Hungry Horse
Lush grassy lakeshore at Glacier National Park with a calm lake, evergreen forest, and a rainbow arching above misty mountains.
Vivid rainbow arches over a dense evergreen forest in Glacier National Park, with sunlit treetops framing a distant valley.
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Hungry Horse

Nearby Town
Last Updated: December 2025

Overview

About This Town

Last gas before Glacier. Budget-friendly lodging nearby and a quick 9-mile hop to the West Entrance.

The Vibe

Hungry Horse is the working hub version of a gateway town—practical, affordable, not a resort. You need a car; not everything is walkable. Stay here to save money and drive 9–11 miles to Whitefish/Coram for vibes if you want a scene.

Stock Up Here

Gas up at Sinclair (6am–6pm); fill tank before Glacier. Canyon Foods (8900 US Highway 2 E) is your grocery stop (8am–10pm) for produce, deli, and ice. If you need specialized gear or late-night supplies, expect to drive to Kalispell or Whitefish; Bear spray and fuel canisters are not guaranteed in-town. Stock a day or two of groceries before heading into Glacier.

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens die by 9:30 PM. Tex and Jerry's aims for extended hours and weekend brunch, but confirm ahead. The Sinclair station closes at 6 PM; options after dark are limited—Columbia Falls areas offer late bites, but plan ahead.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Local Haunt

Population

828

Distance to Park

9 miles (about 11 minutes) to Glacier National Park West Entrance

Highlights

Known For

Huckleberry Patch shakes and pies; proximity to Glacier; practical groceries at Canyon Foods.

Main Attractions

House of Mystery (tacky roadside attraction), Huckleberry Patch (summer pies/shakes), Canyon Foods for groceries; Glacier West Entrance access

What Makes It Special

Quiet outpost with dam-construction history influence; tacky souvenir vibes around the House of Mystery; not a nightlife hub.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

July–August

Shoulder Season

May–June, September

Winter

Winter slows activity; many services reduced or closed; expect snow and limited dining

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons are calmer with fewer crowds. Summer swells with visitors; winter is quiet with reduced services.

Tips & Advice

  • Gas up at Sinclair (6am–6pm) before heading into Glacier.
  • Most kitchens close around 9 PM—Tex and Jerry's may extend brunch on weekends; verify.
  • Canyon Foods is your grocery run—stock up on ice, produce, and essentials.
  • Hungry Horse Laundrymat is by the fire station; Canyon Foods laundromat operates 8–9 daily.