Three iconic locations provide incredible views of Glacier Park
Glacier National Park doesn’t have just one historic lodge. There are three beautiful, iconic lodges to choose from. Although they are found in different locations within the park, all have spectacular glacial-carved mountainous views. Any of them would be a thrill to stay in overnight or simply relax in the large, log-dominated interior lobbies. The lodges – Lake McDonald, Many Glacier and Two Medicine – provide maximum scenic eye candy.
Many Glacier Lodge
Many Glacier Lodge was built in 1914-15 to house visitors arriving by rail, and the area was promoted as a Western adventure destination. Black and white photographs are interesting to view in the lobby because in those days guests wore their Sunday best clothing in a very rugged, remote area of the country. From 1961 to 1983, employee recruiting included music and drama students from around the country who sang and entertained guests when they were off work. That tradition of providing entertainment by the employees is coming back.
The hotel is on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. The day hikes from the lodge are many, varied in difficulty and all the trails go to more outstanding landscapes.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald Lodge is the easiest to reach because it is a short drive around the lake from the small town of West Glacier, Montana. Located on the shores of Lake McDonald, the mountains where Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs to the Garden Wall and Logan Pass are not far away.
When the lodge was built, there was no road and all guests arrived by boat. Consequently the front of the lodge faces the lake. So visitors enter by way of a back door. But just inside the present entrance the three-story timbered cathedral ceiling and massive fireplace in the lobby will invite a visitor to sit and relax.
Legend has it that famed Western artist Charles Russell vacationed at this lodge with his buddies. There are some symbols around the fireplace that he may have created. It’s fun to guess which ones he may have placed there. Two popular and easy short trails are nearby: Trail of the Cedars, which is wheel-chair accessible, and the trail to Avalanche Lake.
Glacier Park Lodge
Glacier Park Lodge is found within walking distance of the Amtrak station near the small town of East Glacier. It was built in 1913 and has a classic, rugged Northwest look.
The huge logs that support the lodge’s lobby will leave you speechless. They were brought by train from Oregon and were estimated to be 500-800 years old. Columns in the lobby still have the bark attached.
The lodge was built in 1913 and has 161 guest rooms. It’s located just outside the park boundary and has a nine-hole golf course.
A short drive will provide access to Two Medicine Lake, several scenic trail heads and a cruise boat. The Two Medicine area is less visited. It has wonderful scenery and day hikes.