Is your family considering where to stay to see Glacier National Park? Look no further. I’m here to give you the most up-to-date information on the 15 best places for families to stay in and around Glacier National Park.
Whether you prefer luxurious hotels, rustic mountain lodges, classic mid-century motor inns, quaint cabins, beautiful glamping spots, or traditional campgrounds, there are many great places to stay in the Glacier National Park area.
I’ll cover the best of them in this how-to guide on where to stay to see Glacier National Park, with a special focus on the best places for families.
Table of Contents
Glacier National Park: An Overview
Residing in northern Montana, straddling the continental divide on the United States – Canada border, Glacier National Park covers more than 1 million acres of rugged mountain terrain, featuring ancient glaciers, rushing rivers, gorgeous crystal-clear lakes, and a number of diverse ecosystems.
With more than 700 miles of hiking trails and the chance to see bighorn sheep, elk, moose, American black bears, grizzly bears, and innumerable other animal species, Glacier National Park is a gigantic playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park’s primary thoroughfare, usually open from early June through early October, the Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses Glacier National Park from West Glacier (in the west), over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, to St. Mary’s Visitor Center (in the east), and vice versa.
An engineering marvel that took 2 decades to construct, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or “Sun Road,” as it’s affectionately known, provides easy access to Lake McDonald, Saint Mary Lake, as well as many other famous sights and notable hikes within Glacier National Park.
It takes about 2 hours to traverse the entire “Sun Road” if you drive straight through. However, you’ll definitely want to make multiple stops along the scenic drive to savor the remarkable natural beauty and unique outdoor activities that are abundant here.
So, lace up your hiking boots, grab the fam, and get ready to be in awe as you enjoy the amazing experiences that await in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park: Entrances
The massive Glacier National Park offers 7 visitor entrances, 3 of which link up with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, while the remaining 4 provide access to some more far-flung sections of the park.
The 7 Glacier National Park entrances:
- West Glacier Entrance – The park’s de facto main entrance puts you directly on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Located near the town of West Glacier)
- St. Mary Entrance – The park’s most popular east entrance provides direct access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Located near the St. Mary Village)
- Camas Creek Entrance – A more remote western access point, this gate links up with the Going-to-the-Sun Road via Camas Road (Located near Forests and Fire Nature Trail)
- Polebridge Entrance – A remote western access point that requires driving on gravel roads to access far-off sections of the park (Located near Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery)
- Two Medicine Entrance – A remote eastern entrance providing easy access to several alpine lakes (Located near Lower Two Medicine Lake)
- Many Glacier Entrance – A relatively remote eastern entrance offering easy access to several pristine lakes (Located on Rte 3 near Lake Shelburne)
- Cut Bank Entrance – The lowest trafficked entrance (eastern side), requires dirt road driving, with easy access to backcountry campgrounds (approx 20 miles north of Browning, MT)
Most park visitors stick to the West Glacier Entrance and the St. Mary Entrance. However, for the more intrepid travelers, other entrances can get you right up close to some more “off the beaten path” spots and some of the best places to stay inside Glacier National Park.
Where To Stay To See Glacier National Park: Lodging Options INSIDE The Park
When my family and I are planning where to stay on our national park excursions, we almost always opt for accommodations within the park. This cuts down on travel time and allows us to see far more sights than we would otherwise.
For us, this is especially true when considering where to stay to see Glacier National Park because the park is so darn huge!
If you’d like to camp, several campgrounds, such as Fish Creek Campground and Avalanche Campground, are maintained by the NPS inside Glacier National Park. However, I’ll be focusing solely on Glacier National Park lodging here.
With that, here are my recommendations for where to stay in Glacier National Park:
1. Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Address: Lake View Dr, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
Nestled among the conifer trees on the southern shores of Glacier National Park’s largest body of water, Lake McDonald, Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins provides 28 cabins and 20 motel-style rooms in a marvelously picturesque setting.
Plus, you’ll be just a stone’s throw from the Going-to-the-Sun Road and many of the park’s most popular natural wonders, as well as hiking trails.
