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St. Mary Visitor Center Closed Temporarily

Sprinkler system causes water damage to facility early Thursday

By Beacon Staff

The St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side of Glacier National Park is temporarily closed following water damage from the facility’s sprinkler system.

Park rangers responded to an alarm at the visitor center at approximately 4 a.m. Thursday. It is believed that the visitor center furnace may have malfunctioned and the water sprinkler system activated, according to park officials. There is water damage to the building and contents, as well as to some of the utilities. The extent of the damage is being assessed.

A visitor contact and information center is set up in the visitor center parking lot. Park rangers will be available to assist visitors.

Backcountry permits and aquatic invasive species (AIS) boat inspections will be available at the Hudson Bay District Office located in the park administrative area in St. Mary. Signs near the park entrance will be posted to provide directions.

The park shuttle system and transportation services by Xanterra and Sun Tours are unaffected and operating as scheduled. The restroom facilities at the visitor center are available. Evening interpretive programs continue at the St. Mary Campground as scheduled.

There is no phone service at the St. Mary Visitor Center at this time. Visitors are encouraged to contact the park at 406-888-7800 for park information, or visit here.