Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier National Park, Montana

Location 

Glacier National Park is a 1500-square-mile wilderness area located along the spine of Montana’s Rocky Mountains, containing unspoiled forests and spectacular lakes and peaks. The lodge was built here over a century ago, on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake McDonald, 10 miles inside the west entrance to the park, on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. The west entrance is easily reached via car, Amtrak, or a transfer from Glacier Park International Airport.

Accommodation 

Lake McDonald Lodge is a US National Historic Landmark and a member of the Historic Hotels of America and its rooms retain a traditional rustic character while offering all the necessary comforts expected by the modern traveller. The bulk of the accommodation comprises 82 guest rooms on the top two floors of the three-storey main lodge, with a small number of duplex to six-plex cabins located along a tree-lined pathway adjacent to the lodge. Nearby, the newly renovated lakeside bungalow, Cobb House, offers three lovingly restored suites.

Dining

Guests at the lodge have three on-site dining options. Russell’s Fireside Dining Room provides a breakfast buffet, plus lunch and dinner menus featuring locally sourced ingredients and with an emphasis on sustainability. A less formal alternative can be found in Jammer Joe’s Grill & Pizzeria, which also offers hungry guests an all-you-can-eat lunchtime buffet. Meanwhile, Lucke’s Lounge, which overlooks the lake, serves food all day alongside an extensive drinks menu. Beer aficionados will find a selection of Montana micro-brews available wherever they choose to eat. Boxed lunches can also be provided for guests setting off to explore the park.

Facilities 

Visitors to Glacier National Park will come seeking natural beauty and seclusion and an escape from the modern world. WiFi, TV, and mobile phone reception are scarce, but the rewards of the great Rocky Mountain outdoors are plentiful. Guided tours in the park’s famous roll-top Red Buses provide a relaxed and photo-friendly way to see the scenery and, if you’re lucky, the wildlife. With over 700 miles of trails, the park is also renowned for its hiking opportunities; you can set off on your own (but check the snow-line status first!) or take a guided hike. You can also enjoy a guided tour on horseback or take a waterborne route into the heart of the park via a boat tour on the lake, or a raft trip on the famous Flathead River.