4-Day Family Friendly Road Trip to Glacier National Park

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Kalispell, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sykes Diner

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sykes Diner, a local favorite known for its delicious pancakes and friendly atmosphere.
Drive to Sykes Diner, located in downtown Kalispell.
$$, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Glacier National Park

After breakfast, drive to Glacier National Park, entering through the West Entrance.
Follow US-2 E and MT-40 E to reach the park's West Entrance, approximately 45 minutes.
Park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle, 45 minutes

10:30AM

Lake McDonald

Begin your exploration at Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
From the West Entrance, follow the signs to Lake McDonald.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge

Enjoy a scenic lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, offering a variety of family-friendly dining options.
Lake McDonald Lodge is located on the shores of Lake McDonald.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Trail of the Cedars

Take a leisurely walk along the Trail of the Cedars, a family-friendly boardwalk trail through ancient cedar trees.
Drive 10 minutes from Lake McDonald Lodge to the trailhead.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Apgar Village

Head to Apgar Village for some souvenir shopping and to explore the visitor center.
Apgar Village is a short drive from the Trail of the Cedars.
Varies, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Eddie's Cafe

Dine at Eddie's Cafe in Apgar Village, known for its kid-friendly menu and delicious burgers.
Eddie's Cafe is located within Apgar Village.
$$, 1 hour

6:30PM

Check-In at Lake McDonald Lodge

End your day by checking into your accommodations at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Drive back to Lake McDonald Lodge.
Varies, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Scenic Drives and Wildlife

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake McDonald Lodge

Enjoy a breakfast buffet at the lodge before heading out for the day.
Dine at the lodge's restaurant.
$$, 1 hour

9:00AM

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and valleys.
Follow the signs from Lake McDonald to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Logan Pass Visitor Center

Stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center for a picnic lunch while enjoying the panoramic views.
Logan Pass Visitor Center is located halfway along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
$, 1 hour

1:00PM

Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook

Take the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, a moderate hike offering stunning views of Hidden Lake and surrounding peaks.
The trailhead is located at Logan Pass Visitor Center.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Wildlife Viewing at St. Mary Lake

Continue your drive to St. Mary Lake for some wildlife viewing opportunities.
Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road east to St. Mary Lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Park Cafe

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Park Cafe, famous for its pies and home-style cooking.
Park Cafe is located near St. Mary Lake.
$$, 1 hour

6:30PM

Check-In at Rising Sun Motor Inn

End your day by checking into your accommodations at Rising Sun Motor Inn.
Drive a short distance to Rising Sun Motor Inn.
Varies, 30 minutes
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Day 3: Hiking and Exploration

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rising Sun Motor Inn

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the inn's restaurant.
Dine at the inn's restaurant.
$$, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Virginia Falls

Embark on a family-friendly hike to Virginia Falls, one of the park's most beautiful waterfalls.
Drive to the trailhead located near St. Mary Lake.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Johnson's Cafe

Enjoy a lunch at Johnson's Cafe, known for its hearty meals and rustic ambiance.
Johnson's Cafe is a short drive from the Virginia Falls trailhead.
$$, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Many Glacier

Drive to Many Glacier, a prime area for hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting.
Follow the signs from St. Mary to Many Glacier, approximately 45 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Boat Tour on Swiftcurrent Lake

Take a guided boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake to learn more about the park's history and ecology.
Boat tours depart from the Many Glacier Hotel dock.
$20 per person, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Many Glacier Hotel

Dine at the Ptarmigan Dining Room, offering a variety of family-friendly dishes with stunning lake views.
Located within Many Glacier Hotel.
$$$, 1 hour

8:00PM

Check-In at Many Glacier Hotel

End your day by checking into your accommodations at Many Glacier Hotel.
Located within Many Glacier.
Varies, 30 minutes
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Day 4: Adventure and Departure

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Many Glacier Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your final adventures.
Dine at the hotel restaurant.
$$, 1 hour

9:00AM

Red Rock Falls Hike

Hike to Red Rock Falls, a family-friendly trail offering beautiful scenery and potential wildlife sightings.
The trailhead is located near Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Enjoy a casual lunch at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn's restaurant.
Located near the Red Rock Falls trailhead.
$$, 1 hour

1:30PM

Drive to Two Medicine

Head to the Two Medicine area for your final exploration.
Drive south from Many Glacier to Two Medicine, approximately 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boat Tour on Two Medicine Lake

Take a scenic boat tour on Two Medicine Lake, offering beautiful views and informative commentary.
Boat tours depart from the Two Medicine Lake dock.
$20 per person, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive Back to Kalispell

Begin your drive back to Kalispell, reflecting on the amazing memories made.
Follow US-2 W back to Kalispell, approximately 2 hours.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Desoto Grill

Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Desoto Grill, known for its BBQ and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in downtown Kalispell.
$$, 1 hour

8:00PM

Check-In at Kalispell Hotel

End your trip by checking into your accommodations in Kalispell.
Choose a hotel in downtown Kalispell for convenience.
Varies, 30 minutes
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