Introduction

There’s a reason Glacier National Park is called the Crown of the Continent—it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The towering peaks, pristine lakes, and endless sky makes every landscape here feel like it belongs on a postcard.

What makes Glacier so special isn’t just its beauty, though. It’s the way it challenges you to slow down and soak it all in—whether you’re driving the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking at Logan Pass, or marveling at the view from Many Glacier Lodge. Every part of this park feels like it’s been carefully crafted to leave you in awe.

Highlights of the Park

Many Glacier Lodge

One of the most unforgettable spots in Glacier National Park is Many Glacier Lodge. Nestled along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, this historic lodge feels like it belongs in a fairy tale. The moment we arrived, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, their peaks reflecting perfectly in the still water. Whether we were sipping coffee on the lodge’s back porch or hiking nearby trails, it felt like every direction you looked offered another postcard-worthy picture.

We spent an afternoon exploring the area, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The lake shimmered in the sunlight, and the sound of Red Rock Falls in the distance added to the serenity. It’s a place where time seems to stop, and the beauty of nature takes center stage.

Logan Pass

We woke up long before the sun, to make our way to Logan Pass. With its elevation of 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the highest point in Glacier National Park accessible by car, but the real adventure begins when you step onto the trails. As we started our hike, the first light of dawn began to creep over the mountains, painting the peaks in soft purples and pinks.

The elevation gain was no joke, and we felt every step as we climbed higher. But as the sun rose and illuminated the rugged landscape around us, it was impossible not to feel inspired. The crisp morning air, the quiet of the trails, and the sense of being surrounded by nature’s beauty made the early wake-up call absolutely worth it.

On our way back down, it felt like we were seeing everything for the first time. The sun was fully up now, bathing the landscape in bright, natural light. What had been shadowed and mysterious in the early morning was now alive with color and detail. The valleys stretched endlessly below us, and the wildflowers seemed to pop against the rocky terrain. It was like nature had saved its grand reveal for the end of the hike, and we couldn’t help but stop every few steps to take it all in.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-do in Glacier National Park—and it's as thrilling as it sounds. This iconic road winds through the heart of the park, offering some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever see. As we drove along its steep and narrow paths, we were treated to jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows stretching out below.

One of my favorite stops was at the Weeping Wall, where water cascades down the cliffs like a natural curtain. We also made time to visit Jackson Glacier, one of the park’s last remaining glaciers. Standing there, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and ice, was a reminder of how much the world is constantly changing.

Homeschooling Insights

Exploring Glacier National Park feels like uncovering a new lesson at every turn. During our hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook at Logan Pass, we found ourselves surrounded by evidence of the park’s glacial history. Tracing the paths of ancient ice sheets carved into the rocks and valleys, we were literally walking through a living geology textbook. Seeing these features in person made concepts like glacial movement and erosion come alive.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road, with its sweeping views and dramatic drop-offs, also offered plenty of opportunities for learning. We debated how engineers could have possibly carved this road into the side of a mountain, and we looked up the history of its construction during one of our stops. It sparked a conversation about perseverance and ingenuity—how people worked together to create something so magnificent in the face of incredible challenges.

Driving along the Going-to-the-Sun Road isn’t just a scenic experience—it’s a journey through history. This incredible stretch of engineering, carved into the mountains of Glacier National Park, was completed during the Great Depression. Built between 1921 and 1933, the road was part of a larger effort to provide jobs and boost the economy during one of America’s toughest times.

The workers faced harsh conditions, using basic tools and sheer grit to create what would become one of the most iconic roads in the country. It was hard to imagine the dedication it must have taken as we navigated the narrow, winding turns, surrounded by towering cliffs and sweeping valley views. As breathtaking as the scenery is, knowing the history behind the road makes the journey even more meaningful. It’s a reminder of what people can accomplish when they work together, even in the hardest of times.

Even the wildlife here taught us something. At Logan Pass, we had a close encounter with some curious mountain goats. Watching them navigate rocky cliffs with ease was like witnessing a masterclass in adaptation. These moments left us with a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life in this wilderness.

What made learning in Glacier truly special was how it unfolded naturally. Every moment—whether it was tracing glacial history in a rock or marveling at the engineering of a scenic road—felt like an invitation to dig deeper. It’s this kind of immersive, hands-on education that I’ve come to cherish most while homeschooling on the road.

Family Moments

Glacier National Park has this magical way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary. One of my favorite memories was the day we ate lunch on the side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. We pulled off at a small turnout, unpacked sandwiches, and sat down with a view that could honestly put any five-star restaurant to shame. Picture this: a waterfall cascading in the distance, birds swooping through the alpine air, and us perched at the side of a dropoff, just savoring every detail like we were starring in our own nature documentary.

Then there was the morning we crawled out of the RV at the crack of dawn, determined to snag a parking spot at Logan Pass. Let me tell you, we were not a coordinated bunch at that hour. Between juggling thermoses of hot chocolate, coffee, and groggily stumbling into the car, it was a miracle we even made it out. But as we rolled into the lot in the dark, we knew it was going to be  worth it.

Spiritual Reflection

In the midst of the grandeur of the mountains at Glacier National Park, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe. These peaks, shaped by glaciers over millions of years, seem like they’ll always be here, yet they’re constantly changing. At Jackson Glacier, I found myself reflecting on how even the largest, most seemingly indestructible parts of our world are temporary—reminders that life itself is fleeting. It made me think about the intentionality and care God put into His creation.

Psalm 121:1-2 came to mind: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” It’s one thing to read those words, but standing before the mountains, they take on a new meaning. The same God who formed these peaks and valleys is the One who strengthens and guides me through life’s challenges

This trip wasn’t just about seeing beautiful places—it was about being reminded of the Creator behind them. And Glacier, with all its wonder and wildness, is a place that makes you want to praise Him for it all.

Conclusion and Call to Action

As we packed up and said goodbye to Glacier National Park, I couldn’t help but feel grateful—not just for the stunning views and unforgettable adventures, but for the lessons this place taught me. Glacier isn’t just a park; it’s a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how big God truly is.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting Glacier, my advice is simple: go. Take the drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, wake up early to catch the sunrise at Logan Pass, and don’t forget to stop and marvel at places like Jackson Glacier. Whether you’re here to hike, explore, or just breathe it all in, this is a place that will leave a mark on your heart.

And if you want to learn more about how you can do school in this beautiful setting, check out Northwest Iowa Community College’s dual enrollment classes. Thanks to their flexible online programs, I’ve been able to keep up with my studies while exploring some of the most incredible places in the country. It’s an opportunity I wouldn’t trade for anything.

So wherever your journey takes you—whether it’s to Glacier National Park or a different corner of the world—I hope you find moments of awe, gratitude, and growth. And who knows? Maybe our paths will cross out on the trails someday.