Glacier offers variety of educational activities
Glacier National Park offers many educational opportunities for all ages throughout the summer.
Some programs are designed specifically for families and children and some are focused toward adult participation.
Families are encouraged to visit the Apgar Nature Center, formerly called the Discovery Cabin, located in Apgar Village on the west side of the park.
The Apgar Nature Center offers hands-on activities and educational demonstrations for children of all ages, according to a news release from Glacier Park.
Park rangers assisted by the Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates staff the nature center and provide learning opportunities for families.
The Apgar Nature Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 30.
Free ranger-led activities, including guided hikes, talks and boat tours, are available in Glacier Park throughout the summer and fall.
There are several new activities on the west side of the park for children, including a variety of walks and talks.
On the east side of Glacier, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Many Glacier Hotel, visitors are invited to take a walking tour of the historic hotel. The one-hour hotel tours are offered daily at 4 p.m. beginning in the hotel lobby and require the use of stairs.
Across the park, ranger-led hikes for all skill levels are available. These include a 10-mile Heart of Glacier Hike to Iceberg Lake in the Many Glacier Valley, a strenuous 6.2 mile hike to Rockwell Falls near Two Medicine, and an easy 2-mile hike along Upper McDonald Creek near the head of Lake McDonald.
Other new offerings this summer include photo walks and InstaMeets. The photo walks are photography-oriented hikes for participants to take photos and exchange ideas.
InstaMeets are an opportunity for visitors to connect, explore and celebrate creativity through images of Glacier National Park. Both events allow for sharing of photos through social media using #Glacier NPS.
For a schedule of ranger-led activities, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/glac/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm. Activities schedules are also available at park entrance stations or visitor centers.