Going to Glacier National Park is like a journey back to a time of pioneers, Native Americans, and pristine wilderness vistas. This jewel of the National Park system would seem to be in a place that time forgot, but it's really in one of the most beautiful parts of Montana. Glacier National Park is a wonderful place to hike, and you can find something new every day. There are hundreds of miles of trails through the mountains and forests, and picturesque chalets and lodges along the banks of numerous glacial lakes. There is also a wide variety of wildlife including wolves, elk, black bears and grizzly bears. Historically there were also buffalo, beaver and other game that provided sustenance for the native tribes, and enticed the early American explorers to the area. Early explorers were also lured by the promise of mining copper and gold in the mountains. Mining in the park was short lived, but visitors realized the beauty of the area and sought to preserve it. In 1910 it became the 10th National Park and,in 1995, became a World Heritage Site. Glacier National Park is also a center of nature research for students and scientists from around the world. Located in and around the park are many research centers including the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Crown of the Continent Learning Center and the Glacier Institute. These centers are not just for scientists, but for the public as well. Glacier National Park also provides e-hikes and podcasts to bring spectacular views to virtual visitors who may never see this wonderful place in person. If you get to travel to the great state of Montana, make sure not to miss this wilderness paradise! |
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