The History of Glacier National Park: What’s Remembered—and What’s Been Forgotten
When people think of Glacier National Park, they often picture towering peaks, alpine lakes, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. But before it became a national treasure, Glacier was—and still is—ancestral land to the Blackfeet and other Native tribes. The history of this land runs far deeper than the park’s 1910 designation, and it’s a story that deserves to be remembered.
Long Before It Was a National Park
The Blackfeet (Niitsitapi) people have lived on the east side of what we now call Glacier National Park for thousands of years. This land was not just a place to survive—it was sacred, storied, and deeply tied to their identity. Mountains like Chief Mountain and Two Medicine weren’t just scenic—they held cultural and spiritual significance.
Unfortunately, much of the oral history and tradition tied to these lands was lost or suppressed through colonization and the forced displacement of Indigenous people. Treaties were signed (and often broken), and by the late 1800s, the U.S. government had claimed much of the land. What we now hike, bike, and photograph was once—and still is—part of a homeland.
Today, the Blackfeet Reservation borders the park’s eastern boundary. While some interpretive signs and initiatives have begun to acknowledge Indigenous connections, there’s still a long way to go in honoring that legacy and restoring those voices.
Glacier Becomes a National Park
Glacier National Park was officially established on May 11, 1910, becoming the 10th national park in the United States. Its creation was driven largely by conservationists, railroad interests, and early adventurers who were captivated by the region’s wild beauty.
The Great Northern Railway played a massive role in promoting the park to tourists. They built lodges like the Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge and branded Glacier as the "American Alps." Their influence not only increased tourism but helped shape the romanticized image of the West.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: A Marvel of Mountain Engineering
Perhaps no feature is more iconic in Glacier than Going-to-the-Sun Road. Completed in 1932, this 50-mile route cuts through the heart of the park and climbs to over 6,600 feet at Logan Pass. Building it was no small feat—crews had to blast through cliffs, manage unpredictable weather, and work in dangerous alpine terrain. The road was considered an engineering marvel of its time and remains one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Its name comes from Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, which holds significance in Blackfeet oral tradition, though even that meaning is often simplified or overlooked in mainstream park materials.
Honoring the Full Story
When visiting Glacier, it’s easy to be swept up in the beauty of the mountains and lakes—but it’s important to remember the people who were here first. The stories of the Blackfeet and other Indigenous nations are an essential part of this land’s identity. As visitors, we can take small steps to learn, listen, and respect that deeper history.
Whether you're biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking to Avalanche Lake, or visiting Many Glacier, take a moment to reflect on the layers of history beneath your feet.
Want to Learn More?
If you're interested in Indigenous history in Glacier, visit the Blackfeet Heritage Center in Browning or explore interpretive materials provided by the tribe. Some of our tours also pass through culturally significant areas, and we’re happy to share what we know along the way.
