Why is glacier national park important

Another milestone in the park's evolution, one that today arguably is the prime draw for most visitors, is the Going-to-the-Sun Road that stretches 50 miles between West Glacier to St.

Mary, climbing up and over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass along the way. It wasn't always clear that the "Sun Road," as it's popularly known, would run from West Glacier up to and over Logan Pass, then down to St. Mary on the eastern side of the park.

Early on there were debates over the best routing of a cross-park road, with some wanting it to run in a southwesterly to northeasterly path from Apgar to Many Glacier, others wanting it to run all the way to Waterton Lake in British Columbia, and others still arguing for it to go by Gunsight Pass.

In the end the U. Bureau of Public Roads decided the current route made the most sense. In the park celebrated its centennial, a year-long affair that saw a record 2. Skip to main content. Covering 50 miles of awe-inspiring landscapes, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, this drive is certainly a quintessential part of your visit. Evidence of human use in the area dates back over 12, years. Archeological evidence shows human occupation of this landscape dating back to the retreat of the Ice Age glaciers 12, years ago.

These mountains still hold spiritual significance for the local Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai Tribes. Glacier has welcomed over million visitors to the park.

Glacier has certainly come a long way since with an annual visitation of only 4, The largest glacier in the park is 0. Of the 26 glaciers present, Blackfoot Glacier is the largest glacier in the park.

Glacier holds over miles of hiking trails. Over half of the visitors to Glacier National Park hit the trail to see some of the outstanding scenic views the park has to offer. With opportunities for both long backpacking trips and shorter hikes, there is something for everyone.

Hiking not your thing? Lake McDonald is a favorite of visitors. Library of Congress. Montana Historical Society. Minnesota Historical Society. Huge logs used for construction of the Glacier Park Lodge are near a specially built siding with derricks construction materials and a freight wagon - Tom Bengtson Pvt Collection.