The Many Glacier area is a top thing to do in Glacier National Park and shouldn’t be missed. It is a less busy section of Glacier and definitely has more of a remote feel to it than the main parts of Glacier National Park.
This area is home to some of the best hikes in Glacier! If you are planning a trip to the park be sure that Many Glacier is on your Glacier Itinerary.
Always be sure to check the Glacier National Park official website to make sure this part of the park is open.
Table of Contents
Many Glacier Vehicle Registration
***PLEASE NOTE – Glacier National Park has started requiring a reservation and a ticket to enter Many Glacier.
July 1 through September 8 vehicle reservations are required for Many Glacier from 6 am to 3 pm. You can check out more details here. The good thing is that in the summer the sun is out until 9/10pm so if you don’t get a registration you have plenty of time after 3pm to explore!
Want help planning your trip? Check out our post: The Best Glacier National Park Itinerary from 1 to 7 Days.
Getting There
If you are staying in the main section of Glacier, either by West Glacier or the Lake McDonald area, you will have to drive a good 2 1/2 to 3 hours from the West Glacier side of the park to get to Many Glacier. You can either get there by going through the park on the Going-To-The-Sun Road, which is beautiful, but could take a while depending on how busy it is. Or by going around the bottom of the park.
We lay out the best routes and must-see stops along the way in our Glacier Guides. These 1, 3 or 7 day itineraries make it simple plan your trip to Glacier. If you want to see the Many Glacier area, you are going to want the 3 day or 7 day guide to help find your way.
Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.
We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!
Map
Getting into this area is a little rough and bumpy and can be filled with free-roaming cattle. All this aside we were able to do it with our mid-size SUV and my parents were able to with their compact car. You just have to be aware and ready for a few bumps.
The ride in is beautiful and you get a glimpse of the gorgeous blue waters of Glacier with mountains in the back. As you drive through the entrance and into the park, the views continue to be amazing.
Things To Do In Many Glacier
There are a variety of things to do in the area but the main thing you are going to want to do is get out and go hiking! Yes, you can drive through and get a good feel for this section of the park and take in some amazing views, but actually hiking it is going to really show you the brilliance of the area.
Many Glacier has a lot of our recommended Best Hikes In Glacier National Park.
If hiking isn’t for you we share some additional options as well.
Hiking
Below we share our top picks for the best hikes to do in the Many Glacier area.
Apakuni Falls
You could catch this hike on the way in or the way out of Glacier. It is shorter at just 2 miles. But you are climbing up hill the whole way. 1 mile in you are going to come to a beautiful waterfall that you can walk right up to!
Hike to Fishercap Lake
This is a short walk (starts at the trailhead at the end of the Swiftcurrent Parking lot) to a lake where you may or may not see a moose.
We were lucky enough to see one playing in the water. You can continue on to Red Rock Falls if you would like.
Related: One Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Grinnell Lake Trail
This is a trail where you can take a boat cruise, hike a short distance, then take another boat, then decide to either hike to Grinnell Lake or to Grinnell Glacier before taking the boats back.
Or if you would like you can save yourself some money and hike the whole thing. So many choices! I think you know our recommendation. It is always to do the hike! But I understand that doesn’t work for everyone so it is nice they give the option for the boat cruise.
Grinnell Glacier Hike
We did this hike when our kids were 11,9,9 and 7. It was a long hike at over 11 miles roundtrip and an 1800 foot elevation gain. It was totally worth it!
The views on the hike were gorgeous – similar to the Grinnell Lake hike – as you start on the same trail. But instead of taking the trail to the lake you take the trail to the glacier.
When we came around the corner the view were UNREAL!! We sat for a while to enjoy some snacks and we did not want to leave!
If you want to do this hike. Here is a video of our hike there:
Iceberg Trail
We were not able to do this hike when we were there due to the trail being closed due to bear activity, but we would love to go back and do it in the future! How cool would that be to see an Iceberg floating around. You can see the icebergs all year round – even in summer.
Here is a link that shows what Iceberg Trail is like. It looks so cool!! Next time!
There are a few more long trails that you could do and any of the visitor centers (there is not one by Many Glacier) have a brochure on the hikes in the area.
Read more about hiking here: The Best Hikes in Glacier National Park With Kids
Red Bus Tour
If hiking is not your thing and it doesn’t sound fun to drive yourself you can also pay for the Red Bus Tour. This tour will start in West Glacier and take you on the Going To The Sun Road to Many Glacier. It is along tour at 8-9.5 hours but you will see almost the whole park and won’t have to worry about driving.
You can learn more about the West Side Crown Of The Continent Tour here.
Grinnell Lake Boat Tour
Like mentioned about if you don’t want to do the hike but want to get deeper into the park the Grinnell Lake Boat Tour is a great option!
You can either do a one way boat ride – so you can go out and hike to the lake but take a boat back. Or you can do a round trip boat tour – and include time to hike to Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier if you would like – these are not guided hikes.
Note – everyone who goes on the tour will need to walk a short .2 mile steep hike on uneven terrain between the lakes. You can check their site for more details.
Things To Know
- Cell coverage is pretty much non existent in the area.
- The roads are bumpy on the way in. It is not all paved.
- You will need your National Park pass/or Glacier day pass to get into the area.
- Fill up on gas before you head here.
- Bring water and good shoes if you plan to hit the hiking trails.
- There are also options to do Horseback riding in the area if you are interested in that.
Don’t miss Bowman Lake and Polebridge Mercantile!
When planning your trip to Glacier National Park make sure to save at least one if not 2 days to explore this area. We made it back a few times and would love to come and camp in this section of the park in the future.
