The Best Places To Stay In and Around Glacier National Park
Updated August 2024
“Over 1,500 square miles of mountains, glaciers, lakes, streams, forests, and flowers - all tumbled together in gigantic profusion - such is Glacier National Park, located in Northwest Montana. Above, the eagle swings in vast silent circles, peering down past great glaciers into rock-walled canyons. At one’s feet bloom brilliant flowers. And in the midst of this very heart of the wildest section of the Rockies, comfort awaits the tourist.”
The words of this 1912 advertisement from Great Northern Railway, the pioneers who made Glacier National Park accessible to tourists and built its historic lodges, are as true today as they were over 100 years ago. A trip to Glacier is all about exploring untamed wilderness, and when the day’s adventures come to an end, a comfortable space to recharge post-hike is a welcomed sight. As a Montana native, I have spent every summer of my life in Glacier and the surrounding Flathead Valley. I know the area like the back of my hand, and these are the best places to stay in and around Glacier National Park - for every kind of traveler.
First, a quick overview of how I’ve broken this list down: in the park, outside the park and in Whitefish. Accommodations In The Park are all about convenience. The tradeoff? Dated rooms with simply the basics (the exception being the stunning views!) at rates that are comparatively high for what you get. Lodging under the Outside The Park category consists of a variety of property types located off U.S. Rte 2, the highway that leads to the village of West Glacier and the park’s west entrance. Outside of staying in the park itself, staying along this stretch of road is the most convenient with drives to Glacier ranging from 5-20 minutes depending on where you stay. If your itinerary isn’t solely centered around hiking in Glacier everyday, staying in Whitefish is the best option for a well-rounded vacation. Located 30 minutes from West Glacier, this resort mountain town offers travelers a variety of accommodations, from traditional hotels with plenty of amenities to beautiful house rentals on the lake. Needless to say, the farther you venture from the park’s borders, the more lodging options you have - as well as nicer and newer.
In The Park
Many Glacier Hotel - In the Crown of The Continent, the crown jewel of lodging is without a doubt Many Glacier Hotel. Resting in the shadow of majestic peaks along the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, this secluded, Swiss-inspired lodge has been immersing guests into Glacier’s jaw-dropping beauty for more than a century. Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1915, the hotel was partially renovated in 2016, but don’t expect much more than the bare minimum in guest rooms - an overnight stay here is all about soaking up the history of the park and taking advantage of it’s convenient location to many of Glacier’s best hikes. Be sure to book a lakeside room so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning views from your balcony all day. Watching the sunset in this spectacular setting was the highlight of my most recent stay in July 2022.
Lake McDonald Lodge - Equally as special as Many Glacier Hotel but easier to access, Lake McDonald Lodge offers guests a historic, lakeside stay close to many of Glacier’s top attractions. Located on the park’s west side just minutes from Apgar Village, Trail of The Cedars and Going-To-The-Sun Road, it is impossible to beat the lodge’s location and activities available - scenic boat tours, Red Bus tours, and horseback riding to name a few. The rooms are quite small and very basic, but the charm of the lodge is found in the rustic, timber-framed lobby where rocking chairs face a crackling fire and taxidermy wildlife peer down from above. Outside, the crystal clear waters of Lake McDonald beckon guests to dip their toes.
Sperry Chalet - By far the most adventurous lodging option on this list (and in Glacier, overall), a stay at Sperry Chalet is an unforgettable experience for true explorers. Dating back to 1913, this historic Swiss style chalet sits atop an alpine ridge with beautiful views and wildlife surrounding it. Accessible only by a strenuous hike or horseback, a stay at the chalet does not come easy, both from a transportation standpoint as well as actually booking a room (dates fill up almost instantly when they are released each January), but if you are fortunate enough to secure a stay, expect an experience similar to camping, with the bonus of three home-cooked meals a day and arguably the most magnificent views you will ever see.
