There’s something truly spectacular about the Northern Rockies, and more specifically, Glacier National Park. From its striated, sky-high peaks to its thundering waterfalls and alpine meadows brimming with wildflowers, there’s a little something for everyone at this Montana haven. Wildlife seekers will enjoy the chance to witness grizzly bears and moose in their natural habitat, and hikers will appreciate the opportunity to lace up their boots and tackle the park’s hundreds of miles of trails.
Of course, it’s no secret that Glacier is home to show-stopping beauty. In fact, it’s such a popular area that the National Park Service reinstated its vehicle entry reservations for this summer. As such, it’s more important than ever to book your lodging early, whether you’re staying at a historic lodge, cozy log cabin, or fabulous glampsite. Read on for our favorite places to stay in and around Glacier National Park.
Interested in sleeping under the stars? We’ve got you covered there, too.
Discover the best places to stay:
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
The best rentals
River Haus
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Riverfront views, fireplace, outdoor deck with a grill
Best for: Staying close to the park
River Haus is as close as you can get to the gates of Glacier without sleeping inside the park proper. As such, it’s great for adventurous travelers who like to get up and explore—without the requisite long car ride. Wake up and sip coffee in the home’s private yard, taking in the phenomenal views of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, or snuggle up by the wood-burning fireplace. Then, after exploring Going-to-the-Sun Road by car or bicycle, enjoy dinner in the midcentury-style dining room, or grill out back with a glass of wine in hand.
Historic homestead with hot tub views
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Hot tub, mountain views, playground, firepit
Best for: Families seeking quiet solitude
Not only is this updated, century-old homestead a photographer’s dream, it’s surrounded by sweeping, panoramic mountain views and boasts a deck-level hot tub for late-night stargazing. Inside, you’ll find bold but tasteful western decor (think black and white stills of whitetail deer and loads of reclaimed wood), as well as room for the whole family, all a mere 15 minutes from the national park.
Kim’s Trading Post Cabin
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Kitchenette, grill, hot tub
Best for: A unique Wild West experience
Tucked away in a cabin rental community that’s fashioned to look like a Wild West town of yesteryear, Kim’s Trading Post is an adorable getaway for those who want the old-school Montana experience—without sacrificing creature comforts. A good-sized kitchen, dining nook, and a lounge area with a flat-screen TV greet you when you first walk in, though the focal point is surely the space’s plush, king-size bed. Dates taken? Check out the host’s other Fort Williamson tiny homes for rent.
Creekside Crossing House
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Firepit, indoor and outdoor games, dedicated workspace, chef’s kitchen
Best for: Gathering the whole family together
Ideal for families or large groups, this three-bedroom Coram home sleeps six (one king, one queen, and one bunk bed) and is brimming with thoughtful amenities. Roast s’mores outside over the large firepit, snuggle up for a movie night on the plush couch, or settle in and play one of the home’s board games when the weather turns sour. After a scenic in-park drive or a hike to stunning Avalanche Lake (the rental is a mere nine minutes to the park’s western edge), fry up a feast in the lavish full kitchen and enjoy supper in the dining room.
Luxe 1906 Barn
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Phenomenal deck views, full kitchen, washer and dryer
Best for: Families staying on the east side
Rustic wood walls and a shingled exterior pair perfectly with plush bedding and warm-toned rugs at this real-deal barn turned vacation rental in the Blackfeet Reservation on the eastern edge of Glacier. With ample space to spread out and unwind after hiking to brilliantly blue alpine lakes, this two-story home can comfortably sleep up to eight. Sip your morning coffee while enjoying panoramic mountain views from the upper deck or enjoy a relaxing bath before bedtime. Either way, you’ll be a stone’s throw from top sights like Two Medicine Lake and Going to the Sun Road.
Quintessential Whitefish cabin
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Outdoor dining nook, eat-in kitchen, flat screen TV, woodburning stove
Best for: Serenity and views, just outside of Whitefish
Named the friendliest city by Expedia users in 2021, Whitefish is the perfect base camp for outdoorsy travelers looking to explore Glacier National Park, and this quaint wooden cabin will make you feel instantly at ease. Little details are what makes this place so homey, like bird houses, colorful bursts of wildflowers, a private three-acre lake, bistro seating on the private patio, and warm-toned geometric rugs. Retire to your very own wood burning fireplace after taking in the sights on Going to the Sun Road.
