West Glacier

West Glacier serves as the western entrance to Glacier National Park and the Park’s headquarters. This is also the southern end of the Going-to-the-Sun highway. In the 1890s this town’s name was Bell’s Town, which was later shortened to Belton. Glacier National Park has been important to the community since the park opened in 1910. In an effort to promote tourism after World War II, Belton residents voted to change the town’s name to West Glacier. That explains why you can still spot the name “Belton” on the siding sign displayed on West Glacier’s depot.

Early tourists accessed Glacier National Park via Belton Station on the Great Northern Railway. Milo Apgar and Charlie Howe began offering tourist services in the late 1800s, providing rental cabins, meals, and guided tours. The area surrounding Apgar saw settlement prior to the park's establishment in 1910. George Snyder built the Snyder Hotel in 1895, later replaced by the Lewis Glacier Hotel (Lake McDonald Lodge) in 1914, embodying Swiss design with native stone and cedar. The lodge welcomed guests arriving by boat until the opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road in 1929. Ownership transitioned to the National Park Service in 1930, eventually managed by Glacier Park, Inc. as Lake McDonald Lodge. Local outfitters provide hiking, fly-fishing, rafting, and camping trips, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. With a vibrant community boasting Montana-inspired shops, dining options, and accommodations, visitors can immerse themselves in the region's charm. Even in the quieter winter months, lodging options are available, ensuring year-round exploration opportunities.

1) A brief history of the west side of Glacier National Park - Glacier National Park (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/education/west_side_history.htm#:~:text=Early%20tourists%20arrived%20at%20Belton,the%20Middle%20Fork%20until%201897.

2) WesT GLACIER, MT | Visit Western Montana’s glacier country. (n.d.). https://glaciermt.com/community/west-glacier