Glacier National Park is called the Crown Jewel of the Continent for a reason, and it’s certainly the most precious and beautiful place in Montana. You’ll never hear anyone say it’s overrated or that they weren’t impressed (and if they do, they’re clearly wrong). Recently, Glacier National Park was named one of the most beautiful places in the world, and we definitely agree! Honestly, there’s no other place in the world quite like it, and it’s a place that really belongs on everyone’s bucket list.

Glacier National Park spans over one million acres in northwest Montana on the border between the U.S. and Canada.
JD Hascup / Flickr
This pristine park is home to everything from historic hotels, amazing hiking trails, mountains, waterfalls, winsome wildlife, and Montana's most rugged and remote campgrounds.
Glacier was named for the remnants of glaciers from the ice age, and there are still over 35 named glaciers in the park.
Cody Wellons / Flickr
The area's ancient history obviously goes back in time long before its park days -- and while the glaciers are slowly melting, it's amazing that they still exist.
The mountains of Glacier National Park started forming 170 million years ago.
Jonathan C. Wheeler / Flickr
There are over 175 named mountains, 762 lakes, 563 streams, and more than 200 known waterfalls in the park.
And aside from its geological past, this park has a lot of local and more recent history as well.
Trevor Bexon / Flickr
The Going-to-the-Sun Road has been declared a National Historic Landmark, and many of the park's lodges and chalets are now on the National Register of Historic Places. When the Great Northern Railway started coming through the park, it changed its history forever.
Glacier National Park has over 745 miles of maintained hiking trails.
James B/TripAdvisor
These range from easy waterfall hikes to more strenuous treks best left to experienced hikers. You can even go backpacking here if you'd like to go off the grid for a few days. Some of the most beautiful hikes in the country are at Glacier.
Humans share this park with a plethora of mammals, which is part of the appeal.
Cody Wellons / Flickr
Grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose are the most common, and something for visitors to be very cautious of. This is also an amazing place to go bird watching.
Montanans are some opinionated people, and they rarely side with the mainstream... but we can all agree that Glacier National Park has earned a spot on this prestigious list.
Katie Wheeler / Flickr
We actually think it should be number one on every list, but that goes without saying.

Without a doubt, Glacier National Park is one of the most wondrous places in Montana… and the entire planet! Have you visited this incredible national park? Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below! And if you know of a beautiful place in Montana you think we should write about, let us know by nominating it to be featured!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Glacier National Park in Montana

Sarah | June 26, 2021

What are some natural wonders in Montana?

Montana’s top attractions are almost all natural wonders, which is one of the many reasons we love it. Caverns, waterfalls, geological formations, majestic mountains... Montana is full of beautiful natural wonders! While some of our top natural attractions do have entrance fees or other expenses, you can see plenty of our beautiful places without paying a dime (aside from the tank of gas it may cost you to reach them). These are just a few natural wonders in the Treasure State you can see for free.

What are some things to do at Glacier National Park?

Hiking, kayaking, climbing, animal watching, photography, camping... we could go on and on! Glacier National Park is one big playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with a near-endless list of things to do. One of our favorite things to do, however, is simply sit and watch marvel at how very beautiful it is -- particularly at sunrise. In the early morning light, everything feels silent and serene, and the park feels so very personal. Whether you choose to find one of Glacier's signature lakes or simply watch from Going-to-the-Sun Road, you'll be absolutely awestruck. This is definitely something worth waking up early for!

What are some beautiful hikes in Glacier National Park in Montana?

Glacier National Park is the crown jewel of the continent, and we’re so lucky to have it here in Montana. Aside from being a breathtaking, enormous nature lover’s paradise, it’s full of off-the-beaten-path trails perfect for hikers of every skill level. For advanced hikers, Apgar Trail is epic... it's a steep trek, but well-worth the effort. From Apgar Trail Lookout you'll spy the pristine waters of Lake McDonald, making it clear why visitors are willing to brave these treacherous grounds! For beginners, this two-mile trek leads to some wondrous waterfalls, and an abundance of natural beauty! If you're not in the mood to hike, the Goat Lick Overlook is located along U.S. Highway 2, approximately two miles southeast of the Walton Ranger Station. It's an easy-access spot with stunning vistas.

Related Articles

Explore Montana

Featured Addresses
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA