Glacier National Park is a breathtaking destination located in the state of Montana in the United States. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. If you are planning a trip to Glacier National Park, it is important to know how to get there so that you can make the most of your time in this natural wonderland.
There are several ways to get to Glacier National Park, depending on where you are coming from and what your preferred mode of transportation is. In this article, we will discuss the different options available to visitors and provide tips on how to make your journey as smooth as possible.
By Car
One of the most popular ways to get to Glacier National Park is by car. The park is accessible via several major highways, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a scenic route that traverses the park from east to west. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open during the summer months, usually from late June to mid-October, due to snow and ice on the road. During this time, visitors can drive their own vehicles or take one of the park’s shuttle buses.
If you are driving to Glacier National Park, there are several entrances to the park that you can use. The West Entrance is located near the town of West Glacier, while the East Entrance is near the town of St. Mary. Other entrances include the North Entrance near the town of Polebridge and the Camas Creek Entrance near the town of Hungry Horse. It is important to note that some of these entrances may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice.
When driving to Glacier National Park, it is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if you are visiting during the winter months. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or chains, and carry a shovel, blankets, and emergency supplies in case you get stranded. Additionally, be aware of wildlife on the road, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
By Air
If you are flying to Glacier National Park, the nearest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), which is located in Kalispell, Montana. FCA is served by several major airlines, including Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines, and offers direct flights to cities such as Seattle, Denver, and Minneapolis. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.
Another option for air travel is to fly into Missoula International Airport (MSO), which is located about 140 miles south of Glacier National Park. MSO is served by several major airlines, including American, Delta, and United, and offers direct flights to cities such as Denver, Seattle, and Minneapolis. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.
By Train
For a unique and scenic way to get to Glacier National Park, consider taking Amtrak’s Empire Builder train, which runs daily between Chicago and Seattle, with stops in several Montana towns, including West Glacier and East Glacier Park. The train offers spectacular views of the countryside and mountains, and is a great way to relax and enjoy the journey. From the West Glacier station, visitors can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach the park.
By Bus
If you prefer not to drive or fly, there are also several bus companies that offer transportation to Glacier National Park. Greyhound Bus Lines and Amtrak both have stops in several Montana towns, including West Glacier and East Glacier Park, where visitors can take a shuttle or rent a car to reach the park.
Additionally, the Glacier Park Shuttle offers transportation between several destinations within the park, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine. The shuttle operates during the summer months