Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park (Best Places & Areas)

5 Best Towns & Areas to Stay Near Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is one of the most epic places in the already epic state of Montana, and the city of Kalispell is the central hub of the area. The town of Whitefish borders Kalispell to the northwest, and Columbia Falls lies between Kalispell and the park. 

Flathead Lake and the town of Polson lie south of Kalispell. The Canadian border lies north of the park, with West Glacier and US Highway 2 forming the southern border of the park.  

Kalispell

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Kalispell Hotels: Kalispell Grand Hotel • Glacier International Lodge • Holiday Inn Express

Kalispell is the main gateway to Glacier National Park and a fantastic place to visit in its own right. The downtown area merges the old and the new with bars, restaurants, and Old West-themed boutique shops lining Main Street.

The historic Kalispell Grand Hotel can’t be beaten for first-time visits to the area. It’s located on South Main Street, right in the heart of downtown, and preserves an old-fashioned aesthetic hearkening back to its founding in 1912. It’s also pet-friendly, so if you’re bringing along the pooches, be sure to book a stay here.

Glacier Park Airport, just outside of town, is the easiest connection for many visitors wishing to visit the national park. However, I highly recommend a road trip if you have the time and money.

If you are flying, the Glacier International Lodge is right next to the airport, making it an ideal place to stay before an early departure or late arrival. The property also features amenities such as a pool, hot tub, sun terrace, and more to make your stay extra comfortable.

Pros of Staying in Kalispell:

• The best selection of restaurants, bars, stores, and gift shops
• More options for lodging
• Centrality allows access to activities in other areas

Cons of Staying in Kalispell:

• Expensive in summer
• More crowded in peak season than the other areas

Whitefish

👉 Best Area For Resorts | ✨ Best Whitefish Hotels: Grouse Mountain Lodge • Firebrand Hotel • Apres Whitefish

The resort town of Whitefish lies just northwest of Kalispell on the shores of Whitefish Lake. City Beach is a popular place to cool down during Montana’s hot summers. There’s also some excellent skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort in the winter. 

A wide variety of restaurants make Whitefish’s cozy downtown area perfect for an evening outing. Tuesday evenings from late May to late September also feature a farmer’s market complete with local products, live music, and excellent eats.

Grouse Mountain Lodge is one of the most popular properties in Whitefish. It offers bright rooms and an awesome array of amenities such as a pool and sauna, free bicycle rentals, and a fantastic restaurant. The prices are also often lower than those of other luxurious lodges in the area.

Firebrand Hotel is another solid pick, located in the heart of downtown Whitefish. The property has an on-site bar and restaurant, but is a stone’s throw from other top restaurants and saloons. A free shuttle service connects you to the airport, and the property offers bike and car hire services for further exploration.

Pros of Staying in Whitefish:

• Quieter than Kalispell
• Beautiful properties and views
• Whitefish Lake is a great place to visit with kids

Cons of Staying in Whitefish:

• Fewer (and more expensive) properties

Columbia Falls

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Columbia Falls Hotels: Cedar Creek Lodge • Wonderstone at Glacier • North Forty Resort

Columbia Falls is a tiny town north of Kalispell and southwest of Glacier National Park. There aren’t as many restaurants and stores here as in Kalispell or Whitefish. But if you’re well-stocked and want to spend more time in the park, this is the place to stay.

The drive to the West Glacier entrance (which most visitors are likely to use) takes about 20 minutes. The less touristy feeling also makes this a great place to stay if you’re traveling with children and want a quieter atmosphere. There are several amusement parks along the highway between Columbia Falls and Glacier National Park, such as Big Sky Waterpark. 

Cedar Creek Lodge is an excellent choice for a stay in Columbia Falls. It offers spacious rooms and 4-star amenities with frontier-themed aesthetics. It doesn’t have adjoining rooms but some rooms feature two queen beds, plus a sofa bed for larger parties. The property also offers a shuttle to Whitefish Mountain Resort in the winter.

Check in at the North Forty Resort if you want one of the most atmospheric stays in the area. The property features glamping tents and log cabins tucked away in the woods. The cabins also feature kitchens and grills if you prefer a cozy cookout to dining at a restaurant.

Pros of Staying in Columbia Falls:

• Easiest access to Glacier National Park
• Great selection of cabins and campsites
• Close to amusement parks for those traveling with kids

Cons of Staying in Columbia Falls:

• Not as many restaurants or stores
• Expensive in summer

Flathead Lake-Polson

👉 Best Area For Water Sports | ✨ Best Flathead Lake Hotels: Ninepipes Lodge • America’s Best Value Inn • Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites

Flathead Lake lies south of Kalispell, with Polson being the largest of several tiny towns lining its shores. On a clear day, you get some of the best views of Flathead Lake and its impressive natural beauty. This is the best place for water sports or just soaking up the sun on the beach.

Ninepipes Lodge is my top pick for a place to stay here. It’s further from the shore than other properties, but offers the best combination of amenities and affordability (especially in peak season). An on-site restaurant offers delicious food and stunning views, and the rooms are clean and cozy. There’s also a coffee shop and a museum on the property.

