Glacier National Park Travel Guide
Visiting Glacier National Park is an unforgettable experience. As a family of Glacier locals for over 50 years, we know the park and surrounding area inside and out — from the best hikes for all ages to the hidden gems, restaurants, and guided adventures visitors might miss. This guide covers things to do in Glacier National Park, where to eat, where to stay, and the best family-friendly activities just minutes from the West Glacier entrance.
Top Things to Do Near Glacier National Park for Families
If you’re planning a family trip to Glacier, you’ll want a mix of hikes, scenic drives, picnic spots, and activities close to West Glacier. Here are the most family-friendly things to do:
1. Drive Going-To-The Sun Road
Stop at:
- Lake McDonald
- Trail of the Cedars
- Logan Pass
- Jackson Glacier Overlook
- Sun Rift Gorge
2. Play at Glacier Highline: West Glacier’s Family Adventure Hub
Spend the morning in the park, then let the kids burn energy on:
3. Visit Apgar Village
Perfect for everyone:
- Clear waters with every beautiful colored rock along the shoreline
- Lunch & Ice cream at Eddie’s Cafe
- Boat Tours
- Iconic Souvenoirs
- Take part in the Junior Ranger program with Glacier National Park Rangers
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
4. Explore Glacier’s Best Easy-to-Moderate Hikes
Great for all ages, including younger kids:
- Avalanche Lake – 4.5 miles, easy to moderate, one of Glacier’s most iconic lake views.
- Hidden Lake Overlook – Moderate boardwalk trail to overlook. Incredible views, mountain goats are often spotted along the trail.
- Trail of the Cedars – Full boardwalk trail, stroller-friendly, peaceful old-growth forest leading to Avalanche Lake trailhead.
- St. Mary Falls – Classic Glacier waterfall hike, scenic gradual hills, easy trail along turquoise waters.
5. Try a Guided Adventure
Experience Glacier from a whole new perspective by booking a guided adventure with one of the local outfitters. Whether you choose horseback riding through scenic forests, guided hikes to iconic glaciers, rafting down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, or heading out on a guided fishing trip, these experiences offer memorable ways for families to explore beyond the hiking trails. (Full section below).
Glacier National Park Travel Guide (Local Tips)
These are the things most visitors wish they knew before they arrived.
Best Time to Visit
- July–September for full Going-To-The-Sun Highway road access
- May-June & September-October for lighter crowds
- Winter/Early Spring for quiet views and snowshoeing (limited park access)
Top Family Travel Tips
- Start hikes early (parking fills fast at Logan Pass)
- Pack layers (weather changes quickly)
- Bring snacks or grab food from the Tower Grill
- Mix hiking days with activity days to avoid burnout
- Staying on the west side of Glacier Park allows for more variety of lodging options, stores, restaurants, and activities.
- The east side of Glacier is more remote, has limited facilities and amenities.
Ideal Number of Days
- 3–4 days is ideal for most families
staying on the west side of Glacier. - Glacier/Coram gives the easiest access to Glacier’s main attractions.
Where to Eat Near Glacier National Park
Local favorites within minutes of Glacier Highline.
The Tower Grill (on-site)
The Tower Grill offers quick eats, espresso, breakfast, lunch, and grab-and-go snacks — perfect before or after a Glacier adventure.
Sunflower Cafe (West Glacier)
Located at the Glacier Campground, offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options at their backwoods outdoor pavilion.
Tex & Jerry's (Hungry Horse)
Great for those late-night meals!
Canyon Cafe (Hungry Horse)
Serving great breakfasts daily, limited seating, but all the comforts of country cookin’.
Great Bear Cafe (Hungry Horse)
Serving up great, everyday homemade options for breakfast, lunch, and more. Known for its Bison & Elk Burgers, easy access off Hwy 2.
Josephine’s Bar & Kitchen (Coram)
Montana-forward menu with small plates, soups, salads, and house specialties like fried green tomatoes.
Eddie’s Cafe (Inside Glacier – Apgar Village)
Farm-to-table burgers, sandwiches, and meals you can enjoy lakeside at Lake McDonald.
Last Best Pizza (West Glacier)
A scenic drive and great food. Don’t miss the homemade pizza and hot wings at this Glacier staple. Cranking out great eats mid-day to evening daily.
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Stay just minutes from the park’s main entrance with a variety of unique and comfortable West Glacier lodging options ideal for families, couples, and adventure travelers looking for convenient access to Glacier National Park.
Glacier Highline Tower Studio
The Glacier Highline Tower Studio is a modern second-story studio apartment overlooking the pond and waterfall, offering easy access to both the adventure park and Glacier National Park.
Building 338 at Glacier Highline
Building 338 is an easily accessible, single-level lodging option featuring multiple units with rustic-modern finishes, full amenities, and convenient proximity to dining, activities, and the park entrance.
Fortress Condos at Glacier Highline
The Fortress Condos are brand new, spacious, family-friendly condo units minutes from Glacier. Designed for comfort and convenience, complete with private hot tubs, full kitchens, cozy gathering spaces, and close access to West Glacier.
Hebron House
The Hebron House is a private retreat ideal for families or groups looking for extra space, beautiful views, and a peaceful home base just minutes from Glacier National Park.
