Lake McDonald Lodge - Glacier National Park

Leaving the boat tour of Lake McDonald, we climbed several flights of stairs to the Lake McDonald Lodge. While we didn't stay at the lodge, we did have the opportunity to visit most of the public spaces in the historic landmark. Constructed in 1913-14, the Swiss-chalet-style lodge opened in June 1914, predating the construction of the Going-to-the-Sun Road by several years. Early travelers had to ride a steamboat from the Apgar area to the lodge, so it was designed with the front facade facing the lake. Since 1921, visitors have arrived by motoring up the Going-to-the-Sun Road and entering the lodge through the back door.

In addition to the lodge, there is a row of cabins and a dormitory building that was remodeled into hostel-type housing bring the total number of guest rooms to 82. 

During our visit in May 2021, the dining room was closed due to COVID-19, but a limited menu of take-out food was available. The food quality was just average and the prices were on par to a bit higher than those outside the park. A large parking lot spans most of the area between Going-to-the-Sun Road and the lodge, but it quickly filled up as the day progressed.

Mount Gould (9553') from the lakeshore

North wing of Lake McDonald Lodge

Center of the lodge and the main entrance

South wing

Lobby

Gift shop

Huge fireplace

Second- and third-floor balconies

Lobby lanterns

Originally the rear of the lodge, now the street or main entrance

A Glacier National Park entry fee of $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person is valid for seven consecutive days. Other fee payment options include the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($80 for a lifetime), Access Pass (free with a documented disability), and Military Annual Pass (free for active-duty personnel). Also available is a Glacier Annual Pass for $70.

The Glacier National Park website is https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm.