rachel1998
newbie
We want to go to the park next year by train. Which is the best lodge to try and reserve there? Do you think it is possible to get a timeshare there in Sept. 2015?
Do you think it would be wise to book one of the lodges now for next year and hope I can get a timeshare? I can always cancel the reservation
If you are a hiker, consider staying a night or two at the Sperry Chalet. It's @ an 8 mile hike to get there with an elevation gain of 3000 ft. Meals are included and accommodations are rustic w/o inside toilets.
My DH's aunt ran the Sperry Chalet til she was in her 70s, followed by her son and daughter. His uncle is a key park service player in the non-fiction, "Night of the Grizzly" about two campers killed by one in the mid-60s. Scary read, but it's likely out of print.
Somehow I never saw this post until tonight, while researching for my upcoming weekend trip to Glacier NP.
Yes I did do the Amtrak Empire Builder from Milwaukee to Whitefish, MT back in March 2012. It was awesome. There are scheduled stops at both West and East Glacier, as well as a whistle stop at the Izaak Walton Inn near Glacier NP. I didn't stay there, but did have lunch one day . . . it is train themed and very cool. I would have stayed there had it been more convenient to the rest of that trip.
For my upcoming trip, my friend and I are staying at the Lake McDonald Lodge in one of the cabins. I think like many US National Park lodges, you need to book early.
For me, being in the park, or closer than the timeshares is a priority. It's sorta like Yellowstone. Yes, there are timeshares "in the area" but you'll be driving at least an hour to where you want to go, to start your time inside the park. If you are also planning to do a lot around the Whitefish area and not so much *inside* the park, you may be happy with the T/S accommodations you can book.
I want to do more than just a couple of days there, myself. So I'm thinking 2015 or 2016 will find me there for a longer immersion trip.
Wish I could have provided more info but I will say . . . I loved doing the Empire Builder. You should be aware, however, that Amtrak is using the BNSF rails and they have first priority. This past summer, routes in both directions have been seriously delayed. So much so, Amtrak did cut some days of service. My friend had a 4 hour delay out and 6 coming home back in June.
how did you get around since you took the train? seriously thinking about this trip
<<snipped>> I'm figuring 4 days there, is that enough?
I decided I'm going to book glacier park lodge.
I'm figuring 4 days there, is that enough?