New book celebrates Glacier Park Lodge

“The grand old lodges in and around our national parks have amazing stories to tell,” says Christine Barnes, author of Farcountry Press’ newest release, “Glacier Park Lodge: Celebrating 100 Years.”

“Glacier Park Lodge was the dream of Louis W. Hill, son of one of the most powerful men in America at the time, James J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern Railway,” explains Barnes. “On their quest to link America’s heartland with the West Coast and markets in Japan and Asia, they stumbled on this magnificent mountain wilderness in Northwest Montana.

“Louis Hill fell in love with the region that would become Glacier National Park,” Barnes adds. “He built Glacier Park Lodge on the east side of the park as his Gateway to Glacier.”

Sparing no expense, Hill brought in massive Douglas fir timbers from the Pacific Northwest and employed a core crew of 75 men who worked through the seasons to complete the sprawling lodge in 15 months.

In the ensuing years, the has lodge welcomed guests from around the world, including movie stars, presidents and other dignitaries.

Barnes, an award-winning historian and senior consultant to the PBS television series “Great Lodges of the National Parks” tells these stories and more in “Glacier Park Lodge: Celebrating 100 Years.” Her lively writing is complemented by an abundance of rich color photographs and intriguing historical images.

“Glacier Park Lodge: Celebrating 100 Years” is available at local bookstores and gift shops, through online retailers or from Farcountry Press at (800) 821-3874 or www.farcountrypress.com.