Northwest Montana’s Glacier National Park is not only a top US national park, but also an essential visit for any ambitious traveler. One of the most beautiful spots you can visit there, known as “The Crown of the Continent,” it should really be on your USA bucket list.
It would be better if you could spend longer but 4 days in Glacier National Park will give you a nice taste of the variety this park has to offer. With the parks parts possibly two hours or more apart by car, cutting out backtracking is crucial. Try to sleep in a different region each night is the best way you take advantage of your time.
4 day Itinerary, This itinerary explores four different areas of the park and starts in Kalispell. The night before and after my park time in Kalispell are crucial to a full experience.
These 4 days will have you hiking some of the best hikes in Glacier and enjoying stunning views. In addition to copious suggestions for where it stay and eat, this well-rounded itinerary mixes in plenty of adventure through one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
4-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary: Kalispell as Your Gateway
Itinerary Glacier National Park 4 days Day To go off in At the end, return to attraction Kalispell Loop Clockwise Would you rather start your adventure early? But, if you arrive later in the day — then it is better to do your first park day as an arrival off-day.
I attacked my list of things to do in Kalispell and Whitefish — the two most major towns near the western entrance. I never made it because of a late flight, but here are where I would have gone for taste tests + food ideas if you’re there longer.
What to Do in and Around Kalispell & Whitefish
- Northwest Montana History Museum: Local history, Flathead Valley.
- Conrad Mansion Museum: A visit to the 1895 home of a successful pioneer.
- Hockaday Museum of Art: Change it up with regional artists in art exhibitions that rotate regularly.
- Stumptown Historical Society: At the Whitefish Depot, learn about logging and railroading history
- Lone Pine State Park: Includes a network of trails for hiking and biking, year round recreational opportunities.
- Flathead National Forest: Explore the enormous swath of forest just east of Kalispell.
- Hungry Horse Dam: Free visitor center with dam tours.
Where to Eat in Kalispell & Whitefish
- Desoto Grill: Best BBQ in Kalispell.
- Soul Flare Kitchen: Cozy cafe specializing in scratch made homestyle breakfast and lunch.
- Tupelo Grill: enjoy seafood and steaks with southern flair in Whitefish.
- Loula’s Cafe: Famous for its pies as well, this café serves up homemade breakfasts and lunches.
- Abruzzo Italian Kitchen: Modern Italian slow food movement and Post-Organic Cuisine in downtown Whitefish.
Where to Stay in Kalispell & Whitefish
Kalispell and Whitefish offer a variety of accommodation options, though prices spike during peak season. I found Kalispell to be slightly more affordable than Whitefish.
- Hilton Garden Inn: A newer hotel with comfortable modern amenities and blackout curtains. Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, and outdoor seating areas.
Other recommended stays:
- My Place Hotel: Cheapest available and 4.5 stars out of 816 google reviews
- Best Western Plus Kalispell: Mid range with complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Glacier International Lodge: Located just down the road from Glacier Park International Airport, this is a more upscale choice.
- Best of the best The Firebrand: An upscale downtown Whitefish stay.
- Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort: Perfect for skiers in the winter or as a summer treehouse getaway.
Day 1: Lake McDonald Adventures
West Glacier National Park Lake McDonald, the site for that first tent caboose campground in 1910, lies within half a mile of West Glacier (the closest town just outside the park’s western entrance) and is but one place to begin planning an exploration of this picturesque national treasure – if you can deal with Glaciers pesky bear population.
What to Do
Apgar Visitor Center & Ranger programs
A visit to the visitor center is always a good way to start. Apgar, near the park’s west entrance; outdoor exhibits and gift shop. Rangers will be there to help answer questions, and lead activities like winter snow shoe walks, guided hikes, tour of the night sky etc. Local tribes are featured through September in the Native America Speaks series.
Lake McDonald Hikes
While hiking is a central part of any visit to Glacier, some of the park’s top trails are centered around Lake McDonald. There are trails for every level, from casual walking to serious hiking. If you love to hike, packing your 4 days with hikes is easy.
