Glacier National Park iPhone

The first Europeans visited the U.S. state of Montana, where Glacier National Park is located today, in the early 19th century. They were members of the Clark and Lewis expedition. Here they saw Indians belonging to different tribes.

The middle of the century (1858) was marked by the beginning of the so-called "gold rush. A gold deposit was discovered in Montana, and after a while a huge flood of settlers headed for the state. Montana became one of the centers of the "Wild West. The formerly wilderness area was crisscrossed by railroads, and the land, previously virtually uninhabited, became actively inhabited.

Nevertheless, some enthusiasts, in addition to the gold mine, saw in this wonderful place a unique natural area that needed to be protected from barbaric treatment of it. So, thanks to the efforts of several people, among them George Bird Grinnell, the area was designated a National Park in 1910.

This event gave rise to the ensuing beautification works, and as a result, the area began to function as a tourist center. More than 300 structures and buildings are now protected and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Glacier National Park is located in the U.S. state of Montana and borders Canada. The park covers about 4,000 km² and includes lakes (over 130), mountain ranges, green velvet meadows, and massive glaciers.

In the mid-1800s, 150 glaciers existed within the park's territorial limits. By 2010, only 25 of them remained. Scientists who study glaciers in the park have determined that by 2030 all of the glaciers will be gone.

A maritime climate that is influenced by ocean currents prevails here. Summers are quite cool and winters are mild. The driest months are June, May and April. The greatest amount of precipitation is in September and October. The temperatures are lower in the mountains.