Lodges of Glacier National Park - 7 Days

Your journey to Glacier National Park begins today as you board the Empire Builder from either Chicago or Seattle for a trip through the ruggedly beautiful West. Boarding in Chicago presents the sparkling skylines of the Twin Cities and the wide-open North Dakota Plains. The train ventures across the stunning Gassman Coulee Trestle before reaching Glacier National Park. Seattle travelers enjoy a scenic ride through Washington's forests and Spokane Valley, eventually making their way through Idaho and into Montana, where breathtaking mountain views surround the tracks. Overnight train.

Remarkable vistas continue to unfold with each passing mile as the Empire Builder presses forth toward Whitefish, Montana, gateway to Glacier National Park. We are transferred to our hotel on arrival, and here, you are welcome to relax in the heated indoor pool, stretch your body in the fitness center, or sit back and relax in anticipation of the adventures to come. There is also a great selection of restaurants and nightlife options in downtown Whitefish, just a few minutes from the hotel. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

Whitefish is a hub for artists, adventurers, and everyone in between, leading to endless ways to enjoy the city during your free day. Art galleries and boutique shops line Central Avenue and beyond, and the buildings' charming Old West aesthetics complement the imposing Rocky Mountains in the backdrop. Venture to Whitefish Ski Resort to ride the gondola to the summit of Big Mountain, or set out on one of the abundant local trailheads. The day is yours to spend as you please. Ask your Tour Manager for suggestions and local tips, if needed. Overnight Whitefish, MT.

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After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we get our first glimpse at Glacier National Park while traveling to Lake McDonald Lodge. This Swiss chalet-style hotel was constructed over 100 years ago on the shore of the park's largest lake. The rustic yet comfortable rooms offer modern amenities with anything but modest views. Upon check-in, you have the remainder of the day to begin exploring Glacier. Discover the park's highlights during various optional activities, including hiking, kayaking, boating, or fishing. The park is brimming with breathtaking scenery and idyllic lookouts that are fantastic for photographing or simply basking in nature's glory. Overnight Glacier National Park, MT.

• Breakfast

Take the morning at leisure to have a cup of coffee while overlooking the impressive mountainscapes or listen to the birds chirping and trees rustling. If you wake before night releases its hold on the sky, consider heading down to Lake McDonald to watch the cotton candy colors of sunrise. After all, the lake is one of the most spectacular sunrise locations in Glacier National Park.

This afternoon, join the group in cruising Lake McDonald's crystal-clear waters. Scenes of jagged mountains and rich evergreen forests reflect on the water, and the wide-open skies overhead give new meaning to Big Sky Country. As we cruise, look below the surface, too, as the lake bed is covered in rainbow-hued rocks ranging from brilliant blue to green, red, and purple. We return to the lodge after, with the rest of the day to continue to admire the park's majesty. Overnight Glacier National Park, MT.

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Glacier's famous Red Jammer buses are the best way to see everything the Crown of the Continent offers as they travel the winding pathway of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The vintage 1930s buses feature roll-back tops so you can take in and photograph the panoramic views with a Big Sky backdrop. A park guide leads your tour, sharing history and stories about the park along the way.

Following the tour, we dive into the region's indigenous heritage at the Museum of the Plains Indian. This museum, built in 1941, showcases a collection of art and history from the tribal people of the Northern Plains. Exhibits featuring toys, tools, clothing, and baby carriers piece together the unique cultures of the northern tribes. The day concludes as we arrive at the Many Glacier Hotel, the largest lodge in the park. This historic gem was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914 and is tucked away on Swiftcurrent Lake's shore. Overnight Glacier National Park, MT.

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Your Glacier National Park adventure comes to an end today. A group transfer to Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell accommodates flights after 1:00 pm.

• Breakfast