Are you planning your Glacier adventure? With so many places to stay around Glacier National Park, knowing which one fits you the best is highly important. We’ve been to Glacier National Park several times and know the surrounding areas well. Here’s a tip that can make your planning smoother: consider splitting your stay between the west and east sides of the park. Glacier National Park is quite vast. The park’s size means long commutes if you stay in one location and try to see everything. Splitting your stay puts you closer to the sights and activities on each side, saving you time on the road. This lets you maximize your time experiencing the park’s beauty.
The entrances and nearby towns
Familiarizing yourself with the park’s entrances and nearby towns is key. To simplify things, we’ve divided our recommendations into the West Side and East Side. That said, the Glacier National Park has seven entrances in total, which are:
- West Side: West Glacier, Camas, and Polebridge Entrances
- East Side: St. Mary, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Cut Bank Entrances
The West Side boasts towns like West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell, and Hungry Horse. Meanwhile, the park’s eastern flank is where you’ll find St. Mary, East Glacier Park, and Browning. By understanding these locations, you’ll be able to choose a basecamp that aligns with the adventures you’ve properly planned!
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East Side
While the West Side is a more popular choice, the East Side should be your choice if you want a more rustic and less crowded experience. The atmosphere here is more secluded and tranquil. Whenever we stayed in this area, we would always be able to enjoy the trails without having to worry about the crowd. Of course, the dramatic landscape is a highlight, too. We were particularly amazed by Two Medicine and St. Mary Lake. Have your camera ready, as there are tons of wildlife viewing opportunities.
However, the East Side doesn’t have that many amenities. Compared to the West Side, fewer restaurants, shops, and lodging options exist. However, there are still enough to make your stay comfortable. Below are our favorite accommodations to call home.
Glacier Peaks Hotel, Browning
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Our first recommendation on the East Side is the Glacier Peaks Hotel. The hotel is conveniently located close to the Blackfeet Heritage Center, which was a great way for us to learn about the area’s indigenous history. While it’s not directly inside Glacier National Park, it’s a good jumping-off point for exploring the park’s east side. There’s also the Glacier Peaks Casino right next door if you’re feeling lucky.
As one of the most affordable places to stay near Glacier National Park, the hotel offered a surprising number of amenities. Free breakfast every morning was amazing, especially because we always had so much to do. Not to mention, having a bar and casino on-site meant there were always options for winding down. Our Standard Room was clean and comfortable, with everything we’d expected: air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and fridge. More importantly, the bathroom was spotless.
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Duck Lake Cabin Rental, St. Mary
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We were extremely lucky to find the Duck Lake Cabin Rental. Though not a popular choice, it was beyond our expectations. Despite being a rustic rental, this place still has some modern must-haves, including free Wi-Fi. We loved the cabin a lot. It was cozy and well-equipped. We cooked most of our meals in the kitchen, which had everything we needed – a stovetop, refrigerator, oven, and plenty of cookware. Grilling out on the barbecue was another highlight of our stay.
The two bedrooms were comfortable, and the single bathroom had a hairdryer and toiletries, which was nice. We also enjoyed relaxing on the private porch in the evenings, sipping coffee (the cabin even had a coffee machine), and taking in the fresh mountain air. Meanwhile, the outdoor dining area was the best spot for enjoying meals with a view.
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Summit Mountain Lodge and Steakhouse, East Glacier Park
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Best Cabin. Up next is the Summit Mountain Lodge and Steakhouse, set right on Glacier National Park’s edge. The lodge is a collection of charming log cabins, each with a rustic feel that perfectly complements the park’s surroundings. Our Double Room was cozy and comfortable, featuring air-conditioning. The best part, though, was the private terrace. Complete with two comfy chairs, it overlooked a stunning lake, and it was our perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning.
The lodge offers a complimentary continental breakfast to kickstart your day. For dinner, we would head to the on-site steakhouse, known for its delicious food and incredible service. The lodging even has a casual bar if you’re looking for a drink before or after dinner. Another perk? The location! The lodge is just a 10-minute walk from the Marias Pass Obelisk, making it a great base for exploring Glacier National Park.
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St. Mary Village, St. Mary
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Most Comfortable. Our stay at St. Mary Village was a delightful blend of rustic charm and modern convenience right outside Glacier National Park. Nestled right on the edge of the park, the location couldn’t be beaten for exploring all the natural wonders Glacier has to offer. The minute we stepped into the main lodge, we were greeted by a warm atmosphere thanks to the massive stone fireplace. It felt incredibly cozy, like stepping into a classic mountain getaway.
