After a little over a year’s construction, Apgar Lookout Retreat is open to guests.

The addition to Eddie’s Cafe and Mercantile, established in 1946 in Glacier National Park, is built over the original structure on a steel frame. Owner Brian Kelly was the creative mind behind the renovation, which has allowed Eddie’s to expand upward — literally. 

Two new floors and a sky deck for guest use offer high-up views of Apgar Village, including a peek at Mount Vaught over Lake McDonald from the tip-top. Glacier-inspired decor, including wood and metal art by Meissenburg Designs out of Bigfork and historic photos from Eddie’s collection, covers every room in the building.

“We tried to keep it similar to the other Park lodging buildings, so that way it didn’t just stand out, but it is, I think, a little more luxurious than the historic ones,” Director of Operations Cristinna Gebbia said. 

The second floor features four suites, each with its own fully-stocked bathrooms and kitchens, fireplaces, washer-dryers, and deck. On the third floor, two penthouse suites are big enough to house an entire family, plus friends. 

“So basically, [they have] everything you need while you’re in the park, without having to drive back to town all the time,” Gebbia said. 

With Glacier’s newly announced reservation system, visitors will not have to purchase a Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation to visit Apgar. Apgar Lookout Retreat will be open all seasons, with Eddie’s open Friday through Sunday this winter.