Entrance Fees Waived During National Park Week

Date: April 16, 2012
Contact: Denise Germann, 406-888-5838

WEST GLACIER, MONT. - Entrance fees to Glacier National Park and the nearly 400 National Park Sites across the country will be waived during National Park Week, April 21-29.

Everyone, specifically families, are encouraged to take advantage of the free entrance to get outside and explore or just "take in" the natural beauty of the park. Glacier National Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright said, "This annual celebration is a great opportunity to experience spring at the park and view the many birds that migrate to or through the park at this time of year."

Currently, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to motorized traffic from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge and from the St. Mary Entrance to Rising Sun. Hiker/biker access is available for 5.5 miles from the Lake McDonald Gate to Avalanche while the road plow is working. This weekend, April 21-22, no restrictions are anticipated for hiker/biker access on the west side or east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Camas Road is open and the Two Medicine Road on the east side is currently open to Running Eagle Falls.

Weather conditions in the park can vary greatly from local valley locations, and road status can change depending on weather conditions and snow plowing activities. Park visitors are highly encouraged to plan ahead and visit the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm., or contact the park at 406-888-7800 for updated road conditions, plowing status and weather conditions. Visitors may also visit the park's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlacierNationalPark page to stay connected with the park.

Additional entrance fee-free dates during the year will be June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend).

An annual Glacier National Park pass for unlimited access to the park for one year from time of purchase of the pass is available for $35. Other passes with America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program are also available. US citizens 62 years of age and older may purchase a lifetime pass for $10, and citizens with a permanent disability may obtain a free lifetime pass. An annual pass available for $80 allows free entrance to federally operated recreation sites across the county, including many National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management sites. For more information or to purchase a pass, please contact the park at 406-888-7800. Any of the annual passes may also be obtained from the West Entrance Station during the weekend, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or at the Headquarters Building, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.