As the summer season commences, new opportunities are available for families in Glacier National Park.
Visitors are encouraged to attend the Apgar Nature Center, formerly called the Discovery Cabin, located in Apgar Village on the west side of Glacier National Park.
The Apgar Nature Center is now open for summer and offers hands-on activities and educational demonstrations for children of all ages. Park rangers, assisted by the Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates, staff the nature center and provide learning opportunities for families.
The Apgar Nature Center is open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through August 30. For more information about Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates, an official park partner, visit http://gnpva.org/.
Free ranger-led activities are available throughout the summer and fall, including guided hikes, talks, boat tours, and more.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Many Glacier Hotel, visitors are encouraged to join a walking tour of the historic hotel. The one-hour hotel tour is offered daily at 4 p.m. beginning in the hotel lobby, and requires the use of stairs. Ranger-led hikes for all skill levels are available.
These include a 10-mile Heart of Glacier Hike to Iceberg Lake in the Many Glacier Valley, a strenuous 6.2 mile hike to Rockwell Falls near Two Medicine, and an easy 2-mile hike along Upper McDonald Creek near the head of Lake McDonald.
Other new offerings this summer include photo walks and InstaMeets. The photo walks are a photography-oriented hike for participants to take photos and exchange ideas.
InstaMeets are an opportunity for visitors to connect, explore, and celebrate creativity through images of Glacier National Park. Both events allow for the sharing of photos through social media using #Glacier NPS.
For a schedule of ranger-led activities, visit the park’s website. Ranger-led activities schedules are also available form park entrance stations or visitor centers.
A free Junior Ranger activity booklet is available at park visitor centers and ranger stations. Children (and parents) can complete activities throughout the park and have a ranger review their booklet to receive a Glacier Junior Ranger Badge. Junior Ranger activities teach children about the history, culture, plants, and wildlife of Glacier National Park. Junior Ranger daily award ceremonies are held at the St. Mary, Apgar and Logan Pass Visitor Centers. There is also a pre-reader version of the Junior Ranger booklet available for younger children.
Families are also encouraged to stop at the park visitor centers to talk with park rangers and explore exhibits. Visitor centers are located at Apgar, St. Mary, and Logan Pass and each feature unique exhibits and activities.