Glacier Park Lodge
The magnificent Glacier Park Lodge can be found at the base of Dancing Lady Mountain, just outside the East Boundaries of Glacier National Park, Montana.
The first great park lodge I ever visited as a child and still one of my favorites. This historic park lodge is a must see, and an ideal place to begin a day trip of the park from.
Glacier Park Lodge also serves as a wonderful first stop of several great park lodges you can choose to stay in on an extended tour of Glacier National Parks vast interior of (more that 1-million acres.)
Opened in 1913, Glacier Park Lodge needed a railroad spur laid to the building site just to transport in the 60 enormous Douglas Fir columns more than 40-feet tall and 36-40 inches in diameter (it was estimated that when cut these trees were between 500-800 years old and weighted upwards of 15 tons eac )
Many of these huge columns were used to frame a towering colonnade or central atrium of colossal size styled after early Christian Basilicas. When the local Blackfeet Indians first saw these giant trees unloaded they were so awed by the size of them that they dubbed the new building "Oom-Coo-Mush-Taw" or Big Trees Lodge, a fitting name that has stuck ever since.
When you first enter the grand lobby you will understand why. It is an awe inspiring sight indeed, that can only be equaled by the historic great lobby in the Old House of the Old Faithful Inn. Guests can still arrive to Glacier Park Lodge by rail on a spur laid by the Great Northern Railway.
Beautiful grounds and manicured gardens will great you upon arrive to this stunning four-story historic lodge building. The grand lobby is a remarkable space of towering columns that support multiple stories of interior balconies. This virtual cathedral of timber and wood creates a western style atmosphere of the great outdoors, while providing a comfortable space to relax and unwind.
There is a majestic fireplace and a large public area filled with comfortable rustic furnishings to enjoy. Take some time and take in the many visual aspects of the room, such as the large iron chandeliers and many unique oriental style lanterns suspended from wrought-iron brackets throughout the building.
The grand lobby has displays of numerous items of western and historical significance, along with many examples of Native American art. Visit the Native American Trading Post for an assortment of authentic items.
The lobby also provides access to the Great Northern Dining Room where you can get all your classic favorites along with great steaks, ribs, and BBQ. All served with a unique hospitable Montana flair. Micro-brews and wines are available with your meal.
The lounge provides another relaxing gathering place for guests. It has a well stocked bar and one of only two-televisions on the premises.
A four-story Great Northern Wing is attached to the main lodge by a breezeway that provides yet another popular spot to lounge and relax. Comfortable furnishings and card tables are provided along with picture windows offering beautiful views of Glacier National Parks mountains.
Don't forget to explore the beautiful grounds take a swim in the heated pool, visit the day-spa, or play golf at Montana's most historic course along with a long list of other activities that are available during your stay.
Glacier Park Lodge offers guests 161 rooms: throughout the four-story main lodge building and the attached four-story Great Northern Wing. Rooms are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
Value and Regular Lodge Rooms: are smaller in size to Great Northern Wing rooms and are located on the second and third floors of the main lodge.
Great Northern Wing Rooms: are somewhat larger rooms, available on all four-floors of the Wing.
Family and Deluxe Rooms: have multiple beds and are located on the third-floor of the main lodge and Great Northern Wing.
Alpine Wilderness Themed Suites: are a little more spacious and comfortable, located throughout both the main lodge and the Great Northern Wing.
The Golf House: is a two-bed room facility located near the 9th hole of the historic Glacier Park Lodges golf course. (the first golf course in Montana) Facilities include two-bed rooms with queen size beds, two bath rooms a complete kitchen and living room with a television, there is a patio and outdoor grill along with a spectacular mountain view of Glacier National Park. (You better reserve early for this one)
A limited number of ADA accessible rooms are available
All rooms are rustic but comfortable, with double, queen and or twin bed combination's. All have a private bath room and phone. fans, alarm-clocks, ironing-boards and hair dryers are available.
Rooms don't have televisions (except in the lounge or Golf House) internet access or air-conditioning.
I personally never thought about a T.V. or watching the soaps while staying at this truly grand national park lodge. This is the Rocky Mountains of northern Montana. It can get a little warm in the Summer during the day. But come night fall you will be pulling out the covers when you go to bed.
Air-conditioning is not a necessity to have a very memorable experience at this wonderful Lodge, or during your visit to the stunningly beautiful Glacier National Park.