Learn More About the Park
Who's Who at the Park
General Services
Glacier National Park Education Program Goals
History and Culture
Park Regulations
Stewardship
Protect cultural and natural artifacts and features such as wildflowers, antlers and rocks, for everyone to enjoy. It is illegal to collect them in the parks. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Health and Safety Tips
Emergencies and Medical Service
First-aid services are available at all visitor centers, and ranger and warden stations. In Glacier, please call 911 for immediate help regarding all emergencies. In Waterton, call (403) 859-2636 for medical and all other emergencies; for fire emergencies, please call (403) 859-2113. For medical treatment on the west side of Glacier, contact Kalispell Regional Medical Center, (406) 752-5111, Whitefish's North Valley Hospital, (406) 863-2501 or the West Glacier Urgent Care Clinic at (406) 888-9005 (open seven days a week at 9 a.m., summer months only). At Browning, on the east side of Glacier, Blackfoot Indian Health Service will treat non-tribal persons on an emergency basis only; please call (406) 338-6164. Kalispell and Great Falls provide helicopter medical teams in emergencies. In Canada, full hospital facilities are available in Cardston, (403) 653-4411, or Pincher Creek, (403) 627-3333.
Staying Safe
As in any mountainous area, an understanding of alpine weather, terrain and hazards is necessary. Below are a few tips to make your visit a safe one.
Altitude
Because Glacier and Waterton are several thousand feet above sea level, come prepared with appropriate footwear, good sunscreen and appropriate clothes for sun protection every day of the year. The higher altitude increases the amount of ultraviolet light reaching your skin. People from lower elevations should also consider the altitude when planning backcountry travel. The thin air can adversely affect even strong athletes if they haven't taken time to adapt.
Driving
Be alert while driving in the parks. Wildlife frequently feed along roadsides and sometimes jump in front of cars. Mountain roads are narrow and occasionally littered with fallen rock, especially after a rainfall. Watch for other drivers who may stop suddenly to avoid hazards, view wildlife or to take pictures, particularly during heavy traffic periods. Note that the Logan Pass section of Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually open from mid-June to mid-October, though other lower-elevation sections remain open year-round. The Blackfeet Reservation is open range. Be alert for livestock on roadways east of the park.
Vehicle Restrictions
Vehicles crossing Logan Pass between Avalanche and Sun Point must be no more than eight feet wide (including mirrors) and 21 feet long. Vehicles in excess of 10 feet, four inches in height need to exercise caution to avoid hitting rock overhangs. Oversize vehicles and commercial trucks must cross the Continental Divide by way of U.S. 2. Note that the Logan Pass section of Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually open from mid-June through mid-October, though lower-elevation sections remain open year-round.
Bicycling
Glacier does not allow bicycle traffic along Lake McDonald between Apgar and Sprague Creek, and from Logan Creek and Logan Pass from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily between June 15 and Labor Day. Bicycle travel is prohibited on all Glacier hiking trails except for one paved path near Apgar. Waterton has four hiking trails that permit bicycle travel.
Firearms and Fireworks
Neither can be used in the parks. Transported firearms must be disassembled, cased and out of sight. Firearms must be declared at customs.
Hiking
Please stay on established trails. Taking shortcuts destroys fragile, high-altitude vegetation and causes erosion.
Litter
Pack out all you pack in. Properly dispose of garbage so animals can't get it. It is illegal to litter or feed the animals in the parks.
Pets
Pets must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times while in the parks. They are allowed, but not encouraged, on Waterton trails and prohibited in park hotels.
Who's Who at the Parks (back to top)
The following organizations are dedicated to preserving the parks and helping visitors enjoy them.
National Park Service (NPS)
Since its founding in 1916, the NPS has been responsible for preserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of our national parks, protecting the wildlife therein, and providing for public use and enjoyment of the parks. Today, it manages more than 50 national parks and more than 300 natural and cultural sites (385 sites total) in the United States. Please contact the Park Superintendent, Glacier National Park, West Glacier, MT 59936; (406) 888-7800; www.nps.gov/glac/home.htm for more information.
