While staying at St. Mary Lodge and Resort, be sure to experience the activities Glacier National Park and the surrounding area have to offer. Montana has the only American roadway deemed a National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, also known as Sun Road, runs for approximately 50 miles from the east and west entrances of Glacier National Park. The highest point on Sun Road reaches an elevation of 6,646 feet. It is open year-round; however, the entire road allows vehicles to pass through from mid-June until mid-September.
The amount of time it takes to drive the entire length of Sun Road depends on the amount of stops one chooses to make. Several points of interest span the entire roadway. Between St. Mary and Logan Pass is the Jackson Glacier Overlook, where spectators can get a glimpse of the glacier from the road. A mile after Jackson Glacier, the picturesque Mount Siyeh rests between the Going-to-the-Sun Mountain on the right and the Piegan and Cataract Mountains on the left.
Wildlife is abundant throughout Sun Road, with the most common animals being Mountain Goats and Bighorn Sheep. Grizzly Bears and Black Bears are not common but may also be spotted. Several types of flora scatter Sun Road, most notably the alpine wildflower bloom, which is best seen during its peak season in July.
Taking a day to experience the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a unique experience one should take advantage of while visiting Glacier National Park. Admission to the road is included with the park entrance fee. Camping is also available in designated areas. For more information on Sun Road or about Glacier National Park, visit their website at www.stmarylodgeandresort.com.
St. Mary Lodge and Resort is one of the premiere places to stay in Montana. A scenic location and proximity to Glacier National Park make St. Mary the perfect choice for Montana lodging. The following are just three qualities that make this Montana resort stand out above the rest.
1. Price: St. Mary Lodge and Resort offers a variety of price ranges to fit every budget. Rooms range from $119 to $450 per night, and the resort offers specials throughout the entire season. Open from mid-May until the end of October, reservations can be booked online at www.stmarylodgeandresort.com or by calling 888-778-6279. According to Frommer’s Online, the best luxury accommodations are the cottages found at St. Mary and rent for only $285 per night.
2. Unique Accommodations: Those looking to experience an out-of-the-ordinary resort stay should look no further than St. Mary. Tipis that stand 27 feet tall with 700 square feet each house a queen bed, dresser, table, and chairs. Each tipi also boasts a private bathhouse with a Jacuzzi tub.
3. Fine Dining: The Snowgoose Grille found at St. Mary Lodge and Resort cooks up some of the best Montana-style food in a casual, yet upscale atmosphere. The chefs are known for the mouth-watering prime rib, but also offer wild game entrées including buffalo, elk, and St. Mary Lake whitefish.