Glacier National Park

The Old West Meets the Old World in Historic National Park Lodges

For almost a century the magnificent scenery and unique natural features of Glacier National Park have been attracting visitors from all over the world. In the early 1900s the Great Northern Railway built a series of lodges and backcountry chalets in the newly established Glacier National Park, located along the U.S.- Canadian border in northwestern Montana.  

The grandest of these hotels, modeled after mountain lodges in Europe, are still in operation today, and their use of native stone, massive timbers and mountain views allow visitors a unique way to experience part of the American West in "rustic luxury." Information on in-park lodging and guided tours using restored classic "red busses" is available from Glacier Park, Inc.  

A must-see feature at Glacier is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the world. Bisecting the heart of the park, the 50-mile drive crosses the Continental Divide and offers postcard views from numerous pullouts. Due to heavy winter snows, much of this road is typically open only from about mid-June through mid-October. Check the Glacier National Park website for complete information about the park or for current road conditions. 

A major rehabilitation project on the Going-to-the-Sun Road begins in 2007, so the park is offering free shuttle busses from each end of the drive  from July 1^st though September 3rd to reduce congestion and delays. These shuttles will be a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and avoid driving hassles.

Glacier National Park includes beautiful mountain lakes, and boat tours with commentary are available at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, and Lake McDonald. Information on boat trips, guided hikes, and rental boats within the park is available from Glacier Park Boat Co.  

Glacier's one million plus acres include spectacular mountains and lakes and 700 miles of trails. The park is home to more than 260 species of birds and over 70 species of mammals, including elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and both black and grizzly bear. You'll be fortunate if you see a bear, but sightings of other wildlife are more common. Give those large animals the respect and distance they deserve, and check with rangers for safety tips for dealing with wildlife. 
Glacier Park Boat Co.

The northern Rockies are serious winter country, which means that peak visitation is crammed into the short summer season. Expect crowds from late June through early August, but even then, you can find solitude if you're willing to venture a short distance off of the main roads

  
Here’s your insider's tip: If your schedule is flexible, plan a visit from late August into mid-September. With schools now starting by mid-August in many areas, visitation to the park drops dramatically after that time.  

Although the weather is always a wildcard in these northern mountains, most days during the late summer and early fall are delightful. That unique gold of fall aspen leaves can provide some great views, usually starting in mid to late September. If you plan a visit during this time period, just be prepared for the possibility of an occasional early snow, and realize that some visitor facilities in the area will already be closing for the season.  
 

Getting there: Amtrak offers overnight passenger train service from Seattle, and several airlines serve Glacier Park International Airport, an hour’s drive west of the park near Kalispell.  

Complete tourist information about the area is available from the Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission. No matter how long you stay at Glacier, you'll wish you had more time!