Rent a bike on-site and explore the nearby area on your new wheels. Afterward, swing by Eddie’s Cafe & Gifts for a nice meal, a lovely coffee, a delicious slice of pie, your choice of cocktails, or some Glacier National Park souvenirs.
Don’t feel like cycling? There are also boat rentals available here, allowing your family to spend the day gliding over the beautiful tranquil waters of Lake McDonald as you gaze upon the splendid snow-capped mountains jutting out of the earth’s surface everywhere you look.
Family cabins situated directly on Lake McDonald and the adjacent McDonald Creek contain 2 queen beds, a sofa bed, a kitchenette, and a private bathroom. Smaller families can opt for motel rooms with 2 queen beds.
Rustic and quaint, Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins is a throwback to a bygone era. You won’t find many televisions here, and the WiFi can be spotty at times, but that’s what family national park trips are all about, am I right?
2. Lake McDonald Lodge
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Address: 288 Lake McDonald Ldg Lp, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
Situated directly on the Going-to-the-Sun Road toward the northeastern end of Lake McDonald, this Swiss-style chalet will give you classic European ski resort vibes, just transplanted into the North American heartland.
Constructed in 1913 and renovated in 2015, the historic lodge provides 82 guest rooms spread across the main lodge building, the nearby Snyder Hall and Cobb House, and a separate row of cabins just a short walk away.
Book one of the iconic Red Bus Tours here, a staple of Glacier National Park travel for decades, where you’re taken by experienced glacier guides in your vintage bus on a scenic drive through some of the park’s most iconic sections, learning about the area’s ecology and history as you go.
When you finish up the tour, head back to the lodge to grab a bite to eat at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room, Luke’s Lounge, or Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria, or drop into the general store to pick up some snacks. There’s also a great coffee shop in the lodge.
You can schedule lake cruises, horseback riding, ranger programs, and other on-site activities, all great for kids.
Families can go for the Deluxe Cabin option, which comes equipped with a king or queen bed plus a sleeper sofa. But book early because the larger cabins are limited and sell out quickly in high season.
3. Many Glacier Hotel
Nearest Entrance: Many Glacier Entrance
Address: 1147 Rte 3, Browning, MT 59417, United States
Accommodates: 5 guests
A historic hotel designed and built by the Great Northern Railway in the early 20th century, Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in the northeastern portion of Glacier National Park.
Sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of North America,” this area supplies some of the most breathtaking mountain and lake views you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Partially renovated in 2016, the hotel itself is also fantastic and provides plenty of space to lounge and simply “drink in” the gorgeous natural surroundings.
The 5 story lakeside hotel comprises 205 guest rooms, 7 family rooms, and 2 suites on top of several dining options, including the Swiss Lounge, Heidi’s Snack Shop, and Ptarmigan Dining Room, where you can dine in style overlooking the strikingly blue Swiftcurrent Lake.
Larger families can check into the family rooms, which contain 2 bedrooms, with a king bed, a queen bed, a double bed, and a private bathroom. Smaller families can fit in one of the hotel rooms with 2 queen beds and a private bathroom.
When you’re rested and ready to begin your day, you can book a Red Bus tour, boat cruise, horseback riding, and more. Or check out the on-site gift shop to grab some Glacier National Park memorabilia.
4. Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins
Nearest Entrance: Many Glacier Entrance
Address: Glacier National Park, Glacier Dr, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
Also situated on Swiftcurrent Lake, a short drive from Many Glacier Hotel (ie 1 mile), Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins is an awesome place for families with a combination of 95 rustic but comfy cabins and quaint mid-century motor rooms.
This cute motor inn is an especially great place for hiking families, as many of Glacier National Park’s best hiking trails are right next door, including trails going to Ptarmigan Lake and Iceberg Lake, in addition to the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead.
On the property grounds, there’s a restaurant, a general store, a gift shop, and multiple outdoor activities.
The 2-bedroom cabins are great for families, with 2 double beds but no private bathrooms, while the newer, smaller 1-bedroom cabins provide less sleeping space but do have a private bathroom.
