from Glacier Park, Inc.

Columbia Falls, June 30, 2011–Glacier Park, Inc. (GPI), a subsidiary of Viad Corp, today announced the acquisition of St. Mary Lodge and Resort.

St. Mary Lodge and Resort is an upscale full-service motel and resort situated just outside Glacier National Park’s east entrance in St. Mary, Montana. With 115 guest rooms spread among six facilities, the propert features accommodations ranging from luxury lodge rooms and suites to rustic and relaxing cottages and motel rooms.

“The addition of St. Mary Lodge and Resort extends GPI’s current operations in and around Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks,” said Cindy Ognjanov, president and general manager. “We are very excited about this addition to our company.”

Glacier Park, Inc. is the lodging, retail, and dining concessioner in Glacier National Park for the Village Inn At Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel, Swift Current Motor Inn and Cabins, Two Medicine Campstore, the East Side Shuttle, and park tours using a fleet of vintage red buses.

GPI also owns an operates Glacier Park Lodge at East Glacier and the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta.

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As a former GPI seasonal employee during the days when there was a spirited competition between St. Mary employees and those at Many, East, PW and McD, I think it will be interesting to watch St. Mary Lodge grow into its new family.

–Malcolm

Malcolm R. Campbell is the author of the recently released Bears; Where they Fought: Life in Glacier Park’s Swiftcurrent Valley, a glimpse at the dramatic history of the most beautiful place on Earth. A Natural Wonderland… Amazing Animals… Early Pioneers…Native Peoples… A Great Flood… Kinnickinnick… Adventures… The Great Northern Railway.

“Give a month at least to this precious reserve.  The time will not be taken from the sum of your life. Instead of shortening, it will indefinitely lengthen it and will make you truly immortal. — John Muir, “Our National Parks,” 1901