Waterfront island cabin
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private lake access, full kitchen, woodburning fireplace
Best for: Water sports with the kids
Ever wanted to run away to your own woodsy island retreat? Well, now you can. This three-bedroom cabin is nestled in a stand of towering pine trees on the western edge of Deer Island, making it the most secluded in the area. Outside, there are massive windows and a wrap-around deck, so you don’t miss a single sunset, while the home’s interior is adorned with colorful southwestern rugs, a wood-burning fireplace, and vintage fishing trinkets. A pontoon boat is available for use while visiting, ensuring you and your loved ones can travel to and from with ease, plus you can rents kayaks nearby for easy exploring.
Vintage log cabin
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Full kitchen, grill, outdoor dining area
Best for: Artsy couples on a budget
Part of the joy of visiting a national park is immersing yourself in lodging as unique as the landscape. This authentic log cabin was once used by foresters, but has since been transformed into a funky retro wonderland, complete with gingham pillows, red-lacquered dining room chairs, and a private deck with a grill and mountain views. At under 10 minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, this historic Airbnb getaway is the ideal place to snuggle up next to a wood-burning fireplace when your day of exploring is done.
Meadowlark Treehouse
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms
Top amenities: Tempur-Pedic mattress, full kitchen, balcony dining
Best for: Whimsical families and woodsy couples
The Meadowlark Treehouse, crafted around a giant Douglas fir, is where luxury and fairyland collide, all within a 30-minute drive to Glacier. You’ll feel as though you’re tip-toeing through the halls of Hogwarts, ascending a spiral staircase to access the eat-in kitchen, private balcony, and tiled shower, while down below, guests have access to a fire pit, surrounded by Adirondack chairs.
Luxury lakeside yurt
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Washer and dryer, private deck with grill and gas-powered firepit
Best for: Lakeside lounging
Mountain views abound at this lavish, two-bedroom yurt that’s packed to the brim with chic amenities like Miele appliances, fast Wi-Fi, a private wrap-around deck, fire pit, and stone-encrusted shower. Set on a farm at the northern end of stunning Flathead Lake, this canvas cabin feels like it’s a million miles from the city, while remaining under an hour’s drive to the bustling national park.
The Nooq
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Top amenities: Sonos speakers, craft coffee, Bosch kitchen
Best for: Ultra-luxe forest bathing
It’s a challenge to find anything as architectural and elegant as the Nooq in a land populated by antler chandeliers and rustic quilts, and the calming minimalism of this space helps accentuate the already glorious nature right outside the front door. A floating, wood-burning fireplace creates a mod focal point in the open-plan family room, while stainless steel appliances, Danish furnishings, cookware by Le Creuset, and a freestanding tub with mountain views elevate the rest of the space to a luxurious, tranquil retreat.
The best hotels
Après Whitefish
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Sauna, gear storage, lobby espresso bar
Best for: Adventurous budget-conscious travelers
Après Whitefish prides itself on being a “thoughtfully curated boutique hotel” with wallet-friendly pricing, and we’re here for it. Just opened in 2022, the rooms here are simple yet comfortable, with custom artwork, free Wi-Fi, plush linens, and writing desks, but the communal areas are where Après shines. After a day of hiking to Avalanche Lake, kick back with a locally roasted coffee from the espresso bar, listen to records on a midcentury sofa, or cozy up to new friends around the firepit and in the sauna. If it was up to us, more national park gateway towns would have a hip, young hotel like this.
Firebrand Hotel
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Rooftop hot tub, ski valet, free bicycle and snowshoe use
Best for: A couples’ spa and park vacay
Amenities abound at this modern oasis situated in the heart of downtown Whitefish. Want to hit a yoga class and then soak in a rooftop hot tub? They’ve got you covered. Hoping to sip bubbly in a cozy igloo with a view? Yep, they’ve got that, too. Guest rooms here are standard hotel fare–clean neutrals, walk-in showers, and well-placed writing desks–but it’s the thoughtful extras, like free airport shuttles, a game library, on-site spa, and ski storage that are truly impressive touches.
Under Canvas Glacier
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Organic bath products, woodburning stove, communal lounges
Best for: Glamping escape with your boo
Set in a tranquil conifer forest, these canvas safari tents offer everything you would expect from a luxe Under Canvas property: organic bath products, rustic wood furnishings by West Elm, and complimentary morning yoga, steps away from the national park. When you’re not lounging on your private deck or enjoying complimentary s’mores, the on-site experience coordinators can help you plan the perfect day inside the park.
