Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald Lodge

Built in 1913, this classic Swiss chalet style lodge is located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park’s west entrance on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, nestled on the shores of the largest lake inside the park. The hotel features a large lobby which is three stories tall, decorated with skins and taxidermy mounts of native species acquired or trapped by John Lewis, who supplemented the hotel business by trapping, often in the park. The lodge offers a unique gift shop, campstore, lounge, restaurant, and pizzeria. Red Bus tours, boat cruises, and numerous other activities.

Unique Features: The famous Red Buses serve as an ideal way to see and learn more about Glacier National Park. In fact, the vintage 1930s buses are part of the human history and heritage of the park. As much of the park’s scenery is vertically oriented, the roll-back tops are perfect for providing full views of the stunning mountains, and the area’s signature Big Sky. The guides are seasoned park veterans, who are here because they love the park and enjoy sharing the park with visitors.

Accommodations: There are 82 guest rooms split between the three-story main lodge, a row of cabins, Snyder Hall and the exquisite Cobb House. Main lodge rooms are located on the second and third floors. Large/small cabin rooms are located along a tree-lined pathway adjacent to the lodge. All guest rooms at Lake McDonald are rustic, yet comfortable. In keeping in the era in which all the rooms were built, they offer guests modest amenities but recent renovations have added some king and queen beds along with upscaling a number of rooms and cabins. Televisions (except for the suites), air conditioning and elevators are not available.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for the Large Deluxe Cabin Suite. All cabin rooms have a private bathroom and parking is usually available nearby. Smaller cabins have either 1 or 2 doubles or 1 queen, the larger deluxe cabins have 1 king or 1 queen bed, and a limited number of those deluxe cabins also have a sleeper sofa.

Dining: There are three dining options: Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria, Lucke’s Lounge, and Russell’s Fireside Dining Room. Located near the lodge, Russell’s Fireside Dining Room offers a unique dining space that recalls the building’s hunting lodge origins. Breakfast selections include a full breakfast buffet as well as a lighter, continental buffet option. Lunch and dinner selections, focusing on local fare. Enjoy a frosty pint of Montana micro-beer after a long day of hiking.

Activities: There are tons of hiking trails available for all levels of ability. Many people love the popular Red Bus Tour. The fleet of 33 buses in Glacier is widely considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world, so due to the historic nature of the Red Buses, seats are not designed to the same standards as today’s buses. The red buses seat 17 people, with 4 across on bench seating and 1 front passenger seat.

Spa & Fitness: There is no on-site spa or fitness center, but with all of the amazing outdoor activities and fresh air though, you won’t need them.

Location: Lake McDonald Lodge is located in the southwestern region of Glacier National Park. The park encompasses more than 1 million acres (4,000 km2) and includes parts of two mountain ranges (sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains), more than 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem,” a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles (41,000 km2).

Closest Airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is the gateway to northwest Montana and the closest airport to Glacier National Park. The airport is in Kalispell, just 12 miles from the town of Whitefish and 30 miles from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. Most tourist and lodging options are within a relatively short drive from the airport.

Children’s Programs: No. Although they welcome your children, they do not have any supervised children’s programs.

Pet Friendly: No, unfortunately pets are not allowed, with the exception of qualified Service Dogs for guests with disabilities. Please advise your reservations agent if you are traveling with a Service Dog.

Weddings: No. They do not have weddings on the property.

Meetings: No. They do not have the facilities to host large business meetings.

Extra Info: The Red Bus-inspired Jammer Joe’s Grill & Pizzeria has something for everyone to enjoy. Lunch and dinner menus include favorites such as all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, create-your-own-pizza, and fresh soup, salads and sandwiches. Pull up a seat at the table and reminisce about your wilderness adventures.

www.glaciernationalparklodges.com