Pursuit buys iconic Montana House in Glacier Park
CHRIS PETERSON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 week, 2 days AGO
Monica Jungster at the Montana House in Apgar in this file photo.
Chris Peterson is the editor of the Hungry Horse News. He covers Columbia Falls, the Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. All told, about 4 million acres of the best parts of the planet. He can be reached at editor@hungryhorsenews.com or 406-892-2151. | January 8, 2025 5:20 AM
Pursuit continues to acquire properties in Apgar Village in Glacier National Park.
The company announced Monday it had purchased the Montana House from Monica Jungster
It announced it bought Eddie’s Cafe and the Apgar Retreat from Brian Kelly last month.
The Montana House has celebrated and showcased over 500 local and indigenous artisans for nearly 65 years. It is also an important gathering place for members of the tight-knit community to connect with each other.
But the business has been shuttered the past few seasons.
The sale means there will be one less family-owned business in Apgar. Glacier Outfitters, which rents bicycles, is adjacent to the Montana House and the Apgar Schoolhouse is still independently owned.
“My family and I have been stewards of this special place for many years,” Monica Jungster said. She was born and raised Apgar resident and former owner of Montana House.
“Montana House has been a place to connect, share stories and gather as a community and I believe Pursuit will honor and celebrate this history while creating a space for new generations to come,” she said.
“We recognize the leadership that Montana House has brought to this community and are privileged to continue the legacy of this important piece of Apgar Village history,” said Rob Spence, Vice President, Glacier Park Collection by Pursuit. “At Pursuit, we have a long history within Montana and Glacier National Park and are committed to honoring the communities and places in which we both live and work. We work diligently to ensure thoughtful and sustainable growth and are committed to long-term investment in Montana House to deliver an exceptional experience for guests and staff for years to come.”
Montana House will reopen for the 2025 summer season, the company said.
The company said it will “absolutely” continue to showcase local artists under Pursuit ownership.
“We encourage any local artists to reach out to Jessica Cassida our Director of Retail,” spokeswoman Tanya Otis said in an email to the Hungry Horse News.
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