Lake McDonald and water activities
Lake McDonald is Glacier’s largest lake and offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the water. The park offers boat tours on historical boats, paddleboard rentals and kayaks. Apgar Beach on Lake McDonald is one of the warmest lakes in park; try it (if you are brave enough to face cold waters)
Whitewater Rafting
For some action, sign up for a rafting trip on the Middle or North Fork of the Flathead River; choose from laid-back floats to class II and III rapids.
Bus Tours
If you prefer to leave the driving up to someone else, try a Sun Tours or Red Bus Tour. The tour is also offered by Sun Tours, which are run by Blackfeet Tribal members and give you a better idea of the ecosystem’s history and culture. Otherwise, the Red Bus Tours which run on retro buses gives you views from virtually every angle and a retractable roof.
Horseback Riding
There are two locations within Lake McDonald where visitors can book a guided horseback tour courtesy of Swan Mountain Outfitters.
Biking & Fishing
All roads are open to bikes, but you’ll see less vehicle traffic during hiker biker season in the spring. Glacier National Park has certain rules and seasons for fishing.
Where to Eat
Lake McDonald Dining Options
- Eddie’s Cafe in Apgar: This casual spot in Apgar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as ice cream.
- Lake McDonald Lodge: Jammer Joe’s and Lucke’s Lounge, somewhat casual pubs.
- Russell’s Fireside Dining: Upscale, all-day operation with a higher check average.
- Sperry Chalet: Offering lunch service including soups and hiker sandwiches.
Coram & West Glacier
- Glacier Taphouse and Pizza: A standout spot in Coram for pizza.
- Huckleberry Patch: Famous for its huckleberry pie and baked goods.
- Belton Chalet Grill: Offers local game and produce, along with live music at times.
Where to Stay
Lake McDonald Lodging
- Lake McDonald Lodge: A historical chalet, with old Western timbering around a funky stone fireplace but far fewer luxuries than you might expect.
- Motel Lake McDonald: Small, basic rooms.
- Sperry Chalet: Only accessible by foot, backcountry with private rooms and food provided.
- Village Inn at Apgar: Lake-view one- or two-bedroom units with kitchenettes
- Apgar Village Lodge: For rustic accommodation along the western lake shore.
Coram & West Glacier Accommodations
- Belton Chalet: Historic, new upgrade made for old days with modern comfort.
- Sky Eco Lodge: Rustic Cabin in CORAM: Full Kitchen, Homey Decor
For those seeking more variety, Kalispell and Whitefish offer additional lodging options, though they are about 50 minutes away from Lake McDonald.
Day 2: Logan Pass & St. Mary Adventures
You will take Going to the Sun Road today, which means you drive through the gorgeous Lake McDonald region before making your way to Logan Pass in what might be one of the route’s most visually impressive stretches. End the day in St. Mary. Make the most of your journey and do not back-track when you are driving east, stop by all viewpoints that interest to you, hike trail-heads or visitor centers.
What To Do
Logan Pass Visitor Center & St. Mary Visitor Center
Visitors can stop by Logan Pass Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center while driving over the Going to the Sun Road to learn more about Glacier National Park.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center is always a top pick, not only because it’s the beginning of many popular hikes. The summit, easily accessed by car, where there’s nature exhibits and a small gift shop with helpful rangers. At St. Mary Visitor Center near the east park entrance discover exhibits on Native American tribes and take in a park film or more ranger guided programs
Ranger Programs
The visitor centers offer ranger-led activities such as bird watching, stargazing and guided hikes. Blackfeet and Salish Kootenai tribal members tell stories about their cultures in this area with people living the events that belong to Native America program of talks heads documentary fortunately, taly mens.
Logan Pass & St. Mary Hikes
Of course, for those who want to hit the trails during their time at Glacier — some of park’s best hikes are in this area.
