Summary of Attractions at Glacier National Park
Visitors to Glacier National Park will be treated to all kinds of amazing scenery, from jagged peaks to mirror lakes to wide blue skies. This scenery can be enjoyed on a drive, from a boat, during a hike, or while sitting on the porch at one of the park’s historic lodges. Glacier National Park preserves a convergence of different ecosystems, varying in moisture and elevation, resulting in diverse and ever-changing views.
Glacier National Park is part of Waterton – Glacier International Peace Park, which was designated a World Heritage Site in 1995. The designation recognizes locations considered natural or cultural treasures of the entire planet.
There are so many things to see and do in Glacier National Park that you’ll want to visit more than once. Your first visit will assuredly leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Glacier National Park.
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Address: 230-110 Glacier Rte 1 Rd, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
The Going-to-the-Sun Road runs east-west through Glacier National Park, crossing the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot Logan Pass. Along the way, it showcases breathtaking scenery—from glacier-carved lakes and valleys to rocky peaks and snow-topped mountains. Scenic turnouts, hikes, waterfalls, and stunning views abound along this 50-mile route, which extends from the western park entrance at West Glacier to the eastern entrance at St. Mary.
Note: Whether you drive it yourself, or take a shuttle or Red Bus tour, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is an essential experience if you only have one day to spend in Glacier National Park.
Get Off the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Address: Browning, MT 59417, USA
While everything along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is wonderful, there’s so much more to explore. The Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas are also popular spots, offering scenic vistas and outdoor recreation options along with visitor services. For those wishing to venture off the beaten path, the remote North Fork and Goat Haunt regions present unmatched wilderness solitude and natural beauty.
Go Hiking
Address: West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
While ample stunning scenery is visible from the road, experiencing nature first-hand is crucial. Hiking options in Glacier National Park range from flat, easy, ranger-led interpretive trails that are wheelchair accessible to challenging backcountry excursions meant for the most daring hikers. Here are a few of the most popular hiking trails:
- Trail of the Cedars: A 0.7-mile accessible path near Avalanche Campground that meanders through old growth forest along Avalanche Creek.
- Hidden Lake Overlook Trail: This 3-mile-round-trip trail features wildflowers and panoramic views, accessible from the Logan Pass Visitor Center.
- Highline Trail: Starting at Logan Pass, this high-elevation trail offers stunning views; visitors can explore the first few miles, while experienced hikers often tackle the entire 20-mile (one way) distance.
- Running Eagle Falls: A short and accessible hike in the Two Medicine area that leads you to the picturesque Running Eagle Falls.
Explore a Historic Lodge
Address: 288 Lake McDonald Ldg Lp, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Phone: +1 855-733-4522
Developed as major stops along the Great Northern Railroad, the lodges at Glacier National Park exemplify park architecture. Regardless of whether you choose to stay, exploring inside and outside—from lobbies to gift shops to expansive porches—is enjoyable.
Lake McDonald Lodge: This Swiss-chalet style lodge boasts a scenic location on Lake McDonald, featuring a spacious lobby with massive log beams, a grand stone fireplace, historic furnishings, and hunting trophies. Tours and ranger talks are also available.
Many Glacier Hotel: The breathtaking view of Swiftcurrent Lake and nearby peaks from the Many Glacier Hotel’s porch is absolutely enchanting. Be sure to check out the lobby with its historic artworks, a copper-capped fireplace, Mission-style furniture, and log construction elements.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour
Glacier National Park features several long, narrow, glacier-carved lakes offering an array of scenic boat tours:
- Lake McDonald: One-hour cruises depart from the boat dock at Lake McDonald Lodge.
- St. Mary Lake: Narrated boat tours are available, with and without guided hikes.
- Swiftcurrent & Josephine Lakes in Many Glacier: This scenic tour departs from the Many Glacier dock and includes a brief hike between lakes, with longer hike add-ons available.
- Two Medicine Lake: This boat tour focuses on Blackfoot traditions and can include hiking opportunities.
Water Recreation at Glacier National Park
Packed with lakes, rivers, and streams, Glacier National Park offers plenty of opportunities for aquatic enjoyment.
Boating and paddling are permitted on Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Sherburne, and Lower Two Medicine Lake. If you bring your own boat, it must pass a quick inspection for invasive species. Motor boats, rowboats, and canoes are available for rent at Lake McDonald and Lower Two Medicine Lake.
While fishing may not be considered the main attraction in Glacier National Park, it is indeed a relaxing way to soak in the scenery. Species abundant in the lakes and streams include cutthroat trout, northern pike, whitefish, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and lake trout. Moreover, whitewater rafting and float trips are accessible on the Middle Fork and the North Fork of the Flathead River, with guides and outfitters operating out of West Glacier. Some guided raft trips are combined with hiking or horseback riding adventures.
Stop at a Visitor Center
Address: West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Phone: +1 406-888-7800
Visitor centers are excellent places to pause, orientation yourself, and uncover more about all the features you’ll encounter during your visit to Glacier National Park. Located near the park entrances at Apgar and St. Mary, as well as at Logan Pass, these centers provide access to expert rangers who can inform you about current conditions and ranger-led activities. They can also recommend hikes, campgrounds, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Each visitor center boasts a variety of exhibits that cover topics such as park geology, wildlife, and wildflowers, and they are equipped with restroom facilities.
Learn About Geology
The landscape in Glacier National Park was primarily shaped by glacial activity, but various other forces and features have influenced the area over millennia. The park’s colorful and fascinating geologic evidence tells a vivid story of its ancient past, making a visit to Glacier National Park an enlightening experience. Here are some geological features you can observe:
- Glaciers
- Belt rock
- Stromatolites
- Hanging valleys
- Aretes
- The Lewis Overthrust Fault