Parks Canada
Canada's first national park was established in 1885 because of an argument over rights to mineral hot springs discovered near Banff, Alberta. After the springs were made government property "for the sanitary advantage of the public," the Canadian government began an active program to acquire and protect much of the country's natural heritage. Today, Parks Canada manages more than 39 parks and reserves. Please contact the Park Superintendent, Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton Park, Alberta T0K 2M0; (403) 859-2224 for more information.
Glacier Park, Inc. (GPI)
GPI owns and operates the historic Glacier Park Lodge and Prince of Wales Hotel. The company is also the concessioner authorized by the National Park Service to operate the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Rising Sun Motor Inn, Village Inn and the Two Medicine Campstore. Contact GPI at P.O. Box 2025, Columbia Falls, MT 59912; call (406) 892-2525 or visit www.glacierparkinc.com for more information.
The Glacier Fund
This nonprofit division of the National Park Foundation supports environmental education, historic building restoration, wildlife research and monitoring, and other unfunded projects in Glacier National Park. The new Glacier National Park license plate is available in 2002, where $20 of each $30 plate will go directly to The Glacier Fund. For more information, please contact The Glacier Fund, P.O. Box 14, West Glacier, MT 59936; (406) 888-7910.
The Glacier Institute
This private, nonprofit, outdoor/environmental education organization allows students of all ages to learn about the cultural and natural resources of the Glacier National Park region. The Institute offers a hands-on experiential learning approach through youth camps, day programs, adult and family field seminars, and special workshops in Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. Field courses are offered year-round in the sciences, culture, history and the arts. For more information, please contact the Glacier Institute, P.O. Box 7457, Kalispell, MT 59904; (406) 755-1211 or 888-5215; www.digisys.net/glacinst.
Glacier Natural History Association
This nonprofit, cooperating association of the National Park Service operates bookstores located in Glacier National Park visitor centers and ranger stations. Proceeds from bookstore sales are used to benefit Glacier's educational and interpretive activities, cultural preservation and special projects related to visitor services. Central offices and a bookstore are located in the historic Belton train depot in West Glacier and are open year-round. For more information, please contact Glacier Natural History Association, P.O. Box 310, West Glacier, MT 59936; (406) 888-5756; www. glacierassociation.org.
Waterton Natural History Association
This organization cooperates with Parks Canada to further public understanding, appreciation and appropriate use of Waterton Lakes National Park. It provides numerous books, maps and other publications about the park. The association operates the Heritage Centre in Waterton Park. For more information, please contact the association at Box 145, Waterton Park, Alberta T0K 2M0; (403) 859-2624; www.lis.ab.ca/wnha/.
Glacier National Park Associates
This nonprofit volunteer organization works closely with park staff to sponsor park programs and activities, raise funds for projects and perform voluntary services, such as trail work. Please contact the organization at P.O. Box 91, Kalispell, MT 59903; (406) 752-7757 for more information.
General Services (back to top)
Banking
Several communities provide a range of banking services. U.S. institutions serve Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish and Browning. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available in St. Mary, Columbia Falls, East Glacier, West Glacier, Hungry Horse, Coram and Waterton Townsite. ATMs are also located at Glacier Park Lodge, Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge. For currency exchange, go to The Money Exchange in Tamarack Village Square in Waterton or the aforementioned U.S. banks. All Waterton merchants accept U.S. currency.
Lost and Found
Report or drop off lost and found items at any visitor center in Glacier. Contact Glacier National Park, Attention: Lost and Found, West Glacier, MT 59936; (406) 888-7800. In Waterton, drop off lost and found items at the RCMP building (summer). Call (403) 859-2044 or fax (403) 859-2003. During the off-season, drop off items at park headquarters.
Postal Services
All Glacier hotel sites have mailboxes. Just outside the park, you can find post offices in West Glacier, Polebridge, East Glacier, Babb and Browning. Canadian postal services are available in Waterton Townsite.
Religious Services
Non-denominational services are held on Saturday and Sunday at Glacier's Park Headquarters, most major Glacier campgrounds and many hotels. Waterton Townsite is home to Catholic, LDS, United and Anglican churches. Check the Waterton-Glacier Guide for current schedules and locations.
Service Stations
More complicated repairs can be handled at Coram (eight miles west of West Glacier), in East Glacier, at St. Mary (just outside the park's border) and at Waterton Townsite. If your car breaks down on a park road, contact a park ranger or warden, or call one of the main park numbers: (406) 888-7800 in Glacier; (403) 859-5133 in Waterton.