St. Mary Lake Boat Tours
Take a 90-minute guided boat tour around St. Mary Lake with an optional stop near Baring Falls to hike. back end singular Your ascend, offers you a breathtaking views of the peaks surrounding.
Scenic Drive Going to the Sun Road
This drive includes the scenic views from Lake McDonald to St. Mary around Logan Pass Stop at Jackson Glacier Overlook for stunning viewpoints.
Bus Tours
Half day trips from the St. Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass, including several scenic stops along Going to the Sun Road are available through Sun Tours operated by members of the Blackfeet Tribe. Other full-day tours from Glacier Park Lodge and the nearby Glacier Peaks Hotel spend hours on Blackfeet Nation. Or old-fashioned Red Bus Tours: from hotels near St. Mary, Many Glacier and Two Medicine — all showcasing the park in a different way
Where to Eat
Logan Pass to St. Mary
Dining options are limited along this route. Two Dog Flats Grill at Rising Sun Motor Inn serves dinner. In St. Mary, Snowgoose Grille at St. Mary Lodge offers meals throughout the day, while Johnson’s Cafe serves hearty family-style dinners. For something casual, Curly Bear Cafe specializes in sandwiches and salads. Other options include Rising Sun Pizza and Kip’s Beer Garden, both open for dinner.
Where to Stay
St. Mary
St. Mary Village is located at the eastern entrance and offers everything from basic hotel rooms to high-end lodges, historic cabins or ultra modern tiny homes inside the park (future home of another 7 MW Tesla Supercharger).
Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins are 6 miles west rounded up to Glacier Park Lodge or park vacation home estate lodges The area is also useful to discover around, albeit without any kitchens.
Camping & Backcountry Chalets: There are campgrounds at both Rising Sun and St. Mary Granite Park Chalet provides a basic lodging experience accessible only by foot. Rooms are simple and come with access to a communal kitchen for guests.
Towns Close By: Babb, Browning and East Glacier Park
Other lodging opportunities are available in nearby towns, such as Babb (10 minutes north of St. Mary) or Browning and East Glacier Park (30–45 minute south). You will have access to camping, cabins and basic motels in these areas.
Day 3: Exploring Many Glacier
Day three of your Glacier National Park adventure takes you to the stunning Many Glacier area, known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse activities.
What To Do
Ranger-Led Programs
Many Glacier lacks a visitor center but the park staff offers ranger-led activities guided walks, geology talks, and campfire programs at multiple locales in Many Glacier. The amphitheatre also serves as a home for the Native America Speaks series, giving life to the traditions and culture of local tribes.
Hiking in Many Glacier
Many Glacier The hiking here leads you along jagged lake shores, past cold blue glaciers clinging to craggy peaks and beside cliffs soaring high above. This is a hiker’s paradise for those who want to do more exploring.
Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine
Boat tours are available (Narrate) around the island with departures off of Swift Current Lake behind Many Glacier Hotel After a short. Beyond a 2 mile walk, the tour takes you across Lake Josephine. Alternatively, you can get off for a hike to Grinnell Glacier and take the boat back later. There are canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals for Swiftcurrent Lake but the early morning slots require reservations.
Horseback Riding
Whether you are a novice or more advanced rider, Swan Mountain Outfitters will have the right guided horseback tours for your needs. It’s such a great way to see the park in another light.
Where to Eat
Many Glacier
Dining options are limited in Many Glacier.
- Ptarmigan Dining Room: Offers three delicious meals each day, all while overlooking our stunning lake.
- Swiss Lodge: For lunch and dinner, even a more relaxed alternative.
- Heidi’s Snack Shop and Espresso Bar — perfect spot for a quick snack or coffee
Babb
Just 15 minutes away, Babb is a tiny town with a few dining spots.
- Glacier’s Edge Cafe (Breakfast & Lunch)
- Cattle Baron Supper Club This is one of the only dinner options. Be prepared to wait, but the food particularly steaks is worth it.
