About Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1914 and a member of Historic Hotels of America® since 2013 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest historic hotels across America. Set amid towering cedars and cottonwood trees is Lake McDonald Lodge, a National Historic Landmark. Lake McDonald Lodge opened its doors in 1914 and is one of the finest examples of the Swiss Chalet-style hotels remaining in the United States. The floors of the renowned lobby have incised messages in Kootenai (a local Native American dialect), which translate into phrases such as "welcome" and "new life to those who drink here." Rustic, yet comfortable, guestrooms are split between a main lodge, duplex-style cabins, Snyder Hall, and the Cobb House. In keeping with the era in which the lodge was built, rooms offer guests modest amenities and Old-World-style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience.
How to Get There
In the southwestern region of Glacier National Park, along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Approximately 10 miles from the park entrance at West Glacier. Glacier Park Int'l Airport: 35 miles, 60 minutes. Visit HistoricHotels.org to get more information.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Lake McDonald Lodge
Heading to Lake McDonald Lodge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lake McDonald Lodge?
No central reservation system listed for Lake McDonald Lodge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/248560) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lake McDonald Lodge?
In the southwestern region of Glacier National Park, along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Approximately 10 miles from the park entrance at West Glacier. Glacier Park Int'l Airport: 35 miles, 60 minutes. Visit HistoricHotels.org to get more information.
How do I contact Lake McDonald Lodge?
You can reach the park at phone: 800 678 8946 or email: info@historichotels.org.
References & Official Resources