Slightly less rustic than the cabins, the classic motor inn guest rooms come with a private bathroom and either a king or queen bed or 2 double beds, depending on which room you book.
5. Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins
Nearest Entrance: St. Mary Entrance
Address: Going-to-the-Sun Rd, St Mary, MT 59411, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
Positioned directly on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a short distance from Wild Goose Island Lookout, Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins is the perfect place for families traversing the east side of the park.
Constructed in 1940, the lovely motor lodge is equipped with 72 guest rooms and simple cabins that were upgraded back in 2015.
The charming cabins offer a pair of twin beds, heating, and a private bathroom. Meanwhile, the motel-style guest rooms come with your choice of 2 double beds or a queen bed and a private bathroom.
Enjoy the on-site activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, and biking. There is also a restaurant, Two Dogs Flat Grill, and ready-made breakfast plates available here, as well as a gift shop and general store.
Again, you’ll find televisions are few and far between here, and WiFi can be intermittent at times but is available in shared areas.
6. Village Inn at Apgar
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Address: Glacier National Park, Apgar Lp Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
Not to be confused with Apgar Village Lodge, discussed above, The Village Inn at Apgar is a quaint mid-century-style motel tucked away on the shores of Lake McDonald.
It could be the perfect setting for a Norman Rockwell painting with its classic Americana charm.
There are multiple room types that will accommodate families, from standard hotel rooms to “family units” with 2-3 bedrooms each. Each have private bathrooms, coffee maker, and more.
Step out of your motor inn room and kick back as you take in views of Lake McDonald and the stunning mountains ringing its shores.
The amenities, as far as restaurants and stores, are limited on the property. However, you’ll be just a short drive or walk from everything you need, as there’s a gift shop nearby, and the West Glacier Entrance is only a few minutes down the road.
7. Motel Lake McDonald
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Address: 466 Lake McDonald Loop, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
One of the more budget-friendly options inside Glacier National Park, Motel Lake McDonald offers simple but comfortable rooms surrounded by lush pine forests with views of the nearby mountains.
The “no frills” property supplies you with a standard motel-style room with your choice of either 1 double bed or 2 double beds. All rooms have a private bathroom, telephone, ironing board, hairdryer, and fan upon request.
The simple lodge is one of the best options if you’re looking for a 1-night comfortable stay while passing through the Going-to-the-Sun Road and looking to hold onto a few more of your hard-earned dollars.
If you get hungry, just take the short walk over to Lake McDonald Lodge, where you’ll find several restaurants, including the family-friendly Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria.
8. Sperry Chalet
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance
Address: Gunsight Pass Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
Accommodates: 5 guests
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the most storied backcountry chalets in the world, Sperry Chalet is a great choice for experienced hiking families. Sadly, the main building at Sperry Chalet was lost in the Sprague fire in 2017, but the property has since re-opened.
Forget about taking the car here. The only way to reach this historic hotel in Glacier’s backcountry is to “hoof it” over the rocky mountainsides up to this idyllic hillside lookout. (You can also reach the chalet via horse) .
From Lake McDonald Lodge, the Sperry Trail is 6.7 miles long with a 3300 ft. ascent to the chalet.
The hotel’s main lodge utilizes 2 stories to provide dorm-style accommodations, with private rooms that can house as many as 5 guests. There’s also a nearby building containing a kitchen and dining area, where they serve 3 meals a day, and a separate structure with shared bathrooms.
There’s also a campground here, if you decide to rough it.
The simple but mesmerizingly beautiful accommodations offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for intrepid travelers seeking a little adventure.
If you have older kids who are experienced hikers, the Sperry Chalet could be an interesting, even amazing, albeit challenging, place to stay for your family trip to Glacier National Park.
My family hasn’t tried this trek yet, but my kids are now at the age that I’d like to make reservations and try this in the next couple of years for sure!
Where To Stay To See Glacier National Park: Best Lodging OUTSIDE The Park
While, I’d generally recommend staying inside a national park, especially a large national park like Glacier. There are plenty of great family-friendly places to stay in the nearby towns, just a short drive away, too.
