Saint Mary, Montana

Saint Mary, Montana: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Saint Mary, Montana is a community adjacent to Glacier National Park that offers a variety of lodging, eateries, and great things for families to do! It is not to be confused with Saint Mary’s Glacier in Colorado.

    1. Fun Facts about St. Mary, MT
    2. Lodging in St. Mary, MT
    3. Things to do in St. May, MT

1. Fun Facts about Saint Mary, MT

Did you know that St. Mary has just about 100 people that live there year round?!? During the summer months the town booms with a population of about 550 people. It sits pretty at 4551 ft above sea level and is the best of both worlds for view points when the prairie meets the mountains. 

St. Mary Lake is about 300’ deep and is about 10 miles long. There is plenty of beauty to be seen here, whether it is the wildflowers in spring time or when the mountains show off those beautiful orange colors from the aspen trees during the fall months. Wild Horse Island also calls St. Mary Lake home and is one of the most photographed spots here in Glacier.

St. Mary Visitor Center is a wealth of history and knowledge on the East side of the park. The best part is you cannot miss it. It’s right before the gates on the East side. Stop in and ask them any questions you may have or get current trail information here as well!

Aspen trees - Saint Mary, MT

2. Lodging in Saint Mary

St. Mary Lodge started back in 1952 as a small dream for Hugh and Margaret Black as they built the lodge after such success from their cabins they started back in 1932. Hugh Black passed away in 1983, Margret still kept working at the lodge until the age of 97. She lived until she was the age of 105! The lodge is still open and operating today. If you plan to stay here, plan EARLY! 

St. Mary’s KOA campground is also a great lodging option in the area. They have a variety of options for all your needs. Whether you want to tent camp, pull an RV, or want a cozy cabin, they have all you need! They do tend to book up fast as well so make sure you reserve your spot early and plan to have a s’more under the Big Sky while you are here.

3. Things to do in St Mary, MT

Log some miles along the St. Mary/ Virginia Falls Trail. 2.9 miles to be exact….This out and back hike is both kid friendly and a great family hike to kick off your adventures on the East side of Glacier. There are alot of trailheads for Glacier on the East side….what’s going to fill your bucket list?!?!

St. Mary’s Lake is a must see part of your trip to the East side of Glacier. Take a boat tour around even to really see all its beauty. Book early so you make sure and have a spot!

While you are in the area you are just about 30 minutes away from Many Glacier, which is a MUST DO as well! The Many Glacier Hotel is beautiful to go in and tour and the views from out back are ONE of a kind! There is lots to do, see and hike in the Many Glacier area so make sure you don’t sleep on that opportunity as well while you are in that neck of the woods!

These are just a few of the many things you can do and places you can stay in St. Mary, MT. Whether your a MT native or visiting for the first time, don’t forget to swing by Glacier Highline to try your hand at our high ropes course or grab a bite at the Tower Grill.