September 10 reservations are required for east side entrances including Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Going-to-the-Sun Road from Rising Sun from 6 am to 3 pm.
- Visitors entering the park in a vehicle or on a motorcycle during these dates need two things: (1) A vehicle reservation and (2) Park Entrance Fee OR valid Park Pass (includes Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or Volunteer passes).
- The 24-hour advance reservations will become available on a rolling basis starting May 25 at 8 am MDT.
Cell Service
Cell service on the west side of the park is accessible from West Glacier to Apgar.
On the east side of the park, there is a good cell signal from St. Mary to about 4 miles up the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
National Park Passport Stamps
National Park Passport stamps can be found in the visitor center.
Make sure to bring your National Park Passport Book with you or we like to pack these circle stickers so we don't have to bring our entire book with us.
Glacier NP is featured in the 1995 Passport Stamp Set
Glacier National Park Resources
Glacier National Park Camping Guide - Find out about all of the campgrounds within the park, which ones you need reservations for, site photos and more.
Top things to do in Glacier National Park - All of the epic things you do not want to miss during your trip to the park.
Glacier National Park Lodging - Find out about all of the amazing lodges and places to stay within the park.
The historic lodges in the park include Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel, and Sperry Chalet.
Going to the Sun Road - You do not want to miss the scenic drives in the park!
Additional Lodging near Glacier National Park
Lodging outside of the park includes in Kalispell and Whitefish, Montana along with West Glacier on the west side of the park.
On the east side of the park, there is loading in St. Mary's.
Wander Camp Glacier - Enjoy glamping tents under the stars. This smoke-free campground features express check-in, a picnic area, and free self parking. Accommodations offer 3 bathrooms and showers.
Meadow Lake Resort - 3.5-star family-friendly resort. A free roundtrip airport shuttle, 18 holes of golf, and a coffee shop/café are just a few of the amenities provided at Meadow Lake Resort & Condos. The onsite American cuisine family restaurant, Meadow Lake Bar & Grille, features golf course views and happy hour. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like volleyball. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a playground and an arcade/game room.
Cedar Creek Lodge - 3.5-star lodge, free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and laundry facilities at Cedar Creek Lodge and Conference Center. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a fireplace in the lobby and a gym
Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort - free continental breakfast, a garden, and a library at Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The onsite fine-dining restaurant, Café Kandahar, features local cuisine. In addition to laundry facilities and a fireplace in the lobby, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection - Enjoy a terrace, an arcade/game room, and dry cleaning/laundry services at The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a fireplace in the lobby and a business center.
Lodge at Whitefish Lake - 4-star family-friendly hotel by the lake, At Lodge at Whitefish Lake, you can look forward to a marina, a poolside bar, and a terrace. With a beachfront location, beach massages, and fishing, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in aromatherapy, a body treatment, and a manicure/pedicure at Spa at Whitefish Lake, the onsite spa. The onsite fine-dining restaurant, Boat Club, features pool views and al fresco dining. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like rowing/canoeing, snowshoeing, and kayaking. In addition to a coffee shop/cafe and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Click on the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging options near the park.
Parks near Glacier National Park
Grant Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Check out all of the Montana National Parks and neighboring National parks in North Dakota, South Dakota National Parks, Wyoming National Parks, and Idaho National Parks.
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