Here’s everything you oughta know before visiting Glacier National Park in Montana.

And to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the park, we spoke to a few local experts.

Taking the train to Glacier National Park is another transportation option.

A young woman hiking through Glacier National Park in Montana on a beautiful summer day.

View of lake and mountains in Glacier National Park.Credit:Colton Stiffler/Getty Images

Amtrakshistoric Empire Builder linemakes year-round stops at West Glacier and serves East Glacier seasonally.

Given the parks name, its not uncommon for visitors to come in search of the glaciers themselves.

Many people come to the park and then ask where all the glaciers are.

A car parked in Glacier National Park

An SUV parked at Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park.Cavan Images/Getty Images

As is the case for many national parks out west, wildlife is one of the largest draws.

Bears are common in the park.

Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

View of lake and mountains in Glacier National Park

Lake landscape in Glacier National Park.Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Store food properly and be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking, says Baldassari.

Visitors should also brush up on the parkswildlife safetyregulations.

Best Things to Do

Craig Moore/Getty Images

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Landscape in Glacier National Park

Mountains in Glacier National Park.Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road at sunrise or sunset is a treat, says Lorona.

Explore the park on horseback.

Get out on the water.

People paddleboarding

Paddleboarders in Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.Craig Moore/Getty Images

I love swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking in Lake McDonald.

take a stab at see the northern lights.

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lakeis a more accessible hike for all levels of fitness, says Lorona.

A woman in her early thirties hikes along the Grinnell Glacier trail in Glacier National Park, Montana. The Grinnell Glacier trail is a popular hike in the park, because visitors can walk right up to one of the few glaciers left in the park, due to climate change

A woman hiking in Glacier National Park.Dan Shugar/Getty Images

Reservations can be made online for both chalets.

The number of restaurants and places to eat increases just outside of the park.

Baldassari says one of her favorites is theSunflower Cafeat Glacier Campground by the parks west entrance.

Lobby of Glacier Park Lodge

Interior lobby of Glacier Park Lodge in Glacier National Park.Courtesy of Pursuit Collection

Dining tables in Glacier Park Lodge

Dining room inside Glacier Park Lodge in Glacier National Park.Courtesy of Pursuit Collection