Our log cabin-inspired room continued the rustic theme with comfortable furnishings and, best of all, a stunning view of the mountains. It wasn’t fancy, but it had everything we needed, including a TV, a work desk for catching up after a long day of hiking, and even a hairdryer. Speaking of hiking, there were trails accessible right from the property, which was fantastic. We also had our pick of dining options. The Snowgoose Grille offered delicious gourmet food with a Western twist in a relaxed setting. But when we were craving something casual, there was also the Curly Bear Café for classic Montana fare and the Glacier Perk for a quick coffee and pastry fix.
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Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier Park
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Stepping through the grand entrance of Glacier Park Lodge, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1913, was like entering a time capsule. The historic charm was evident everywhere, transporting us back to a bygone era. Our room, the Superior Queen Room, was located in the Great Northern Wing, conveniently accessible through a covered walkway. It felt like a haven of spacious comfort, exactly what we needed after pounding the pavement and exploring the trails for hours.
Luckily, Glacier Park Lodge offered the ultimate convenience – everything we desired was right at our fingertips. True to its name, the Great Northern Dining Room dished up delectable comfort food infused with a Montana flair, both for breakfast and dinner. For those times when we craved something lighter, The Empire Bar offered a delightful lunch menu. But beyond the delicious food, the bar boasted a warm and inviting atmosphere – a popular spot amongst guests to relax, socialize, and catch the latest game over a drink. To top it all off, the lodge’s reception desk even provided car rentals, eliminating the need to search elsewhere for transportation.
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West Side
Yep, the West Side is the more popular option. It’s more developed and can be easily accessed from many interesting towns. It also offers convenient access to Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in America. We still can’t get over the gorgeous views of glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.
As you may have expected, this area has more amenities than the East Side. It’s flooded with many hotels, restaurants, and shops to choose from, making it a convenient base for any exploration. Below are the accommodations that won’t let you down.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell, Kalispell
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Our stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Kalispell couldn’t have been better for exploring Glacier National Park. Just a 15-minute drive away, it was the ideal Hilton location for our park adventures. Being just outside downtown, Kalispell was perfect. It was close enough for easy access to restaurants and shops but quiet enough for peaceful nights. The real star of the show, though, was our suite. It was incredibly spacious. The fully-equipped kitchen was a huge deal for us, as it allowed us to whip up meals whenever we wanted.
Speaking of food, the complimentary breakfast was a delicious way to start each day. The manager’s reception with drinks and snacks was another delightful surprise. It was a great chance to unwind and chat with fellow travelers. After conquering Glacier National Park’s trails, nothing could beat relaxing by the indoor pool. It was clean and inviting, the perfect spot to soothe tired muscles. The hotel also had a fitness center. It’s great for those who like to stick to their workout routines even while traveling.
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Beargrass Lodging & RV Resort, Hungry Horse
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The Beargrass Lodging & RV Resort is the place to be if you want a comfortable place with stunning mountain views. The rooms were exactly as advertised. They were clean and well-maintained. We splurged on the Deluxe King Room, and it was totally worth it. Not only did it have a comfy king-sized bed, but it also came with a private little kitchenette complete with a stovetop, refrigerator, and even a BBQ.
The best part, though, had to be the private balcony overlooking the mountains. Waking up to that scenery every morning was incredible. The room also had a spacious seating area and a flat-screen TV, so it felt really homey. Overall, we can’t recommend Beargrass Lodging enough. The staff was friendly, the location was great, and the price was reasonable.
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Glacier International Lodge, Kalispell
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Another fantastic choice comes in the form of Glacier International Lodge. This place offered everything we needed for a relaxing and comfortable stay. The lodge has a great atmosphere. There’s a lovely garden and shared lounge area, so anyone can wind down. Our room was very comfortable – it had air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and even a fridge and coffee maker for those mornings when we wanted to wake up at our own pace. The best part, though, was the view! We had a gorgeous mountain vista right from our window.
One of the biggest perks of the Glacier International Lodge was the staff. The front desk was available 24/7, which was helpful for our late arrival. They were also super friendly and even helped us with some recommendations for things to do in the area. The lodge also offers airport transportation, which is a huge convenience, especially if you arrive late. Another plus? The breakfast! Every morning, we had our pick of a buffet, continental, or American breakfast. Before calling it a day, we would relax in the hot tub or work out in the fitness center.
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Wonderstone at Glacier, Columbia Falls
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Wonderstone at Glacier was exactly what we needed for our trip to Glacier National Park. One of the best hotels near Glacier National Park, it’s located right off U.S. Route 2, so it was super convenient for coming and going. Plus, there’s a ton to do nearby—Big Sky Waterpark was just down the road, so we could cool down after hours of exploration. The park itself was a short drive away, about 15 miles from the hotel.
One of the things we really liked about Wonderstone was the free breakfast. It was a great way to fuel up before heading out. And let us tell you, Glacier National Park has some amazing hikes! We also enjoyed grabbing a cup of coffee or tea in the lobby. It was a nice spot to relax and chat with other travelers. Now, let’s talk about our suite. It was spotless, comfy, and massive. We also loved to take a dip in the whirlpool tub.
