Ranger-led Activities

Ranger-led hike along the shore of St. Mary Lake.

NPS

 

Ranger-led activity offerings are currently being scheduled for 2022. Updated information will be posted here as it becomes available. The information below is what has typically been offered prior to 2020.

 

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. 

   Evening Programs

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 Walks and Hikes

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

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. 

   Native America Speaks

Native America Speaks are evening programs and cultural presentations by tribal members of the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille Nations to share knowledge of their history and culture. 

The Native America Speaks program provides opportunities for local tribal members to share their rich history and culture through singing, storytelling, presentations, and hands-on learning.

Native America Speaks is offered within the park at Apgar, Rising Sun, Many Glacier and Two Medicine Campground Ampitheaters. The Blackfeet Singers and Dancers demonstration is only offered at the St. Mary Visitor Center Auditorium and requires advanced reservations. In addition to programs offered in the park, Native America Speaks presentations are also offered on the Blackfeet Nation at several locations. 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 of our website, or at any visitor center or ranger station in the park. 

 

   Astronomy Programs and Logan Pass Star Parties

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 in these two locations on alternating days, Sunday through Tuesday at 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. 

   Many Glacier Hotel Tour

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. 

 

Planning

Children are welcome at interpretive activities but should always be accompanied by an adult.

Ranger programs can be popular during the busy summer season, so plan to be at the trailhead or designated meeting location at least ten minutes prior to the start time.

Cost

Most programs are free of charge. Some of the Native America Speaks cultural presentations have a cost associated with them. Our ranger-led activities schedule includes details on any pricing.

• Cultural presentations that are held at the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning have a fee. Ticket costs are: Adults - $6.00, Children 6-16 - $2.00, Children under 6 - Free, Senior Citizen (over 65) - $5.00, Groups of 10 or more - $5.00 per person, School Groups (students and escorts) - Free, Blackfeet Tribal members - Free upon presentation of Tribal identification card.

Reservations

Visitors do not need a reservation for most ranger-led activities, but there are some cases when advanced planning would be prudent because of limited space:

• The Blackfeet Singers and Dancers, a part of the Native America Speaks Program, has limited seating. Tickets go on sale the Monday before the performance and are only available in-person at the St. Mary Visitor Center Bookstore. Tickets cost $5.00 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. This cultural presentation is offered at the St. Mary Visitor Center throughout the summer. Proceeds help the Glacier National Park Conservancy's generous support of the Native America Speaks Program.
  

What to Bring Hiking

• Sturdy foot gear is a must for all but the easiest of hikes.
• Bring plenty of water, as surface water in the park may be unsafe to drink.
• Pack a first aid kit to care for your own minor injuries or medical needs.
• Insect repellent is helpful when meeting some of Glacier's smaller wildlife species.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen, as a day of hiking can expose you to much more sun than usual.
• Come prepared with rain gear for summer showers, as Glacier’s weather can change very quickly.
• Pack a lunch for an all-day hike or a hike over the noon hour, and bring snacks for other times of day. Remember, if you pack it in, pack it out.
• Come prepared to have a great time!