East Glacier is just 0 miles from Glacier National Park (East Glacier). Known as "Gateway to Glacier National Park," this community of 354 serves as an ideal base camp with 352 recreation sites nearby.
Glacier and Yellowstone are two of the most visited national parks in America, drawing millions of visitors each year. But the towns near these parks are destinations in their own right — vibrant communities with their own character, dining, lodging, and outdoor offerings. Whether you're planning a park visit or looking for a place to call home near wild country, these are the best gateway towns.
How We Ranked These Towns
Ranked by distance to the nearest entrance of Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park. Distances are straight-line estimates to the nearest park entrance (West Glacier, East Glacier, West Yellowstone entrance, or Gardiner/North entrance).
Data last collected: Zillow Research (Jan 2026), U.S. Census ACS (Jan 2026), FBI UCR (Jan 2026), Montana OPI/NCES (Jan 2026), Montana DPHHS (Jan 2026), EPA NPL (Jan 2026). Rankings are updated when data is refreshed. Check individual town profiles for details.
