Where to stay in Glacier

Why we picked it

We would book it for the trailheads: Grinnell Glacier, the boat across two lakes that shortens the Grinnell trail, and grizzlies on the slopes are all part of the Many Glacier valley, the finest on the east side. Coming back to a 1915 lodge on the lake, with the peaks reflected in the water at dinner, is the reason people book it a year ahead.

• Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914–1915 on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, in the valley known as the “Switzerland of North America”
• A towering five-story lobby, the lakeside Ptarmigan Dining Room and the Swiss Lounge
• Red Bus tours, boat cruises, horseback rides and evening ranger programs from the hotel

• Historic railway hotelBuilt by the Great Northern Railway in 1914–1915, partially renovated in 2016
• Lakeside roomsLakeside rooms and a Lakeside Suite facing Swiftcurrent Lake
• Ptarmigan Dining RoomLakeside, continental cuisine; historic features restored in 2011
• LoungeFull bar menu, next to the Ptarmigan Dining Room
• Heidi’s Snack Shop & Espresso StandEspresso, snacks and sandwiches before the trail
• Boat cruisesOn the lake, from the hotel
• Red Bus tours and horseback ridesPlus evening ranger programs
• Gift ShopLocal jewelry and pottery, open 8 am–5 pm
• Family roomsSeven family units; children 11 and under stay free
• Private bathroomsIn every room, with a coffee maker and a fan

Why we picked it

We would book it for the setting of a West Glacier evening: back from Avalanche Lake or Logan Pass, a drink on the deck, dinner in the Belton Grill, and the evening train pulling in across the road as it has since 1910. It puts the west entrance and Lake McDonald minutes away, at a lower rate than the lodges inside the park.

• The first of the Great Northern Railway lodges, opened in 1910, with original fixtures, hardwood floors and crown molding in the rooms
• Belton Grill Dining Room and Tap Room, with an elevated deck and a 100-year-old fireplace; staff still line the balconies to greet the evening train
• Steps from West Glacier Village and the west entrance, at the western end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Historic railway chaletOpened in 1910, the first of the Great Northern Railway lodges
• Belton Grill Dining RoomLocally sourced dishes and a curated wine list; advance reservations accepted
• Belton Tap RoomLocal beer, wine, spirits and craft cocktails
• Original fireplaceA 100-year-old fireplace and an elevated outdoor deck
• Wi-FiComplimentary
• Private bathroomsFull bathroom in every room and cabin; clawfoot tub in the corner suite
• Balcony roomsViews of the Flathead National Forest, the park and the historic railroad
• Family cottagesLewis and Clark: three bedrooms, sitting room with fireplace, kitchenette, private deck
• Rafting and fishing nearbyRafting, fishing and mini-golf are listed among the chalet’s activities