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Many Glacier Hotel➤

I’d read about the dramatic rescue of Many Glacier Hotel in a National Trust for Historic Preservation publication, captivated by how this historic treasure was saved from deterioration. Nestled on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier section, the hotel offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks and embodies the spirit of “American Alps.” Many Glacier is often called the heart of Glacier National Park, known for its stunning scenery, rich wildlife, and challenging trails, like the Grinnell Glacier trail we had planned to hike.

Curious to learn more about the hotel’s history, I checked the NPS website and found that ranger-led tours were held every afternoon. We made sure to time our hike on the Grinnell Glacier trail just right so we could return in time for the tour, eager to hear the stories behind the hotel’s restoration and how it continues to connect visitors with Glacier’s unique alpine landscape.

We returned just in time to have lunch in the Ptarmigan Dining Room. It’s a stunning setting, with high ceilings, two-story windows, and breathtaking views of Swiftcurrent Lake framed by towering mountains. The ambiance alone made it feel like a special experience. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite live up to the surroundings; while the view was priceless, the meal felt mediocre, especially considering the price.

Hotel tour➤

We met up with a park ranger in the hotel lobby for the tour at 2 PM. He spent some time there giving a history of the lodge.

Louis Hill, president of the Great Northern Railroad, envisioned Many Glacier Hotel as the crown jewel of Glacier National Park, hoping to draw tourists to this rugged, alpine wilderness. Built in 1915, Many Glacier was the largest and most ambitious of all the hotels constructed by the railroad, and Hill took an unusually hands-on role in its design and construction. Obsessed with creating an unforgettable retreat, he poured his passion into every detail, ensuring that the hotel’s architecture and lakeside setting reflected the grandeur of Glacier itself. His dedication turned Many Glacier into a true gem in the heart of the park.

Designed to resemble a Swiss chalet, Many Glacier Hotel reflects Louis Hill’s belief that Glacier National Park was the American Alps. He strategically selected the site for its breathtaking symmetry across Swiftcurrent Lake, where Grinnell Point rises majestically in the center, flanked by two “matching” mountains on either side. This stunning composition not only enhances the hotel’s aesthetic appeal but also creates a harmonious connection between the building and the surrounding landscape.

Time, the elements and some ill-advised ‘improvements’ took their toll on the structure over the years. In 1996, The National Trust For Historic Preservation included Many Glacier on its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The force of heavy winter snowfalls had actually knocked the massive hotel off its foundations and the whole thing was threatening to collapse into the lake.

Through the National Trust, the NPS and other organizations, the $42 million needed to restore the building was raised and renovations began in 2000. It took 17 years to pull the hotel back onto its foundation and restore it to its original design.

The ranger took us up to the second floor for an overview of the grand lobby. He pointed out the interesting design of the central fireplace, the restored double helix staircase and the Japanese lanterns. These are replicas of the paper lanterns originally installed by Louis Hill who incorporated Asian influences into the overall Swiss Alpine theme.

Next we went to the Ptarmigan Room where the ranger showed us pictures of what the Great Room looked like after a 1950s makeover. A drop-ceiling had been installed, harboring bats. The cathedral ceilings and pergola were restored in the 2000 renovation.

The tour concluded outside to discuss the Swiss architecture. The only wooden element remaining on the exterior is the carport. The rest is made of more fire-resistant materials because of the area’s history of wildfires.

Location: 1 Rte 3, Browning, Montana
Designation: National Park
Date designated/established: May 11, 1910
Date of my visit: June 27, 2018