Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins

Classic eastside base with cabins, a grill, and a store

InsideGlacier National Park

Overview

Built in 1940 and renovated in 2015, Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins is a classic east-side base inside the park, a short walk from St. Mary Lake and right on Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road. It’s simple by design—think clean, rustic rooms and cabins—and the location is the real star.

Rooms & What’s Included

72 units split among hillside Motor Inn rooms, Store Motel rooms (inside the building with the store), and duplex-style Cabins.
Each unit has a private bathroom; beds are either one queen or two doubles.
No TVs, no air conditioning, and no in‑room phones. Fans are available.
Coffee makers in Motor Inn and Cabin rooms; not provided in Store Motel rooms.
Limited Wi‑Fi, typically available only in lobby/desk areas.

Dining & Supplies

Two Dog Flats Grill sits on site with a classic, family‑friendly menu.
A general store and gift shop carry snacks, groceries, trip essentials, and souvenirs.
Free parking is adjacent or close to most units.

Location & Access

About 6 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor Center and roughly 12 miles from Logan Pass.
St. Mary Lake is just across the road (approximately a quarter mile).
Handy for Red Bus tours, St. Mary Lake boat cruises, and nearby trailheads such as Otokomi Lake.

Wildlife

Deer often wander the grounds, and the meadows and slopes along this stretch of road can produce bear sightings, especially at dawn and dusk. For higher‑elevation wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep, Logan Pass is a reliable bet. Keep your distance (100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife) and carry bear spray.

Best Times to Visit

Operating season typically runs early June through mid‑September.
Sunrise and sunset deliver the best light on St. Mary Lake and the surrounding peaks, plus your best odds for wildlife activity.
The grill can get a dinner rush—go on the early side to avoid waits.

Planning Notes

Expect a back‑to‑nature setup: compact rooms, thin walls in some cabins, and minimal connectivity.
2025: Many Glacier is using restricted personal‑vehicle access for part of the peak season; if you’re planning wildlife outings there, confirm current shuttle/ticket requirements and road restrictions before you go.

Pros

Central in-park base near St. Mary Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road
On-site restaurant and general store for easy meals and supplies
Private bathrooms in every room and cabin

Cons

No TV or air conditioning; Wi‑Fi is limited to common areas
Rooms are small/basic and some cabins have thin walls

Tips

Pick your room type wisely: Motor Inn for hillside feel, Cabins for porch vibes, Store Motel for convenience.
Pack a small soft cooler—there’s typically no in‑room fridge or microwave.
Download maps and plans ahead; Wi‑Fi is spotty and often lobby‑only.
Walk to St. Mary Lake at dawn or dusk for calm light and wildlife scanning.
If morning coffee matters, avoid Store Motel rooms (no in‑room coffee maker).