Photo Credit: Glacier Park, Inc.
Take a road trip through Glacier National Park in style on board one of the historic red buses that link all the hotels and inns within the park. White Motor Company built these 25-foot-long, 17 passenger, vintage motor coaches, with their roll-back tops made for unimpeded views of the spectacular landscapes along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
There was a time when seeing America's natural wonders like Glacier National Park was an adventure for the more affluent and they knew how to do it with style and flair. At Glacier that meant sight-seeing required a fleet of 33 touring coaches built from 1936 to 1039, and painted a "ripe mountain ash berry red" color. The drivers of these red buses are affectionately called "Jammers" harkening back to the time when the vehicles had standard transmissions and the drivers could be heard "jammin" the gears as they drove through the mountainous terrain.
The entire fleet was completely renovated in 2002 so the red buses of Glacier National Park could continue to safely carry visitors around the park in vintage style. So, when you plan your next trip to Glacier, be sure to include a red bus tour.
Photo Credit: D. Sexton -Travel Montana
Scenic Interpretive Red Bus Tours
Visitors can choose from tours leaving from the east, north east or west side of the park. See the entire list of options of scenic interpretive red bus tours for complete details. Here is a sampling:
Secret Valley Tour
"Wind your way through fir and aspen forests into Glacier National Park and the Two Medicine Valley. Stroll the short optional trail to Running Eagle Falls and continue on to Middle Two Medicine Lake and Glacier’s “secret valley”. From there, enjoy an included boat cruise along the base of one of Glacier’s largest mountains, Rising Wolf.
Visit the historic Two Medicine Campstore, site of one of President F.D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats”, before continuing your journey alongside one of the oldest roads in the world, The Old North Trail. Then it is back to East Glacier through the Blackfeet Reservation with unparalleled views of the famed front range of the Rockies and the Lewis Overthrust."
Evening Wildlife Tour (July and August Only)
"Glacier’s newest tour is for those who want to experience a beautiful and romantic mountain afternoon atop The Going-to-the-Sun Road. As the sun begins its slow descent behind Glacier National Park’s famous Rocky Mountains, it is the optimal time to view some of Glacier’s most reclusive wildlife. Truly an unforgettable experience in one of Montana’s historic Red Buses."
Photo Credit: Glacier Park, Inc.
In 1932 Waterton Lakes National Park (Alberta, Canada) was combined with Glacier National Park to form the world's first International Peace Park. Tour offers a unique opportunity to see Waterton-International Peace Park.
Here's an Itinerary Snapshot of the Great Lodges of Glacier Tour from Glacier Park, Inc.
Day One -- Arrive at Glacier Park Lodge and Resort and enjoy a scrumptious and exclusive Cowboy Cookout dinner.
Day Two -- Discover the Two Medicine Valley during a boat cruise and short walk. Experience a Tipi Village and stay overnight in Canada at the stately Prince of Wales Hotel.
Day Three -- Explore the village of Waterton, enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales, and then journey to Many Glacier Hotel where you will spend the night.
Day Four -- Spend a day at your leisure in the Many Glacier Valley and stay overnight at Many Glacier Hotel.
Day Five -- Travel the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and enjoy the farewell dinner. Stay overnight at the Lake McDonald Lodge Complex.
Day Six -- Travel home or extend your stay.
With so many tours to choose from, it will be difficult to select just one. But, no matter which one seems to suit you best, going back in time to travel in style on one of Glacier National Park's vintage red buses will definitely be a road trip to remember.
Please note: Be sure to read this important transportation information before booking your tour.
For more about the historic buses of America's national parks:
Yellowstone National Park--take a yellow bus road trip
For more info: Glacier National Park & Glacier Park, Inc.
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