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The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Whitefish
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Best Suite. Just a short drive away from Whitefish Lake, The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River is one of the best places to stay near Glacier Park, Montana. The hotel has a lot to offer. After hiking, we loved taking a dip in the dual indoor/outdoor heated pools. They were a great way to warm up and loosen up those tired muscles. There’s also an on-site fitness center for those who like to stay active. Another added bonus was the complimentary airport shuttle service, which saved us the hassle (and expense) of finding a taxi after we landed at Glacier Park International Airport.
The highlight of our stay, though, was our one-bedroom suite. The living room had a comfy sofa bed, a private balcony with a view of the river, and an electric fireplace that provided a cozy ambiance. It also had a wet bar, a microwave, and a mini-fridge, which was handy for storing snacks and drinks. Also, the jetted tub right beside our bed was the ultimate relaxation spot!
For more accommodations nearby, check out these best ski resorts in Whitefish, Montana.
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Paddle Ridge, West Glacier
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Best Overall. Nestled in the charming town of West Glacier, Paddle Ridge provided the perfect escape for our Glacier trip. Our one-bedroom cabin felt like a cozy home away from home, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen for whipping up delicious meals at our leisure. The highlight? A private trout pond practically on our doorstep. Back at the cabin, we loved spending evenings curled by the crackling fireplace. It was pure relaxation. Meanwhile, the covered patio with a gas grill became our go-to spot for barbequed meals under the open sky.
Paddle Ridge also caters to the adventurous spirit. From guided fishing expeditions to exciting river explorations and even horseback riding adventures, they offer something for everyone. Planning your activities is a breeze with their on-site tour desk, which helps you craft the perfect itinerary. But fun isn’t limited to organized adventures. We had a blast honing our horseshoe skills and even attempted some fly-fishing practice in the stocked trout ponds. Needless to say, it was a memorable afternoon filled with laughter.
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Our Verdict!
With so many places to stay around Glacier National Park, which one should you choose? To help you pick the best one, we’ve categorized some of the accommodations above based on the following criteria:
- Best Overall: Paddle Ridge, West Glacier
- Best Suite: The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Whitefish
- Most Comfortable: St. Mary Village, St. Mary
- Best Cabin: Summit Mountain Lodge and Steakhouse, East Glacier Park
Where to Stay around Glacier National Park
As you can see from the list above, there are many interesting towns near Glacier National Park. First is Kalispell, the biggest city near Glacier National Park. For many visitors, it serves as the most convenient and practical home base for exploring the park’s wonders. It also has many restaurants, attractions, and lodging options to choose from.
However, if you want to stay right at the doorstep of Glacier National Park’s West Entrance, you’ll want to stay in West Glacier. It offers unmatched access to the park’s iconic sights like Lake McDonald, and visiting it is among the top things to do in Glacier National Park. Columbia Falls is also on the West Side, a charming town with a laid-back vibe. It boasts proximity to the park’s west entrance and the scenic Flathead River, making it ideal for those seeking a balance between outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
While a bit further from the park itself, Whitefish is a popular resort town known for its mountain scenery. Travelers also love its upscale accommodations and vibrant nightlife, offering a lively home base for your Glacier Park adventures. Then, there’s Hungry Horse. This quiet community bordering the park’s West Entrance is perfect for travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay with easy access to Glacier National Park’s stunning natural beauty.
On the East Side, there’s St. Mary. This area provides a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of Going-to-the-Sun Road and Wild Goose Island, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Another popular choice is East Glacier Park. Offering historic charm and direct access to the park’s east side, staying here allows you to explore Glacier’s hidden gems, like Two Medicine Lake, and appease your sense of adventure.
Finally, there’s Browning. It lets you experience Blackfeet culture and immerse yourself in the Blackfeet Nation’s rich heritage. Browning’s proximity to the East Entrance makes it a unique and culturally enriching gateway to the national park.
What town should you stay in when visiting Glacier National Park?
It depends on your preferences. Travelers who prioritize conveniences may want to stay in West Glacier and St. Mary, as they’re close to the entrances. However, the other towns have their own unique charm and are worth considering, too.
Is it better to stay in Glacier National Park or outside?
Staying inside Glacier National Park puts you closer to the sights and trails, maximizing your immersion in the park’s beauty. However, accommodation options and amenities tend to be more limited inside the park compared to towns on the park’s border. But if you want to stay inside, here are the best lodgings inside Glacier National Park.
What is the closest town to Glacier National Park?
The closest town to Glacier National Park depends on which entrance you’re aiming for. For the West Entrance, the nearest town is West Glacier, located just outside the park boundary. St. Mary is the closest option if you’re headed to the eastern side.
