Montana: Glacier National Park
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Glacier National Park became a park in 1910, but by 1911, only 4,000 people visited had visited the park in a year. The Great Northern Railway, trying to develop tourist activity in the area, built a railroad to the park, and began construction on the Glacier Park Lodge, which opened for business in 1913.
The Lodge History
Located in East Glacier, Montana, the lodge is immense, and incredible. As you enter the lobby, you can't help but notice the astonishing timbers lining the lobby and supporting the two stories to the roof. These massive Douglas Fir logs are 40 feet tall, and each are 36 to 42 inches in diameter. There are 60 of them, so you can't miss them as you enter this historic building. It's said that the logs are so large, each one required it's own railroad car on the trip to Montana from the Pacific Northwest. Logs that big don't grow in Montana, so they had to be imported.
Today, the Lodge features a heated swimming pool, a nine-hole "pitch and putt" golf course on the lawn of the Lodge, another nine-hole golf course, a restaurant with "huge buffets," and guest rooms that range from suites to "value" rooms. Glacier is open year-round, but this hotel is only open from June to September, so make sure you plan ahead.
Make Reservations
Of course, just like other national parks, Glacier can get quite crowded in the summer time. Besides the Lodge, there are several other lodging options inside the park, along with many campgrounds. You can call (406) 892-2525 for reservations at the lodges, or visit the first Web site below.
What to See
Glacier is a big park, and there is plenty to see and do. You can ride the historic "Jammers" up the Going to the Sun Road and cross the continental divide. You can hike many trails throughout the park, and fish in many of the lakes and streams. You can also travel across the Canadian border to Waterton Lakes Park. Glacier and Waterton are the world's only joined parks that span two countries.
Glacier is a beautiful park, so make sure you bring your camera and lots of film! The alpine lakes and forested mountains are spectacular, and hiking in the area can be strenuous because of unsuspected storms and the high altitudes. There are many bus and boat tours for those who aren't up to hiking in the park.