This Old-School Lodge In Glacier National Park Offers A Scenic, Romantic Escape

National parks in the United States often combine stunning nature with history, and not just geologic history. Many of these destinations have been welcoming tourists for decades, or even longer. Therefore, a visit to some of the oldest established parks offers a glimpse into what tourism looked like way back when. A stay at Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park is a prime example.

President William Howard Taft signed off on Glacier's designation as a national park in 1910. By the late 1920s, tourists could access this picturesque Montana national park via railroad or car. Many Glacier Hotel opened in 1915. It was located near the Great Northern Railway, which is now an Amtrak route called Empire Builder in honor of the long network of towns that grew along these tracks from Minnesota to Washington. Many Glacier Hotel's wooden exterior fits well with the imagery of turn-of-the-century rail travel, but also with the imagery of contemporary ski lodges and chalets of the European Alps. Add this rustic appearance to the mountainous and evergreen backdrop, and the entire scene is like a vintage postcard come to life.

The inside of Many Glacier Hotel has just as much vintage charm as the outside. The huge Ptarmigan Dining Room looks incredibly similar to how it did during the hotel's early days — it could easily be an Old Hollywood or present-day filming location. The Ptarmigan serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but if you want something quicker, grab a bite from Heidi's Snack Shop & Espresso Stand. Many Glacier Hotel also has a full bar and more snacking opportunities at the Swiss Lounge.

The sheer size of Glacier National Park can be overwhelming, but Many Glacier Hotel is the perfect home base for enjoying some of the best parts of this "Crown of the Continent" destination. The hotel is located on Swiftcurrent Lake, a body of water pristinely surrounded by the mountain peak scenery that makes Glacier National Park so special. Glacier should be ranked among the best U.S. national parks for hiking, and you'll find plenty of trails around Many Glacier Hotel. Hike south along the Swiftcurrent Lake Trail to get close to Morning Eagle, an often-photographed spot on the neighboring Lake Josephine.

One of the best parts of staying at Many Glacier Hotel is that you can take a guided tour on horseback right from the hotel's backyard. Swan Mountain Outfitters is the only tour group of its kind in Glacier National Park. After arriving to the park on the Great Northern Railway, horses were often the next form of transportation for park visitors. In this way, exploring Glacier National Park on horseback feels like a relic of the past. Check age and size requirements ahead of time, and choose ride lengths based on your physical ability.

Another way to get around Glacier National Park is with Red Bus Tours. These buses make round-trip journeys around the park from multiple pick-up points, including Many Glacier Hotel. Red Bus Tours have operated in the park since the 1930s, and their open-top design allows you to easily see Montana's stunning Rocky Mountains, evergreen hills, and vibrant lakes that all serve as major highlights for Glacier National Park. However, only 16 people can fit per ride, so be sure to book your spots in advance. Additionally, if you're visiting from overseas, make sure you know changes being implemented in U.S. national parks from 2026.