Iconic Must-See Spots in Glacier National Park
Avalanche Lake
An easy to lightly moderate hike ending at one of the park’s most famous alpine lakes. Parking can be an issue. We recommend early morning or late in the day on this one.
Hidden Lake Overlook
A must for first-time visitors —taking off from the Logan’s Pass Visitors Center, so parking can be an issue. Please keep in mind that there is a new implementation of a 3-hour parking limitation from the NPS at Logan’s Pass, but it’s worth the wait or loops through the parking lot for your spot. Later in the day on this hike also helps to snag a spot for these can’t miss sweeping mountain views and frequent wildlife sightings.
Great for sunset views, skipping rocks, and low-effort time outside with kids or souvenir shopping. This quaint little area in the park has great nostalgia and memory-making written all over it.
Going-To-The-Sun Highway
This is the must-do! Take your time, drive slow, stop out on the pull-outs. Going-to-the-Sun Highway is like almost no other road, so take it all in. Open June-September pending weather. The entirety of this road is worth it.
Best Guided Adventures Near Glacier National Park
- Wild River Adventures
- Rafting, fishing, and custom overnight trips. Don’t miss the Park-N-Paddle Flathead River rafting and aerial adventure park combo with Glacier Highline.
- Glacier Guides/ Montana Raft
- Chosen as Glacier National Park’s exclusive hiking guide service, offering great guided hikes and biking adventures in Glacier Park. Rafting and scenic floats are based out of West Glacier.
- Swan Mountain Outfitters
- Horseback riding tours on Glacier’s most scenic trails.
Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
- Best Easy Hike: Trail of the Cedars
- Flat, boardwalk loop through ancient cedar forest.
- Best Moderate Hike: Avalanche Lake
- 4.5 miles round-trip with a stunning alpine lake payoff.
- Best Challenging Hike: Highline Trail
- Iconic, approximately 12-mile ridge line trail with dramatic drop-offs and sweeping views.
- Best Hike for Kids: Running Eagle Falls (Two Medicine)
- Short, easy, and magical for little ones.
- Best Hike Near West Glacier: Johns Lake Loop
- Quiet forest loop close to Lake McDonald and the West Glacier entrance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the top things to do in Glacier National Park?
The top things to do in Glacier National Park include hiking iconic trails like Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, and the Highline Trail; driving Going-to-the-Sun Road; and exploring scenic areas such as Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and Many Glacier. Visitors also enjoy rafting, wildlife viewing, photography, and ranger programs during the summer months.
If you’re staying near West Glacier, Glacier Highline is a convenient home base with a high ropes aerial adventure park, several West Glacier lodging options, West Glacier restaurants, and easy access to the park’s most popular areas.
What are the best hikes in Glacier National Park for first-time visitors?
The best beginner-friendly hikes for first-time visitors include Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, Trail of the Cedars, and St. Mary Falls. These offer incredible scenery without difficult elevation gains.
For visitors wanting a challenge, Highline Trail, Iceberg Lake, and Grinnell Glacier are some of Glacier’s world-famous bucket-list routes. Glacier Highline’s location near the West Glacier entrance makes it easy to access Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake, and Logan Pass trailheads.
How many days do you need in Glacier National Park?
Most visitors need 2–4 days to experience the major highlights of Glacier National Park. Two days allow time for Going-to-the-Sun Road and a signature hike, while three to four days open up both the west and east sides of the park with additional trails and scenic overlooks. View our 3-day Glacier National Park itinerary.
Travelers staying at Glacier Highline enjoy quick access to the West Glacier entrance, making it easy to maximize time on the trails and scenic drives. View our West Glacier lodging options.
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is July through September, when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, the weather is warm, and most trails are fully accessible.
Shoulder seasons like June and early October offer fewer crowds but may come with limited road or trail access.
Spring and fall remain great times for quieter visits, and West Glacier lodging at Glacier Highline provides a comfortable base for exploring the park during every season.
Where should I stay near Glacier National Park?
The most convenient places to stay near Glacier National Park are in West Glacier, Coram, and Hungry Horse, just minutes from the park entrance. Glacier Highline presents fully stocked homes, cabin-style lodging, and full-amenity studio units, while offering locally made-to-order eats with on-site dining at the outdoor West Glacier restaurant. An experience ideal for families, couples, and adventure travelers who want easy access to the park without sacrificing comfort or amenities.
Staying on the west side keeps you close to Lake McDonald, Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake, Logan Pass, and Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Is Glacier National Park good for families?
Yes! Glacier National Park is extremely family-friendly, with easy hikes like Trail of the Cedars, Redrock Falls, and Running Eagle Falls, plus numerous overlooks, beaches, and picnic areas. Ranger programs at Apgar and Logan Pass are great for kids as well.
Families staying with Glacier Highline enjoy additional perks—like Tower Grill dining, discounted tickets to the zipline and aerial adventure park, and comfortable West Glacier lodging options—making it easy to combine national park exploring with exciting activities right next door.
About Glacier Highline
Glacier Highline offers one of the most exciting, family-friendly things to do near Glacier National Park. Our aerial adventure park features a high ropes course, zipline features, and giant inflatables is the perfect way to mix up a hiking-heavy itinerary. With onsite dining and easy access to West Glacier lodging, it’s the ideal home base for adventure travelers and families.