A trip to Glacier National Park budget style

I am planning to stop by Glacier National Park in mid-August on my way from Portland, Oregon to Minneapolis, Minnesota. I will most likely take the Amtrak to West Glacier, but this is as far as my planning goes, because it is so very difficult to find information for people who are without cars visiting this place. I know there are shuttle buses going the Sun Road and any experiences with those would be great. Also any accommodation which is cheap and central for an overnight stay or maybe two. And other great tips for short hiking trips.
Finally any information on bus or train services (from any easily accessible entrance to the park) to Minneapolis or just somewhere East would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Anna Reply to this

Hi,
Glacier National Park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada — the two parks are known as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and were designated as the world's first International Peace Park in 1932. Both parks were designated by the United Nations as Biosphere Reserves in 1976, and in 1995 as World Heritage sites.

If you have the extra time and want to see more of the country, the train is a good alternative for traveling to Glacier National Park. Since much of the early development of the park was led by the Great Northern rail company, the railroad is an integrated part of the park's history. Amtrak's Empire Builder train service runs from Seattle and Portland through northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to Chicago. The Empire Builder westbound arrives in the evening, the Eastbound train arrives in the morning, daily at the three stations serving the park. Travelers should arrange accomodations and/or waiting time accordingly.

The journey begins in Portland with an overnight ride aboard the famed Empire Builder train. You will first travel to the magical Glacier National Park, Montana where you stay overnight. The next day you will be embarking on the fabled 'Going to the Sun' Highway over the Continental Divide aboard one of the famous red 'jammer' buses. Reply to this

In response to: Msg #138926

It took some time before I replied, but I did go this summer to National Glacier Park without the help of a private vehicle. I suppose it would have been easier with a car, but so are most things in the US. However, I am a train fanatic. I love the atmosphere in long distance trains, and Amtrak's Empire Builder is no exception (I took it from Portland to Chicago with stops). I loved to meet so many normal Americans through the use of the community dining wagon. So I will definately be using Amtrak again, should I go to the US.
I thouroughly enjoyed the park, and I utilised both the Red Jammer buses and the shuttle buses. It is expensive, but I felt that it was worth it and that I got to see the central things. Though a car would have made it easier to get around and be independent, I think my real loss was to be on my own. Had I been with someone else, I would have been more free in walking the terrain and the trails. On your own it gets pretty scary, knowing that Mummy Grizzly could be just around the corner.
But it all went better than expected. You can check out my trip to the park here: Do not lose your goldfish!
anna Reply to this

I do know that Amtrak stops at both the East and Western entrances. There are also some Indian Reservations just outside the park. You might want to explore them. They do rent cars in Montana if nothing else 😊 Reply to this