14 Best Places to Stay in Glacier National Park (Inside the Park, West & East Side)

Glacier National Park is spread across a vast, mountainous landscape, and travel between areas can take much longer than expected. Lodging is concentrated in three main areas, each serving a different part of the park.

Inside the Park
Limited, historic lodges located near major lakes and trailheads. Best for early starts, minimal driving, and a classic national park experience.

West Side (West Glacier, Apgar, Whitefish area)
The largest concentration of hotels, lodges, and services. Closest to the airport and the western entrance, with convenient access to Lake McDonald and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

East Side (St. Mary, Many Glacier, East Glacier Park)
More remote and quieter, with fewer services but closer access to Many Glacier, St. Mary Lake, and some of the park’s most scenic hiking areas.

Because driving between these regions is time-consuming, choosing the right base or splitting your stay can significantly improve your Glacier National Park experience.

Staying inside Glacier National Park puts you closest to the trails, lakes, and wildlife. You don’t have to drive far in the mornings to get to key hikes, and you can start your day earlier than visitors staying outside the park.

It’s the most convenient option if you want to focus on exploring without spending time in a car.

The biggest advantage is access. You are steps from popular trails, lakes, and wildlife viewing areas, which saves travel time and lets you take advantage of quieter mornings and evenings.

Historic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge offer a classic park experience with unique architecture and history.

The downsides are availability and cost. Rooms inside the park sell out 10 to 12 months in advance, especially in summer. Prices are higher than comparable lodging outside the park, and amenities are basic.

Many lodges have limited or no Wi-Fi, air conditioning, or TVs. Staying inside the park works best if you prioritize convenience and being close to nature over modern comforts.

Lake McDonald Lodge is right on Lake McDonald and has a Swiss-chalet style. Rooms range from simple lodge rooms to larger suites, some with lake views. It’s convenient for exploring the West Side and Going-to-the-Sun Road. Reservations often need to be made a year ahead.

Many Glacier Hotel overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake and sits near several of the park’s best hikes. The historic hotel offers direct access to trails and boat tours on the lake. It’s best for visitors focused on hiking, wildlife, and iconic scenery.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is more affordable than the lodges in Many Glacier. The rooms are simple and comfortable, and it’s close to hiking trails. It’s a good choice if location matters more than luxury, but plan—spots fill quickly.

Rising Sun Motor Inn is along Going-to-the-Sun Road near St. Mary Lake. It’s a practical base for exploring the central and eastern parts of the park, with comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.

Village Inn at Apgar sits in Apgar Village on Lake McDonald. The inn is within walking distance of shops, dining, and short hikes. Rooms are cozy, and it’s convenient for visitors who want easy access to the lake and nearby trails.

The West Side of Glacier National Park is the most convenient for visitors coming from Glacier Park International Airport or nearby towns like Whitefish and West Glacier.

This area has more lodging, restaurants, and services than inside the park, and it’s close to popular attractions like Lake McDonald and the start of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Staying on the West Side works well if you want a mix of convenience and access to park highlights without the limited availability and higher prices of lodges inside the park.

The main advantage is convenience. You’re close to the West Entrance and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and towns like West Glacier and Apgar Village provide groceries, gear rentals, and dining options.

Lodging choices are more varied, from cabins and inns to full-service resorts, making it easier to find something that fits your budget and style.

The downsides are distance and crowds. While it’s close to the West Side attractions, driving to the eastern parts of the park can take an hour or more.

Popular spots can get busy during peak season, and parking at trailheads may be limited. This area is better for visitors who want amenities and flexibility, rather than staying right in the heart of the park.

Cedar Creek Lodge is in Columbia Falls, about a 20–25 minute drive from the West Glacier entrance. It’s a full-service hotel open year-round with perks like a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, free Wi‑Fi, and free parking.

Rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, making it a practical choice if you want more comfort than the small park-area lodges. The hotel is also close to restaurants and other services in Columbia Falls, which makes it an easy place to base yourself for multiple days in the park.

Paddle Ridge is a cabin and lodge property less than a mile from the West Glacier entrance. It’s a practical base for rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. Rooms and cabins are spacious, many with full kitchens and modern amenities like air conditioning and Wi‑Fi.

Booking early is recommended during the summer months.

Wonderstone at Glacier is a modern boutique-style hotel also in Columbia Falls, about 15–20 minutes from the park entrance. Rooms are clean, comfortable, with free Wi‑Fi, parking, and some extras like microwaves and refrigerators.

It’s a solid option if you want something easy to book, comfortable, and close to the park.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is 28 miles from West Glacier and offers lakeside resort accommodations with suites and rooms that include modern comforts.

It has a private beach, marina, spa, and fine dining, making it a good choice if you want upscale amenities while still being within reasonable driving distance of the park.

Timber Wolf Resort sits about 9 miles from West Glacier and has cabins, lodge rooms, RV sites, and tent camping options.

Cabins range from small units with basic furnishings to larger ones with beds, linens, and picnic tables outside. Lodge rooms have a queen bed, small refrigerator, television, and free Wi‑Fi, and the property includes shared picnic areas and a fire pit.

Good Medicine Lodge is a cozy bed-and-breakfast in downtown Whitefish, about 28 miles from the park entrance. Each room has unique décor, comfortable beds, and modern touches. You can relax in the common living room with a fireplace or on the outdoor patio.

Staying here puts you close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment, as well as outdoor activities at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The East Side of Glacier National Park gives you a more rugged, remote feel compared to the West Side. It’s closest to some of the park’s most famous spots, including Many Glacier, St. Mary Lake, and the start of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Staying here puts you near excellent hiking and wildlife viewing, but amenities are more limited, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Staying on the East Side means easy access to iconic scenery. You’re closer to Many Glacier and St. Mary Lake, making hikes and wildlife spotting more convenient. The sunrise views over the mountains are spectacular, and early mornings are quieter than on the West Side.

On the downside, services are more limited. There are fewer hotels and restaurants, and some accommodations feel more rustic. Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially in summer, so reservations are crucial.

PRO TIP: Driving to the West Side or other park regions takes longer, so consider splitting your stay if you want to explore multiple areas.

St. Mary Lodge and Resort sits in the small town of St. Mary, just outside the park. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the lodge has an on-site restaurant and coffee shop.

It’s a practical base for exploring the East Side, including St. Mary Lake and the eastern end of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Booking early is recommended since it fills fast in summer.

The Cottages at Glacier are a short drive from St. Mary and offer private, cabin-style accommodations. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen and small porch, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting a more independent stay.

The location is quiet but still close to the park entrance, making it easy to reach Many Glacier or Logan Pass.

Glacier Park Lodge, located in East Glacier Park Village, is a historic lodge with a large stone fireplace in the lobby and cozy, classic rooms. It’s within easy reach of the eastern park entrances and offers convenient access to hiking, guided tours, and boat trips.

Reservations are recommended early, especially in peak season, to secure a room.