Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park: The Great Falls Advantage

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park—Montana's crown jewel and one of America's most breathtaking national parks—begins with one crucial decision: where to stay. While many visitors automatically search for lodging adjacent to the park, savvy travelers are discovering the significant advantages of making Great Falls their home base for Glacier explorations.

The Lodging Dilemma at Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park welcomes over 3 million visitors annually, with the vast majority arriving during the short summer season between June and September. This concentration of visitors creates predictable challenges:

Limited Availability at Park Lodges

The iconic lodges within Glacier National Park—including Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge, and the historic Glacier Park Lodge—offer unparalleled ambiance and location. However:

• Reservations open 13 months in advance and typically sell out within minutes

• Summer 2025 accommodations were largely booked by early 2024

• Last-minute cancellations are rare and quickly claimed

• Most in-park lodging lacks modern amenities like air conditioning and reliable Wi-Fi

Premium Pricing for Park-Adjacent Options

Properties in gateway communities like West Glacier, East Glacier, and St. Mary leverage their proximity to command premium rates:

Location	Average Summer Nightly Rate (Standard Room)
In-Park Lodges	$250 - $450
West Glacier Hotels	$300 - $500
St. Mary / East Glacier	$220 - $350
Great Falls Hotels	$120 - $220

During peak season, a week-long stay near Glacier's entrances can cost $1,400-$2,800 more than comparable accommodations in Great Falls.

Why Great Falls Makes Strategic Sense

At first glance, the 150-mile distance between Great Falls and Glacier might seem substantial. However, when you consider the total experience and value proposition, Great Falls emerges as an excellent strategic choice.

The Scenic Drive is Part of the Experience

The journey from Great Falls to Glacier National Park offers attractions that many visitors specifically seek out:

• The 2.5-hour drive follows the stunning Rocky Mountain Front

• The route passes through charming small towns like Choteau, Bynum, and East Glacier

• Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, including antelope, deer, and sometimes bears

• Iconic landmarks like the Two Medicine area are accessible on your way to the park

• Travelers can take different routes on different days, experiencing more of Montana

Significant Cost Savings

The financial advantages of staying in Great Falls extend beyond just room rates:

Expense Category	Park-Adjacent	Great Falls	Potential Savings
7-night stay (summer)	$2,100 - $3,500	$840 - $1,540	$1,260 - $1,960
Meals (daily average)	$80-$100/person	$50 - $70/person	$210/person/week
Rental Car/Fuel	Same	Same	-

Expense CategoryPark-AdjacentGreat FallsPotential Savings7-night stay (summer)$2,100-3,500$840-1,540$1,260-1,960Meals (daily average)$80-100/person$50-70/person$210-210/person/weekRental car/fuelSameSame-

A family of four could save $2,000+ on a week-long Glacier adventure by basing themselves in Great Falls.

Guaranteed Availability

Unlike the limited inventory near Glacier, Great Falls offers:

• More than 1,500 hotel rooms across various price points

• Year-round availability (important as Glacier's shoulder seasons grow in popularity)

• Last-minute booking options even during peak summer months

• Multiple lodging styles from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations

The Great Falls Advantage: City Amenities for Park Explorers

After a day of hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain adventures, Great Falls provides comforts and conveniences unavailable near the park:

Dining Diversity

• Over 150 restaurants spanning various cuisines versus a handful of options in gateway towns

• Grocery stores for picnic supplies at standard prices (versus marked-up convenience stores)

• Local Montana specialties including bison, huckleberry treats, and craft beer

• Late-night dining options when you return from a full day at Glacier

Modern Conveniences

• Reliable cell service and high-speed internet for sharing your Glacier photos

• Major retailers for any forgotten gear or supplies

• Medical facilities including Benefis Health System (crucial for emergencies)

• Extended shopping hours versus limited seasonal operations near the park

Evening Entertainment

After a day at Glacier, Great Falls offers evening activities:

• The historic Sip 'n Dip Lounge with its famous "mermaids"

• Summer concerts in Gibson Park

• Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center for historical context

• River's Edge Trail for sunset strolls along the Missouri River

Planning Your Glacier Adventures from Great Falls

The Ideal Itinerary Structure

A well-planned Great Falls-based Glacier vacation typically follows this pattern:

Day 1: Arrive in Great Falls, gather supplies, and rest for adventures

Day 2: East side of Glacier (Many Glacier or St. Mary)

Day 3: Going-to-the-Sun Road traverse

Day 4: Great Falls exploration day (recover, do laundry, enjoy local attractions)

Day 5: Two Medicine and East Glacier areas

Day 6: West Glacier and Lake McDonald

Day 7: Final chosen adventure based on favorites from earlier visits

This approach provides comprehensive park coverage with built-in recovery days, making for a more enjoyable vacation pace.

