The road trip from Bozeman to Glacier National Park links two of Montana’s best destinations. It’s a journey that takes us from the vibrant city of Bozeman, known for its outdoor charm and cultural richness, to the pristine wilderness of Glacier National Park. This park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is celebrated for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Yet, while the start and end of this road trip are pretty special, the journey in between often steals the show.
The journey to Glacier National Park passes through the very heart of Montana. It’s an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing natural beauty, fascinating stops, and boundless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. On the open road, you’ll travel many scenic highways that wind through Montana’s diverse landscapes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the Rocky Mountains, encounter charming towns and communities, and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of this remarkable region.
Glacier National Park is a large national park covering over 1 million acres with several entrances. The main western entrance is located at West Glacier, while the main eastern entrance is located at St Mary. All our distances and routes relate to these two separate entrances.
The distance from Bozeman to the western entrance of Glacier National Park is 329 miles by road. The distance from Bozeman to the eastern entrance is slightly shorter at 298 miles by road. Driving to either entrance typically takes around 5 to 6 hours.
You can travel to Glacier National Park from Bozeman by several different routes. In this guide, we’ve focused on three separate routes, which incorporate the best things to see in the area. Two routes head towards the western entrance located close to West Glacier. The remaining route heads towards the eastern entrance at St Mary.
The first of these routes is the West Gate Route. The route follows the quickest and most direct roads to get you to the western entrance as quickly as possible. While it’s the quickest way to get to the west gate, there are still plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and plenty of great scenery.
The second route to the west gate has been named the Scenic West Gate Route. It deviates from the West Gate Route at Deer Lodge and takes a westbound route through Missoula and Polson before traveling along the shores of Flathead Lake. This route adds more miles and an extra 30 minutes of driving time. However, it also has the benefit of additional attractions along the way.
The final route has been named the East Gate Route. It deviates from the other routes a short distance from Bozeman at Three Forks. The route then proceeds north, through Helena and Browning to St Mary. The route offers some different attractions and is a good alternative to the west gate routes.
If you’re round-tripping from Bozeman, we’d suggest taking the East Gate Route one way and one of the West Gate routes the other.
Route | Distance | Driving Time |
West Gate Route | 329 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes |
Scenic West Gate Route | 341 miles | 6 hours |
East Gate Route | 298 miles | 5 hours |
The West Gate Route starts out in Bozeman and heads northwest on the I-90. Shortly before reaching the junction town of Three Forks, there are the first two potential stops. On your right is the Missouri Headwaters State Park, while on your left is Madison Buffalo Jump State Park. Both are worth a look if you’ve got the time.
Continuing along the I-90, you arrive in the famous mining town of Butte. There’s another set of potential stops here: the Granite Mountain Speculator Mine Memorial and the World Museum of Mining. If you’ve got even the most passing of interest in mining, it’s worth stopping to have a look.
The journey continues along the I-90 for 37 miles before you reach the town of Deer Lodge. It’s a good spot for a comfort break, a meal, or an overnight stay. There are also a couple of decent attractions in town, including the Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum and the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site. Shortly after Deer Lodge, you must exit the I-90 at Garrison and join US-12.
It’s only a short drive along US-12 before you turn left onto MT-141 and head north through the Flathead National Forest. You’ll cover over 100 miles along a series of minor roads, passing through many small towns. It’s a pretty drive, but there’s not a huge variety in the scenery along this stretch of road. Eventually, you’ll come out of the forest next to Swan Lake. The road follows the lake’s eastern shore, and there’s the option to turn off just after the Lake for the Swan River Nature Trail.
You’re then on the journey’s final stretch, traveling along US-2 up to West Glacier. By the time you arrive at Glacier National Park, you will have covered at least 329 miles, more if you’ve stopped at some of the plentiful attractions.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park: Madison Buffalo Jump State Park is a historically significant site where Native American tribes once hunted buffalo by driving them off a cliff. Today, it offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s cultural heritage with interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and beautiful scenic views.
Missouri Headwaters State Park: This park marks where the Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson Rivers converge to form the Missouri River. Plenty of outdoor activities are available, such as fishing, picnicking, and hiking. You can also learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition’s historic journey through the area.
World Museum of Mining: Situated in Butte, the World Museum of Mining provides a glimpse into the state’s rich mining history. You can explore historic mining equipment, take an underground mine tour, and see exhibits that depict the challenges and innovations of Montana’s mining industry.
The Granite Mountain Speculator Mine Memorial: This memorial in Butte honors the miners who lost their lives in the Granite Mountain-Speculator Mine disaster of 1917. It was built as a tribute to the fallen miners and provides an insight into the area’s mining heritage. There are various informative displays and memorabilia on display.
Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum: The Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum is a unique attraction in Deer Lodge, Montana. Somewhat bizarrely, it combines the history of the state’s correctional system with a fascinating collection of vintage automobiles. Nowhere else will you be able to tour a historic prison, view antique cars, and learn about Montana’s criminal justice history all under one roof.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site: Another attraction in Deer Lodge, this historic site preserves the legacy of the Grant-Kohrs cattle ranch. The ranch was one of the largest and most successful in the whole American West. It’s possible to explore the ranch’s historic buildings, learn about cattle ranching history, and take scenic walks across the vast property.
