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Glacier National Park

, Montana

Acreage: 1,013,572.41
Category: National Park
Date Established: 05/11/1910

Glacier National Park preserves over 1,000,000 acres of forests, alpine meadows, and lakes. Its diverse habitats are home to over 70 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds. The spectacular glaciated landscape is a hikers' paradise containing 700 miles of maintained trails that lead deep into one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states.

In 1932 Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park, in Canada, were designated Wateron-Glacier International Peace Park. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is symbolic of the relationship between our two great nations.  Together we share the future of this pristine and unspoiled area. 

The park contains over 350 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and six National Historic Landmarks. On August 5th, 1934 President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his 144 Radio Address from Two Medicine Chalet in Glacier National Park. His address stated, in part:

"Today, for the first time in my life, I have seen Glacier Park. Perhaps I can best express to you my thrill and delight by saying that I wish every American, old and young, could have been with me today. The great mountains, the glaciers, the lakes and the trees make me long to stay here for all the rest of the summer.

Comparisons are generally objectionable and yet it is not unkind to say, from the standpoint of scenery alone, that if many, and indeed most, of our American national parks were to be set down anywhere on the continent of Europe thousands of Americans would journey all the way across the ocean in order to see their beauties.

There is nothing so American as our national parks. The scenery and wild life are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is native. It is, in brief, that the country belongs to the people, that it is in the process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us. The parks stand as the outward symbol of this great human principle."

—Stephanie Hester & Will Hammerquist, NPCA

Threats

Glacier National Park has garnered international attention as the last of Glacier Park's glaciers will disappear in 2030. To learn more about the threats to Glacier and the international effort to have Glacier National Park listed as an Endangered World Heritage Site by the United Nations click here.

To learn more about the impacts of climate change on Glacier's wildlife click here.

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Comments

Are there a large number of trails where grizzly bears are not a significant threat?
Submitted by John at: November 11, 2009
Back in the Forties,I spent five summers in Glacier driving a red bus. I've been back to visit several times, coming all the way from the East and Southeast. Needless to say, the place in unequaled for mountain scenery and hiking in the lower 48.
Submitted by Jocko at: September 27, 2009
I visited Glacier in 2008 with 2 girlfirends. It was an amazing adventure. We hiked many trails, visited all the lodges and soaked up the history that is Glacier! We will be back to share it with our families.
Submitted by hiker at: September 23, 2009
Oh and did I mention that the Going to the Sun Road is being worked on? Citizens rejoice! This is an example your tax dollars at work! Drive over those mountains and you'll be glad that the roads are getting some attention!
Submitted by cokids at: September 23, 2009
Forgot to share the story from our last visit. We were talking with a park ranger and he shared that the top three questions asked by visitors to the park were: "How long will it take to see the park? Where can we find a Coke? and Where are the bathrooms?" He said the tells them to find a rock somewhere; sit down and cry!" Amazing!
Submitted by cokids at: September 23, 2009
Just spent 5 days at Glacier and are going back (after visiting son in Portland, Oregon) next week. What a glorious place! This will be our sixth visit! We have traveled from the east coast via Amtrak to visit yearly since 'discovering' it several years ago! Can't wait to see it in Fall!! Yellow aspens, here we come! Old hotels? Who cares! They are amazing! Next June we stay at Apgar with the most glorious view on earth! Can't wait! I think we'll miss the episode with Glacier and Acadia (in our 'home state.') next week as we'll be on the train that evening on our way back to Glacier! Oh well, surely it'll be repeated at some point?
Submitted by cokids at: September 23, 2009
The most imminent threat to GNP is not melting glaciers, as myopic, agenda-driven proponents of global warming, k/n/a "climate change", would have us believe. GNP was formed by melted glaciers. The biggest threat is the proposed Cline coalmine project in the headwaters of the Flathead River's North Fork in British Columbia. The Canadian mining activity will contaminate the North Fork with pollutants including nitrates, phosphorus and the toxic metal selenium, resulting in a severe degradation of the Flathead River’s water quality and harming fragile wildlife. The North Fork of GNP is the best kept secret in the area. Sshhh!
Submitted by TJP at: September 19, 2009
i have a comment for the person who traveled all that way......why the hell didnt you check the website before traveling all that way instead of paying all that money to not be able to drive the pass. we at the entrance station get that alot but why does no one PLAN out their vacation first? i am a ranger and it nice to finally vent......also yes the park lodges are very expensive and not that worth it but i guess its cause of the sentamental value of the places....they are very very old you know.
Submitted by ranger p at: August 12, 2009
Being in GP is truly a spiritual experience. Waterfalls, mountains, lakes, streams, wildlife, trails to the sky........The most beautiful scenery you could imagine.... The historic hotels are worth a visit..a look into a grand past....GO
Submitted by Corinne at: July 25, 2009
I was impressed with Glacier National Park, because of the Great scenery in the Park. However, decaying ancient hotels - way overpriced and not worth the money. Stay in hotels outside the Park, and you will be much more pleased! Absolutely horrible service by Glacier Park Reservations for reservations within the park - chaotic & confused to deal with.
Submitted by Carl J. at: July 13, 2009
Why did you not tell anybody that the road is closed? Went from Wis. To Glacier Park, it was CLOSED!!@!@ WHY???
Submitted by BURT at: June 28, 2009
My wife and I lover every national park we have ever visited, including Glacier NP.
Submitted by Ben at: January 3, 2009
Glacier is one of the last intact ecosystems left in the world. We all need to work to provide funding for Glacier and protect it from outside pressures: climate change, energy exploration, and habitat fragmentation. Join NPCA and become an e-activist!
Submitted by Michelle at: November 19, 2008
I would encourage everyone to visit Glacier. This is one of the most beautiful parks in the US. It's been years since I was there, but the pictures I have of the views an wildlife bring back many wonderful memories.
Submitted by Jean at: October 10, 2008
I have been to this park several times as we have family in the area and it is a marvelous drive on the Road to the Sun and going over to the Waterton side of the park. Looking forward to going back next year.
Submitted by hiker at: September 26, 2008
The ranger lead peace hike is amazing and I would highly recommend it for all.
Submitted by lmc at: July 5, 2008

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