Maximizing Your Glacier Experience

From Great Falls, consider these tips:

• Depart by 7 AM to reach Glacier entrances before peak crowds

• Pack substantial snacks and lunch to avoid long lines at park eateries

• Consider alternating busy and less-visited areas of the park

• Use Great Falls' many outfitter shops for better-priced gear than you'll find at the park

Where to Stay in Great Falls

Great Falls offers accommodations to suit every budget and preference:

Luxury & Full-Service Options

Aisling Suites

• Recently remodeled one and two-bedroom apartments

• Full kitchens for preparing picnic lunches before park days

• Spacious living areas for planning your Glacier adventures

• Rates from $160/night with significant weekly discounts

Best Western Plus Riverfront

• River views and outdoor pool

• Full breakfast included

• Rates from $150-220 in summer

• Central location near dining and attractions

Mid-Range Value

Aisling Hotel

• Centrally located in downtown Great Falls

• Complimentary hot breakfast buffet

• Rates from $125-165 in summer

• Recently updated rooms with modern amenities

• Knowledgeable staff with Glacier National Park recommendations

La Quinta Inn & Suites

• Modern rooms with refrigerators and microwaves

• Complimentary breakfast

• Rates from $120-160 in summer

• Pet-friendly for those traveling with animals

Holiday Inn Great Falls

• On-site restaurant and bar

• Indoor pool for post-Glacier relaxation

• Rates from $130-170 in summer

• IHG rewards program benefits

Budget-Friendly Choices

Comfort Inn & Suites

• Complimentary hot breakfast

• Recently renovated rooms

• Rates from $110-140 in summer

• Excellent value for families

Motel 6 Great Falls

• Basic clean accommodations

• Coffee available 24 hours

• Rates from $80-100 in summer

• Perfect for travelers focusing their budget on experiences rather than lodging

Getting to Glacier National Park from Great Falls

Recommended Routes

To East Glacier/Two Medicine (2 hours, 15 minutes)

• Follow US-89 North through Fairfield, Choteau, and Bynum

• Connect to MT-219 North to East Glacier Park

• This route offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain Front

To St. Mary/Many Glacier (2 hours, 30 minutes)

• Take I-15 North to Shelby

• Connect to US-2 West and MT-49 South

• This route provides efficient access to the east side of the park

To West Glacier/Lake McDonald (3 hours)

• Follow US-89 to Browning

• Take US-2 West through East Glacier to West Glacier

• The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road begins near this entrance

Travel Tips

• Fill your gas tank in Great Falls before departing

• Download offline maps as cell service becomes limited approaching the park

• Consider renting a vehicle with good clearance and all-wheel drive

• Watch for wildlife on early morning or evening drives

FAQs About Staying in Great Falls for Glacier Trips

Q: Is the drive from Great Falls to Glacier National Park worth it? A: Absolutely. The drive itself is part of the Montana experience, with breathtaking mountains, prairies, and wildlife. Many visitors report the scenic drive is a highlight rather than a drawback.

Q: Won't I waste too much vacation time driving back and forth? A: We recommend visiting different areas of the park on different days, staying at the park from morning until evening, which maximizes your time. The savings from staying in Great Falls often allow visitors to extend their overall vacation by several days.

Q: Can I do Glacier as a day trip from Great Falls? A: While possible, we recommend planning at least 2-3 dedicated Glacier days. Most visitors find alternating between Glacier days and other Montana explorations creates the perfect rhythm for a memorable vacation.

Q: Is Great Falls worth visiting itself? A: Definitely. Between the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the C.M. Russell Museum, Giant Springs State Park, and the River's Edge Trail, Great Falls offers numerous attractions worth exploring on your non-Glacier days.

The Smart Choice for Your Glacier Adventure

While there's undeniable appeal to staying within minutes of Glacier National Park's entrances, the practical advantages of making Great Falls your base camp are compelling. With substantial cost savings, guaranteed availability, diverse dining and shopping options, and the opportunity to experience more of Montana, Great Falls provides an excellent alternative to the crowded and expensive accommodations directly surrounding the park.

The journey becomes part of the adventure when you base yourself in Great Falls—allowing you to experience the authentic Montana that extends well beyond the park's boundaries while enjoying comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and significant savings. As you plan your Glacier National Park adventure, consider the strategic advantages that Great Falls offers for a more relaxed, affordable, and comprehensive Montana experience.