Whitefish, MT lodging

[MidSouth]

Just signed up for a ACA tour on the Great Divide in Montana next July.  Plan to ship my bike to Whitefish early and arrive a couple days before the tour starts.  Are there any economical places to stay/camp in Whitefish itself during the summer months?

[dombrosk]

When I went through Whitefish on the Northern Tier a few years ago I stayed at the Super-8.  I'd been camping in the rain for about a week and made good use of the guest laundry!   The motel is a bit south of downtown, more of a short bike ride than a walk.  I was able to wheel my bike right into the room, always a plus.

There were places closer to the train station and downtown that looked more expensive.  I have fond memories of a visit to Glacier Cyclery, a great bike shop near the train station.  Happy travels!

[MidSouth]

Thanks for the info.  I plan to ship my bike to Glacier Cyclery for my trip.

[indyfabz]

There is a state park right on the edge of town:

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/whitefishLake/

Haven't stayed there, but I have heard it's noisy due to a nearby rail yard.

but I hear it is noisy due to it's close proximity to the rail yard.

There is a KOA south of town on U.S. 93.  Maybe about 3 miles gradually up hill, then you descend down into the campground. We started a tour there in '09. Relatively quiet for a KOA and lots of trees. At the end of the tour, we stayed at the Best Western on U.S. 93 south of town. I believe it's near the Super 8. Not cheap, but not super expensive.  Then there is this place, which we saw but did not stay in:

http://www.cheapsleepmotel.com/roomrates.html

Too bad the Bunk House Inn and Hostel didn't make it. Stayed there in '99 and '00. The owners were very nice.  I think they still live in the house next door.

We used Glacier Cyclery in '09. Great group of people. We even rented a trailer from them. Make sure you make an appointment well ahead of time.

[adventurepdx]

Too bad the Bunk House Inn and Hostel didn't make it. Stayed there in '99 and '00. The owners were very nice.

Yeah, Whitefish could definitely use a hostel! The closest are the two hostels in East Glacier, sixty miles to the east and over the Divide. Seems like Whitefish/West Glacier would be a good spot.

When we passed through Whitefish in June on our tour, our Warmshowers host was overwhelmed by the amount of requests he was getting.

[roadrunner]

I can confirm that the state park campground is very noisy due to trains.  I stayed one night in the campground 2 years ago.  The railroad track goes right past the park; trains blowing their whistles passed by frequently all night long.

[indyfabz]

Too bad the Bunk House Inn and Hostel didn't make it. Stayed there in '99 and '00. The owners were very nice.

Yeah, Whitefish could definitely use a hostel! The closest are the two hostels in East Glacier, sixty miles to the east and over the Divide. Seems like Whitefish/West Glacier would be a good spot.

When we passed through Whitefish in June on our tour, our Warmshowers host was overwhelmed by the amount of requests he was getting.

You would think, especially with the ski area outside of town. There actually used to be two. The Bunk House Inn and Non-Hostile Hostel. Perhaps there is no longer a large enough budget travel market.