If you are visiting Glacier, you will also be spending at least a little time at Apgar Village, so why not make the most of it! The Apgar Nature Center is a great place to stop and let your kids explore, learn, and soak up just a little bit more information on what they could see while your family explores Glacier. This blog will help make sure you get the most out of Apgar Nature Center and also Apgar Village here in West Glacier!
What is the Apgar Nature Center?
The Apgar Nature Center is nestled into the cedar trees within Apgar Village but is a must go to HUB when you are in Apgar. The nature center is set up in an old 1929 cabin and is chalk full of fun for your Glacier explorers. Offering great information about Glacier National Park.
Why Visit The Apgar Nature Center with Kids?
The Nature Center is great as it has not only interactive activities and exhibits for the kids, but there is also a plethora of information for all ages. You will not only learn about animals and plants you may see while you are in Glacier, but you can also get updates on road information, trail conditions, and even bear sightings. Don’t forget that here at the Nature Center, they can also start their Jr. Ranger program while you guys are in Glacier. Make sure once it’s completed, you guys turn it back in at a visitor center so they can proudly wear that Jr. Ranger badge!
Top Activities at the Apgar Nature Center
Have you ever wanted to touch a grizzly bear? You can feel grizzly bear fur here! You can also learn to identify birds by song, discover unique plant life, learn and match animals to their habitats or create your own puppet show! If you’re super lucky, you may be able to sit in on a ranger-led talk.
The Best Time to Visit Apgar Nature Center
Apgar Nature Center is open and volunteer-staffed from mid-June to late August. They are open daily from 10a-4p.
Other Nearby Attractions in Apgar Village
After you visit the Apgar Nature Center, you are right in the heart of Apgar Village. You can take in the breathtaking views of Lake McDonald. Take a swim or walk along the shoreline with an ice cream cone from Eddie’s Cafe. If you really want to fully experience the largest lake in Glacier National Park, head over to Glacier Outfitters and rent a kayak or paddleboard to fully immerse yourself in Lake McDonald’s beauty.
Exploring Lake McDonald as a Family
Lake McDonald Lodge, down the road from Apgar Village, is also a great spot to check out and stroll into the historic lodge. Enjoy a bite to eat at their restaurant or pick up a souvenir in their unique gift shop. The Lodge itself is full of history and a sight to see; the 1914 architecture is stunning. Make sure you don’t miss it.
Visit Glacier Highline On Your Trip
Time flies, and man, when you’re on vacation, I’m convinced it flies faster! Our days are long, and lucky for that, because they will be jammed-packed before you know it. There are a few MUST-dos outside of Glacier while you are here, in my opinion. Glacier Highline is a GREAT incentive for kids for logging some hiking miles or not fighting in the car while you are Going To The Sun. We have hours of family fun to burn off their remaining energy, which they didn’t seem to have to finish that trail. From zip lines to the Tarzan swing, we can keep them in the trees. Or maybe they will fill their time on the swimming pond and inflatable water slide, or our 80’ inflatable obstacle course. We can guarantee they will sleep well that night and have stories to tell for years to come. Another thing you will earn the “cool parent” badge for is rafting. Our friends at Wild River can hook you up with enjoying MT from a raft. We even offer a Park-N-Paddle package to save you 10% on each ticket…talk about cool! We can’t wait to see ya!