2010 marks the 100th anniversary of one of America’s most valuable national treasures: Glacier National Park. Located in the northwest corner of Montana along the spine of the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park, the park’s primary visitor season runs May through October. With various film festivals, art projects, legacy projects and other special events occurring throughout the year, it’s a great time to visit the Glacier National Park.
To see some current images of the park, check out their webcams.
Below is just some of the information available at www.glaciercentennial.org about the park and the anniversary celebrations.
The Legacy:
Glacier National Park has a rich legacy of preservation, enjoyment, and history dating back to 1910. Looking ahead at Glacier’s 2nd Century, the Centennial Program is planning to continue this rich legacy through signature events, programs, and projects. Over 50 people are steering the program in an attempt to enhance partnerships, foster new personal connections, and engage future stewards. The extensive engagement of the Centennial Program will ensure the continued legacy and preservation of the million acres and all of the resources that it consists of.
The People:
Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road, historic park lodges and red bus tours, Glacier National Park was home to members of the Flathead and Blackfeet nations. Called the “Backbone of the World” by the Blackfeet, both nations hold these lands sacred and drew wisdom from the surrounding mountains. For centuries, the park has played an important role in the lives and traditions of the tribes. Tribal members navigated the mountain passes of the park on hunting and scouting expeditions and years later, led early explorers through the park. Regarded as sacred to the tribes, Chief Mountain is located in the northeast corner of the park. Legend has it that when young warriors were being initiated into manhood, they would climb the mountain and fast, open their minds and receive a vision as part of the “medicine vision” ritual. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/glac/historyculture/index.htm.
For more information on Glacier National Park’s Centennial: www.glaciercentennial.org
Kay Thomas
We are blessed to live 35 miles from Glacier National Park, and spend much of our time there, spring to fall. Now that we have the Senior Pass, it is very inexpensive to visit and camp in Glacier. Pat is right…do not miss Going to the Sun Road–it is incredibly beautiful. Watch for mountain goats near Logan Pass–you almost always see them. Enjoy!
Glen Odom
We are hoping to visit Glacier this September. Looking so forward to going.
Pat
We took a month-long trip in September 1996 and stayed at Johnson’s Campground, St. Mary’s while visiting Glacier. We absolutely loved Glacier – much better than Yellowstone, as a matter of fact. The Going to the Sun Highway is a DO NOT MISS trip.