Outside The Park
River Haus - It was a tough call deciding which category to put this vacation rental in as it is basically in the park. Truly - River Haus is the closest rental to GNP, located steps from the park’s entrance in the village of West Glacier. If you’re unfamiliar with the park and the surrounding area, this location is ideal for those planning to spend as much time as possible in Glacier, with the added convenience of being across the street to the restaurants, shops and activities offered in West Glacier - not to mention beautiful views of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River which the home perches above. The interiors have been updated and outfitted with modern amenities, large beds and charming decor. With room to sleep six guests, I highly recommend River Haus for families, and for those with small children, plan to end your days with a round of mini golf and huckleberry ice cream across the street at Golfing-To-The-Sun.
Green Valley Ranch - A historic homestead turned rustic resort, Green Valley Ranch is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Glacier’s west entrance and is a great option for large groups and families traveling together. Choose from a large lodge that sleeps 16 or a cabin that sleeps 9. Situated on 480 acres of private land surrounded by national forest, the property is fittingly named and offers guests easy access to not only the national park but endless outdoor activities in the area and the nearby resort town of Whitefish.
Under Canvas Glacier - There's no shortage of campgrounds in the area, but if you're looking for a unique experience, stay at Under Canvas Glacier, a glamping camp located 7 miles from West Glacier. The safari-inspired tents include amenities such as plush king-size beds, fresh towels, en suite bathrooms and even a wood burning stove for chilly nights. Having stayed at both the Yellowstone and Glacier camps, I’m a big fan of the Under Canvas experience, but if you’re unfamiliar with the company, in my opinion, it definitely lends more towards the camping side of glamping. A perfect choice if you want to rough it for a few nights without having to think through a long packing list or wake up with a sore back.
The Ridge at Glacier - Rustic (but new) cabins in a secluded setting just 8 miles from the park entrance. The six cabins have either two or three bedrooms, making it a great option for families.
Silverwolf Log Chalets - Perfect for couples, this unique bed and breakfast offers charming log chalets for two just minutes from the park’s west entrance.
Glacier Retreat - Tiny house living at its best! This chic and modern two-bedroom cabin overlooks 20 private acres and is just 20 minutes from West Glacier in Columbia Falls.
In Whitefish
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake - Inspired by the grand lodges of the past, with all the conveniences of the present, The Lodge has been the place to stay in Whitefish for decades. Surrounded by mountains and the pristine waters of Whitefish Lake, it offers all the amenities of a full-service resort, as well as the perfect home-base for your Northwest Montana adventure.
Après Whitefish - Attractive to the young, modern traveler, this design-driven, budget-friendly hotel sits off the main thruway into downtown Whitefish. The owners of Après transformed an existing, dated hotel into thoughtful, contemporary accommodations that compliment the Montana landscape and Whitefish lifestyle. Outside, the curb appeal is lacking, but inside, warm woods and plaid textiles create a relaxing vibe suitable for the mountains.
The Nooq - A modern retreat on the slopes of Whitefish mountain, this luxurious house rental, which was built in 2019, is minimalist in design allowing the focal point to be the stunning nature views enjoyed through the floor to ceiling windows. Featuring two bedrooms, it is a great option for families or friends looking for a tranquil setting to return home to after full days exploring.
The Galleries - Location meets luxury in this collection of six high-end vacation suites in downtown Whitefish. Accommodating 2-6 guests each, these rentals blend modern, rustic and industrial elements while honoring Montana’s heritage.
Firebrand - Another option with a prime downtown location, the owners behind The Lodge opened this traditional hotel in the summer of 2016. Urban meets adventure is the best way to describe the vibe.
Clydesdale Outpost - A brand new addition to the Northwest Montana accommodation scene (opened 2023), Clydesdale Outpost would likely be the first place I’d check availability on if I were looking for somewhere to stay near Whitefish (I say if since I am a local). Set on 92 acres just 8 miles from downtown Whitefish, the boutique guest ranch consists of six beautiful, newly constructed cabins each of which offer two bedrooms, spa-inspired bathrooms, a patio with a fire pit and a private cedar hot tub. Elsewhere on property, guests have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with, you guessed it, Clydesdale horses. From barn tours with wranglers to horseback riding and carriage rides, these rare experiences are sure to a touch of magic to your Montana vacation.
