Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
south end of Lake McDonald. There are 28 cabins that sleep up to eight with Western decor,
most with kitchens with stoves and refrigerators, and each with its own picnic table. Ask
for a cabin on McDonald Creek; you can literally fish from your front door. There are also
20 modestly furnished, clean motel rooms, some overlooking the creek, with either a queen
or two twin beds.
On the shores of Lake McDonald, the
Village Inn at Apgar
(1.3 miles from the entrance
at West Glacier, 406/892-2525 or 406/888-5632,
www.glacierparkinc.com
,
$146-263) is a
quaint, 1950s motor inn that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
West Glacier Motel
(200 Going-to-the-Sun Rd., 406/888-5662,
www.westglacier.com
,
$90-114 motel rooms, $196-279 cabins) is divided between two properties—half the motel
units are about one mile from the park entrance in West Glacier, and the cabins and other
motel units are on a secluded bluff that overlooks the Flathead River. It's a great value for
the price and location. Pets are not allowed. The cabins on the bluff require a minimum stay
of two nights.
Also in West Glacier, just across the street from the Amtrak depot, is the
Glacier High-
land Resort
(12555 U.S. Hwy. 2 E., 406/888-5427,
www.glacierhighlandresort.com
,
May-
Oct., $95-155), which offers 33 clean, simple rooms.
If you are willing to spend a bit more, there are two historic lodges that are worth a
night's stay.
Lake McDonald Lodge
(Going-to-the-Sun Rd., 12 miles from West Glacier,
406/892-2525,
www.glacierparkinc.com
,
$79-331) was built in 1914 by the furrier John
Lewis and adheres to the Swiss chalet-style of architecture. Though the lodge and cabins
are showing their age, they still outshine the 1950s motor inn on-site. The 100-room lodge
emanates rustic charm and still has personal touches, such as Lewis's hunting trophies dis-
played in the lobby. Built before there were roads running through Glacier, visitors arrived
at the lodge by boat, and the hotel's original entrance faced the lake. Today most guests
arrive by car, and the hotel is conveniently located off the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the
shore of Lake McDonald. Upon entering the lodge, visitors are immediately struck by its
warmth and charm. The large, spacious lobby is surrounded by balconies on three sides.
Guests and visitors can enjoy sipping a cocktail on the large veranda, a serene setting that
affords a beautiful view of the lake. The guest rooms are rustic yet comfortable, and the
location allows easy access to trailheads and boat tours. Fishing lessons and day trips by
horseback are available and can be arranged by the hotel.
The most memorable stay in West Glacier is at the family-owned
M
Belton Chalet
(12575 U.S. 2 E., 406/888-5000 or 888/235-8665,
www.beltonchalet.com
,
rooms
$155-180, cottages $325-395), located at the west entrance to the park. This was the first
