Glacier National Park

Situated in the northwest corner of Montana, bordering the Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta, Glacier National Park's wildlife ranges from marmots to moose, mountain goats to black bear. In all, nearly 60 species of mammals roam among the park's 25 major species of trees, 264 species of birds and more than 1,000 kinds of plants. Its 1600 square miles extend from windswept peaks to rolling grasslands, forested hillsides to alpine tundra.

Historical residents of Glacier were the Blackfeet Indians. Believing the mountains of Glacier and Waterton to be home to the spirits, tribal members have long journeyed there for fasts and vision quests. The nearly 9,100-foot Chief Mountain in the northeast corner of Glacier is still widely revered as the home of powerful medicine.

Reminders of the cultural influences exist in the names of landmarks of the area. Red Eagle, a powerful Blackfeet medicine man, is the name of a mountain, glacier, lake, mountain pass and creek. The Great Northern Railway commemorated several Blackfeet personages by naming major passes and peaks in their honor. Among these are the female Blackfeet warrior Pitamakan and Napi, a Blackfeet spirit of tricks and and wisdom.

However, Glacier National Park is not just rich history, beautiful scenery and unequaled wildlife.