How to get out Glacier National Park
Day Trips: (in the early summer, the sun doesn't set until after 9:30 pm)
Blackfeet Nation Indian Reservation - The reservation is home to the Blackfeet Nation and borders Glacier National Park to the west. Its northern border is shared by Canadian province Alberta. The seat of government is Browning.
Waterton Lakes National Park (406)888-7800 Bring US/Canadian pasport, passport card or enhanced driver’s license.
Whitefish - Whitefish is a small city of 5,000 west of Glacier National Park about 27 miles southwest of West Glacier. To get there from the park, take US Hwy 2 south from West Glacier to MT-40. This will take you to US-93, which leads into Whitefish. The city draws tourists during the winter for its ski resorts, including Big Mountain Ski Area. During the summer, you can golf on five courses or catch a performance by the Alpine Theater Project (a professional Equity summer theater group) .
Kalispell - In case of rain (which happens frequently), Kalispell is a nice small city of about 20,000 (Metro 80,000) located 32 miles west of West Glacier on US Hwy 2. It has an indoor mall in the center of the city three blocks south of the US Hwy 2 (Idaho St.)/US Hwy 93 (Main St.) junction with a J.C. Penny, Montana's Herberger Department Store, plus many smaller stores. Also, there's a new shopping complex on both sides of US Hwy 93 North just before W. Reserve Dr. (2.5 to 3 miles north of the center). A COSTCO store (members only) with a gas station is located here, as well as a Target store on the other side. For getting back to Glacier Park on Hwy 2 East, turn right just after the Home Depot onto W. Reserve Dr. and go 2.5 miles to connect with US Hwy 2 called "La Salle Dr." (turn left toward Wendy's). Likewise, coming from Glacier turn right on to Reserve Dr. just after Wendy's Restaurant (about 5 mile south of the airport), go 2.5 miles, then left on US Hwy 93 at the Home Depot. Separately, Wal-Mart is on US Hwy 2 (Idaho St.) about 1.5 miles east of the center, while K-Mart is a just little further in the NW corner of the block where US Hwy 2 turns left to the north and becomes "La Salle Dr." All shopping in Montana is Tax Free.
Hungry Horse Dam - Montana's highest dam, just 4 miles south from the small town of Hungry Horse on U.S. Hwy 2 between Kalispell and West Glacier. If arriving in Kalispell too late in the day to visit Glacier Park, the dam is a much closer and easier location. Turn from US Hwy 2 on the east side of the town where a large sign points to the exit for the dam (West Side Road).
Cut Bank - (Not to be confused with the campground inside the park) - One problem with Glacier National Park is that many of its prime attractions are east of the Continental Divide (Glacier Park Lodge, Many Glacier Lodge, Two Medicine, St. Mary, road access to Waterton) but the closest "major" cities (by Montana standards) are on the west side (Kalispell and Whitefish). While not a tourist destination unto itself, Cut Bank, a 45-minute drive from East Glacier Park has many services tourists may find useful. Cut Bank has two major grocery stores (Albertson's, IGA), both on the west end of town; Albertson's has a pharmacy and IGA is in a shopping center with a pharmacy; Both grocery stores have a deli. The shopping center ("Northern Village") also has a Ben Franklin, a dollar store, a western wear outlet, Candy Bouquet, a restaurant, and other food outlets. Fast food franchises in town include Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway, and Taco John's. One of only nine remaining JC Penney stores in the state of Montana is in downtown Cut Bank. Cut Bank also has car dealerships for the three major U.S. car companies: GM (Bell Motor), Ford (Northern Ford), and Chrysler (Northern Chrysler). The GM and Ford dealerships, as well as Rent-A-Wreck will rent cars. Amtrak stops in Cut Bank (though the station is not staffed) and car rental agencies will arrange to meet the train with prior notice. Car rentals in Cut Bank are more expensive than in Great Falls, but east of the divide, the next closest city with car rental facilities is Great Falls. The next closest city with car dealerships for service is Conrad, about midway between Cut Bank and Great Falls. Cut Bank also has two auto parts stores and other auto repair facilities, as well as other restaurants, bars, a campground, motels (the Super 8 and Glacier Gateway Inn are to be recommended). Far from being a shopping mecca, Cut Bank at least offers many goods and services tourist might need less than an hour from Glacier National Park, and considerably closer than the only other alternative east of the divide: Great Falls.
The Flathead National Forest - is named after the Flathead Indians who lived in the area. The forest is located just south of Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from less than 4,500 feet to over 8,500 feet (1400 to 2600 m). The Forest provides habitat for approximately 250 species of wildlife and 22 species of fish. As with most of the national forest system, parts of the forest's 2.3 million acres are designated wilderness and parts are not (these latter may be privately owned and commercial activities including logging can take place there), and visitor activities are much less regulated than in the National Park system. Camping is possible in most of the forest without a permit, although there are also designated campgrounds and cabins available for rent. Hike 2,800 miles of hiking trails or pick up to 10 gallons of berries (over 10 requires a permit). Two commercial downhill ski resorts are also available. (406)758-5200
| Routes through Glacier National Park |
Ends at  ? West Glacier ? |
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? St. Mary ? Ends at  |
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This is a guide article. It has a variety of good, quality information about the park including attractions, activities, lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, and arrival/departure info. Plunge forward and help us make it a�star!
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Glacier National Park
? West Glacier ? 