Let’s be honest, there are plenty of beautiful spots across the US, from cozy mountain towns to sweeping beach vistas to tranquil open landscapes. However, the USA’s national parks always take that out-of-this-world beauty to a whole other level. With outstanding wildlife, world-class hikes, and panoramas you’ll never forget, they just hit a little differently. One national park in particular has been racking up the beauty awards, though. That’s because US News has named it not just the number one best national park in the US for 2025, but they’ve also ranked it among the world’s best places to visit in 2025.
The park in question is the phenomenal Glacier National Park, which has also been ranked as one of the most budget-friendly national parks to visit. With over 700 lakes and three separate mountain ranges in one national park, it’s little wonder it’s hitting the top of these lists. Glacier National Park is one of the most popular national parks to visit of late, and the increased access to the park by train has only made it more appealing for travelers. But what’s the best way to visit this top-tier national park? There are so many places to check out within its borders, so you need to plan carefully.
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Montana’s Crown Jewel Is One Of The World’s Best Places To Visit For 2025
Spanning over a million acres in Montana, the beautiful Glacier National Park is one of the biggest national parks in America. Its location on the border with Canada makes for some spectacular scenery, no matter what time of year you visit. Carving its way through the wilderness is the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road (dubbed “America’s most scenic route”), linking scenic vistas with challenging trail heads and awe-inspiring lakes.
With the panoramas of the Rocky Mountains running through large swathes of the national park, it’s hard not to be inspired here. If altitude isn’t your thing, check out one of the 700 lakes instead. Love wildlife? Glacier is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, elk, mule deer, and gray wolves. Best bring your binoculars and cameras, because you’re not going to want to miss this.
View of Hidden Lake from Hidden Lake Overlook. Glacier National Park. Montana. USA
This incredible park has been going since 1910, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Visitors can base themselves in one of a few different gateway towns, depending on which side of the park they’re visiting. As it’s so large, you need to be strategic. The main towns to stay in are West Glacier, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, and East Glacier Park Village.
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What Can You See And Do In Glacier National Park?
There are plenty of bucket list things to do in Glacier National Park. Of course, like most national parks, hiking and outdoor adventure are the main draws. In Glacier, the most popular hikes include:
- The Trail of the Cedars
- Iceberg Lake Trail
- Avalanche Lake Trail
- Hidden Lake Overlook
- Grinnell Glacier Trail
- The Highline Trail
These routes vary in difficulty and length, but there are so many options that you can easily find a route that fits your ability level and time allowance. Just make sure that you know your bear protocols before you hit the trails, as this is their home, and it’s not unusual to see a black bear or a grizzly.
If you want a little more education along the way, the park provides ranger-led hikes and walks around different regions of the park. They can detail the history and geography of the landscape, as well as point out specific flora and fauna. If you’re not super comfortable with a trail map or heading out on your own, these are great opportunities.
Glacier National Park, North of Helena, Montana.
Of course, you can also enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park without leaving your car. The 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road is a huge scenic drive highlight that traverses Logan Pass. Due to the high altitude, it’s only open between late June and mid-October, depending on the weather conditions.
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How To Get To Glacier National Park
Getting to Glacier National Park isn’t as tricky as you might think. One of the most beautiful ways to get to the park is actually by train. Amtrak’s Empire Builder route runs from Chicago to Seattle and stops at Glacier National Park in three different places: West Glacier, East Glacier, and Whitefish. Once you’re in one of these key gateway destinations, you can take advantage of park shuttles and buses to get to different trailheads.
Glacier National Park Gateway Town Details
|
Town |
Population |
|
West Glacier |
209 |
|
East Glacier |
199 |
|
Whitefish |
9,163 |
Whitefish is by far the largest city to stay near Glacier National Park. It’s around 20 minutes from the West Glacier park entrance, and you can drive in around 35 minutes, or you can jump on the train to get to the West Glacier train station. That train goes three times a day, so check the timings in advance.
The closest airport is the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. This serves routes all around the country, and one international route to Saskatoon in Canada. It lies a 20-minute drive or 11.5 miles south of Whitefish, so it’s very convenient for getting to and from the park. Whitefish also has the most accommodation options, including budget options, so if you don’t mind the extra 20-minute journey to the park gate each day, it can often be a better option than West Glacier or East Glacier Villages, which are better located but a lot smaller.
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When To Visit Glacier National Park
Hiker on a trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in the summer months between June and September. The weather is at its warmest, it’s largely dry, and all the trails and roads are open. This includes the amazing Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is not open at any other part of the year. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and the most expensive time for accommodation in the surrounding towns. You can visit in spring or fall for more affordable, less-crowded trails, but be prepared for some areas of the park to be closed. This is because certain high-altitude regions may still be impassable or not staffed due to being outside the peak season.
- Capital
-
Helena
- Population
-
1.104 Million (2021)
- Founded Date
-
November 8, 1889
You can visit Glacier National Park in the winter, too, with tanger-led snowshoe walks and cross-country ski tours available on the weekends. It’s a truly stunning and ethereal time to visit the park, with it covered in snow and ice, but make sure you have the winter hiking skills and gear to be safe. Also, make sure you have snow chains on your car, because winter in Montana is no joke.
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With beautiful glacial lakes and inspiring peaks, it’s little wonder that Glacier National Park keeps winning the best spot for America’s top destination. It has definitely earned its spot among the best places to visit in the world for 2025, easily being the most scenic national park in the U.S. of all. Whether you take a road trip, jump on the Empire Builder train, or fly into Kalispell, it’s also one of the most accessible national parks in the country, despite its remote feel.