Glacier

Ranger-led Activities

Ranger and visitors stopped on a hike overlooking St. Mary Lake.
Ranger-led hike along the shore of St. Mary Lake.

NPS

 

2023 Programs

Most programming starts early to mid-June. Check the event calendar for upcoming programs. Check locally at visitor centers for special programs throughout the season.
 

Types of Activities

Below are the types of ranger-led activities typically offered throughout Glacier. Most activities are offered during the months of June through September. Please click on each panel to learn more about the activity, such as locations where it is offered, how long it is, and other useful information. Please note, children are welcome at interpretive activities but should always be accompanied by an adult.

Evening programs are typically offered at Apgar, Fish Creek, Rising Sun, St. Mary, Many Glacier and Two Medicine Campgrounds, as well as the Lucerne Room in the Many Glacier Hotel. Evening programs that are are held in campgrounds will be at the ampitheater within each of the campgrounds. Program topics vary and will focus on the natural or cultural history of the park. Programs last for about 45 minutes. 

Apgar, Fish Creek, Rising Sun Campground Ampitheaters and the Lucerne Room are wheelchair accessible. All other evening program locations are not technically wheelchair accessible but can generally be navigated with assistance. Restrooms and drinking water are available at all locations. 

Please check at a visitor center or ranger station for a current schedule of evening programs. 

Guided hikes and walks are offered in the Lake McDonald, St. Mary Valley, Many Glacier Valley and Two Medicine Valley areas of the park. 

Guided hikes and walks vary in length from 2 miles (3.2 km) up to 10 miles (16 km). Depending on the length, they can last from 1.5 hours up to 6-7 hours. All guided hikes and walks will begin at a pre-determined location in the area in which they are offered. Restrooms and drinking water may or may not be available, come prepared with whatever you will need for the walk or hike. 

Topics and vistas will vary depending on the location. Rangers will provide information on the natural and cultural history of the park throughout the walk or hike. 

Please check at a visitor center or ranger station for a current schedule of guided walks and hikes, and for more information. 

Short ranger talks are offered at the Apgar Visitor Center Plaza and Apgar Nature Center talk area (pathway east of the campstore in Apgar Village). Topics vary and focus on the natural or cultural history of the park. Talks last for 15-30 minutes. Restrooms and drinking water are available. 

Please check at a visitor center or ranger station for a current schedule of ranger talks. 

As part of the Native America Speaks program each summer, members of the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes share personal knowledge of their history and culture through singing, storytelling, presentations, and hands-on learning.

Native America Speaks programs are offered in and around the park; at campgrounds and historic lodges, and in locations throughout the Blackfeet Nation. In addition, cultural presentations are offered at the 1913 Ranger Station, Rising Sun Picnic Area, in Apgar, along Two Medicine Lake, and at Logan Pass star parties. Restrooms and drinking water are available at most locations. 

All Native America Speaks programs are made possible through a generous donation from the Glacier National Park Conservancy

A current schedule of programs and events, as well as more information, can be found on the the Native America Speaks page, or at any visitor center or ranger station in the park. 

 

Nightly astronomy programs are typically offered at the Apgar Visitor Center Plaza and at the Dusty Star Observatory, located in the St. Mary Visitor Center parking lot. These programs generally include a tour of the night sky, including constellations and astrononmical objects with the assistance of telescopes, and the importance of dark skies. 

Astronomy programs are offered 10 pm to midnight in these two locations on alternating days, Sunday through Wednesday in Apgar and Wednesday through Saturday in St. Mary. Programs can depend on weather and sky conditions. Restrooms and drinking water are available at both locations. Both locations are wheelchair accessible. 

Logan Pass Star Parties are sometimes offered a few times during the summer, at the Logan Pass parking lot. Admission is by ticket only, which can be obtained from the Apgar or St. Mary Visitor Centers, when star parties are being offered. Restrooms and drinking water are available. This area is wheelchair accessible. 

More information about astronomy programs is also on our website. 

Please check at a visitor center or ranger station for a current schedule of astronomy programs. 

A historic hotel walking tour is only offered at the Many Glacier Hotel. This tour focuses on the history, traditions and restoration of the Many Glacier Hotel. 

This tour typically lasts for 1 hour and includes walking, with some stairs. Restrooms and drinking water are available.

Please check at a visitor center or ranger station for a current schedule. 
 
 

Ranger Programs Calendar

 

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Off-road wheelchair and group on the accessible Trail of the Cedars boardwalk.
Accessibility

Glacier's terrain can present challenges. Find what is available to visitors with special needs.

Ranger talking to park visitors at an information desk
Basic Information

Learn about entry fees, what weather to expect, what to do with your pet, and what's available during different times of year.

A park ranger stands in front of a lake and a smokey fire.
Climate Change

Glacier National Park is warming at nearly two times the global average and the impacts are already being felt by park visitors.

Last updated: July 6, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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