Where to Stay
Many Glacier
- Many Glacier Hotel: This historic hotel has rustic accommodations without many of the usual modern conveniences, but you can’t beat its location right on Swiftcurrent Lake. The room is very simple but the location could not be better.
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins: Basic lodging and perfect if you’re a hiker who wants to be closer to the trails.
Babb
- Hooks Hideaway: A basic but quiet and clean hotel located down a dark gravel road, just a few miles from the Canadian border. Be sure to arrive before dark, as it can be tricky to find!
- Duck Lake Lodge: A tribally owned property offering guest rooms, cabins, RV, and tent sites.
For more accommodation options, St. Mary is about a 30-minute drive away, with suggestions listed under Day 2.
Day 4: Two Medicine – A Hidden Gem in Glacier National Park
Explore Two Medicine — Spend your last day at Glacier National Park visiting the park’s lesser known but equally stunning east side. It is the idyllic last place to visit with relaxing ambience and picturesque views.
What To Do
Ranger-Led Programs
There is some ranger-led activity and there you can see the exhibit on Two Medicine and Native America Speaks. Accompanied hikes are part guided and informative campfire talks about the valley’s natural as well as cultural history.
Hiking in Two Medicine
Two Medicine is a great option for those seeking solitude on the trails, especially in scenic valleys shadowed by massive peaks.
Two Medicine Lake
Relaxing guided boat tours on Two Medicine Lake help you to appreciate the valley vistas as well as brush up a bit on Blackfeet tribal history. You can stay on the boat for a return journey, or you may decide to leave and do an optional bush walk — perhaps just 20 minutes each way through rainforest and fern gullies to Twin Falls. Rentals for Kayaking, canoeing and motorboating are offered only with early reservations
Museum of the Plains Indians
On the reservation in nearby Browning, this museum celebrates tribal culture of Northern Plains tribes. This is important stopping point to learn about the Indigenous history that existed in this area prior before Glacier was a national park.
Where to Eat
Two Medicine
There are no dining options within Two Medicine, but the camp store offers a selection of packaged snacks.
East Glacier Park
Only 15 minutes from the entrance, East Glacier Park has a few dining choices.
- Serrano’s: Enjoy a bison burger with a Mexican twist or indulge in a hearty burrito after a long hike.
- Two Medicine Grill: A great spot for breakfast or lunch.
- The Peak Restaurant: Offers casual burgers and pizza for lunch or dinner.
Browning
If you’re venturing into Browning, about 30 minutes away, consider trying Native-inspired fare at Big Dan the FryBread Man, or go for a traditional burger at Nation’s Burger Station.
Where to Stay
Two Medicine
The only option for overnight stays within Two Medicine itself is camping.
East Glacier Park
We slept at the Whistling Swan, unpretentious lodging that was clean and handy to all destinations. It is basic, which means this SUV to be is clearly intended for those who don’t demand extras. The next best rated hotels are Dancing Bears Inn and Circle R nearby.
You could go for a more luxe experience with a private cabin in the area or stay at the venerable if motel priced Glacier Park Lodge, but it’s relatively modest as far as vacation accommodations on this stretch of road are concerned.
Browning
Glacier Peaks Hotel in Browning is a basic property with standard amenities, or one could opt for the more mixed-reviewed Going to the Sun Inn and Suites.
Essentials for Your Glacier National Park Adventure
When visiting Glacier National Park, it’s important to be well-prepared, especially if you plan on hiking. Be sure to have appropriate hiking gear and a fully stocked day pack. Water is not always available at trailheads, and travel between different areas of the park can take some time. It’s wise to carry an ample water supply both for the trails and in your vehicle.
Before entering the park, ensure your gas tank is full. There are no fuel stations between West Glacier and St. Mary, and prices on the outskirts tend to be higher.
Hopefully, this 4-day Glacier National Park itinerary motivates you to plan your trip to this stunning landscape
