Glacier National Park

The name “Swiftcurrent” is thought to have come from the Blackfeet term, “Ikami-awaki-mishka” which means “fast running water". In 1911, the Great Northern Railway established a teepee camp at this site. Early guests arriving on horseback slept on army cots in full-sized replicas of the 23-pole Blackfeet Indian teepees.

In 1933, 27 cabins were built by the Superior Building Company and the area became known as the “Many Glacier Auto Tourist Camp". In 1934, President F.D. Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the campground that is just south of the Inn and the cabins in circles D and I. The present general store was built in 1935 to provide service for campers.

A central comfort station, including showers, was added in 1940. The Park Superintendent at the time, E.T. Scoyen, pressed the Great Northern Railway for a coffee shop. In 1941, it, and what is now the lobby area, was added to the existing general store building.

Major construction took place again in 1955 when an employee dormitory building and three motel units were added. The dormitory was shortly converted to a motel unit that brought the facility to its present 88-room capacity. The Inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1996.

Swiftcurrent is the stepping-off place for the trails that lead over Swiftcurrent Pass. Trails also lead to Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Lake through the unique 183-foot Ptarmigan Tunnel that was constructed for use by horseback riders as well as hikers. It is 6 feet wide, 9 feet tall, and has an arched ceiling. Swiftcurrent is truly a hiker’s paradise.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn consists of rooms divided between three individual buildings with outside access. Pinetop Motel rooms are located in one long building and are accessed by a central hallway. Duplex style cottages are arranged in circles and available with or without a private bathroom. A shower room is conveniently located nearby. Cottages without a private bath do have a private sink with cold running water.

A limited number of ADA-accessible rooms are available and are booked based on space available. Only designated guide, service, and/or hearing companion animals are allowed in the motor inn and cottages. All rooms are rustic yet comfortable with double and/or twin beds. All motor inn rooms and most cottages have a private bathroom. A select few cottages do not have a private bathroom but have access to a centralized shower facility. Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is a smoke free facility with designated outdoor smoking areas.

The self parking lot is located a short walk from the motor inn and cottages. Depending on room location, parking may be available near each of the motor inns. Parking is limited in front of cottages to one vehicle.

Restaurant Menus
Breakfast
Lunch/Dinner

Location

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and cabins is located inside Glacier National Park on its northeastern side. From Babb, proceed approximately 12.8 miles into Glacier National Park (you will pass the Many Glacier Hotel turnoff). You will see signage and the motor inn will be on your right. Check-in is located inside of the camp store/restaurant building on your right.  Google Earth Map for Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins.