GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ON $50 A DAY

Stretch your travel time and your dime with these Glacier National Park budget-friendly ideas and spend less than $50 a day per person. Here’s how:

$9 omelet + $10 tepee + $12.50 park entry+ $10 Gas = $41.50

$20 Enchilada + $5 Campsite + $12 park entry + $0 foot power = $37

GRUB FOR UNDER $21

$19 A pop and famous seafood enchiladas at Serrano’s. If you have the extra dough and aren’t driving, order a margarita. Located at 29 Dawson Avenue, East Glacier Park | 406.226.9392

$9 Swiss cheese and mushroom omelet and juice at Glacier Highlander Restaurant, where a home-cooked breakfast will get you ready for the day. Located at Highway 2 E, West Glacier | 406.888.5427

$9 A slice of fresh, home-baked pie and cup of coffee at Park Café in St. Mary, where pies are baked daily and go fast. Located at 3147 Hwy 89, St. Mary | 406.732.4482

$20 Pick up a picnic lunch for two at Glacier Park Trading Post. One local recommends getting a fresh rib roast and barbecuing once at your campsite in the park. Located at 316 Hwy 2 E, East Glacier Park | 406.226.9227

REST YOUR HEAD FOR LESS

$20 per night - Stay in a tepee in Polebridge and check out the Northern Lights Saloon and the Polebridge Mercantile with fresh baked goods. If a tepee isn’t your cup of tea, stay in a cabin for $30/night. 265 Polebridge Loop, Polebridge | 406.888.5105

$30 per night - Rising Sun Campground in Glacier National Park. Located six miles west of St. Mary. 83 campsites are available and some sites have tree coverage while others are open. Restroom facilities are located near the campground and a camp store, restaurant and token-operated showers are adjacent to the campground. Space is first-come, first-serve, so get there early. Log onto Glacier National Park’s website for more information.

$5 per night, per person - For people over 16 years of age for backcountry camping. If you want to make advance reservations, there is a $30 processing fee and a form to fill out. Free permits are available at Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers or the Many Glacier Ranger Station. Backcountry Permits, Glacier National Park, PO Box 395, West Glacier | 406.888.5819

$35 per night- Ford Cabin 45 miles north of Columbia Falls along the North Fork of the Flathead just west of the park (north of Polebridge). Available May 25 - Dec 31. The cabin can accommodate 6 people. No pets allowed. Rustic accommodations with no electricity or running water. For more information, click here.

ADMISSION:

A 7-day Park admission is $25 per car or $12 for each visitor ages 16 and older entering by foot or bike. Be sure to keep your receipt for re-entry if you leave the park.

BUY BULK: The Interagency Annual Pass gets you into most federal recreation sites across the country, including Yellowstone National Park for only $80.

VOLUNTEER: Those who volunteer over 500 hours at federal recreation sites get their entrance fees waived (and three passengers in a noncommercial vehicle). Lend a hand and save some dough.

GAS AND TRANSPORTATION:

FREE RIDE: From July 1 through, and including September 7, an environmentally friendly shuttle will take you for free up the Going-to-the-Sun Road leaving you more time to gawk. Shuttles begin service each day at 7:00 a.m. and the last shuttles of the day leave Logan Pass at 7:00 p.m.

FOOT POWER: $12 gets you into the park on foot or bike. Any avid cyclist would be proud to add Going-to-the-Sun Road to their been-there-done-that list.

1 TANK = 1 PARK In less than 60 miles, you can cross the park, take in spectacular views and meet a mountain goat - using less than a tank of gas.

NOTE: please check with local businesses mentioned for most current information as changes can occur without notice.