For those looking for a more affordable stay, America’s Best Value Inn is, true to its name, one of the best values in the area. It may have a more no-frills atmosphere than other properties, but many rooms do have stunning lake views. There are also a limited number of suites featuring full kitchens at a lower rate than many of the more luxurious properties closer to the park.

Pros of Staying in Flathead Lake:

• Some of the best views of the area
• Lots of opportunities for boating, kayaking, and other water sports

Cons of Staying in Flathead Lake:

• Farther from Glacier National Park than other areas
• Not as many choices for hotels

West Glacier and Highway 2 (South of the Park)

👉 Best Area For Being Close to Nature | ✨ Best West Glacier and Highway 2 Hotels: LOGE Glacier National Park • Paddle Ridge • Summit Mountain Lodge

Starting at the town of West Glacier, Highway 2 follows the southern boundary of the park. Nowhere else puts you right on nature’s front doorstep like this area, with tiny towns tucked into the forests and nestled at the feet of the mountains. Several of the smaller entrances to the park lie along the highway, offering access to the less-visited corners of Glacier.

LOGE Glacier National Park is a winner among places to stay here. It seamlessly combines a rustic aesthetic with modern comforts, and offers easy access to hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. It also has a restaurant, bar, and game room that are perfect for winding down after a day of adventures.

Paddle Ridge is the best choice for immediate access to the park, sitting right outside the park area. The property features snug one and two-bedroom cottages that are great for families or groups of 6-10 people.

Pros of Staying at West Glacier and Highway 2:

• Feels closer to nature than any other area
• Close to park entrances

Cons of Staying along West Glacier and Highway 2:

• Limited selection of stores, restaurants, etc.
• Some properties are very expensive or often booked up well in advance

Tips for Staying Near Glacier National Park

Visit in the Shoulder Seasons

Summer hotel prices in Big Sky Country sometimes match the grand scale of the landscape. Prices drop towards mid-September and even more so in October. The weather will be less warm and sunny, and some seasonal attractions will close, but it can save you a good chunk of change. There will be fewer tourists, too, if crowds aren’t your cup of tea.

Staying in the Park

There are a few properties within the park itself, but reservations must be made directly with the property. It’s a great experience but lacks the benefits and discounts of loyalty programs or platforms — and these places are often the spendiest in the area!

Camping

Camping is a great option for saving money and experiencing Montana’s natural beauty up close. This is grizzly country, though, so be sure to follow proper safety practices. 

Also, be aware of fire danger levels. Montana tends to be dry in the summer, so that perfect campfire night might be more likely to happen later in the year.

Reserve Early

Glacier is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Book early if you plan on visiting in the summer, no matter where you are staying. Rooms and campsites book up fast and you might find your dream spot taken. I once tried traveling here on a spur-of-the-moment trip and found out the hard way!

Air Quality Issues

Montana’s summers are hot and dry, often causing a thick haze to fill the air. The situation can be worsened in the case of brush fires — which are becoming more common, as Glacier is one of the destinations most impacted by climate change. 

Travelers with asthma or other similar conditions may want to check conditions before heading out. Even if you don’t have any health concerns, the haze can take things down a notch by obscuring the views.

Going to the Sun Road and Other Popular Attractions

Reservations are required at several national parks, and this is true of Glacier during peak season. Several of the most popular (and breathtaking) places within the park have regulated entrance hours in the morning and early afternoon. But after 3 pm, no special permissions are needed.

Border Crossing

Glacier National Park sits right along the border with Canada. There are border crossings along the highways to the east and west of the park, but also a crossing that can be made on foot into Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada. Bring your passport along if you plan to visit this scenic spot — the views are worth it!

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay near Glacier National Park for first-timers?

Kalispell is the best place to stay for a first-time visit to Glacier National Park because of its wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and stores. Columbia Falls is also ideal because of how close it is to the park.

What are safe areas to stay near Glacier National Park?

Kalispell has a relatively low crime rate, with Whitefish and Columbia Fallsbeing even more peaceful. The more secluded areas, especially around West Glacier and along Highway 2, will have a greater probability of wildlife encounters.

What are the best parts of Glacier National Park to stay on a budget?

Hotels in Flathead Lake and Polson have some of the best budget-friendly prices (especially during peak season). Even with the added cost of gas, they will often still be cheaper than places closer to the park. 

What are the best parts of Glacier National Park to stay with kids?

Columbia Falls is the best place to stay with kids. It has family-friendly lodging, a modest selection of restaurants and stores, and is close to a few popular amusement parks. 

Whitefish is also a good option for families, with a little more variety in stores and eateries than Columbia Falls.

What are the best parts of Glacier National Park to stay for a weekend?

Columbia Falls and properties at West Glacier and along Highway 2 are the best places to stay for a weekend visit. They have the closest access to the park, allowing visitors to get the most out of their time. 

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I hope this guide has been helpful. If this is just one stop on a road trip through Montana, you should read my article on where to stay in Missoula next!