Many Glacier Hotel
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: On-site dining, easy lake access, evening ranger programs
Best for: Outdoor lovers who want to stay inside the park
In a park known for its turn-of-the-century lodges inspired by Swiss Alps, the Many Glacier Hotel stands out as the crown jewel of the bunch. Set amidst jaw-dropping views of Swiftcurrent Lake, the property was partially renovated in 2016, though you’ll find no televisions or air conditioning here. Instead, the historic hotel beckons visitors to glean a more old-world experience of the park, with private bathrooms, easy access to dining options, and the same sky-high views of the Northern Rockies that have kept people coming back for generations.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Gas fireplaces, canoe use, heated pool, lakefront saunas
Best for: Summertime family fun in town and the park
With live music, yoga classes, and a “taprés ski” program (flights of draft beer with slider samplers), it’ll be hard to leave The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in search of some real wilderness. The main lodge building hosts a series of guest rooms, each appointed with a gas fireplace, private balcony, and flat-screen HDTV, while the property also offers a host of more premium options like lakefront condos with full kitchens and spacious luxury homes with floor-to-ceiling windows, pool tables, and soaking tubs.
Wonderstone Glacier
Bed and bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Memory foam mattresses, organic linens, flat-screen TVs, complimentary snacks
Best for: Elegant, budget stays
Wonderstone is a newer addition to the Glacier National Park lodging scene, bringing elegant, mountain-modern design and wallet-friendly pricing to Columbia Falls. Guests can choose between a traditional hotel-style room and a hostel-style stay in the building’s bunkhouse. Either way, you’ll enjoy eco-friendly Public Goods bath products, 100 percent cotton linens, complimentary snacks, and free high-speed Wi-Fi (so you can stay connected when you aren’t roaming the many Montana trails).
The best dude ranches
Dancing Spirit Ranch
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Organic garden, porch views, paddleboards, kayaks
Best for: Traveling families and large groups seeking solitude
Whether you rent the two-person “little white house” or go all out on the seven-bedroom bunkhouse, you’re sure to fall for the inviting down-home charm of Dancing Spirit Ranch. This colorful trio of home rentals is full of rustic design accents (think vintage Persian rugs, rocking chairs, and exposed dark wood beams), plus modern amenities to match, like full bathrooms, organic bath products, and well-stocked kitchens. Best of all? All guests have access to the property’s huge organic garden for pick-your-own fruit and veggie feasts.
The Green O
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private hot tub, fireplace, included chef-driven meals
Best for: Special occasion couples’ getaway
Tucked into a shady pine grove at the southern edge of the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, The Green O exudes luxury, serenity, and the chance to feel at home in nature, without foregoing a single creature comfort. Each of the 12 “Haus accommodations” possesses its own unique set of amenities—like floor-to-ceiling windows, forested hot tubs, cozy fireplaces, and reading nooks. Add to that the property’s live-fire menu, helmed by executive chef Brandon Cunningham, and a nature-centric spa for when you’ve had your fill, and it’ll be hard to ever want to leave. (Note, this is the farthest lodging option from the park, at about two hours south of the west entrance.)
Bar W Guest Ranch
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Included meals, horseback riding, kitchenettes
Best for: Playing cowboy with the fam
A quintessential Montana dude ranch at its core, Bar W seamlessly blends homey western lodging (like framed antlers, bear-accented quilts, and roomy glamping tents) with a full suite of cowboy-centric activities like horseback riding, cattle herding, line dancing, and cookout dinners all included in a package stay. After a day exploring the park's hiking trails and chasing waterfalls inside the park (40 minutes away by car), soothe your tired bones in the property’s bubbling hot tub as a ranch hand serenades you with cowpoke tunes. Bonus: they just added 13 new “cabin suites” in larger log buildings in 2023.
Clydesdale Outpost
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Cedar hot tubs, trail rides, record players, private decks
Best for: A modern Montana guest ranch experience
First opened in 2022, this horse-centric haven promises “cabins, Clydesdales, and cedar hot tubs.” It’s a delightfully modern take on the Montana guest ranch experience, with lofty ceilings, slate walk-in showers, firepits, and epic private decks at each of the property’s six stately cabins. When you aren’t taking a barn tour or playing giddyup on a trail ride, enjoy each rental’s full kitchen, record player, and private soaking tub with sunset views.
If you're up for a more rugged experience on your next trip, consider camping in Glacier National Park—you can use our complete guide to plan it.