We know there is a lot to take in when you plan your trip! Don’t forget to get your Glacier Guide to help with the planning:
Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.
We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!
Many Glacier Hotel
The hotel is located past the entrance. The hotel was built with a Swiss style back in the early 1900’s by the Great Northern Railway. The Many Glacier hotel is situated on the shores of the Swiftcurrent Lake with mountains surrounding it. It is the largest hotel in Glacier National Park with 214 rooms offering a great place to stay to enjoy this historic hotel and the area.
Where To Eat
After that you can drive to the end of the road and you come to the Swiftcurrent area. There is a campground here, a convenient store/snack shop/gift shop, and a restaurant. We were very surprised with the great selection of food at the restaurant.
They had a variety of vegetarian options and organic or grass-fed options on the menu. The gift shop had yummy self-serve huckleberry or vanilla ice cream! They also had a great selection of local microbrew for a very great price!
**Note this menu does change!! This is what it was when we were there.
Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park
Hotels
Haven Inn Located in Essex a short 20-mile drive away from the National Park. This inn feels like home due to its breakfasts, packed lunches, and home-cooked dinners. This is a great location for anyone looking to explore the park.
Great Northern Resort is located in West Glacier, this hotel has great family-friendly amenities to make your stay more comfortable.
Vacation Rentals
Glacier Riverside Lodge is located just 10 miles from Glacier National Park. This beautiful house can sleep 8.
West Glacier Adobe House This unique home is filled with modern and luxurious amenities. This home is located across the street from the western entrance to the park.
Camping
Mountain Meadow RV Park & Cabins Peaceful and picturesque this RV park is located 28 miles from the park in Hungry Horse, MT.
More amazing things to do around Glacier National Park:
Trail Of The Cedars Hike In Glacier National Park
Hiking Avalanche Lake In Glacier National Park
Polebridge Mercantile and Bowman Lake: If you are looking to get off the beaten path in Glacier be sure to check this place out and get a pastry!
Whitefish Resort: If you are visiting the park during the summer months, discover why you need to go to Whitefish Resort.
Rafting: Discover more about the amazing rafting adventures you can have with your family.
Going To The Sun Road: The Sun Road is a must-see for anyone that come to Glacier National Park.
Guided White Water Rafting Trip: with Dinner included. This guided tour is the ultimate bucket list adventure for your family.
Private Fly Casting Lesson: learn to fly fish with a 1-hour private lesson. Learn why fly fishing is so popular and a great source of exercise during this lesson.
Scenic Rafting Trip: enjoy a 2 1/2-hour scenic rafting trip to remember. This is perfect for those that want a more relaxing experience than white water rafting.
Or visit our Glacier Page to learn all about visiting Glacier National Park with your family!
More Things To Do In Montana
If you love National Parks be sure to check out our National Park Road Trip ideas!
Stay in one of these 26 Unique VRBO & AIRBNB MONTANA Options, visit the fun towns of Gardiner, Bozeman, Livingston, West Yellowstone or Red Lodge.
More Great National Park Family Fun
12 Fun Things to do in Olympic National Park
18 Top Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
21 Breathtaking Things to do in Banff National Park
Yellowstone Vacation: 12-Day Itinerary for Visiting In & Around The Park
15 Awesome Things to do in Zion National Park
23 Magical Things to do in Redwood National Park
10 Best Things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
The Best Glacier National Park Itinerary From 1 to 7 Days
Pin it for later:
She loves being outside and exploring new places which is all made better when doing it with family and friends!
- 12 Top Thanksgiving Getaways in the US - November 1, 2024
- 9 US National Parks To VIsit In November! - October 24, 2024
- 5 Things To Do With Your Kids In and Around Mammoth Cave, Kentucky - August 19, 2024
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.
I was going to go here but it didn’t push through, now I regret it.
We highly recommend making plans to go! We loved it!
I had the chance to visit Glacier National Park this past winter and I was blown away by how beautiful it and Montana are. Of course, visiting in winter limits the accessible areas in Glacier. I’d love to get back in summer and do some hiking.
Winter had to be beautiful in a whole different way! But yes definitely go back when you can explore more of the park.
Who needs a cell coverage when you’re in the middle of this beautiful place! It would be lovely to unplug for a day. The rock formations are amazing in your photos too!
That is exactly how we felt. There was no choice so it was easy to unplug!
A very nice place to be with the kids. I really like the Apukani Falls.
It really is a great family travel destination!
I’ve never been to a glacier park but I SO want to. This looks like a beautiful part of the world. Great post and photos, thanks for sharing 🙂
Definitely add it to your list! It is an amazing place!
Great comprehensive guide! Those photos look incredible. Would love to hike around there. Looks like you guys had a great time.
It is an amazing place!
Seems like a great destination for a family trip to get out of the city for some fresh air! Pictures look beautiful and I’m sure the children had fun exploring nature
Thanks! We all had fun exploring!
I had no idea that it is so big that you have to drive 3 hours! It is so worth it, tough, these views along the way are simply stunning! Would love to see the Apakuni falls. I was surprised to see vegan options at the restaurant.
We didn’t know either until we got there! We were pleasantly surprised by all the options on the menu too!
Where is glacier national park? This place looks incredibly awesome, very beautiful.
It is located in Northern Montana in the US. It is beautiful!
One of my favorite National Parks! We went last year with our Millennial kids and it was a different experience. You’re creating a lifetime of memories.
It is our favorite National Park! Glad you enjoyed it too!
Apakuni Falls looks amazing…
and getting with kids to this place is totally worth, surely will suggest this place to my cousin she will really love it.
Keep Posting
Cheers:-)