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1914
Lake McDonald Lodge
Glacier National Park, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana 59936
Original Property Opened in 1914
Historic Hotels of America member since 2014
memorabilia
tours
Set amid towering cedars and cottonwood trees is Lake McDonald Lodge, a National Historic Landmark. Lake McDonald Lodge opened its doors in 1914 and is one of the finest examples of the Swiss Chalet-style hotels remaining in the United States. The floors of the renowned lobby have incised messages in Kootenai (a local Native American dialect), which translate into phrases such as “welcome” and “new life to those who drink here.” Rustic, yet comfortable, guestrooms are split between a main lodge, duplex-style cabins, Snyder Hall, and the Cobb House. In keeping with the era in which the lodge was built, rooms offer guests modest amenities and Old-World-style accommodations, resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience.
Discover
- Discover the Lake McDonald Gift Shop, which features a large selection of Montana-made and Native American jewelry in addition to huckleberry gourmet treats and Red Bus souvenirs.
- Admire the style of architecture known as National Park Service Rustic that defines the Lake McDonald Lodge. Founded in 1904, Lake McDonald Lodge was originally known as the Lewis Glacier Hotel. This magnificent historic hotel is today listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
- Stroll through The Campstore, a spacious store offering almost everything necessary for camping, hiking, and fishing. A great selection of Glacier National Park souvenirs can also be found here, as well as groceries for picnic lunches.
Explore
- Climb aboard the historic vessel, DeSmet, the flagship vessel in the historic fleet that is on the National Register for Historic Vessels. Built in 1930, DeSemet takes travelers along the emerald-hued Lake McDonald while enjoying the majestic view of the Continental Divide.
- Explore the Grinnell Glacier nearby. Accessibly only by means of a rustic hiking trail, Grinnell Glacier lies at the heart of Glacier National Park. Grinnell Glacier first formed at some point during the Little Ice Age, which most geologists believe lasted from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
- Visit the Ptarmigan Tunnel. Now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Ptarmigan Tunnel is a hiking tunnel that was carved through the mountainside during the 1930s. It specifically connects Many Glacier to the Belly River valley.
- Travel to the Logan Pass Visitor Center high up in the Lewis Range. It provides many interpretive exhibits on the natural history of the region, as well as access to several trails that follow the Logan Pass. Logan Pass itself is the highest point of the Going-to-the Sun Road, which follows the Continental Divide.
Experience
- Experience fishing for native trout in Montana. Join expert guides and catch many all kinds of rainbow and brook trout in one of the many pristine lakes that reside within Glacier National Park.
- Hike along the more than 700 wilderness trails that spiral through Glacier National Park. Among the park’s most famous trails include the Highline Trail, Iceberg Lake, and the Pitamakan – Dawson Loop. Visitors will see many different species of wildlife when traveling on these trails, such as grizzly bears, elks, and moose.
- Go for a relaxing boat ride with Glacier Park Boat Company Tours. A family-run company since 1938, its special, wooden vessels take guests on trips of such renowned outdoor destinations like Lake McDonald, St. Mary’s Lake at Rising Sun, and Two Medicine Lake.
Taste
- Stop by Lucke’s Lounge to enjoy a pint of Montana microbrew, a glass of wine, or a crafted cocktail while taking in views of shimmering Lake McDonald.
- Taste a meal at the hotel’s Jammer Joe’s Grill & Pizzeria, which has something for everyone to enjoy. Lunch and dinner menus include favorites such as an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, create-your-own pizza, and fresh soup, salads, and sandwiches.
- Dine at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room, which 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.
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