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5-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip Itinerary for Glacier National Park

Viewed by 133 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Lake McDonald

West Glacier, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Glacier Highland

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Glacier Highland, known for its delicious pancakes and omelets.
Located near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, just a short drive from most accommodations in West Glacier.
$15 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Lake McDonald

Explore the largest lake in Glacier National Park, famous for its crystal-clear waters and colorful pebbles.
Drive 10 minutes from Glacier Highland to the Apgar Visitor Center parking lot, then walk to the lake shore.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Eddie's Cafe

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Located in Apgar Village, just a 5-minute walk from Lake McDonald.
$20 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Apgar Nature Center

Visit the Apgar Nature Center to learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems through interactive exhibits.
A short walk from Eddie's Cafe within Apgar Village.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Boat Tour on Lake McDonald

Take a scenic boat tour of Lake McDonald to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Head back to the lake shore near the boat dock in Apgar Village.
$25 per person, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Russell's Fireside Dining Room

Dine at Russell's Fireside Dining Room for a relaxing dinner with a view of the lake.
Located within the Lake McDonald Lodge, a 10-minute drive from Apgar Village.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road

West Glacier, Montana, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Glacier Highland

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full day of adventure.
Located near the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
$15 per person, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

Experience the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Enter the park through the west entrance and follow signs for Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Free (Park entrance fee applies), 2 hours (including stops for photos)

10:30AM

Logan Pass Visitor Center

Stop at Logan Pass to explore the visitor center and enjoy short hikes to Hidden Lake Overlook or the Highline Trail.
Located along Going-to-the-Sun Road, about 30 miles from the west entrance.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass

Have a picnic lunch while enjoying the breathtaking views at Logan Pass.
Pack a lunch from local grocery stores or delis in West Glacier.
$10 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to St. Mary Falls

Take a family-friendly hike to St. Mary Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible from the trailhead along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Drive 10 minutes east from Logan Pass to the trailhead parking area.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to St. Mary Village

Continue driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road to St. Mary Village, located on the eastern side of the park.
Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road east for about 30 minutes.
Free, 0.5 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Johnson's Cafe

Enjoy a homestyle dinner at Johnson's Cafe, known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere.
Located in St. Mary Village.
$25 per person, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in West Glacier

Day 3: Many Glacier Exploration

Many Glacier, Montana, USA

7:30AM

Breakfast at Park Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Park Cafe, known for its fresh pastries and breakfast plates.
Located in St. Mary Village.
$15 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Many Glacier

Head north to the Many Glacier area, known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
Drive about 30 minutes north on US-89 and Many Glacier Road.
Free, 0.5 hour

10:00AM

Hike to Grinnell Glacier

Embark on a moderately challenging hike to Grinnell Glacier, offering breathtaking views of glaciers and alpine meadows.
Park at the Many Glacier Hotel and follow signs to the trailhead.
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Many Glacier Hotel

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch with stunning lake views at the Ptarmigan Dining Room in Many Glacier Hotel.
Located within Many Glacier Hotel.
$20 per person, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Boat Tour on Swiftcurrent Lake

Take a relaxing boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake to see more of the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
Board the boat at the dock near Many Glacier Hotel.
$20 per person, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Explore the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn area and consider a short, easy hike to Redrock Falls.
Located a short drive from Many Glacier Hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Restaurant

Dine at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Restaurant, offering a variety of family-friendly meals.
Located at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
$25 per person, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Many Glacier

Day 4: Two Medicine and East Glacier

East Glacier, Montana, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Two Medicine Grill

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Two Medicine Grill, known for its pancakes and breakfast burritos.
Located in East Glacier Park Village.
$15 per person, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Two Medicine

Head south to the Two Medicine area, known for its stunning lakes and hiking opportunities.
Drive about 45 minutes south on US-89 and Two Medicine Road.
Free, 0.75 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Running Eagle Falls

Take an easy hike to Running Eagle Falls, a beautiful waterfall that flows through a natural arch.
Park at the trailhead near the Two Medicine Campground.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Boat Tour on Two Medicine Lake

Enjoy a scenic boat tour on Two Medicine Lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Board the boat at the dock near Two Medicine Campground.
$20 per person, 1 hour

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Two Medicine Lake

Have a picnic lunch while enjoying the serene views at Two Medicine Lake.
Pack a lunch from local grocery stores or delis in East Glacier.
$10 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to East Glacier Park Village

Return to East Glacier Park Village to explore its charming shops and history.
Drive 45 minutes north on Two Medicine Road and US-89.
Free, 0.75 hour

3:00PM

Visit Glacier Park Lodge

Tour the historic Glacier Park Lodge and its beautiful grounds.
Located in East Glacier Park Village.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Drive to West Glacier

Begin your return journey to West Glacier.
Drive about 1.5 hours west on US-2.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Belton Chalet

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the Belton Chalet, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and historic ambiance.
Located in West Glacier.
$30 per person, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in East Glacier

Day 5: Whitefish and Departure

Whitefish, Montana, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Loula's Cafe

Start your final day with a delicious breakfast at Loula's Cafe, known for its homemade pies and hearty breakfasts.
Located in Whitefish, a 30-minute drive from West Glacier.
$15 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Whitefish

Spend the morning exploring the charming town of Whitefish, with its unique shops, art galleries, and local attractions.
Park in downtown Whitefish and explore on foot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Craggy Range Bar & Grill

Enjoy a casual lunch at Craggy Range Bar & Grill, offering a variety of American cuisine.
Located in downtown Whitefish.
$20 per person, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Head to Whitefish Mountain Resort for some family-friendly outdoor activities, such as zip-lining or taking a scenic chairlift ride.
A 15-minute drive from downtown Whitefish.
$30 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Glacier Park International Airport

Begin your journey home with a drive to Glacier Park International Airport for your departure.
A 20-minute drive from Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Free, 0.5 hour
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