Special Services
Park facilities accessible to visitors with disabilities are indicated by the international symbol. Many public facilities are wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility impairments, however, may need assistance to reach facilities during winter because of frequent heavy snows.
Services: The park switchboards can receive calls from telephone devices for the hearing impaired (TDDs). Please call (406) 888-7806 for Glacier and (403) 859-2224 for Waterton. There are audiocassettes designed to narrate most major park routes. All self-guided nature trails include printed brochures or signs for interpretation of points of interest. Visitor centers and hotels feature interpretive displays, lectures and slide shows that give visitors a peek into the park's most difficult-to-reach areas. A written synopses of most programs are available there, too.
Trails: Trail of the Cedars at Avalanche Campground, five miles up Going-to-the-Sun Road from Lake McDonald Lodge, is designed for all people to negotiate. Other accessible trails include the Apgar bike path, the Oberlin Bend overlook near Logan Pass in Glacier and the Linnet Lake and Townsite loop trails in Waterton. The first wheelchair-accessible trail on Glacier's east side now provides access to Running Eagle Falls in Two Medicine Valley. The trail sign and leaflet located at the trailhead interpret the importance of this significant place in the Blackfeet culture.
Lodging: Most hotels and visitor facilities in Glacier and some in Waterton are wheelchair accessible.
American Indian Interpretive Tours: Van tours highlighting Blackfeet culture and history in relation to Glacier's natural features are available. Please call (800) 786-9220 or (406) 226-9220 for more information.
Camping: Campgrounds at Fish Creek, Apgar, Sprague Creek, Avalanche and Waterton Townsite have accessible sites and rest rooms. Roads through most campsites are paved, but wheelchair passage on foot trails may require assistance.
Please contact Glacier National Park for a complete listing of the accessible facilities and services in the free brochure entitled Accessibility in Glacier National Park. At Waterton, the Access Guide is available. You can also consult Easy Access to the National Parks, which is available in most bookstores.
Camping Supplies and Groceries
Supplies such as food, firewood, fuel, camping gear and first-aid kits are sold at camp stores in Apgar, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, Rising Sun and Swiftcurrent. Stores in Waterton Townsite and the gateway communities of Babb, Browning, St. Mary, East Glacier, West Glacier and Polebridge also carry supplies.
Film
Film, batteries and videotape can be found in all developed areas of the parks. The nearest photo processing centers are in East Glacier and West Glacier. Waterton Park also has a photo processing service. For photo equipment and repair, go to larger towns such as Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell or Lethbridge.
Gift Shops
Postcards, film and souvenirs are sold at park hotels in Apgar, Lake McDonald, Rising Sun, St. Mary, East Glacier and Many Glacier. Stores in Waterton Townsite and Browning also supply visitors' gift needs. For collectibles, regional products and ecotourism information, stop by The Trail of the Great Bear Gift Shop and Travel Centre in Waterton Park. Film, books and maps are sold at Logan Pass Visitor Center as well as at the Apgar, Many Glacier, Polebridge and St. Mary's visitor centers.
Glacier National Park Education Program Goals (back to top)
- To provide opportunities for the students to form their own emotional and intellectual connections between park resources and values.
- To introduce students to the mission of the National Park Service and the significance of Glacier National Park.
- To provide a curriculum-based, outdoor education experience that is age appropriate and supplements classroom learning objectives.
- To introduce students to the value of protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Glacier National Park offers curriculum-based programs designed to merge your educational goals and objectives with the nationally significant natural and cultural resources found in the park. Field trips, traveling trunks, curriculum materials, and teacher workshops are available. The 2007-2008 "Educational Opportunities in Glacier" is a 2-page handout in pdf format that you can view, download and print.
Guest Speakers
During the school year, park staff may be available to visit your classroom and discuss topics relevant to your curriculum and Glacier National Park. Programs typically include a Power Point presentation, time to examine hands-on-items (skins and skulls), and fun classroom activities. To schedule a classroom visit, please email Glacier's Education Specialist.
Junior Ranger Program
Visitors between the ages of 6-12 who are interested in learning more about how special Glacier National Park really is can become a Glacier National Park Junior Ranger. Just pick up a Junior Ranger newspaper when you arrive at the park. Complete the activities inside and when you're finished take it to any visitor center. You'll receive your very own Junior Ranger badge.
