Tags:
Montana National parks ,
United States National Parks
Welcome to the 10th National Park in the United States, Montana's beautiful Glacier National Park located in the northwestern corner of the state along the Canadian border.
Park History: Before the arrival of European settlers various Native American tribes occupied this region as far back as over 10,000 years ago. Some of these tribes include the Salish, Blackfeet, and Kootenai tribes who hunted the land's game and fished it's rivers. Some of the first known white men to enter the region came in the early 19th century and include members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as well as European trappers in search of beavers. The Great Northern Railway came through Marias Pass in 1891 leading to the development of small mountain towns. Miners also flocked to the region around this same time seeking copper and gold but turned out to be very disappointed. Around the turn of the century more people began to appreciate the land not for it's wealth of natural resources but for it's wealth of natural beauty. Tourist facilities began to spring up as people traveled to the region via the Great Northern Railway. An early explorer to the region named George Bird Grinnell began to advocate for the establishment of a National Park. In 1900, the area became a Forest Reserve but was upgraded to National Park Status in 1910 with the signature of President Taft. Glacier National Park was established.
Wildlife: Glacier National Park helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including bears, mountain goats, deer, squirrels, and bald eagles. Please treat their home with respect.
For the lover of the outdoors this magnificent gem has so much to offer. As the founder of RecPlanet and a lover of the outdoors I can tell you about my personal experience in July 1995. The waters of Lake MacDonald were crystal clear and cold enough to cause death by hypothermia if exposed for too long (Fortunately I was only exposed for a few seconds. But OMG!!) The drive along Going to the Sun Road is one of the most treasured memories of my lifetime. It feels like you are on your way to heaven and the vista of the valley below will take your breath away. There are so many trails to hike, mountains to climb, and so much more. Come on out and explore!
This was RecPlanet place of the day on April 17, 2016 to mark the start of National Park week.
Glacier National Park
Montana
United States
48.625647, -113.774414
Map:
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