Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel is among the most photographed buildings in the national park system. Built for the Great Northern Railway in the early 1910s, it sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake with a backdrop of the Many Glacier peaks, and its steep gables, balconies and big windows were designed to evoke a Swiss mountain resort. The lobby rises through several floors of timber, with a central fireplace, a balcony and a view down the lake from the main windows. At dusk, the hotel lights reflect on the water and the peaks glow, which is why many guests never want to leave the porch. Rooms are traditional and vary in size, from compact historic rooms with shared or private baths to larger suites. The hotel has a restaurant, a lounge and a gift shop, and a boat dock for tours on the lakes. Trailheads for Swiftcurrent, Lake Josephine, Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake start almost at the door.

Staying here puts you in the heart of grizzly country, and the hotel staff and rangers take that seriously. Follow all posted guidance, keep food secured and carry bear spray on the trails. Moose frequent the ponds near the hotel, and bighorn sheep and mountain goats are often visible on the slopes, so a quiet walk in the early morning can turn into a wildlife sighting.

Amenities are limited by design. Expect no air conditioning, modest Wi-Fi and cell service that ranges from weak to none. The dining room is the main restaurant for guests, and reservations are wise in July and August. The pace of the day is dictated by the weather and the trails: hike in the morning, rest on the lakeside porch in the afternoon and have dinner as the light fades.

The hotel is seasonal and generally open from early summer through early autumn, with its heaviest demand in July and August, so reserve as far ahead as the booking window allows. It is also at the end of a twelve-mile road from Babb, and the drive from Whitefish or Kalispell is long, so most guests plan a two- or three-night stay. For visitors who want the most dramatic scenery in the park and an old-fashioned grand hotel, this is the top choice.

Plan the details well ahead. Pack binoculars, layers for cool evenings and sturdy shoes, since the best parts of the stay are outside. Request a lake-view room if you can, though views from the common areas are excellent for everyone. Bring a book or cards for evenings, because entertainment is minimal, and keep a flashlight handy for walks.

Check road conditions and any construction updates before you drive in, and allow extra time for the winding approach. Dinner reservations and boat tour tickets are easier to secure if booked early, and a morning wildlife walk with a ranger is one of the best ways to start a day here.