For Sale: Montana’s Most Iconic Private Resort with Exclusive Park Access
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Jeff Fisher
Real Estate Professional
PureWest Real Estate - Whitefish
Discover Summit Mountain Lodge: Montana's Premier Private Resort Bordering Glacier National Park
Perched on the Continental Divide in Essex, Montana, and surrounded by the raw wilderness of Glacier National Park, Summit Mountain Lodge is not just a luxury property—it’s a legacy in the making. Listed for $14,750,000, this iconic 17-bedroom, 12-bathroom resort spans over 20,000 square feet of living space and rests on 31.35 acres of pristine mountain land. With exclusive private access to Glacier National Park, a 90% occupancy rate during the season, and two fully operational restaurants, this is one of the most exceptional listings in Montana.
A Montana Legacy—Built to Last
Summit Mountain Lodge has long served as a cherished retreat for travelers exploring the Crown of the Continent. The original Summit Depot building, constructed in 1906, now houses a fine dining restaurant with rustic charm and mountain elegance. This historic railway station once welcomed guests via the Great Northern Railway and has been carefully restored, preserving its rich past while offering a luxurious modern dining experience.
In 2021, a newly constructed main lodge added a penthouse for owners and a covered outdoor pavilion, further expanding the property's event and hospitality capabilities.
What’s Included in the Sale?
This is a rare chance to purchase two thriving Montana hospitality businesses:
Summit Mountain Lodge:
9 guest cabins
Owner’s penthouse
8 employee housing suites
New main lodge
Covered outdoor event venue
Full liquor license (the only one on the East Side of Glacier)
The Whistle Stop Restaurant in East Glacier (remodeled in 2023)
A local institution and tourism staple
Comes with an additional 10-room employee housing complex
Offers employees affordable housing at just $250/month
This dual-business package provides not just a home, but a diversified income stream from luxury accommodations, fine dining, and events.
The Location: A Gateway to the Wilderness
Few places in North America offer the natural grandeur and business viability of this location. Summit Mountain Lodge sits directly on the Continental Divide, with sweeping, unobstructed views of Summit Mountain and Little Dog Mountain that change color and tone throughout the day. Guests enjoy a true alpine experience without sacrificing access.
The property includes surface water from Bear Creek Headwaters, a well, and a private septic system—ideal for sustainable year-round operations.
And here’s the kicker: exclusive access into Glacier National Park is grandfathered in and conveys with the sale. This benefit is nearly impossible to replicate today and gives your guests a premium, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Luxury Amenities and Rustic Charm
17 total bedrooms across cabins, lodge, and owner suite
12 full bathrooms
4-car garage + 6-car carport = 10 total covered parking spaces
31+ acres of level and wooded terrain with event-grade landscaping
Views of creeks, meadows, forests, and mountain peaks
Full liquor license and dining infrastructure
Zoned for equestrian use and event hosting
Whether your vision is a luxury wedding destination, high-end wilderness lodge, or exclusive executive retreat, this property is ready to deliver.
Investment Potential
90%+ seasonal occupancy across all cabins
Restaurant and bar revenue with liquor license
Whistle Stop business and real estate included
Long-term employee housing asset included
Average nightly rates in this region exceed $400/night for comparable cabins
The real estate alone—land, lodge, cabins, restaurant buildings, and infrastructure—is a compelling value. But what you’re really acquiring is a turnkey resort business with unmatched heritage, traffic, and brand equity.
The Numbers
Price: $14,750,000
Lot Size: 31.35 acres
Interior Space: 20,300+ sq ft
Taxes: $18,842/year
Est. Monthly Cost: $86,281 (based on conventional financing and 20% down)
Price/SqFt: $727
Why Summit Mountain Lodge Stands Alone
There are beautiful Montana properties. There are functional mountain lodges. And there are historic businesses. But to have all three—with private Glacier National Park access, restaurant income, high occupancy cabins, and ownership of a local landmark—is simply unheard of.
Summit Mountain Lodge is not just an investment. It's an opportunity to build a legacy in one of the last wild places in America.
Whether you're a luxury hotel group, conservation-minded investor, or entrepreneur ready to take the reins of a thriving business, this property deserves a closer look.
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Listed by: Jeffrey M Fisher 602-531-0435, PureWest Real Estate - Whitefish
Address: 16900 E Us Highway 2 E, Essex, MT 59916
Price: $14,750,000
