100 - Events mark Park Service centennial
Visitors to Glacier National Park can get into the park for free from Aug. 25-28 in celebration of the National Park Service centennial.
The actual birthday of the Park Service is Aug. 25.
Glacier has several other events on tap to recognize the centennial:
National Park Centennial Instameet
There will be an Instameet in the Apgar Village Green near the Apgar Village Inn from 6 p.m. to sunset on Thursday, Aug. 25.
The event is hosted by Glacier Park in partnership with the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the Department of Interior, Visit Montana and special guest photographers.
Visitors are encouraged to come together to connect, explore and celebrate creativity with cameras, make new friends, exchange ideas and celebrate the centennial.
All ages and levels of experience for photographers and all types of cameras are welcome.
Around 6:15 p.m., the host of the Instameet will say a few words about the National Park Service centennial. The official Glacier National Park Service centennial visitor photograph will be taken around 7 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to sign the photo matte and be a part of Park Service history. The photograph will be posted on social media sites and printed and hung in the park.
It is anticipated that attendance will be high; visitors are encouraged to park at the Apgar Visitor Center and take the bike path to the event.
Happy Birthday Park Service 100 Ranger Program
Join a national park ranger for a special program at the St. Mary Visitor Center Auditorium at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.
Admission is by ticket only, with only 209 tickets available. Attendees can pick up free ticket sat the St. Mary Visitor Center beginning the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 24.
Park Service, reflect on the last 100 years and discuss the role Glacier will play as it prepares for the next 100 years.
Logan Pass Star Party
Explore the dark skies of Glacier National Park and attend the Logan Pass star party. Admission is by ticket only. Attendees can pick up their free tickets (one per vehicle) at the Apgar or St. Mary visitor centers beginning Thursday, Aug. 25.
The Logan Pass Star Party will be held at the Logan Pass Parking Lot from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Aug. 26.
Attendees will have opportunities to meet with rangers and members of the Big Sky Astronomy Club while taking in the unusually dark skies.
There will also be telescopes available.
Give Back To Glacier Week
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is hosting a “Give Back to Glacier Week” Aug. 19-28. Conservancy volunteers will be at entrance locations throughout the park asking for involvement in the program and to donate back to the park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Conservancy is the official fundraising partner of Glacier National Park and will look to fulfill a matching $50,000 donation that week.
Secretary Jewell Visit
U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will stop in Glacier National Park on Thursday as part of her national park tour during the centennial.
Park spokesman Tim Rains said Jewell will focus on how climate change is impacting Glacier National Park and how the National Park Service is working to adapt to those impacts as it looks forward to its next 100 years.
Jewell won’t hold any public events during her tour.