Birdwatching

Every corner of Glacier has its own birding hotspots. One good place to get started is at Lake McDonald Lodge.  Watch for water birds like geese and swans on the lake, especially in the spring. In the summer you can find all sorts of song birds in the nearby forests. In the fall this is a great place to watch for migrating raptors as they move past Mount Brown. In the winter you can watch for clever ravens in the parking lot.

Three birders use binoculars to look for migrating raptors with a mountain in the background.

Watching Golden Eagles on Mount Brown

More than 260 species of birds are found in the varied habitats of Glacier National Park. That is a large number of species for an area so far north. Variable climatic conditions created by the Continental Divide yields a patchwork of aquatic, riparian and terrestrial habitats ideally suited for birds.

Bird Watching Around Lake McDonald Lodge

Birds

Scenic Driving

Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road can take just a few hours, or you might spend all day enjoying the views. For safety reasons, 45 miles per hour is the speed limit in the lower elevations of the road and 25 miles per hour in the alpine section.

No additional fee

Car drives uphill over triple arched stone bridge

Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches through the middle of the park between the West Entrance and St. Mary Entrance.

Constructed in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road has long been one of the park’s most popular destinations. It stretches over 50 miles through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America, treating visitors to breathtaking views of glacier-carved peaks, emerald-blue alpine lakes, and lush forests.

Pets are allowed in developed areas (e.g. parking lots, along roads) but are not allowed on trails. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m), under physical restraint, or caged at all times, including while in open-bed pickup trucks.

Vehicle reservations are needed for personal vehicles and motorcycles at certain times of the year. To learn more about vehicle reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other areas of the park, visit our <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm">vehicle reservations</a> page. Reservations are not required to take the park shuttle.

Though portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road remain open year round, seasonal conditions (snow!) mean a drive across the whole road is only possible during summer months. Check Glacier’s <a href="https://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm">Road Status</a> page before your trip.

A drive across this engineering marvel has been a quintessential part of any trip to Glacier since the 1930s.

We suggest arriving early or staying late if you want to find parking at Logan Pass. Be extremely cautious driving at night; visibility is low and wildlife may be numerous.

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

Scenic Views

Cultural Demonstrations

Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. This age is only a suggestion. Consider your child’s attention span when deciding whether or not to bring him or her to a presentation that is not specifically a children’s program.

Most evening programs are 45 minutes.

Majority of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm">programs</a> are free of charge, however there is a cost associated with the Blackfeet Singers and Dancers demonstration.

Tribal member addresses crowd seating on benches

June-September

Evening programs are a chance for rangers to help visitors find amazing meaning in specific park resources.

Attend One of Glacier's Evening Programs

Animals

Arts

Music

Native American Heritage

Guided Tours

Peek your head in for just a moment, sit by the fire and do a puzzle, or treat yourself to a multicourse dinner and drinks in the dining room. Move at your own pace.

There is no fee to enter and explore the building, but there are rates for getting a room, of course.

A hand holds historic photo aligned with actual historic hotel building

No reservation needed to enter and explore. On busy nights, you may have to put your name on a waiting list for dinner in a dining room. If you are looking for accommodations, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/eatingsleeping.htm">reservations</a> are needed. The hotels book up throughout the summer.

Lake McDonald Lodge is generally open May-September. Many Glacier Hotel is generally open June-September.

Step inside one of the historic lodges and pretend you are a traveler on the Great Northern Railway in the 1910s.

The lobby couches and porch views are available 24/7. Be respectful of sleeping guests. The dining rooms are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Visit One of Glacier's Historic Lodges

Architecture and Building

Museum Exhibits

Flagpoles in front of modern building with exaggerated roofline

Pets are not allowed inside buildings, but can in developed areas (e.g. parking lots, along roads) if properly leashed.

St. Mary Visitor Center is open late May to early October. Logan Pass Visitor Center opens when Going-to-the-Sun Road plowing is complete and closes late September.

These visitor centers are worth a stop for the information and exhibits provided, as well as their historic architecture.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Operating hours</a> vary throughout the season. St. Mary Visitor Center is open at least 8am-5pm. Logan Pass Visitor Center is open at least 9:30am-4pm, with hours extended to 7pm in the peak of summer. Logan Pass Visitor Center’s parking lot is notoriously busy. Arrive early or late to find parking space or take the free park shuttle.

Check out a Mission 66 Visitor Center

Hiking

Age will vary with every child’s hiking abilities.

Hiking time depends upon many factors, like elevation change and your own speed and abilities.

Rocky trail along creek in dense mossy forest

Reservations are highly recommended if you plan to hike in conjunction with a boat tour.

Trails are covered in snow throughout the winter, causing hiking to take a seasonal backseat to activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Check Glacier’s <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm">Trail Status</a> webpage or at a ranger station to stay updated as trails are cleared of snow and debris in spring.

Glacier is a hiker’s paradise. Spend part of your day on one of these 3-5 hour hikes.

Hikers are encouraged to stay alert, hike in groups, and make noise on trail. Animals are most active early in the day and at dusk. Night hiking is inadvisable because the chance of surprising wildlife, like bears, is high.

Take a Half-Day Hike in Glacier

Trails

Age will vary with every trail and every child’s hiking abilities.

Group of three hikes subalpine trail toward large mountain

Trails are covered in snow throughout the winter, causing hiking to take a seasonal backseat to activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Check Glacier’s <a href="https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/trailstatusreports.htm">Trail Status</a> webpage or at a ranger station to stay updated on trails' changing conditions.

Glacier is a hiker’s paradise. Spend your whole day in nature on one of these popular trails.

Hikers are encouraged to stay alert, hike in groups, and make noise on trail. Animals are most active early in the day and at dusk. Night hiking is inadvisable because the chance of surprising wildlife, like bears, is high.

Take a Full Day Hike in Glacier

A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness steeped in human history. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.