Glacier Visitor Center reopens

Glacier National Park’s St. Mary Visitor Center was reopened Friday after being closed Thursday due to water damage from the center’s sprinkler system.

A furnace malfunction early Thursday morning caused the sprinkler system to activate, causing water damage to the building, furnishings and some interior utilities.

Contractors and park employees worked through the day and most of the night to remove office equipment and furniture, remove water and dry out the area.

Some employee offices have been relocated to the nearby park administrative area. Some office equipment, furniture and computers will need to be replaced, along with some drywall and flooring. 

Some of the Glacier National Park Conservancy’s sales materials were also damaged.

It’s expected that the furnace may need to be replaced because its internal safety mechanisms failed to shut it off.

Park information, backcountry permits, boat inspections and other services are available in the Visitor Center’s lobby. Interpretive exhibits and a sales area managed by the conservancy are open and phone service has been restored to the building. Daily films are not available because the center’s auditorium remains closed.

The Blackfeet Singers and Dancers show, part of the Native America Speaks program that is scheduled for July 30, may be held at another location.