Rising Sun Motor Inn

Glacier National Park


One of two classic 1940s-era motor inns in the park, the Rising Sun's recent makeover has brought it tastefully up-to-date without sacrificing its historic character. The 71 motel and cabin rooms are set in the back of the compound across the road from the upper north shore of St Mary Lake. The summer camp-like cabin exteriors are deceptive; inside it's plush bedding and historic park posters and photos.

The motel is part of a small complex that includes an excellent general store, campground and boat launch (the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire burned all the way to the property's backside). The lobby (the only place with wi-fi) and check-in is in the same building as the gift shop and the excellent, also updated restaurant.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Glacier National Park attractions

1. Rising Sun

0.11 MILES

You’ll welcome this handy pit stop on Going-to-the-Sun Rd, with useful tourist facilities including a motel, restaurant, showers, small grocery and boat…

2. Wild Goose Island

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This tiny stub of an island with a handful of lopsided trees perches precariously in the middle of St Mary Lake, providing a perfect photo op for…

3. Sun Point

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This rocky, often windy promontory overlooks St Mary Lake and was the site of some of the park’s earliest and most luxurious chalets (now demolished)…

4. St Mary Lake

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Located on the park’s dryer eastern side, where the mountains melt imperceptibly into the Great Plains, St Mary Lake lies in a deep, glacier-carved valley…

5. Sunrift Gorge

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Just off Going-to-the-Sun Rd and adjacent to a shuttle stop lies this narrow canyon carved over millennia by the gushing glacial meltwaters of Baring…

6. St Mary Visitor Center

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Houses interesting exhibits on wildlife, geology and Native American culture and history, as well as an auditorium featuring slide shows and ranger talks…

7. Jackson Glacier Overlook

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