Here are my recommendations for where to stay to see Glacier National Park outside the park’s limits:
9. Prince of Wales Hotel
Nearest Entrance:
Address: Alberta 5, Waterton Park, AB, Canada ,T0K 2M0
Accommodates: 4 guests
No list of Glacier NP lodging would be complete without the Prince of Wales Hotel. Located across the Canadian border in the province of Alberta, town of Waterton, this historic hotel (built in 1927) is a titan. Regal and majestic, situated on a high bluff, this resort embraces its royal name certainly.
US citizens will need a passport to cross the border. The drive from the park to Waterton is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, and gorgeous the entire way.
The hotel continues to draw on its historic routes in a variety of ways, from the men on staff clad in kilts to the Prohibition-vintage cocktails…this hotel is glitzy and glamorous, but still maintains a casual national park feel.
There are rooms that will accommodate a family of four, but larger families may need to book multiple rooms.
The rates here are loftier as compared to many other options on this list, but it also aims to be a much more posh type of lodging option than many of the more rustic places inside, and near the park.
10. Great Northern Resort
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance | approx 2 miles
Address: 12127 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States
Accommodates: 10 guests
Just a couple of miles west of the West Glacier Entrance, you’ll find the luxurious Great Northern Resort, complete with log cabins and lodge guest rooms in a convenient location.
A great place to relax when you’re not trekking through Glacier National Park, the Great Northern Resort provides plush accommodations with plenty of on-site activities.
Styled after original Glacier National Park chalets, the West Glacier Cabins can house as many as 10 guests in 3-bedroom abodes containing 2 separate living areas, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and several televisions.
The West Glacier Lodge provides an array of rooms, including the Double Queen Rooms, which contain a pair of queen beds and cozy modern furnishings.
You can also take white water rafting classes, fly fishing classes, and get guided river tours on-site. Kids can attend youth river camps, where they’ll learn about the local environment and discover the magic of the area’s glacier-fed waterways.
11. Under Canvas Glacier
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance | approx 8 miles
Address: 101 Under Canvas Rd, Coram, MT 59913, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
A personal favorite for my family, the Under Canvas glamping locations are some of the best glamping accommodations we’ve found anywhere in the country.
With the perfect mix of comfort and classic camping, Under Canvas does glamping right.
Under Canvas Glacier is on Route 2 near the small town of Coram, Montana. Here, you’ll spend the night in well-outfitted safari tents or canvas tents that offer comfy beds and hot water.
Families can choose the Suite With Kids Tent, which offers a bedroom with a king bed, a living room with a queen sofa bed, a private bathroom, and a wood-burning stove with complimentary firewood.
On-site, there’s also a cafe serving light fare and drinks, yoga classes, live music, kids’ activities, communal fire pits, and mountain views that are out of this world.
12. Cedar Creek Lodge
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance | approx 19 miles
Address: 930 2nd Ave W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
Located in Columbia Falls and open all year round, any time is the best time to visit Cedar Creek Lodge, where you get the best of both worlds in a modern luxurious hotel modeled after traditional Glacier National Park lodges.
On the property, you’ll have access to a fitness center, business center, free WiFi, indoor pool, hot tub, laundry, a sundry shop, and more. Plus, you’ll get a delicious complimentary breakfast.
Planning to stay a while? Cedar Creek Lodge offers vacation rentals, where you’ll actually save money on multiple-night stays.
Traveling with the whole family? Check out the Deluxe Rooms, which feature 2 queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa, providing plenty of space for everyone. The air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter are also lovely.
13. North Forty Resort
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance | approx 23 miles
Address: 3765 MT-40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
A short drive from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, the North Forty Resort supplies a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from comfortable cabins to fully-stocked glamping tents, with some pet-friendly options available, too.
Larger families can stay in the King Suite, a log cabin with an extra-large double bed, 2 sofa beds, a full kitchen, an outdoor barbecue grill, 2 private bathrooms, plenty of seating, a television, and air conditioning.
Feel like glamping? The property supplies awesome glamping tents that feel very spacious but may only work for smaller families and utilize shared bathrooms.