Swan River Nature Trail: Located in the beautiful Swan Valley near Bigfork, the Swan River Nature Trail offers a tranquil outdoor experience. The most popular activity is hiking along the riverside trail. However, you can also enjoy birdwatching or take in the area’s natural beauty, including the Swan River and surrounding wilderness.
The Scenic West Gate Route provides an exciting variation on the standard West Gate Route. Passing on the western side of Flathead Lake, it packs in plenty more attractions along the way. The initial part of the journey replicates the other route, heading northwest out of Bozeman on the I-90. You’ll then approach Three Forks with its two state parks, Madison Buffalo Jump State Park and Missouri Headwaters State Park.
Like the West Gate Route, the route continues along the I-90 to the old mining town of Butte. The Granite Mountain Speculator Mine Memorial and the World Museum of Mining are here. If you’ve got the time, they are well worth a visit. Butte is also a decent place for a stopover, either for lunch or overnight.
The route then continues to the town of Garrison, where the route deviates from the West Gate Route. However, before the routes split, you’ll pass through the town of Deer Lodge. It’s another good spot for a layover for an hour or two or overnight. The twin attractions of Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum and the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site make this a quirky and interesting location.
From Garrison, the route continues along the I-90 heading towards Missoula. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to take an interesting detour to the Garnet Ghost Town. Shortly after Missoula, you can finally exit off the I-90 and head north along US-93. Along the way, you’ll pass by the beautiful and historic St Ignatius Mission Parish, which is well worth visiting to admire the building’s exceptional architecture.
US-93 takes you up to Polson on the shores of Flathead Lake. This is another good location for a break, particularly because of the amazing lake views. Just outside of town is the intriguing Miracle of America Museum.
Beyond Polson, the route follows US-93 along the western shores of Flathead Lake. There’s plenty of gorgeous scenery and things to see along this stretch of road, not least the Flathead Lake State Park. There’s also the Blacktail Mountain ski area if you travel during the snowy winter months.
With the lake in your rearview mirror, US-93 will eventually take you to Kalispell. It’s a nice place with plenty of amenities and interesting attractions like the Conrad Mansion Museum and Lone Pine State Park. It’s also an excellent spot to stay overnight as it’s just a short 33-mile drive to West Glacier. Once you arrive at West Glacier, your total mileage will be more than 340 miles and considerably higher if you’ve taken a couple of detours.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park: This state park is a historic site where Native American tribes used to hunt buffalo by driving them off a cliff. You can explore this culturally significant area, which includes interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and exceptional views.
Missouri Headwaters State Park: Situated near Three Forks, Montana, Missouri Headwaters State Park is where the Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson Rivers converge to form the Missouri River. This park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, picnicking, and hiking.
World Museum of Mining: This museum, located in the old mining town of Butte, immerses visitors in the state’s mining history. It features historic mining equipment, underground mine tours, and exhibits that illustrate the challenges of Montana’s mining industry.
The Granite Mountain Speculator Mine Memorial: This memorial in Butte, Montana, honors the miners who perished in the Granite Mountain-Speculator Mine disaster of 1917. It pays tribute to these miners and sheds light on the mining heritage of the region.
Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum: This slightly bizarre and unique attraction combines the history of Montana’s correctional system with a fascinating collection of vintage automobiles. You can explore the historic prison while viewing an eclectic collection of vintage cars.
Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site: This historic site in Deer Lodge preserves the legacy of the Grant-Kohrs cattle ranch, one of the largest and most successful in the American West. You can tour the ranch’s historic buildings, discover the history of cattle ranching, and enjoy some scenic walks across the property.
Garnet Ghost Town: Garnet is a well-preserved ghost town in the Montana wilderness. This abandoned mining town provides a glimpse into Montana’s mining past through its preserved buildings and artifacts.
St. Ignatius Mission Parish: Situated in St. Ignatius along US-93, this historic mission parish is known for its beautiful architecture and significant cultural and religious importance. It’s possible to enter the stunning church, which showcases native art and various murals.
Miracle of America Museum: This quirky museum is a diverse collection of Americana, including vintage cars, military memorabilia, historic buildings, and a wide range of antiques. It’s a good place to visit for anyone with an interest in the cultural and technological history of the United States.
Flathead Lake State Park: This state park encompasses the stunning Flathead Lake and is a good location for swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. The picturesque park in northwest Montana is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and recreational activities.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area: Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is a great option for winter road trippers. It offers skiing and snowboarding on well-groomed slopes with amazing views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular destination for locals and out-of-state visitors alike.
Lone Pine State Park: Situated near Kalispell, Montana, this state park provides a serene natural setting for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. There’s an extensive trail system you can explore with panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park.
Conrad Mansion Museum: This historic home in Kalispell once belonged to the prominent Conrad family. It showcases the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century and features original furnishings and period artifacts. The guided tours here are highly recommended.
The final route offers something slightly different, along with a different endpoint. This journey on the East Gate Route takes you through the plains of Montana, before arriving at St Mary. This contrasts with the other routes that take you to the West Glacier, primarily traveling through forested areas.
