State & National Parks

You'll discover some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on Earth. Glacier Country's state and national parks house stunning scenery and dazzling waters to geologic wonders and cultural history.

Glacier National Park

Established first as a Forest Preserve in 1900, then as a National Park in 1910, Glacier has had conservationists, environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts lobbying for protection of the approximate 1.4 million acres since the late 1800's. A combination of spectacular scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and relative isolation from major population centers have combined to make Glacier National Park the center of one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America.

Although Glacier National Park is open year round, most visitor services within the park are only available from May to September. Many communities in the surrounding areas provide 'off-season' amenities.

Only one road crosses the park, from West Glacier over Logan Pass to St. Mary, the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932 after 11 years of work. The GTSR is considered an engineering marvel, is a National Historic Landmark, and one of the most scenic drives in North America.

Just across the border, in Canada, is Waterton Lakes National Park. In 1931, members of the Rotary Clubs of Alberta and Montana suggested joining the two parks as a symbol of the peace and friendship between our two countries. In 1932, the United States and Canadian governments voted to designate the parks as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world's first. The parks are both Biosphere Reserves, and were named as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

While much has changed since the first visitors came to Glacier, it is possible to relive some of Glacier's early history. You can take a horseback ride like an early visitor. Miles of hiking trails follow routes first used by trappers in the early 1800's. Several hotels and chalets, built by the Great Northern Railway in the early 1900's, house guests to the park.

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Featured Listings

Region 2

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Under the big sky of Montana, you'll discover some of the greatest natural and cultural treasures on earth. From stunning scenery and dazzling waters to geologic wonders and cultural history, Montana State Parks offer something for everyone. The diverse recreational and educational opportunities...
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Travelers' Rest State Park

Nestled between meadows and Lolo Creek is Travelers Rest State Park, an ancient Native American camp spot used later by Lewis and Clark. Rich in history, this site holds a thousand years of the past beneath every footstep. Archaeologists uncovered evidence of the Corps of Discovery using this spot...
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Other Listings

Company Phone Location
Big Arm State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-849-5255 Big Arm
Wild Horse Island State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-849-5256 Big Arm
Wayfarers State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-837-4196 Bigfork
Beavertail Hill State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Clinton
Painted Rocks State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Darby
Lake Mary Ronan State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-849-5082 Dayton
Frenchtown Pond State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Frenchtown
Lone Pine State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-755-2706 Kalispell
West Shore State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-844-3044 Lakeside
Travelers' Rest State Park
6755 Highway 12
http://www.travelersrest.org		 406-273-4253 Lolo
Logan State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-293-7190 Marion
Council Grove State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Missoula
Finley Point State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-887-2715 Polson
Yellow Bay State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-982-3034 Polson
Placid Lake State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Seeley Lake
Salmon Lake State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Seeley Lake
Fort Owen State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-542-5500 Stevensville
Thompson Falls State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-827-3110 Thompson Falls
Les Mason State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-752-5501 Whitefish
Whitefish Lake State Park

http://fwp.mt.gov/parks		 406-862-3991 Whitefish

Additional Links & Resources