Glacier 2000
Written: Jul 14 '00
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Pros: Beautiful, somewhat secluded but still offers plenty of activities. And, there are no TAXES. yet
Cons: some of the prices can get a little scary. But I suppose that is no different than any other tourist attraction. However, they are considering adding taxes to this part of Montana because of the high tourist volume.
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| Annie_Crane's Full Review: Glacier National Park |
There is more to Glacier than just the park. If you have already visited then you know what I mean when I say most of the surroundings are "tourist traps".
Prices are unbelievably high. Service is at times unrealistically rude and the bugs are completely uncontrollable. So why do we continue to take our vacations there?
Because it is beautiful! It is tranquility in one of its most desirable moments. Peace surrounds you in spite of the nagging "buffalo" mosquitoes. My father in law calls them buffalo because of their size.
When you hear "Glacier National Park", you probably think of sightseeing, road traveling and money spending. However, if you do this vacation right, you can walk away with a desire to return year after year.
First off, make certain if you plan to stay in a hotel that you make reservations. Trust me, especially during the week of July 4th, you will not find one vacant at any cost. If it's within your budget, I highly suggest you consider renting a cabin. West Glacier Resort offers two bedroom cabins with hot tub, pool, playground, rec. center, a "real" waterfall (not one created by man), wood burning fireplaces, privacy and nothing but quiet, quiet, quiet. These cabins run 1,150 for a week and the minimum time you are allowed to rent is for two days. They do have one-bedroom cabins but I am not aware of the rates for these.
West Glacier Resort is located less than ten miles east of the town 'West Glacier'. I do not recommend you shop in this town though. It is only open during tourist season therefore prices will grab you buy the wallet and make you scream. If you need to do some shopping, keep heading backward, west, until you get to a town called Hungry Horse. There you can find your supplies a lot cheaper. An example of the price difference is in Hungry Horse ground beef goes for 99 cents a pound where as in West Glacier it goes for $2.19 a pound.
Now if you are looking to do more than just grocery shop then keep heading back approximately 40 miles until you reach Kalispell. This is a descent size town where you will find everything you need.
If you are looking for activities to fill your vacation with, I would first start by researching Glacier Park on the Internet. You will find that you can go white water rafting, flying, skiing (depending on time of year), your children can head to one of the nearby towns for a drive through bear trap (explained later), water slides and the amazing "Maze". There are tour buses that travel 'Up The Sun Road' for you if you fear driving the narrow winding path with hundreds of other tourist that take the same risks.
If you are looking into a little history of Glacier Park, then don't just stop there. Check out Hungry Horse Dam. There's a story about that name. It's about two horses that were lost in Glacier. They survived belly deep snow until nearly starved to death. Once they were discovered it took a considerable amount of time for them to be nursed back to health, but they DID survive. You may wonder what's the big deal, but Glacier National Park has been known for their avalanches. Just last winter one man was killed while riding his snowmobile. So, I think it's quite a miracle these two horses made it through. Look for a little yellow gift shop with a gigantic red, thin, wooden horse outside. The kind, older couple hands out great brochures that the wife made about this true story while her husband sells his hand-carved hungry horses for less than ten dollars.
Also, head about 55 miles east to East Glacier and you will find a small Indian town with a quaint museum. You will also find one of the most beautiful hotels around Glacier at this less tourist known spot.
Now if you are interested in spotting some of Glaciers' Wildlife, but avoid the wilderness walks due to fearing for your own life, head back toward Hungry Horse. On the left at a half-way-point you will find a small drive through wilderness facility. You can see black bears, brown bears and even grizzlies up close. You must stay in your vehicle though. At times you are allowed to lower your windows to take pictures. I haven't figured out yet why they don't allow you to drive around with the windows down all of the time since the bears are practically hand fed and babied. I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry. You must know though that this is one of those tourist traps. You pay four dollars per adult and two dollars per child to drive through. You are allowed to drive around and around and around as long as you like, but keep in mind you are not the only vehicle there so it is more entertaining for the host than it is for you. After all, they are sitting back, counting the money while you burn your gas playing follow the leader. (I liked it though. I found it great and the bears fascinating to watch at this close of a distance. Worth every cent and snicker to me)
Previously I mentioned watersides for the children and something called The Maze. When my husband was just a boy, he remembered being the first of two children to enter The Maze. This is a very small theme park that offers, well, A MAZE. But that's not all, you also have hoops, miniature golf, water bumper cars, go-cart racing and plenty of food.
If that doesn't sound appealing to your little ones, then think about visiting Columbia Falls. It's a small town located between Hungry Horse and Kalispell. There are huge waterslides, go-carts, miniature golf, arcades and again FOOD. To say the least, you won't go hungry while you are visiting here.
So, you see, Glacier Park is not just all about the park. It's about being away from it all, surrounded by the peace and quiet while yet still being within a reasonable distance of ample activities. Some things to remember though, bring insect repellent or increase your vitamin B-12. The extra B-12 reduces the sweet scent of your skin and is less attractive to those huge mosquitoes. Or so I hear. Also, while you are packing the sunscreen, make sure you pack your rain gear. If you are visiting for at least a week, I can almost guarantee you will see as much rain as you do sun.
One quick note; if you are interested in visiting the resort I mentioned, you wouldn't find it on the Internet. They have yet to build a web site. But send an email and I can get you the name and number from my packet.
Also, just to give you an idea of what type of surroundings you are in, one afternoon my husband and I stood at our front door and watched a deer eat grass less than twenty feet away. As soon as I have my film developed I will be posting it and linking it for anyone who would like to see.
Okay, one more thing. If you have seen the movie 'What Dreams May Come' then you have seen a small glimpse of Glacier National Park. The movie was filmed there.
Recommended:
Yes
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