West Glacier’s historic Belton Chalet was purchased Tuesday by Pursuit, a travel and lodging subsidiary of Viad Corp. that also owns Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier and Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton, Alberta.

The Belton Chalet was built by the Great Northern Railroad 108 years ago, as the railroad promoted travel to the West’s expansive national parks.

The chalet is situated on 14 acres and includes 26 rooms in its main lodge, two private cottages and a restaurant.

“We are delighted to welcome the Belton Chalet to our extraordinary collection of iconic experiences,” said Gary Rodgers, vice president and general manager, Pursuit’s Glacier Park Collection. “As one of the few remaining great hotels built by the Great Northern Railroad more than 100 years ago, we will continue to thoughtfully preserve the authenticity of this incredible place.”

Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Belton Chalet was the first of Glacier’s magnificent Swiss-inspired hotels built by the Great Northern and was part of the original gateway to Glacier National Park.

The property has retained its historical significance over the century, despite the threat of demolition when U.S. Highway 2 changed its route in the 1970s and a number of ownership changes.

Most recently, owners Cas and Andy Baxter sold the chalet last January to their son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Ali Still-Baxter. The Baxters had owned the lodge since 1997.

“There is a rich heritage to many of our properties and the Belton Chalet fits perfectly into our growing collection of iconic, unforgettable and inspiring travel experiences,” said David Barry, president of Pursuit. “At Pursuit, we remain dedicated to keeping our history vibrant and meaningful while re-investing in these incredible places and within our local communities.”

Pursuit also owns a number of properties in West Glacier and Apgar, as well as Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish and the St. Mary Lodge and Resort at Glacier’s eastern entrance.

For more information on Belton Chalet, go online to www.beltonchalet.com

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