This is another episode in the excellent PBS series "Great Lodges in the National Parks"--a very short but well made series. "Glacier Lodges" is quite a bit different from previous episodes because instead of focusing on one or perhaps two lodges, this one looks at five lodges--all within Glacier National Park. Like the rest of the films in the series, it should be noted that they are NOT intended as travelogues which tell you where to stay. No comparisons between the lodges or nearby properties is made. Instead, it's more a look at each lodge as well as a bit or history about the lodges.
Of all the lodges in this show, the first one, Glacier Park Lodge, is the one that the show seems to feature and discuss the most. Like several other lodges at the park, this one was built by the Great Northern Railroad and certainly is HUGE. Additionally, it is fascinating to see the many changes that have taken place at the resort--as it used to have Japanese lanterns (huh?) and a tepee in the lobby! What's more fascinating is that back in the old days, lots of Blackfoot Indian tribes-persons worked at the lodge--greeting visitors and entertaining them! While to a certain extent this is also true today, it is a much smaller and less kitschy sort of thing today (too bad!).
In addition to the Glacier Park Lodge, the show also discusses the lodges which are mostly in the western portion of the park. Two, Sperry and Granite Chalets, can only be reached by hikers or those on horseback! Additionally, there is the beautiful Belton Chalet--which is relatively small compared to Glacier Park Lodge and the last lodge discussed, Many Glacier. As for Many Glacier, it is a bit depressing to hear about at the end of the show. While it's located in a gorgeous location and is huge, apparently the place is falling apart--and they talk about that during the show! A bit anticlimactic, huh? This is yet another wonderful episode--fascinating and well made throughout--and a must-see for anyone contemplating a trip to Glacier National Park.
Of all the lodges in this show, the first one, Glacier Park Lodge, is the one that the show seems to feature and discuss the most. Like several other lodges at the park, this one was built by the Great Northern Railroad and certainly is HUGE. Additionally, it is fascinating to see the many changes that have taken place at the resort--as it used to have Japanese lanterns (huh?) and a tepee in the lobby! What's more fascinating is that back in the old days, lots of Blackfoot Indian tribes-persons worked at the lodge--greeting visitors and entertaining them! While to a certain extent this is also true today, it is a much smaller and less kitschy sort of thing today (too bad!).
In addition to the Glacier Park Lodge, the show also discusses the lodges which are mostly in the western portion of the park. Two, Sperry and Granite Chalets, can only be reached by hikers or those on horseback! Additionally, there is the beautiful Belton Chalet--which is relatively small compared to Glacier Park Lodge and the last lodge discussed, Many Glacier. As for Many Glacier, it is a bit depressing to hear about at the end of the show. While it's located in a gorgeous location and is huge, apparently the place is falling apart--and they talk about that during the show! A bit anticlimactic, huh? This is yet another wonderful episode--fascinating and well made throughout--and a must-see for anyone contemplating a trip to Glacier National Park.