Montana Road Trip: From Isaak Newton to Many Glacier

Big Sky Country: Pie, Boat Rides & Views for Miles

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After we left Isaak Newton in Essex, we had another half hour back on the road, during which five out of the six of us took a little snooze, before we reached our base for the night: Glacier Park Lodge.

Glacier Park Lodge in Montana

The historic hotel dates back to the early 1900s—another addition when the railroad came to town—and while the rooms are quite modest, they’re comfortable enough, and it’s the great hall and breezeway that are really this property’s main attraction.

Glacier Park Lodge in Montana-3

Doesn’t this just make you want to curl up with a hot toddy and good book (or laptop, as our case may have been!)?

Glacier Park Lodge in Montana-5

And the best part? Why, the huckleberry margaritas, of course.

Huckleberry Margaritas in Montana

For dinner that night, we ate at at East Glacier mainstay, Serrano’s. The line is usually out the door, but being that it was midweek during the shoulder season, we lucked out and got a table right away. The next morning, we had a later start—it was raining, otherwise I would have opted for a walk out around the lake; instead, we had breakfast together at the hotel (huckleberry pancakes, duh) before heading to Two Medicine.

Two Medicine, Montana

The drive from Glacier Park Lodge was not even five miles, and our Glacier Park Boat Company boat that would take us on a 45-minute “cruise” of Two Medicine Valley was already waiting.

Two Medicine, Montana

It was an overcast day and quite nippy, too; we were OK with this brief weather change because a) we had all packed warm clothing and b) if you’re in a park called Glacier, you want to get in the spirit, am I right?

Two Medicine, Montana

The boating company has been around since 1938, and our very knowledgeable guide took us through the century’s history the national park spans—including the shrinking glaciers (in both number and size)—since being established in 1910.

Two Medicine, Montana

The company had just opened for summer and also offers kayak, canoe and rowboat rentals, as well as afternoon trips out on the lake that include optional walks out to Twin Falls, a double cascade accessed through a 1.8-mile walk through forest and alpine meadows. Boat tours are $12.25 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and are offered five times daily throughout the season.

Two Medicine, Montana

We didn’t actually go anywhere, just did a little loop around the lake while we listened to Glacier’s history and admired our 360-degree views.

Two Medicine, Montana

Next, we headed to Saint Mary for the famous pie at Park Cafe. Or I guess we had lunch first, but I don’t remember much about that because, well, PIE. I’d like to say we shared, but we all know that’s not true. Six travelers, six pieces of pie; no huckleberry, though, so I opted for my second favorite, strawberry rhubarb—with huckleberry ice cream!

Park Cafe in St. Mary, Montana

Foodgasmic. However, Tia’s peach pie might have been the best of the batch. Not that I’m biased when it comes to pie. Not even a little bit. But anyway…

Park Cafe in St. Mary, Montana

It was time to move on…again (sense a theme here? eat-and-run is very much our motto). And the true part of the scenic drive began (as if all the previous things we had seen hadn’t been enough!).

Glacier National Park Road Trip

We kept our eyes peeled for bears, as this area is ripe for the picking.

Glacier National Park Road Trip

For moose, too. Alas, we didn’t see anything but splendid flora (and some fire aftermath).

Glacier National Park Road Trip in Montana

That was fine, as we were soaking up the experience nonetheless. Our final stop, however, would prove to the most magnificent one yet….

Many Glacier in Montana

Note: For those of you wondering about seasonal travel in Montana, June can an absolutely gorgeous time to visit. We had incredible weather, the crowds were small, there was no traffic and the prices were still shoulder-season fares. The downside, of course, is that Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t open—it’s usually only operational late June through end of September, weather pending—but we didn’t mind; we saw so much beautiful scenery, there were absolutely no regrets!

Glacier National Park Road Trip  Glacier National Park Road Trip

COMMENTS
  • August 13, 2014

    Wow! Stunning photos. I haven’t been to Glacier in over 20 years and this makes me want to go back…right now.

  • August 18, 2014

    Wow, this place looks gorgeous! And how lucky that you got a table with such a view! We are also very intrigued by the huckleberry margaritas! 🙂

  • August 18, 2014

    Simply stunning!! WOW!

  • August 18, 2014

    Gorgeous views and looks like great company!

  • August 23, 2014

    Gorgeous! I have such happy memories of visiting Montana several summers in a row in high school but I saw a very different side of it, volunteering at a Native American reservation. I’d love to go back and see this one!

  • September 3, 2014

    Wow! Nice Photo Collection.

  • September 9, 2014

    Love this place. Great for bonding and relaxation. I’ll definitely put this on my list.

  • September 19, 2016

    Love this place to visit as many as times.

  • October 24, 2016

    I have visited many time this place and I will visit in future.. loved it..

  • December 29, 2016

    WOW it’s very beautiful restaurant. I have never seen this type of restaurant. Totally made with wooden. Love to see these photos.

  • January 24, 2017

    Its very nice place to visit and enjoy your feelings by going and visiting it.

  • January 27, 2017

    It is very nice article and loved to read it many times.

  • February 21, 2017

    I would love too see more stuff from your side, loved to see it

  • July 5, 2017

    Appreciate you for sharing these good and aweome pictures.The wooden restaurant is looking too good. Love to see these photos. The Mountain pictures are also looking beautiful. Next year I will definitely visit this place with my family

  • August 29, 2017

    awesome article loved it. look forward more. I love round chandelier from wooden restaurant .

  • November 18, 2017

    I love this place too. Wanted to visit there soon.

  • April 15, 2018

    Wow! Such an stunning photos..
    Love this place.

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