There’s an on-site gift shop where you can pick up some smaller goods. Additionally, you’ll be just 5 miles from downtown Whitefish, Montana, where you can find more modern amenities like restaurants and shops.
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance | approx 30 miles
Address: 2 Fairway Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States
Accommodates: 4 guests
With a prime location in the heart of Whitefish, Montana, this luxurious lodge is just a 35-minute drive from the west side of the park (West Glacier Entrance). I’ve stayed here in the summer, and really did love the proximity to the town of Whitefish.
If you’re looking to play a round of golf, this is the perfect place, as you’ll have several great options at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club and the Whitefish Lake South Golf Course, offering 36 unique holes just steps away.
With 143 guest rooms on the property, you’ll have your pick of several different styles of room, such as the Rainshower Loft, a 2-floor suite with a king bed, 2 twin beds, a living room, kitchenette, air-conditioning, and toiletries.
Don’t need that much space? Opt for the standard guest rooms, which come with either a king bed or 2 queen beds, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and more.
15. Whitefish Mountain Resort
Nearest Entrance: West Glacier Entrance | approx 35 miles
Address: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States
Accommodates: 12 people
A ski resort come winter and an outdoor adventure resort with easy access to Glacier National Park come summer, Whitefish Mountain Resort ranks among the best hotels and resorts in northern Montana.
In the warmer summer months, your family can have fun on the resort’s grounds riding the exhilarating zip lines, mountain biking the well-manicured trails, or navigating the treetop obstacle course.
Up for hitting the slopes? Whitefish Mountain Resort provides more than 3,000 acres of terrain and more than 300 inches of annual snowfall, making this a great place to “carve some powder,” as the kids say.
It’s also a great option for large family gatherings, as the 5-bedroom Snow Ghost House can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests and has 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, and all the modern amenities.
Smaller groups can stay in studio apartments with a private deck or patio, good WiFi, and all the modern amenities.
Furthermore, there’s a nice indoor swimming pool and hot tub on the property for the whole family to enjoy after a long day of running around Glacier National Park’s best hikes.
16. Glacier Park Lodge
Nearest Entrance: Two Medicine Entrance | approx 14 miles
Address: 499 MT-49, East Glacier Park, MT 59434, United States
Accommodates: 6 guests
Nicknamed “The Big Tree Lodge” by the local Blackfeet people, the Glacier Park Lodge was built with massive Douglas fir trees by the Great Northern Railway to serve as a luxurious place for Glacier National Park visitors to stay.
The main lodge is something to behold as it still maintains the original massive wood pillars and traditional charm it’s had since it was first opened in 1915.
With 161 rooms on-site, you’ll have your choice of Family Rooms that feature 3 queen beds or 3 double beds, Great Northern Rooms with 2 queen beds or 2 double beds, or Main Lodge Rooms with 2 queen beds.
Take a swim in the hotel’s seasonal heated outdoor pool or hit the links at the on-site 9-hole golf course. When you’re ready to eat, stop by the Great Northern Dining Room or grab some of the boxed lunches they offer for guests.
You’re also just a short drive from East Glacier Park Village and the Two Medicine Entrance, where you can access some of the finest hikes and most picturesque mountain views in a more remote section of the park.
Where To Stay To See Glacier National Park – Final Thoughts
Glacier National Park might as well be considered a National Historic Landmark, with all of its fascinating history and impressive natural beauty.
For over 100 years now, families from around the world have been venturing to this remote corner of the United States to marvel at the jagged mountain peaks, the crystal clear mountain lakes, and the other unique geological features formed by slowly melting glaciers.
If you’re looking to have an unforgettable experience with your family in America’s national parks, Glacier National Park is the perfect place to do so.
That’s all for this national park mom. We hope to see you out there on the trails or in one of the best places to stay to see Glacier National Park! Enjoy your journey!
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Such great tips and information! Glacier National park is on our bucket list, though we are waiting until the kids are a bit older so we can do some hiking. I will be referring to your blog a lot once we start visiting all the national parks we have been talking about!
Elena
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