Anchored on the eastern shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, Montana's historic Many Glacier Hotel is nearing its centennial celebration. Heavily promoted in the Great Northern Railway's See America First ad campaign, the rambling five story hotel opened its doors in 1915. One of a series of lodges, hotels and chalets set up by railroad tycoon James J. Hill and son Louis, the Many Glacier Hotel earned the nickname Gem of the West. With thousands of people visiting by train, railroading tourism was key in boosting America's appetite for national parks in the West. Here in Glacier National Park, Hill's cluster of chalets and large hotels were designed to entice America's wealthy to abandon the popular European travel destinations in favor of the dramatic scenery of America's West. First snubbed by Congress, Hill took on initial development of the Glacier area alone, billing it as America's Switzerland.
   Once a destination for the rich and famous, the Many Glacier Hotel now beckons visitors from all countries and walks of life. Queen of Big Sky country, the magnificent 215 room hotel has undergone a significant portion of a seven phase rehabilitation effort. Beginning in 2001, the main focus of the project was stabilization of the hotel's lakeside walls. Along with electrical, plumbing and fire suppression updates, the drop ceiling was removed in the dining hall, exposing the lodge's original timbers and trusses. The hotel does its best to maintain its original charm and character. So far nearly half of the guest rooms have been refurbished, but you'll still find no televisions in the rooms. Instead, balcony rooms overlook marvelous views of Swiftcurrent Lake and splendid views of Mount Grinnell and surrounding peaks.

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