The route starts like all routes in the laid-back city of Bozeman. Beginning on the I-90, you follow the same route to Three Forks, but this is where the route diverges. Before it does, you can visit Madison Buffalo Jump State Park and Missouri Headwaters State Park. Both offer something a little different and are well worth a visit.
From Three Forks, you head north on US-287 towards the state capital, Helena. This lovely little city is the location of the next attractions along the way and an excellent place to stop over. In Helena, there’s numerous things to see, but the Original Governor’s House and Cathedral of Saint Helena stand out as the best.
From Helena, you head north on the I-15 to Wolf Creek before traveling on US-287 up to Augusta and then Choteau. The I-15 part of this stretch has some interesting stops in the Montana Blue Jewel Mine and the Gate of the Mountain Wilderness. The US-287 stretch has less to see, leaving you to enjoy the vast expanse of the open plains and huge Montana sky overhead.
The town of Choteau is a decent place for a rest break or an overnight stay. It’s home to the Old Trail Museum, one of our favorite museums in this area. It’s also a good base if you’re keen to explore Giant Spring State Park, which lies 50 miles to the east.
From Choteau, you head north on US-89 for 70 miles to the town of Browning. As you get closer to the town, Glacier National Park’s peaks become more visible. Browning sits in the shadow of the national park and is a popular base for visitors. There are some accommodation options in town, plus plenty of places to get supplies. Browning is also home to the highly regarded Museum of the Plains Indian.
The final leg of your journey to St. Mary should only take 30 minutes from Browning. By this point, you will have traveled at least 298 miles, and you’ll be on the doorstep of one of America’s great national parks.
Madison Buffalo Jump State Park: This historically significant site is where Native American tribes used to hunt buffalo by driving them off a cliff. You can explore this culturally important area, which features interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and stunning views.
Missouri Headwaters State Park: Just outside Three Forks, Missouri Headwaters State Park is where the Madison, Gallatin, and Jefferson Rivers converge to form the Missouri River. This park offers various outdoor activities, including fishing, picnicking, and hiking. It also commemorates the Lewis and Clark expedition’s journey through the area.
Original Governor’s Mansion: This historic residence in Helena once housed the state’s governors. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the mansion’s history, architecture, and the lives of Montana’s early political leaders.
Cathedral of Saint Helena: The Cathedral of Saint Helena is a magnificent Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate architecture. Visitors to the cathedral can explore the interior and admire the beauty of this historic place of worship.
Montana Blue Jewel Mine: This mining attraction provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the state’s gemstone mining industry. You can participate in gemstone mining activities and learn about Montana’s rich geological treasures.
Gates of the Mountains Wilderness: Situated along the Missouri River near Helena, the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness is a scenic natural area known for its rugged landscapes and unique rock formations. You can take a boat tour through the winding river canyon, which is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the stunning beauty of the wilderness.
Giant Springs State Park: This state park is a fair distance from our road trip route and near Great Falls. It’s home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the world. You can explore the park’s various trails and the Fish Hatchery, which educates guests about the local aquatic life and conservation efforts.
Old Trail Museum: Found in Choteau, the Old Trail Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the region. There are exhibits on local wildlife, geology, Native American artifacts, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s travels through Montana.
Museum of the Plains Indian: Located in Browning, the Museum of the Plains Indian is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art and culture of the Plains Indian tribes. There’s an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary Native American art, clothing, and artifacts.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Glacier National Park is during the warmer summer months. The pleasant conditions contrast with the cold and snow of winter, early spring, and late autumn. During the summer, all parts of the park are open and accessible, and the whole area is stunningly beautiful. Inevitably, most visitors choose to come this time of year, and the park can become busy, which may detract from the experience.
As an alternative, you might want to consider visiting in late spring or early autumn. At this time, the whole park should remain open but without the same crowds of the summer months. If you visit during the fall, you also benefit from the stunning fall colors.
A visit outside of these warmer months is a very different experience. Many parts of the park are closed and inaccessible. Walking and picnicking are no longer possible and are replaced by winter sports. So, if you’re planning to visit to do cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, pick these colder winter months. However, for the majority, a visit from May through October will be best.
You can drive to Morocco from the neighboring countries of Spain and Mauritania, but not Algeria, despite a nearly 2000 km long border between the two countries. Travel between Morocco and any of its neighbors comes with its fair share of challenges. At first glance, you could be mistaken for
If you love solitude, amazing landscapes, and vast open spaces, you’re going to love Western Australia. This amazing land, and the northwest in particular, is often referred to as the ‘Last Frontier’. It’s a land of endless remote possibilities and nowhere showcases this better than the amazing array of national
The Albanian port city of Vlore is one of Albania’s spectacular coastal highlights. Situated at the northern end of the Albanian Riviera and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Vlore, the city is blessed with a wealth of attractions. The home of Albanian independence and the gateway to the Riviera, the
You can drive to remote Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean using the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, also known as the “Mackenzie Highway” or “Tuk Highway.” The road provides access to Tuktoyaktuk from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Inuvik is accessible from mainland Canada by using the Dempster Highway, which runs all the