Learn more about the National Junior Ranger Program by visiting www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm.
Web Rangers
Glacier is only one of hundreds of National Park sites throughout the United States. If you want to learn more about our National Parks and how you can protect them, visit www.nps.gov/webrangers.
History & Culture (back to top)
Before the Park
Recent archaeological surveys have found evidence of human use dating back over 10,000 years. These people may have been the ancestors of tribes that live in the area today. By the time the first European explorers came to this region, several different tribes inhabited the area. The Blackfeet Indians controlled the vast prairies east of the mountains. The Salish and Kootenai Indians lived and hunted in the western valleys. They also traveled east of the mountains to hunt buffalo.
In the early 1800’s, French, English, and Spanish trappers came in search of beaver. In 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition came within 50 miles of the area that is now the park.
As the number of people moving west steadily increased, the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai were forced onto reservations. The Blackfeet Reservation adjoins the east side of the park. The Salish and Kootenai reservation is southwest of Glacier. This entire area holds great spiritual importance to the Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai people.
The railroad over Marias Pass was completed in 1891. The completion of the Great Northern Railway allowed more people to enter the area. Homesteaders settled in the valleys west of Marias Pass and soon small towns developed.
Under pressure from miners, the mountains east of the Continental Divide were acquired in 1895 from the Blackfeet. Miners came searching for copper and gold. They hoped to strike it rich, but no large copper or gold deposits were ever located. Although the mining boom lasted only a few years, abandoned mine shafts are still found in several places in the park.
Establishing the Park
Around the turn of the century, people started to look at the land differently. Rather than just seeing the minerals they could mine or land to settle on, they started to recognize the value of its spectacular scenic beauty. Facilities for tourists started to spring up. In the late 1890's, visitors arriving at Belton (now called West Glacier) could get off the train, take a stagecoach ride a few miles to Lake McDonald, and then board a boat for an eight mile trip to the Snyder Hotel. No roads existed in the mountains, but the lakes allowed boat travel into the wilderness.
Soon people, like George Bird Grinnell, pushed for the creation of a national park. Grinnell was an early explorer to this part of Montana and spent many years working to get the park established. The area was made a Forest Preserve in 1900, but was open to mining and homesteading. Grinnell and others sought the added protection a national park would provide. Grinnell saw his efforts rewarded in 1910 when President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country's 10th national park.
After the creation of the park, the growing staff of park rangers needed housing and offices to help protect the new park. The increasing number of park visitors made the need for roads, trails, and hotels urgent. The Great Northern Railway built a series of hotels and small backcountry lodges, called chalets, throughout the park. A typical visit to Glacier involved a train ride to the park, followed by a multi-day journey on horseback. Each day after a long ride in the mountains, guests would stay at a different hotel or chalet. The lack of roads meant that, to see the interior of the park, visitors had to hike or ride a horse. Eventually, the demand for a road across the mountains led to the building of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
A Heritage for the Future
The construction of the Going-to-the-Sun Road was a huge undertaking. Even today, visitors to the park marvel at how such a road could have been built. The final section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, over Logan Pass, was completed in 1932 after 11 years of work. The road is considered an engineering feat and is a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the most scenic roads in North America. The construction of the road forever changed the way visitors would experience Glacier National Park. Future visitors would drive over sections of the park that previously had taken days of horseback riding to see.
Just across the border, in Canada, is Waterton Lakes National Park. In 1931, members of the Rotary Clubs of Alberta and Montana suggested joining the two parks as a symbol of the peace and friendship between our two countries. In 1932, the United States and Canadian governments voted to designate the parks as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world's first. More recently the parks have received two other international honors. The parks are both Biosphere Reserves, and were named as a World Heritage Site in 1995. This international recognition highlights the importance of this area, not just to the United States and Canada, but to the entire world.
While much has changed since the first visitors came to Glacier, it is possible to relive some of Glacier’s early history. You can take a horseback ride like an early visitor. Miles of hiking trails follow routes first used by trappers in the early 1800's. Several hotels and chalets, built by the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900's, house summer guests to the park. A visit to Glacier National Park is still a great adventure!
