Location
Agpar Village, Glacier National Park, Montana

In Apgar Village, two miles inside Glacier National Park’s west entrance, this mid-century modern lakeside lodge is outfitted for adventure. While recently renovated, The Village Inn retains its original 1950s charm, complete with retro tiled floors, eclectic carpeting, warm wood wainscoting and vintage photographs depicting the inn’s humble beginnings.

Tucked amid mixed conifer forest, The Village Inn’s maroon-stained exterior complements the dark greens of the valley’s western red cedar and hemlock trees. Hanging flower baskets adorn each guest room door, and Adirondack chairs offer beachfront lounging with a view over the lake. All 36 rooms have large windows with unobstructed views of the lake. Rooms are simple but comfortable, accented with colorful furnishings and fabrics that evoke the kaleidoscopic pebbles, or famed “rainbow rocks,” of Lake McDonald. In keeping with the era in which it was built, the mountain inn does not have air conditioning, televisions, in-room telephones or elevators. Amenities include eco-smart down alternative pillows, energy-efficient lighting, recycling bins, alarm clocks, fans (upon request), irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, extra blankets for warmth, and a coffee/tea maker.

Lake McDonald Valley is the hub of activity on the west side of Glacier National Park. Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park. Wildlife viewing here can be outstanding, with species including bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, black bear, and whitetail and mule deer. Guests can easily walk to Eddie’s Cafe and Mercantile and the Apgar ice cream stand, just steps away.