Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic drive that runs through Glacier National Park in Montana. This 50-mile-long road is known for its stunning views of the park’s snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and forests. The road has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.
In the early 1900s, Glacier National Park was becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists. At the time, visitors could only access the park by train or horseback, and the park’s dirt roads were often in poor condition. In 1915, the National Park Service began construction on Going-to-the-Sun Road, with the goal of creating a scenic drive that would allow visitors to see the park’s natural beauty from the comfort of their vehicles.
The road was designed by engineer and landscape architect Thomas Chalmers Vint. Construction began in 1921, and it took nearly 20 years to complete the project. The road’s name comes from the legend of the deity, Sour Spirit, who taught the Blackfeet Indians how to navigate the nearby mountains and valleys. According to the legend, Sour Spirit traveled from the eastern mountains to the western mountains by going-to-the-sun, which is why the road is named Going-to-the-Sun.
The construction of Going-to-the-Sun Road was an engineering marvel at the time. The road was built to follow the natural contours of the landscape, with rock walls and tunnels carved into the mountain sides to create a smooth, winding drive. The road reaches a height of 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, which is the highest point on the road and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Going-to-the-Sun Road was officially opened to the public on July 15, 1933. It quickly became a popular attraction for tourists from around the world. Today, the road is a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Over the years, Going-to-the-Sun Road has undergone several renovations and improvements to ensure its safety and accessibility. In 1983, the road was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the road or explore it on their own. The road is only open from late May to mid-October each year, due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
In conclusion, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a historic and beautiful drive that showcases the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. From its early beginnings as a dirt road to its current status as a National Historic Landmark, the road has a rich history that is closely tied to the park’s development and growth as a popular tourist destination. It remains an important part of the park’s legacy and continues to draw visitors from around the world who want to experience its stunning views and engineering marvels.