Glacier National Park is in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, USA, renowned for its stunning landscapes, long history, and varied ecosystems. Various indigenous peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years, including the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and Kalispell tribes. European exploration began in the 19th century with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed near the future park’s southern boundary. In 1891, John Stevens, an engineer with the Great Northern Railway, discovered Marias Pass, a critical route through the Rockies that facilitated railway construction.
To accommodate the growing number of tourists drawn to the magnificent scenery, The Great Northern Railway built lodges, hotels, and roads. Notably, the Many Glacier Hotel and the Lake McDonald Lodge were constructed during this time.
The Many Glacier Hotel, situated on the east shore of Swiftcurrent Lake, was built as a series of chalets between 1914 and July 4, 1915. The Glacier Park Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel were intended to be the central structures in Louis W. Hill’s efforts to promote Glacier National Park as the “American Alps.” Today, the hotel retains its historic character, is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and is part of the Great Northern Railways Buildings district.
Similarly, the Glacier Park Lodge sits just outside the boundaries of the National Park in the village of East Glacier Park. The lodge was built in 1913 by the Glacier Park Company, a subsidiary of the Great National Railway. It was the first hotel to be built in and near Glacier National Park.
Situated just outside the boundaries of the National Park in the village of East Glacier Park, the Lake McDonald Lodge was built in 1913 by the Glacier Park Company, a subsidiary of the Great National Railway. It was the first hotel to be built in and near Glacier National Park. Constructed in 1913 on the eastern shore of Lake McDonald, the Lake McDonald Lodge was initially known as the Lewis Glacier Hotel. The hotel was accessed by a steamboat from the Apgar area, preceded by a two-mile trip on a horse-drawn carriage and a ferry trip over the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. In 1930, the Great Northern Railway acquired the hotel through its subsidiary, the Glacier Park Hotel Company, and in 1957, the name was changed to Lake McDonald Lodge. The main lodge was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
One of the most remarkable engineering achievements in the park’s history is The Going-to-the-Sun Road. Completed in 1932, this 50-mile road traverses the park from east to west, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is the only road that crosses the park, passing through Logan Pass on the Continental Divide. The construction of the road, which began in 1921, was formally dedicated on July 15, 1933.
Whether you’re visiting Glacier National Park for its rich history, awe-inspiring engineering feats, or breathtaking views, make sure to explore the surrounding towns and cities that Montana has to offer.